C-COM shows off iNetVu Ka-band, Ku-band satellite antenna systems at NAB 2013

C-COM Satellite Systems Inc. is proudly putting its new iNetVu line of Ka-band and Ku-band auto-pointing antenna systems on display at NAB 2013. The iNetVu FLY-75V Flyaway Antenna, iNetVu Ka-75V Drive-Away Antenna, and iNetVu 981 Drive-Away Antenna will be basking in the spotlight for the perusal of interested consumers.

The SNG market considers the iNetVu mobile antenna series to be one of the most advanced, cost-effective, and reliable solutions in the market. The proven iNetVu solution transmits video in real time, providing instant communication to press and media groups worldwide leverage. Broadcasters have deployed the C-COM satellite antenna systems in various locations across the world.

The acclaimed antenna designers at C-COM recently rolled out the iNetVu FLY-75V Flyaway Antenna. Measuring 75 centimeters, the Flyaway product is highly portable, motorized, self-pointing, and capable of full auto-acquisition. It can be configured with the iNetVu 7710 Controller and was designed with the new Ka-band in mind. The C-COM satellite antenna system only takes minutes to deploy and acquire satellites once deployed. In addition, it is priced very effectively, making it highly attractive for cost-conscious users.

Next in line is the iNetVu Ka-75V Drive-Away Antenna. Also measuring 75 centimeters, this auto-acquire satellite antenna system can be mounted on the roof of a vehicle. It is perfect for providing direct broadband access over any configured satellite to smaller vehicles and broadcast applications. Ka-75V uses the iNetVu 7024C Controller and takes advantage of the recently-emergent VIASAT / KA-SAT satellite Surfbeam II/PRO Nomadic modems. It is robust, extremely accurate, and economically attractive to broadcasters.

Last but not least is the 98 centimeter iNetVu 981 Drive-Away Antenna. This Ku-band auto-acquire satellite antenna system is ideal for bigger vehicles and SNG applications. It is paired with the iNetVu 7024C Controller and is compatible with the most popular commercial Ku modems and services in the world. It can be upgraded to Ka-band while in the field and comes an optional, aerodynamic and aesthetically-pleasing pod.

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Thuraya SatSleeve turns Apple iPhone into satellite phone

Apple iPhone users in the enterprise, government, and consumer markets can now enjoy satellite telephony services thanks to the recently launched Thuraya SatSleeve adaptor.

SatSleeve is the first consumer-friendly mobile satellite phone in the industry. It leverages Thuraya’s extensive satellite network to provide iPhone users with easy and affordable access to mobile satellite communications.

The compact adaptor is a little bigger than the iPhone itself and is capable of giving the capabilities of a satellite phone to the Apple product. With SatSleeve, iPhone users can enjoy reliable connectivity even when they are outside the reach of traditional terrestrial networks.

iPhones usually access connectivity from terrestrial networks that have limited coverage areas. In comparison, Thuraya SatSleeve allows users to access connectivity anywhere in the world. It also works as an important mobile communications tool for users who take long expeditions into remote regions that cannot be reached by terrestrial mobile networks. This includes corporate users, especially enterprises that operate in remote regions of the world, as well as explorers, mountaineers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.

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Kratos Cybersecurity Assessment enhances satellite communications cybersecurity

In response to the growing threats and unique needs of the satellite industry, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. has introduced a new service for satellite communications companies: the SATCOM Cybersecurity Assessment.

Cybersecurity legislation will soon require all U.S. critical infrastructure -including satellite communications- to conform with NIST Information Assurance (IA) standards. SATCOM Cybersecurity Assessment will help ensure that satcom companies will be ready to

The Kratos service tackles the unique security challenges confronted by the satellite industry. SATCOM Cybersecurity Assessment will assist satellite organizations in identifying, prioritizing, and mitigating security threats. Kratos will perform a rigorous gap analysis that will present a detailed view of the satellite network's readiness. The Company will then provide detailed recommendations and a roadmap of corrective actions to mitigate risks and ensure the customer's network complies with NIST IA regulations, standards, and guidelines.

Kratos possesses 30 years of experience with the satellite communications industry. Its products and services see service with more than 75% percent of the satellite operators in the world as well as 85% of the space missions based in the United States. It has thousands of successfully completed IA assessments and validations to its name, and is an Air Force Agent of the Certifying Authority (ACA) for Space Systems.

The Company is uniquely suited to assist SATCOM companies in the mitigation of risk and demonstration of compliance. With its SATCOM Cybersecurity Assessment, commercial satellite operators and service providers will be able to proactively reduce their risk and to evaluate their readiness for new regulations and enforcement in the near-future. 

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AST becomes Distribution Partner for Inmarsat FleetBroadband services

Applied Satellite Technology (AST) recently announced its newly-attained status as a Distribution Partner for Inmarsat. AST will deliver and grow FleetBroadband services in vital maritime sectors.

For more than 20 years, AST has plied its wares and services in the global maritime market, serving companies like Globalstar, Iridium, and Thuraya in addition to Inmarsat. The Company is known for its AST Live! Suite product, which features traffic management and control capacity for the delivery of Inmarsat FleetBroadband.

AST has offices and partners across the globe and in important maritime regions. Its core customer base can be found in the Fishing, Leisure, and Workboat markets. AST will focus on promoting growth of FleetBroadband revenue in these sectors on behalf of Inmarsat. 

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Orbcomm satcom network powers global OEM telematics solution for Sumitomo

Orbcomm has been tapped to deliver the wireless data connectivity that Sumitomo Construction Machinery needs for its global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) telematics solution.

Sumitomo is a Japanese manufacturer of construction machinery. It will use Orbcomm's global satellite communications network to track and monitor the location, status, and performance of its construction equipment on a global scale.

In addition to ensuring the visibility of its products, the Orbcomm-powered solution allows Sumitomo to improve its operational efficiency and cut back on unecessary costs.

Starting this year, Sumitomo will begin deploying its OEM installation on a global scale.

TSF restores communications in Timbuktu, Mali with Astrium satcom equipment

Satellite communications equipment and airtim from Astrium Services have been seeing good work in the Sahel region of Mali. Non-government organization Télécoms Sans Frontières (TSF) can maintain contact with local authorities and their headquarters thanks to Astrium's reliable satellite Internet and voice capabilities. The NGO has also been able to restore contact between more than 4,200 refugees and their loved ones.

Northern Mali is suffering from severe disruptions of its communications links. Several towns, including Timbuktu, have been completely cut off from land lines and mobile networks. The increasingly dangerous conditions have also forced NGOs to limit their activities in the region.

TSF responded by delivering Astrium satellite communications technology to Timbuktu, allowing locals to make both domestic and international calls. The Mayor of Timbuktu himself was able to contact Bamako and inform the authorities about the difficulties his town was experiencing.

Many of the Sahel people depend on humanitarian support as their primary means of survival. Humanitarian workers in the region stay on top of the critical situation by sharing vital information using fixed and mobile satellite communications equipment and airtime provided by TSF and Astrium. 

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Thuraya, Pivotel of Australia now Service Partners for satphone services

Thuraya Telecommunications and Pivotel Group Pty Limited of Australia are teaming up to deliver Thuraya’s satellite services and products across Australia and Southern Asia via a Service Partner agreement.

Pivotel delivers voice, data, M2M, and other satellite services to the biggest installed base of mobile satellite users in Australia. It is the premier provider of mobile satellite services across multiple vertical markets in Australia such as consumers, construction, emergency services, maritime, mining, professional trades, and transport.

Thuraya’s suite of products will complement Pivotel’s current product range. Thuraya services will use standard Australia mobile numbers, allowing them to be ported from their current service provider to Pivotel.

Thuraya users will enjoy excellent value on their GSM mobile services. In addition, by paying for a small premium, they can access Thuraya's satellite network wherever they may be in Australia.

The Pivotel-Thuraya services will not charge customers for receiving incoming calls. Callers to a dual mode phone will be pleased to hear that they will only need to pay normal call-to-mobile rates.

Pivotel plans to create a new range of call plans tailored for the Thuraya XT DUAL handsets. The new call plans and DUAL handsets promise easy-to-use and unmatched mobile satellite services at low cost. 

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Satcom Direct aviation router makes its debut

Satcom Direct proudly introduces Satcom Direct Router (SDR,) its very first certified aviation hardware product. The new router will be able to manage cabin communications, support software apps, and provide 3G/4G connectivity using any satellite communications system.

The SDR can be integrated with any satellite communications system. Of note amongst the softapps it supports are the moving map app by Satcom Direct, the Flight Tracker iPhone/iPad by FlightAware, and apps that enables command and control of satellite links and real-time reports on connection.

Users can use different constellations at the same time. They can also smoothly switch between different satcom networks such as L-, Ku-, Ka-, and X-band. Flight departments can use the latter capability to split Wi-Fi traffic on the router. This lets them provide the connection with the highest speed to the aircraft owner. It also ensures that the passengers can access the network with the mnost bandwidth for the best performance.

SDR is compatible with DO-160G and DO-178B Level E (soon D) standards. Furthermore, Satcom Direct is securing supplemental type certificate approvals so that the SDR can be installed on business jets.

The SDR is compatible with Inmarsat Swift 64 and SwiftBroadband satcoms by Cobham, EMS, Honeywell, Rockwell Collins, and Thrane & Thrane. It can also be integrated with ViaSat’s Yonder and Gulfstream’s BBML. Finally, it is compatible with Global Xpress, the upcoming satellite broadband service from Inmarsat.

The SDR will enter commercial availability in May. It will be available through a dealer network. Satcom Direct will support the dealers by ensuring the proper installation of the SDR.

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