Satcom1 shows off satellite communications capabilities for Chinese market

Denmark-based satellite communications service provider Satcom1 is currently putting on a show of its satcom capabilities in China, one of its fastest growing markets.

The large intermediate-gain and high-gain satellite antennas offered by Satcom1 enable high-speed communication between aircraft and satellites aboard government, military, and VVIP aircraft and large-cabin business jets

Satcom1 configures and supports satellite communications equipment, sets up airtime services and billing, and taps its very own in-flight services and software to offer value-added capabilities to its customers. The Company offers the capability to aggregate extreme/high-gain satellite channels on Inmarsat SwiftBroadband satellite broadband systems. This delivers nearly double the peak speeds to VVIP customers and those who can afford the $35 per minute cost. A similar but cheaper service that bonds standard SwiftBroadband channels is also in the works for cost-conscious business jet operators.

Satcom1 and its business partner MCN can activate satellite communications services for Chinese aircraft thanks to a legal agreement with the Chinese government.

Panasonic Avionics expands satellite services in Australia with new ASC capacity

Having completed its commercial agreement with Australian Satellite Communications (ASC) to lease an entire transponder's worth of additional capacity on the Eutelsat 172A satellite, Panasonic Avionics Corporation is merely awaiting imminent approval from the appropriate regulatory body before offering expanded satellite services to Australia, New Zealand, and Tasmania.

The South Pacific Beam of the Eutelsat 172A satellite will provide new capacity for Panasonic's satellite services. The ASC will handle uplinking and downlinking from its Adelaide satellite Teleport.

Panasonic's in-flight Global Communications Service includes eXConnect satellite broadband, eXPhone mobile phone, and eXTV satellite TV.

eXConnect supports a broad range of passenger and crew applications. Its two-way high broadband connectivity can achieve up to 50 Mbps, and enables web access, voice, data, and real-time monitoring and transmission of airline operational data.

eXPhone is offered alongside in-flight mobile phone technology from AeroMobile. Passengers can keep in contact with loved ones and stay on top of work during flights through calls, texts, emails, browsing and use of applications. They can easily access eXPhone mobile data through mobile, Smartphone, and BlackBerry, as well as GSM-enabled tablets and laptops

Finally, the eXTV television network offers in-flight television programming to aircraft plying the world's airspace. The high-quality satellite TV content comes live and uninterrupted, and offers both global channels and regional channels. 

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Intelsat secures two future launch missions with International Launch Services

Communications satellite services provider Intelsat S.A. has contracted International Launch Services (ILS) for two definite ILS Proton launch missions in the near future.

According to Thierry Guillemin, EVP and Chief Technology Officer of Intelsat, the Company considered 2012 to be a steady year. Intelsat enjoyed a quintet of successful communications satellite launches. It also completed the first global satellite broadband mobility platform in the world, which will provide increased bandwidth to its customers.

The new satellite launches with ILS will let Intelsat reach further into developing regions, allowing the Company to sate the demands of the ever-expanding market of consumers with highly-efficient and reliable connectivity.

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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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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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Inmarsat Global Xpress using Metaswitch solutions for VoIP services

Inmarsat will be upgrading the voice services of its Global Xpress (GX) Ka-band satellite broadband using IP communications solutions from Metaswitch.

Metaswitch Universal Media gateways, MetaSphere Multimedia Telephony Applications Server, the MetaView Network management System, and Perimeta Session Border Controllers will all be used to enhance Global Xpress' voice services.

GX is an all-IP satellite broadband network comparable to terrestrial LTE networks. It implements voice as a service on top of the satellite broadband network, but requires VoIP services to deliver voice communications.

Metaswitch and Inmarsat have been working together since 2012. Last February, Metaswitch was tapped to support Inmarsat's FleetBroadband maritime communications service. Inmarsat network hubs in Western Europe and the Pacific Rim were equipped with Metaswitch Universal Media Gateways and the MetaSphere Multimedia Telephone Applications Service. 

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NSR predicts big gains for VSAT, satellite broadband, backhaul markets by 2021

In the 11th Edition of its Broadband Satellite Markets report, NSR expects that the next decade will be very good for the backhaul, satellite broadband, trunking, and VSAT markets- as in, $9.1 billion worth of good.

The NSR report predicts that there will be more than 5.2 million subscribers of satellite broadband Internet and almost 2.9 million enterprise very small aperture terminal (VSAT) sites installed worldwide by the time 2021 rolls around.

According to NSR, the high-throughput satellites (HTS) launched into orbit above North America are finally showing their effect on 2012's growth curve for satellite broadband Internet access services. NSR believes these services will exert greater influence in America during the next year and a half. In turn, this will boost Western Europe, Latin America, and other regions.

The NSR report also covers the future of the enterprise VSAT market. According to the analysts, the Latin American and Asian markets will exceeded North America and other mature markets in terms of the size of their installed VSAT bases.

NSR further expects that backhaul services and IP trunking will also enjoy significant growth as services transition to provisioning with HTS and O3b capacity. The migration will provide new capacity at a much more affordable price compared to legacy services on the older C- and Ku-bands.

CENI taps SES Broadband Services for connectivity during Burkina Faso parliamentary elections

SES Broadband Services has entered an agreement with the Independent National Elections Committee (CENI) of Burkina Faso for satellite broadband services during the African country's parliamentary elections on December 2, 2012.

The SES affiliate will be teaming up with Newtec, Access Sat, and Unicom. They will provide CENI with satellite equipment and bandwidth for Internet on satellite access, surveillance, and video conferencing services. They will also deploy a satellite communications network that will link together 14,698 polling stations, 45 electoral district offices that serve as the hubs for the stations, and the central election office in Burkina Faso'scapital city of Ouagadougou to ensure the swift and secure communication of ballots.

SES will leverage bandwidth from its satellite at the 5 degrees East orbital slot. Newtec is tasked with providing hardware and hub infrastructure. The VSAT terminals will be installed by Access Sat while Unicom will produce the equipment for the video and LAN network.

According to a statement by Mr. Barthelemy Kéré, the President of CENI, the Committee picked the satellite VSAT platformed offered by SES because it is able to deploy to and transmit electoral data from remote regions. The mobile satellite communications technology will help make sure that the electoral process in Burkina Faso stays transparent. SES and its partners will not only provide fast and reliable data transfer services. They will also deploy biometrics for the voter registration and other innovations.

Inmarsat declares plans for SwiftBroadband, Alphasat, GX Aviation at NBAA 2012

During the NBAA 2012 conference, global mobile satellite communications services provider Inmarsat discussed the new enhancements for its SwiftBroadband satellite broadband service come 2013.

Inmarsat announced that it will be introducing high data rate technology to SwiftBroadband which will increase its speed. Next is the implementation of new SwiftBroadband services specifically designed for use by helicopters. Finally, Inmarsat will take key steps in the addition of extra safety services that will leverage SwiftBroadband to deliver prioritized IP connectivity to the cockpit. These new safety services will help save up to 30% of the cost spent on satellite ACARS messaging.

In addition, Inmarsat will unveil more details about its Alphasat I-XL Ka-band satellites. The first of the three I-5 platform is currently being built by Boeing. It is scheduled for launch during the second half of 2013. Its two sister satellites will follow it at six-month intervals.

The Alphasat constellation will supplement the older I-4 satellite fleet. The new Inmarsat Ka-band satellites will boost SwiftBroadband capacity over Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Finally, Inmarsat also confirmed that GX Aviation, its global in-flight Ka-band satellite Internet service, will enter commercial availability in early 2015 following the completion of the Alphasat constellation it will leverage for capacity and connectivity.


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Enjoy ViaSat Exede satellite broadband through C-COM iNetVu mobile VSAT antennas

C-COM Satellite Systems Inc. recently announced that its iNetVu Ka-75V system can now access the Exede Professional Ka-band satellite broadband service that ViaSat provides to the entire United States.

ViaSat gave its official approval to C-COM after the latter subjected its iNetVu antenna systems to six months of thorough beta testing. INetVu not only met all mechanical, optical, and RF performance requirements for interoperability with Exede satellite services, but it also achieved high levels of pointing accuracy and repeatability.

Consumers, governments, enterprise, and the military from all across the world rely on ViaSat for satellite communications, Internet, and network access. ViaSat's Exede satellite service can match fiber optic broadband connection speeds, with top download speeds of 12Mbps down and upload speeds of 3Mbps.

C-COM's NetVu units are mobile self-pointing, automatically-deployed antennas. They are easily installed inside or on top of vehicles and interface with a large number of readily available satellite modems, creating a very mobile and versatile VSAT platform. And now that C-COM products have reached compatibility with Exede's satellite broadband services, customers can enjoy a seamless auto-point acquisition through the world's highest capacity satellite.

ViaSat has already received a number of iNetVu Ka-75V mobile antenna systems from C-COM. Full production rollout is already ongoing, and the new C-COM systems should be immediately available.

Gilat upgrading Servicio Satelital IP network using SkyEdge II platform

Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. announced that it will be upgrading the existing IP-based network of Argentinean satellite communications company Servicio Satelital S.A. using Gilat's SkyEdge II Hub and broadband satellite platform.

Servicio Satelital provides satellite connectivity for telecommunication operators and ISPs in Argentina. The SkyEdge II upgrade to its IP network will improve the quality of its satellite communications and Internet broadband services.

The advanced satellite-bandwidth utilization capabilities of Gilat's SkyEdge II platform enhances broadband Internet and data connectivity, allowing the network to support hundreds of existing and new sites.

This will be the second time Servicio Satelital deploys a Gilat SkyEdge II network in Argentina. Its earlier SkyEdge II IP-based network currently provides support for 3,500 sites nationwide.

EM Solutions wins bid with Japan for KIZUNA-compatible SOTM system

EM Solutions and its Tokyo-based partner, Jepico Corporation, will provide Japan with the Satellite on the Move (SOTM) system, which -in combination with the planned W.I.N.D.S. (KIZUNA) Ka-band communications satellite- can ensure unbroken satellite communications and broadband during disasters.

The two partner companies won a bid with the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Japan’s national research institute on information and communications. Their SOTM system will ensure steady communications with the newest Ka-band broadband satellites (such as KIZUNA) even in the roughest conditions, such as stormy seas or off-road.

More than 21 meters in length with solar panels fully extended and massing 2.7 tons, KIZUNA will be placed at an altitude of approximately 36,000km at the 143 degrees East slot. It will provide super high-speed data communications with download speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps for government organizations, companies, and even private civilian users.

EM Solutions first developed its SOTM technology with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) through the former's links with the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO.) According to Dr. Rowan Gilmore, EM Solutions CEO, the ADF asked the DSTO to provide a mounted battle command on-the-move satellite communications system. The end result was a very tough terminal that could maintain vital communications and supply troops with high-quality, broadband information even in the worst driving conditions.

According to Dr. Gilmore, SOTM can be easily mounted on a vehicle, driven to the location of a natural disaster, and deployed to provide a mobile communication facility on site. SOTM can support vital communications during times when everything else breaks down.

The recent Great East Japan earthquakes, aftershocks, and accompanying tsunami disrupted terrestrial communications networks throughout affected regions of Japan. The dearth of communications severely disrupted early-warning, rescue, and relief efforts that relied on those disabled ground stations.

Japan's WINDS OTM system is intended to maintain high-speed broadband communications even when terrestrial networks are down. EM Solution's SOTM platform will be one of many systems that can tap KIZUNA's capacities in order to coordinate disaster relief operations.

NewSat, Australia's Satellite Company

NewSat Limited (ASX: NWT) is Australia’s largest specialist satellite communications company, delivering Internet, voice, data and video communications via satellite. With its unique-to-Australia Teleport infrastructure, NewSat provides a full range of managed satellite communication services and has established a reputation as the partner of choice for governments, corporations and private enterprises. Today, NewSat has the ability to provide coverage to 75% of the globe; from Australia, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, across the Indian Ocean extending into Europe and across the Pacific Ocean, reaching into the West coast of the USA.


NewSat’s world acclaimed Teleports in Perth (Western Australia) and Adelaide (South Australia) were Top 3 Finalists in the World Teleport Association’s 2012 and 2010 “Awards for Excellence” and made the 2011 “Top Operator Rankings”. Both Teleports are accredited to supply services to the Australian Department of Defence (DRSS) and are recognised as highly secure Global Access Points, supporting certified classified networks to ensure the transmission of vital and sensitive information for government clients.


NewSat will be expanding its satellite capabilities with the Jabiru Satellite Program, beginning with the launch and operation of Jabiru-1, Australia’s first independently owned commercial satellite. Jabiru-1, a large Ka- band next generation satellite, will provide superior coverage over South East Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. Jabiru-2, also scheduled, will deliver enhanced coverage in and around Australia. NewSat has rights to eight premium orbital slots and its fleet of next generation geostationary satellites will lead Australia’s space quest. 

SES uses Trilogy Mercury system to coordinate stations

Satellite operator SES will be coordinating mission critical activities throughout its international operations and tracking stations through the Mercury multi-site IP communications system by Trilogy Communications.

SES's fleet of 50 satellites provide high-bandwidth communication links anywhere in the world. Broadcasters, companies, individuals, governments, and international institutions rely upon SES for fast and secure telecommunications, satellite broadband, and network connectivity needs.

Controlling this fleet are a total of nine Spacecraft Operations Centres (SOCs) and Telemetry, Tracking and Control (TT&C) Stations. The stations are found in the USA, Canada, Luxemburg, Gibraltar, Mexico, and Belgium. The large amount of data exchanged between these SOCs and TT&Cs require highly robust communications, which is delivered by Trilogy's Mercury system.

Mercury uses industry-standard IP connections to link SES' SOCs and TT&Cs together. Operators on either end gain the capability to communicate freely during routine operations such as repositioning the satellites, setting up ground systems, and planned and unplanned maintenance.

A Mercury Interface Unit (MIU) has been installed at each of the nine SES SOCs and TT&Cs to facilitate the connections. Because of the critical nature of the operations they support, Trilogy added a dual redundant power supply and a second standby unit to each MIU.

Mercury operator positions feature a 16 Key communications panel that allows latching or non-latching participation in one-to-one, group, or conference calls. The PC-based Mercury Configuration Editor eases the task of configuring all these groups and conferences.

Mercury also provides a Quick Response (QRS) key which stores the number of the last person to call a panel, and audio recording through a Stancil VoIP Network Recorder that can be accessed from a back-up or live from any point on the network. The recording option can be configured to match current or planned operations. These features will pay significant dividends in improving SES’s communications capability and overall operational efficiency.

Avanti hires MDA for HYLAS 3 satellite broadband payload

Information solutions provider MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) signed a CA$35 million contract with U.K. satellite company Avanti Communications Group plc. MDA will design and build a Ka-band broadband communications payload solution for Avanti's HYLAS 3 satellite.

Avanti's HYLAS 3 satellite will deliver high-capacity, high-speed data communications services to Africa and the Middle East. This includes numerous satellite communications and broadband services. Avanti expects a 2015 launch.

Avanti selected MDA to work on its HYLAS 3 payload due to the Canadian company's expertise in Ka-band multi-beam solutions. "MDA is delighted to begin work on HYLAS 3," said Don Osborne, MDA Vice President, "To leverage its world-class Ka-band satellite technology in support of Avanti's continued growth and success."

FCC-CAF funds Frontier Communications to bring broadband to rural America

The Federal Communications Commission provided $71.9 million to Frontier Communications for the purpose of speeding up the provision of satellite broadband services to rural America.

The FCC drew the funds from its Connect America Fund. With the assistance of companies like Frontier, the CAF aimed to ameliorate the lack of broadband services in the rural US.

Accepting the funding from the CAF committed Frontier to delivering broadband service to an additional 92,876 households. This will ensure rural customers in states such as Michigan, Oregon, Washington, and West Virginia gain access to broadband connectivity.

Frontier had earlier taken the initiative to deploy and enhance broadband connectivity in underserved or un-served areas. The company has privately spend more than $1.5 billion over the last two years to provide rural America with an advanced satellite communications network.

Currently, 18 million Americans live in rural areas. They have no access to affordable and robust satellite broadband infrastructure.

Frontier Communications provides broadband services to nearly 80% of households within 27 states. In addition to expanding its coverage area, Frontier also aims to boost broadband speeds throughout its entire network.

Australian Satellite Communications Leading the Pack

Australian satellite communications has seen tremendous growth over the years, and it hasn't gone unrecognized. In the Satellite 2012 event in Washington, the Australian Ambassador to the United States, Kim Beazley hosted an evening to recognize the outstanding achievements of the satellite communications industry down-under.

As the forefront of space technology shift from the Americas and Europe to the Asia-Pacific region, satellite operators in Australia have taken the opportunity to lead the changes. Case in point, the independent satellite operator NewSat.

Over the years, NewSat has transformed itself from a communications company into the leading independent satellite operator in the country since it's acquisition of world-class Teleport facilities in Adelaide and Perth in 2005. With these assets, NewSat rallied behind improved services to deliver high-quality satellite capacity to both enterprise and government consumers. Now, services like VoIP, satellite broadband, terrestrial backhaul, and private corporate networks are more accessible to the Australian community. 

Presently, the company is riding a wave of positive feedback as it offers wireless communications services to various industries. This include providing mission critical communications for the US Military in the Middle East; communications solutions to government departments like the DFAT and NSW fire brigade; and providing the entertainment solutions via satellite communications in remote mining locations.

Just recently, NewSat celebrated a milestone with the completion of its Jabiru-1 Satellite - part of the Jabiru Satellite Program - by Lockheed Martin. The high-powered Ka band capacity satellite has been designed to meet the demand for the spectrum across South Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Ka band offers unique advantages over the usual C band and allows a technology which can be combined even with present Ku band services.

With the focus of the satellite industry on direct-to-home service increasing, expect that the demand for Ka band will also grow, and along with it, a robust sector being led by operators in Australia.