SES, Anadolu Networks announce capacity deal for local DTH platform in Turkey

2013 will witness a new satellite capacity deal between SES and Turkey-based Anadolu Networks. The two companies made it known that SES will devote one of the transponders on one of its ASTRA satellite for Anadolu's direct-to-home (DTH) satellite TV platform.

The Anadolu DTH platform will broadcast local TV channels across Turkey. It will tap the SES ASTRA 1G satellite at the prime orbital position of 31.5 degrees East for capacity and coverage.

In addition, Anadolu Networks has plans for the ASTRA 5B satellite set for launch during the third quarter of 2013. Anadolu will use ASTRA 5B to deliver its its content to Germany, the CIS region, and other countries outside of Turkey.

According to Norbert Hölzle, SES Senior Vice President of Commercial Europe, the DTH satellite TV platform launched by Anadolu Networks will not just increase the audiences of Turkish regional TV channels. It will also widen the reach of their businesses, allowing them to cater to a larger group of consumers outside local communities in Turkey through the advantages provided by satellite.

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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.

Globalstar Returns Its Second-Generation Satellite to Commercial Service

The company of Globalstar announced on December 5 that it has returned its second-generation satellite back to commercial service, after it was impacted by the momentum wheel issue.

Artist's impression of Globalstar Satellite

Globalstar Chairman and CEO Jay Monroe released a statement, saying, “After more than a year of development, Globalstar and Thales Alenia Space completed the software engineering, uploaded and tested the solution and then successfully returned the affected satellite to commercial  service. The solution not only permitted this satellite to return to service, but also provides a fix for similar problems that may happen across our constellation.”

All of the 18 launched second-generation satellites of Globalstar are now providing commercial service. The second-generation satellite constellation of the company will finally be complete with the February 2013 fourth and final launch of Globalstar’s six satellites. The constellation plans on providing speedy mobile satellite handset data services and high mobile satellite voice quality at high reliability standards, both to commercial and government customers in over 120 countries worldwide.

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MDA taps IAI for Amos-6 communications payload solution

MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) recently announced that Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will provide the satellite communications payload solution for the Amos-6 satellite. The MDA contract is worth more than $100 million.

MDA had begun working the project ever since receiving authorization back in June 2012.

Israeli satellite communications service provider Spacecom is the owner-operator of the Amos satellite constellation. The constellation delivers a large range of fixed and mobile communication services (such as Internet on satellite connectivity) to customers in Africa, the Middle East, Central and Eastern Europe, and Central Asia.

Amos-6 will be the newest member of the Amos constellation. Set for a 2015 launch, it will refresh existing satellite capacity.

MDA and IAI have earlier cooperated in January 2008. MDA-built tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) served alongside IAI-designed Heron drone aircraft during Canada's mission in Afghanistan.

Telstra, Vision Asia enter deal for managed satellite services in Australia, New Zealand

A joint announcement by Australian telecom company Telstra and direct-to-home (DTH) satellite broadcaster Vision Asia revealed that the two companies have signed a ten year contract worth more than A$24 million ($25.1 million.) Telstra will provide managed satellite services for Vision Asia's audience in Australia and New Zealand.

As per the contract, Vision Asia will send its services to Telstra over the IS-19 satellite. Telstra will encrypt, encode, and transmit these services to itd partner's Australian and New Zealand customers

According to Vision Asia, the new Telstra solution will provide them with international satellite service of higher quality and greater efficiency. Vision Asia will also be able to access Telstra's service expertise and track record in delivering the best in-class content distribution and management services to Australia's media industry.

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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.

Globecomm markets Access Maritime service platform to maritime customers

Globecomm recently began inviting owners, ship managers, officers, and crew to switch to the company's Access Maritime service platform for all their worldwide wireless and satellite communications needs.

A renowned provider of managed network communication solutions, Globecomm developed the Access Maritime platform to automatically bridge two separate groups of services: L-band services provided by MSS services like Inmarsat, Iridium, and Thuraya; and maritime VSAT, WiFi, and mobile access.

Vessels connected by the Globecomm platform will be assured of excellent voice, Internet from satellite, and e-mail services. They will also be able to access a range of high-value applications such as ship management tools and weather data.

Access Maritime delivers global coverage over multiple platforms. It empowers applications related to high-value IT utilities and ship management while maintaining flexibility and offering the ability to control costs. The platform supports voice, email, Internet from satellite, crew calling, vessel management, and IT utilities secure video chat applications. It also powers M2M solutions. Customers can be assured of technology support from Globecomm teams.

Inmarsat helps out Race2Recovery team with SATCOM gear, services for 2013 Dakar Rally

The Race2Recovery team will be participating in the 2013 Dakar Rally in South America with the help of satellite communications equipment and services provided by Inmarsat.

Inmarsat will provide the team with its portable and vehicular BGAN satellite communications terminals, eight IsatPhone Pro handheld satellite phones, and an unlimited voice and data service. These SATCOM systems can ensure voice and real-time broadband data connectivity for customers in some of the remotest places of the world like the Atacama Desert and the Andes mountain range.

Thanks to the SATCOM equipment provided by Inmarsat, the Race2Recovery team can maintain contact during their preparations in Morocco and during the 8,000 kilometer rally itself. They can open a video link with their support crews back in the UK, and call for help during any emergencies they encounter. Other, more mundane uses include posting updates on Facebook, Twitter, and the charity’s website.

Injured ex-British and American service personnel, veterans, and expert volunteers comprise the Race2Recovery team. They are joining the off-road endurance race with the goal of collecting money for Help For Heroes and associated US charities.

According to Mr. Tony Harris, co-director of the Race2Recovery team, he and his teammates can rely on the Inmarsat BGAN terminals to supply them with superb voice and broadband connectivity in some of the most remote places on Earth. He describes the Inmarsat satellite communications kit to be incredibly simple, lightweight, and compact. It was also great for sending emails and posting texts and images on social media sites.

Mr. Harris recalled that one of the team's vehicles suffered two punctures during the first training session in Morocco back in October. Each vehicle only carried one spare tire, so the Race2Recovery was forced to send a vehicle to locate new tires. The search team found a tire supplier through BGAN, and the different crews used the IsatPhone Pro handheld satphones to stay in touch with each other.

In addition to serving as a co-director for Race2Recovery, Tony Harris will also participate in the 2013 Dakar Rally as a driver. He is a former Captain of the Royal Regiment of Fuseliers and a veteran of the Afghan Conflict. He is also a below-the-knee amputee.

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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ORBIT Communication Systems successfully tests Triple Band feed system

ORBIT Communication Systems, Inc. was proud to announce the successful first operational deployment of its new, auto-tracking Triple Band tracking antenna systems at the US Naval Air Station Patuxent River.

Triple Band technology promises to deliver unmatched performance for long-range telemetry missions while also smoothly augmenting C-band communications.

The telemetry market is adopting C-band frequencies in parallel to their legacy L- and S-bands. ORBIT designed the patent-pending feed solution to take full advantage of the new opportunity.

The Triple Band feed is a single feed that uses ORBIT's concentric coaxial cavity technology to support simultaneous telemetry communication in all three bands. It also allows users to switch between tracking bands on the fly without a drop in performance. Finally, it is compatible with antenna reflectors of various sizes, including the older ones used by L-band and S-band systems.

ORBIT delivered two of its Triple Band systems to the Naval Air Warfare Center telemetry team for strict field testing. The US Navy personnel set stringent test requirements when they performed the actual tests. They reported that ORBIT's new feed performed better, indeed, than any other available technology.

ORBIT is debuting its Triple Band solution at the International Telemetering Conference (ITC) in San Diego, California from October 23 to 25. The innovative feed solution can also be ordered, and interested customers can acquire it as part of an ugprade and refurbishment program, or as part of a new satellite communications system.


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ACTi retrofits cable MSO sites with Simulsat-5b multi-beam antenna kits

According to Antenna Technology Communications Inc. (ATCi,) its Simulsat-5b retrofit kits have been adopted and implemented by major U.S. cable multiple system operators (MSOs) at their multi-beam satellite antenna sites.

ACTi participated in the recent SCTE Cable Tec Expo in Orlando, Florida, where it made the announcement. The Company designed its Simulsat-5b system from the ground up with the latest in composite fabrication, computer simulation, and solid modeling technologies.

The original Simulsat-5 multi-beam satellite antenna can seamlessly transition into the new -5b system, which improves upon its predecessor's established full-arc and flexibility.

According to Gary Hatch, CEO of ATCi, cable MSOs needed to upgrade their older systems to the latest high-tolerance design if they wanted to ensure their digital reception remained of the highest quality when handling the MPEG-4/DVBS2 modulation. He described the Simulsat-5b update to be extremely quick and cost-effective as it can use a standard maintenance window and only replaces the reflector and feedbox of a satellite antenna system, allowing the customer to keep their old, expensive, and hard-to-replace mount.

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Beam Communications installs IsatDock Pro at Russian Antarctic polar station

Beam Communications recently installed its Inmarsat IsatDock Pro product at the remote Antarctic Polar Station in Russia. The Inmarsat product will support the station’s various satellite communications systems.

The Russian Federation operates five research stations in the polar regions. During research seasons, the sites’ population can grow to more than 150, which is a significant number considering the inherent difficulties of supplying polar sites.

The Russian polar stations rely on a number of satellite communication systems such as Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro, BGAN, and Iridium. They can access the Inmarsat satellite communications network even at 78 to 79 latitudes due to the uniqueness of the Antarctic landscape.

The installation process put a number of antennas to the test. The ISD710 Maritime Active Antenna and the ISD700 Fixed Passive Antenna were singled out for providing high voice quality despite the severe environment. Beam’s IsatDock Pro SATCOM solution achieved similar performances.

In addition to maintaining communications between several polar stations, satellite communications systems also allows station personnel to contact the mainland head office and their own families.

An intelligent docking station for the IsatPhone Pro, the IsatDock Pro uses Bluetooth and RJ11/POTS to support voice services. The Inmarsat dock is key lockable and serves as a snug fit for the handset. It also charges the satellite phone and has a USB data port, a ringer antenna built into the dock itself, and permanent power connection.

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Air Force issues contracts under Protected Milsatcom Design study

According to a recent announcement made by the US Air Force Space Command’s Space and Missile Systems Center, the USAF’s “Protected Milsatcom Design for Affordability Risk Reduction Demonstration Study” initiative has issued  more than 15 contracts for protected military satellite communications to big satellite manufacturers.

The goal of the USAF study is to find out if existing and/or narrowly modified commercial protected satellite communications systems can be used to support future protected Milsatcom needs in a cost-effective and affordable manner. The Protected Milsatcom study will cover concept development and component level demonstrations.

The USAF awarded contracts to Boeing, General Dynamics, General Dynamic Advanced Information Systems, Government Communications Systems, Harris, Hughes Network Systems, L-3 Communications, Lockheed Martin, Markham Technology, Northrop Grumman, Orbital Sciences, Space Micro, Raytheon, Space Systems, and ViaSat. The study participants will be given until July 28, 2013 to complete their proposals for protected satellite communications systems.

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Astrium Services integrates SATCOM solution into Brazil Tetrapol radio networks

Cassidian and Astrium Services recently staged a live demonstration on how satellite communications could connect Tetrapol regional networks in Brazil. The two companies created an end-to-end communications solution to enhance Brazil's border surveillance capabilities and to show the advantages in combining SATCOM and digital radio communications.

Cassidian's Tetrapol professional mobile radio (PMR) networks provide secure radio communications to Brazil's Departamento de Polícia Federal (federal police force) and other government offices. Brazil operates nine Tetrapol regional wireless IP networks, which provide wireless communications coverage from the Atlantic coast to Brazil's borders with nine South American countries.

Terrestrial infrastructure usually links up Tetrapol regional networks. However, there are plenty of remote areas in Brazil that lack such connections.

Astrium Services provided its SKYWAN technology as a new way to connect several networks. DAMA technology allows networks to share bandwidth between all the nodes over satellite links.

The satellite solution's scalability will expand Tetrapol's service offerings, allowing them to be delivered through tactical temporary coverage as well as permanent regional coverage. And it will not be limited to Tetrapol's voice communication services.

The satellite link generated by Astrium's SKYWAY and DAMA technologies will provide access to Internet from satellite services and allow for numerous media applications and data transmission services.

iPhone 5 before the big announcement

Speculations about the iPhone 5 and its specifications arose shortly after the announcement of the iPhone 4S; both touchscreen-based smartphones developed by Apple Inc. However, detailed and substantial rumors and leaks did not come up until June 2012. As early as July 30, 2012, rumors pinpointed the exact date of announcement and release of the phone along with the speculated features of the phone.

On September 4, 2012, Apple sent invitations to a media event scheduled for September 12 at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA), a multidisciplinary contemporary arts center in the “City and County of San Francisco,” the leading financial and cultural center of Northern California and the San Francisco Bay Area of the United States (US). Many media sources speculated that the event would be related to the next iPhone due to a shadow of the numeral 5 that featured in the design of the invitations.

Apple announced a number of new products which they designed and marketed at the event including: the iPhone 5; iPod Nano (7th generation; stylized, and marketed as “iPod nano”), a portable media player; and the iPod Touch (5th generation; colloquially referred to as the “iTouch,” by analog to the iPhone), a portable media player, personal digital assistant, handheld game console, and Wi-Fi mobile device.

The phone will be available for pre-order from September 14, 2012 and available in-store on September 21, 2012 in the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

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2012 World Teleport Awards for Excellence

Missed highlights of the 2012 World Teleport Awards for Excellence. Check out the video above to see what happened at the SATELLITE 2012 annual conference held in Washington last March 2012.

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Intelsat: More than 1,000 SATCOM equipment technicians trained

As of September 17, 2012, fixed satellite service provider Intelsat has trained and certified over 1,000 of its employees and customers in the installation of very small aperture terminal (VSAT) satellite communications systems. This program was sponsored by the Global VSAT Forum.

Intelsat's professional training program is part of the Intelsat Interference Mitigation Initiative, a program to reduce radio frequency interference (RFI) currently plaguing overcrowded frequencies. Intelsat instructed and certified technicians regarding the guidelines set by the GVF Product Quality Assurance Framework on VSAT installation.

Intelsat pushed for the implementation of Carrier ID during the coverage of 2012 London Olympic Games. It is also a founding member of the Space Data Association and has headed initiatives to reduce signal interference and enhance space situational awareness. Its GVF-sponsored SATCOM training program is one of Intelsat's many partnerships with satellite operators, industry groups, manufacturers, and customers in its goal to reduce RFI.

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SES-GS, US government enter custom SATCOM solutions contract

SES Government Solutions (SES-GS) has entered into a Custom SATCOM Solutions (CS2) contract from the U.S. Government. SES-GS will provide access to their custom network solutions capabilities and their fleet of communications satellites.

The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) and the General Services Administration (GSA) created CS2 contracts to serve as the third segment of the Future Commercial Services Acquisition (FCSA.) The CS2 will open up more avenues of access to satellite services for government customers.

Thanks to the CS2 contract, the U.S. Government can directly approach SES-GS for customized communications capability and solutions on the satellite operator's fleet of 51 communications platforms.

Eight CS2 contracts have been awarded so far. The U.S. government has set a total funding ceiling of USD 2.6 billion that will be spent over the next three years with options for two additional one-year periods.

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Spinning Planet | Herald of the Future: [Guest Post] The Evolution & Future of Satellite Communications

Spinning Planet | Herald of the Future: [Guest Post] The Evolution & Future of Satellite Communications

Spinning Planet | Herald of the Future: [Guest Post] The Evolution & Future of Satellite Communications

Spinning Planet | Herald of the Future: [Guest Post] The Evolution & Future of Satellite Communications

Globafone now offering cash rebates for upgrading Iridium docking station

Starting August 3, GlobaFone clients who upgrade their Applied Satellite Engineering-manufactured Iridium docking stations and satellite phones can enjoy a unique rebate and trade-in/upgrade program.

GlobaFone, a satellite communications service provider, and its satellite engineering company partner, ASE, announced that clients who used 9505A docking stations can exchange those aging systems for great rebates on the new ASE-DK075 docks.

GlobaFone added that it is putting up two rebate programs. Clients can choose to upgrade just their dock, or they can upgrade both their dock and their satellite phone.

Thanks to these rebate programs, GlobaFone clients to upgrade the functionality of their current Iridium satellite communications systems at a more affordable cost. "This program is simple," said GlobaFone CEO Lou Altman. "Clients will save hundreds of dollars when they buy the ASE-DK075 dock and send us their 9505A dock. We can also upgrade their phones," he added.

"The dock swap program is a direct result of collaborative thinking," said Jeff McFarland, CEO of Applied Satellite Engineering. "We are pleased to be working with GlobaFone to coordinate this opportunity."

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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.

The advantages and benefits of Australian Teleports

As a politically and geologically stable country, with low rain fall and mild temperatures, Australia provides the perfect location to house Teleports and satellite infrastructure. In fact, many military organizations rely on the ground facilities in Australia for their mission critical communications in volatile regions like Middle East, where terrestrial networks simply won't do. The teleport facilities are also crucial links in the success of VSAT systems and mobile backhaul solutions being deployed in remote regions.

American Chamber of Commerce Visit Perth Teleport

Photos from the  Perth Teleport Tour

Twenty-five guests from the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) visited the Perth Teleport in Western Australia, one of two such facilities operated by NewSat Ltd. The guests were given a tour of the antenna systems used in the ground port, as well as a presentation of the company's history and the satellite industry. Len McGoldrick, Vice President of Engineering and Operations, welcomed the guests and also gave them a quick tour of the Network Operations Centre which run 24 x 7 x 365. The Perth teleport is an award-winning facility certified by military organizations across the world to supply services to the defence industry. Aside from servicing government and military customers, the Perth teleport was recently awarded a contract to provide offshore and onshore communications to Chevron's Wheatstone Project in Western Australia, one of the largest liquid natural gas developments in the region. 

Asia-Pacific telecom hires Comtech EF for bandwidth compression services

Comtech EF Data Corp. (a subsidiary of Comtech Telecommunications Corp.) secured an order for bandwidth compression services from a telecommunications service provider in Asia-Pacific worth $1.5 million.

Comtech EF's DoubleTalk Carrier-in-Carrier will facilitate the network expansion of the Asia-Pacific service provider. This will allow the latter to open up bandwidth space to deliver new, affordable services to potential customers inrural villages.

Satellite bandwidth prices in Asia are on the rise. In response, service providers looked for technology solutions that can boost throughput and minimize OPEX. Such solutions allow providers to maintain their competitive edge while also leaving bandwidth room to also offer affordable services to cost-conscious customers.

With Comtech EF's help, the unnamed Asia-Pacific service provider will upgrade their DMD50 Universal Satellite Modems with DoubleTalk Carrier-in-Carrier. Using "Adaptive Cancellation" technology patented by Raytheon Applied Signal Technology, the Comtech EF bandwidth compression solution allows a duplex link's transmit and receive carriers to use the same transponder space.

The DoubleTalk upgrade will allow a single transponder to perform the job of two transponders. This saves money for the service provider, which no longer needs to buy new hardware. And DoubleTalk-upgraded transponders become even more effective when combined with advanced forward error correction and modulation techniques that minimize disruption and improve transmissions.

Considered the world's leading company when it comes to satellite bandwidth efficiency and link optimization, Comtech EF Data Corp. provides advanced satellite communication solutions for very-small-aperture terminal (VSAT) systems, bandwidth management, modems, RAN & WAN optimization, and RF products. Comtech EF solutions like the DoubleTalk Carrier-in-Carrier product lets commercial and government customers to boost throughput without breaking the bank.

Gilat reorganization helps boost 2012 second quarter earnings

According to Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd., its reorganization finally paid off during the second quarter of 2012. The satellite communications services provider earned $85.3 million as of June 30, an increase of nearly $4 million compared to 2011's second quarter earnings of $81.7 million.

Using Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) on its 2012 second quarter performance, Gilat achieved an operating income of $2.4 million, twelve times its 2011 operating income of $0.2 million. Net income for the second quarter of 2012 was $0.9 million, which translates to $0.02 per diluted share, roughly the same as the corresponding period last year.

Gilat's second quarter EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) hit $8.6 million, a $2.4 million increase compared to last year's $6.2 million.

According to Erez Antebi, CEO, the positive results of Gilat's second quarter is a good sign about the company's future prospects. "Our Commercial Division continues to perform well,” Mr. Antebi noted, “and our Defense Division has started gaining traction both within the U.S. and in the global markets.”

Mr. Antebi went on to explain that Gilat's ongoing organizational changes have improved the company's efficiencies and reduced operational expenses. "Based on the solid pipeline we have developed,” he said, “we expect the momentum of this quarter to continue into the second half of the year."

Gilat's satellite-on-the-move business recently got a boost thanks to new sales of its RaySat mobile satellite communications antennas to Russia, China, Israel, and Mexico. The company's Wavestream Aerostream Transceiver product also gained its Commercial FAA Certification.

In addition, Gilat sealed a number of deals with leading system integrators in this quarter. Those integrators will install Gilat VSAT products in commercial airlines and luxury cruise ships to generate satellite broadband services.

Sonalysts installs Wideband Global SATCOM simulator upgrades in two Air Force space trainers

Sonalysts, Inc. recently installed Release 1.0 of its Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) simulation in the Standard Space Trainer (SST) labs at Vandenberg AFB and Schriever AFB.

The WGS Release 1.0 training system is a Mission-Specific Vendor Plug-in (MSVP) application launched from the SST Architecture that trains crews and operators in ground operations and vehicle support for WGS communications satellites. Sonalysts installed it in the SSTs of the 533rd Training Squadron, Vandenberg AFB, and the 50th Space Wing, Schriever AFB.

The SST Architecture allows space system trainers to be built using a personal computer-based, commercial off-the-shelf hardware solution. The trainers are not forced to rely upon the actual hardware or software of the space system. In addition, new training systems deployed from the same SST Architecture can develop through a Software Development Kit package.

Sonalysts also installed the SST Architecture and the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) MSVP. The latter MSVP was already resident in the SST training labs. Thanks to these upgrades, the 533rd and 50th are the first sites where the SST Architecture is deploying MSVPs for two different satellite communications systems within a single training lab. 

Later this year, Sonalysts plans to install WGS Release 2.0 in the 533rd and 50th's respective SSTs. It will also further modify the SST Architecture and DSCS MSVP.

The SST upgrades are an important milestone in satellite operator training. Instructors will be able to link training sessions between different MSVPs and facilitate the cross-sharing of data in real-time in the same training exercise. Multiple crews will now be able to train interdependently for the first time.

Sonalysts performed these upgrades as part of its Small Business Innovation Research Phase 3 contract with the Department of the Air Force, Headquarters, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California. The upgrade cost over over $20 million. Around 24 software engineers, software testers, training specialists, and Air Force subject-matter experts in Waterford, CT and Colorado Springs, CO helped develop the WGS program.

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.

MTN Government Services providing secure RSOC to US DoD

MTN Government Services announced this July 31, 2012, that it received a contract to furnish the Department of Defense (DoD) with a Re-deployable Secure Operations Center (RSOC.)

The RSOC will serve the DoD in the capacity of a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF.) MTNGS will work closely with its government custom to provide a turn-key, fully configured SCIF. All power, low-voltage, and security infrastructure will be included to minimize the integration required.

According to MTN Government Services, its RSOC is the most secure self-standing SCIF facility in the market. The MTNGS platform can be deployed and re-deployed rapidly in any environment, taking only a few days to assemble. It is self-supporting and capable of withstanding multiple disassembly and redeployments without degradation. It can also be easily re-purposed to a different mission set with minimal downtime.

A unique procurement system includes project management, equipment installation, accreditation support, and testing in support of RSOC implementation.

MTN Government Services built its RSOC according to the specifications of the Intelligence Community Directive (ICD) 705. The security standard regulates the construction of facilities which store and process sensitive U.S. government information, ICD 705 requires that the facility be built out of 4" thick modular panels, welded with inner and outer steel. MTNGS added high-density insulation that exceeds sound attenuation standards, a unique sound masking system, and additional countermeasures. These additions supported accreditation through multiple agencies and components.

ICD 705 further required that power, data, and voice connections pass securely through a customizable "single point of entry." The entry point should be configured to address the various needs for CONUS, OCONUS, and MIL-SPEC connections.

According to James Ramsey, President of MTNGS, the RSOC fulfilled the world’s toughest security requirements regarding the construction of a secure operations facility. "Traditional SCIFs remain an expensive, stationary, and quite frankly outdated option,” Mr. Ramsey said, “as they just don't meet today's evolving requirements. Our modular RSOC will help this DoD Agency rapidly establish a secure communications center wherever and whenever it is needed, with the ability to resize and reconfigure the system to meet the unique requirements of each deployment or mission."

MTN Government Services is a subsidiary of MTN Satellite Communications. MTN provides satellite communications, connectivity, and content services to remote locations around the world.

USAF awards $339 million to Boeing for new WGS-10 satellite

The U.S. Air Force likes what Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems is doing for the Wideband Global Satellite Communications program. So it’s modifying its contract and awarding Boeing an additional $338.7 million to build a tenth WGS military communications satellite.

As its name suggests, the planned WGS-10 will be the tenth member of the WGS system. Its new wideband digital channelizer gives it twice the satellite bandwidth compared to its predecessors’ configuration.

The USAF is procuring the WGS satellites through a commercial-style operating model. The new purchasing model saves significant amounts of money by streamlining processes, tests, and governmental oversight functions based on the developing maturity of the WGS production line.

Boeing’s production of the WGS satellites began in 2000. The first three satellites are in geosynchronous orbit, providing wideband communications to warfighters around the globe. WGS-4 was successfully launched in January 2012 and is currently being readied for operations. The next five satellites, 5 to 9, are currently in production, while number 10 has just been ordered by the USAF.

The Wideband Global satellite communications system provides 24/7/365 communication worldwide for U.S. warfighter through broadcast, multicast and point-to-point connections. It is the only system that can support X- and Ka-band communications at the same time, and its capability to crossband ensures transparent communication across terminal types. The three currently-operational satellites currently gathers and routes real-time data through more than 700 X-band, 3100 Ka-band, and 400 X/Ka-band terminals around the world.

SatCom Global's Horizon satellite communications terminal had hit significant growth milestones set by SCG's owner, One Horizon Group Plc., for the first half of 2012.

A recent announcement by One Horizon Group detailed the Horizon terminal's milestones. Horizon has processed over 67,000 pre-paid voice minutes and transferred 4GB of data in June. Furthermore, Horizon satellite communications units saved 14GB of data for its maritime customers through optimization, which was more than 75 percent compared to rival Inmarsat terminals. Horizon had also achieved a monthly voice growth of 68 to 92 percent throughout Q2 2012.

“Horizon’s substantial growth validates it has gained visibility with crew in the maritime industry," said Sandy Johnson, COO, SatCom Global, "and that they recognize the value that Horizon offers. Through the affordability that Horizon’s optimisation provides crew members have also been able to increase their time spent online by 59%.”

Maritime industry crewmen often stay isolated for long periods of time. The capacity to keep in touch with family and friends through cost-effective satellite communications would drastically increase morale and work efficiency.

SCG's Horizon satcom terminal puts mobile and fixed satellite network bandwidth to efficient use. Its optimisation technology uses as little as 20% data than other VoIP services and saves more of 20,000 bytes per website viewed. By making voice and data services more efficient, Horizon significantly reduces crew communications costs.

Horizon also allows crew members to track their call and surf expenditures. And gone are the days when crew needed to wait in a queue; Horizon uses an IP link to enable up to eight simultaneous calls.

SatCom Global's Horizon terminal empowers ship owners with the ability to provide voice and data services to their crew for morale purposes at an affordable price. SCG's SmartPacket technology allows VoIP using only 2kbps. Other VoIP services require around 8kpbs. Horizon extends the same optimizition to other data applications, resulting in compressed email, internet on satellite, and instant messaging services.