Latin America

Thales Alenia Space to Provide Government Satcom System to Brazil

Thales Alenia Space has signed a contract with Visiona (a joint venture between Embraer and Telebras) for the Geostationary Defense and Strategic Communications Satellite (SGDC) program. The contract satisfies two primary objectives for the country: the deployment of a secure satellite communications system for the Brazilian government and armed forces, and the deployment of the National Broadband Plan (PNBL), coordinated by the operator Telebras, to reduce the digital divide in the country.

Based on the Spacebus 4000 platform, the SGDC satellite will carry two payloads, one with 50 Ka-band transponders offering throughput of up to 80 Gbps, and the other with seven X-band transponders; it will be positioned in orbit at 75 degrees west.

The contract also includes a complete ground segment for satellite and mission control, orbital positioning, acceptance testing in orbit and operational support, preceded by a complete training program for Brazilian operators. Furthermore, on request from the customer, Brazilian engineers will join the project team and take an active role at Thales Alenia Space’s plants in Toulouse and Cannes.

Aeromexico to Install Gogo Vision on 75 Aircraft or More

Aeromexico 737. Photo: Patcard

Aeromexico and Gogo have agreed on the principal terms and conditions relating to providing in-flight Internet and wireless in-flight entertainment service through Gogo Vision on at least 75 aircraft.

The new service will use Gogo’s Ku-band satellite service for Aeromexico’s 737 aircraft, and Inmarsat‘s SwiftBroadband satellite service for their regional jets. Gogo expects both its connectivity service and Gogo Vision to be available to Aeromexico passengers on the second half of 2014.

Qualy TV Satellite DTH Service Launched in Costa Rica

Qualy TV, has introduced its new pay-TV service in Costa Rica supported by Media Networks’ DTH satellite platform. Qualy TV’s initial proposal in Costa Rica offers a family pack of 53 SD signals and four premium movie packages. Qualy TV’s new operation in Costa Rica adds to that of Guatemala, which was launched in March. The company is also planning to extend its services to Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador and Dominican Republic. Qualy TV packages in Costa Rica include a full range of national channels, variety, children, sports, world and culture, film, besides the premium packages.

Eutelsat Completes Acquisition of Satmex

Eutelsat has officially closed its full, 100 percent acquisition of Latin American satellite operator Satmex for $831 million. Since Jan. 1, 2014 Satmex is consolidated in the accounts of Eutelsat Communications.

Satmex operates three satellites at contiguous positions, covering 90 percent of the population within the Americas. Satmex 5 is located at 114.9 degrees west, Satmex 6 at 113 degrees west and Satmex 8 at 116.8 degrees west. New satellites, Satmex 7 and 9, are under construction and currently scheduled for launch in 2015. When combined with Satmex’s existing constellation, these satellites will more than double in-orbit capacity.

Gilat to Connect Remote Areas Near the Amazon River in Peru

Rio Urubamba an Amazon tributary, winding through the Sacred Valley, Peru. Photo: World Water Forum

Gilat Satellite Networks has been awarded a project valued at $30 million as part of the Integracion Amazonica Loreto initiative.

The majority of the award is for the design, setup and implementation of the network, which has an anticipated completion date within the first year. The remainder is for the operation and maintenance of the network for a period of 10 years. Gilat will implement a high-capacity broadband network between Iquitos and the town of Isla Santa Rosa to enable Internet and telephone services for 70 communities in the Loreto region.