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National newspapers across the country last week blared some version of this headline that appeared in The Washington Post: "Professor is Convicted of Sharing Technology." The article went on to say that the transfer of key data, sensitive technology, detailed engineering plans and the like now routinely occur on college campuses across the United States and – by implication – elsewhere around the world.
The article cited students from China and Iran as the recipients of illegally transmitted information in this case.
For "students" of the global satellite-enabled communications marketplace, this is not a big surprise. What’s really troubling about the latest revelations is how they point out the weaknesses of monitoring regimes such the Arms Export Control Act and the ITAR regulations that insinuate themselves into every corner of satellite manufacturing, launch operations, trans-border alliances and arrangements and, thus, service provision on a worldwide basis.
Sadly, what goes around comes around. A decade ago, when the focus rightly was on China and its surge into commercial aspects of communications via satellite (and its aggressive pursuit of technologies that could be diverted to purposes clearly other than peaceful), I penned an editorial titled "Kiss It Goodbye." Here's an excerpt:
" . . . while politicians, lobbyists and pundits dissect U.S. industrial policy, one thing has become certain: It's nearly time to kiss U.S. global leadership in commercial space and, more specifically, communications via satellite, goodbye. Notwithstanding the allegations of the Cox report, the current hysteria that surrounds dialog regarding U.S. national security concerns, Los Alamos leaks, and the hotly debated and as yet unproven transfer of space-based diagnostic and launch technologies that are, in many cases, decades old, overlooks key facts."
I won’t rehash those key facts again today. What I will say is that China and Iran are "comers" in the satellite-enabled communications marketplace, that there remains a need for thoughtful control of technology transfer, and that shared leadership of the global satellite industry has spread relentlessly west to east over the last decade. These days we have ITAR-free satellites, launches on the market that don’t require U.S. government involvement or approval, new manufacturing capabilities that strive to maintain a 100 percent "not made in the USA" label. That’s globalization for you.
SATELLITE 2009 confronts these issues with an array of general sessions and targeted panels that focus on where we go from here to make sure that the satellite solution remains a viable and favored option in communications networks and capabilities. From the needs of governments to the future of ITAR, to new spacecraft manufacturing capabilities to launch and launch vehicle options, we’re covering the waterfront. And we’ll present all-new focused tracks on military/government requirements, emerging markets, evolving technologies and applications, mobile satellite services, spectrum issues, and the like over what we predict will be a beautiful spring week in late March in Washington, D.C.
These issues won’t go away. Make sure you’ve booked your place at SATELLITE 2009. You need to be part of the dialog that will keep the satellite-enabled communications marketplace strong, innovative and responsive.
Thank you to everyone who submitted a speaker and session topic! We received many excellent proposals and appreciate the input!
The SATELLITE 2009 Conference will be a solutions-focused event, providing key strategies, new applications and innovative insights. Here's a sneak peek at a few of the topics that will be covered:
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Satellite News Gathering
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Emerging Regions
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Military SatCom
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IP Technology
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HDTV
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Market Trends
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Comms-on-the-move
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Technology Adoption
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ITAR
Register today for the Conference to receive Early Bird discounts up to $600!
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With the Labor Day holiday behind us, the countdown to SATELLITE 2009 is officially underway! As momentum builds and attendees begin planning their trips and outlining their on-site schedules, make sure that you are on their "short list" of must-visit exhibitors by investing in a sponsorship today.
A SATELLITE 2009 sponsorship package can help deliver the impressions you need pre-show AND on-site, ensuring that your brand is top-of-mind as attendees begin to plan for what they consistently refer to as the single most important event of the year in the satellite communications marketplace. Coupled with on-site exposure, a sponsorship package can help you maximize your ability to connect with these power players from the broadcast, military, government, enterprise, emergency response and satellite communities.
Make the most of your SATELLITE experience – contact Michael Cassinelli, Exhibit Sales Manager at +1 (301) 354-1691 or by email at mcassinelli@accessintel.com to learn more about what a customized sponsorship can do for you.
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SATELLITE 2009 is the premier event for networking in the satellite-enabled communications marketplace. With more than 14 hours of networking, you'll get a chance to connect with all the players in the community.
.gif) The WTA 2008 Teleport Awards Luncheon
Noon – 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 25 Invitation-Only
Since 1995, WTA has presented annual awards to companies and individuals who have dramatically demonstrated excellence in the field of teleport operations, development and technology.
Celebrate the winners and network with colleagues during the Awards Luncheon.
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Visit the SATELLITE 2009 Press Room to stay up-to-date on the latest headlines and recent product launches from the exhibiting companies.
Here's a recent headline:
Mobile Satellite Ventures Expands Public Safety Communications Networks Throughout 14 Midwest States
Satellite communications company continues development of regional satellite mutual aid radio talkgroups across the United States
Reston, VA - Wednesday, July 30th 2008 - Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) today announced that it has partnered with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Response and Operations Division (IDHS) to manage and monitor the Mid-West Satellite Mutual Aid Radio Talkgroup (MWSMART) operating on the MSV satellite communications network. Read more
Read all press releases
 SATELLITE 2009 is a proud participant of the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Buyer Program.
Official delegations through the International Buyer Program have access to the Center for Global Commerce on the Exhibition show floor, where the U.S. Department of Commerce will help international attendees with exporting goods and services.
International delegations organized through the International Buyer Program will receive discounted registration rates. Contact your local U.S. Commercial Service office, located in most American embassies and consulates, to get the most benefits out of SATELLITE 2009.
Click here to get an official letter of invitation, tips on obtaining a visa and more information on the International Buyer Program.
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WildBlue Secures $50 Million to Finance Equipment Lease Program
WildBlue Communications Inc. has secured $50 million in equity financing, the satellite service provider announced Sept. 3.
Terms of the financing, led by Liberty Media, Intelsat, the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative and the private equity firm of Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield and Byers, were not disclosed.
WildBlue said the proceeds will fund the company's customer equipment leasing program. The company also said it would expand its workforce in the areas of customer care and field service operations.
SatService Unveils New Distributor
SatService Gesellschaft für Kommunikationssysteme (SatService), a German satellite technology vendor, has introduced a new sat-nms LRXD 14 L-band distributor for satellite ground terminals, the company said Aug. 27. The product is designed for satellite ground terminals where a 19" rackmount unit is not possible due to space limitations, for example in satellite newsgathering terminals.
The unit provides 4 L-band output ports, as well as 14/18V and 22kHz tone switching initiated by contact closure interface, which allows the control of the LNB's polarisation and frequency range. The unit is powered by external 24V DC, which is available in all satellite ground terminals.
Norsat Partners With Navisystem
Norsat International Inc. has entered into a strategic partnership with Navisystem Marine Electronics, a provider of maritime VSAT based in Italy, the company announced Aug. 28.
According to the agreement, Norsat will sell Navisystem's marine satellite terminals under the Norsat brand in North America and Navisystem will act as a non-exclusive reseller of Norsat's satellite systems in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
The two companies also said they will explore opportunities for joint development projects, working to leverage each company's respective technology to meet the needs of customers.
Thuraya Signs Three Commercial Partnerships
Hong Kong Satellite Communication International Ltd., Japan Digital Communications and AA Techneq have signed commercial partnerships with Thuraya, the mobile satellite company announced Aug 25.
The agreement with Hong Kong Satellite names the company as an international service provider for Thuraya. The agreement with Japan Digital Communications is for the appointment of a national service provider, focusing on marketing Thuraya's SO-2510. In addition, Japan Digital Communications will promote Thuraya's SG-2520, a satellite handheld phone.
The agreement with AA Techneq names the company as a national service provider marketing the full range of Thuraya products except for the maritime solution, Thuraya said.
Stratos Deploys Fleet Broadband for Royal Netherlands Navy
Stratos Global Corp. completed a field trial of its Fleet Broadband with the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN), the company announced Sept. 2.
The three-month trial was conducted onboard the RNLN Van Kinsbergen in Western European waters. Radio Holland managed the installation of a Thrane and Thrane Sailor 500 Fleet Broadband terminal onboard the vessel. Fleet Broadband also was integrated with AmosConnect to manage all e-mail traffic.
Stratos claims the successful trial led to RNLN's purchase of the Fleet Broadband service, which it will use to manage its daily operations at sea.
RNLN is the first organization to commercially deploy the Fleet Broadband service.
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