South America News

SSL, Satmex Successfully Performs Post-Launch Maneuvers on Satmex 8

The Satmex 8 satellite, designed and built by Space Systems Loral (SSL) for Satélites Mexicanos (Satmex), has successfully performed post-launch maneuvers according to SSL’s plan. The satellite deployed its solar arrays on schedule following its launch aboard International Launch Services’ (ILS) Proton Breeze M launch vehicle. Satmex 8 will provide video content and distribution, broadband services, and cellular backhaul in North, South and Central America. When the satellite completes in-orbit testing, it will replace Satmex 5 at 116.8 degrees west longitude.

Elara, iDirect Provide Internet And Voice Service To Rural Towns In Southeast Mexico

Elara Comunicaciones has begun implementing a large-scale satellite network to bring voice and data service to 2,717 towns in rural southeast Mexico. The network, built on the iDirect Evolution platform, is part of Mexico’s “10K” program, overseen by the Ministry of Communications and Transport (SCT), to connect thousands of villages in Mexico that lack modern communications infrastructure. The satellite network will bring voice and data connectivity for the first time to local citizens, schools, health care facilities, government agencies and other organizations. Leveraging iDirect X1 and X3 remotes, the network will feature multiple service levels comparable to terrestrial communications and can scale up to 2 Mbps. Elara will provide service over a two-year period and plans to support future offerings such as IPTV, Virtual Private Network (VPN) access, Hotspot Wifi connectivity and fixed and mobile voice services. The entire regional network is scheduled to go live in spring.