Inmarsat and Hughes Network Systems confirmed that they have been secretly collaborating on a new satellite connectivity solution that will allow commercial airlines to offer free, in-flight Wi-Fi. The service, GX+ North America, will be ready for rollout on prototype flights later this year, according to the October 20 announcement. Hughes and Inmarsat describe the…

Virginia-based satellite operator Iridium Communications is raising its full-year 2020 guidance after turning in a better-than-expected Third Quarter (Q3) result for investors. Despite facing headwinds from a pandemic-fueled recession, Iridium reported $151.5 million in Q3 revenue, an increase of 5% compared to the same period in 2019, and an increase of 67,000 billable subscribers –…

Gilat Satellite Networks will provide satellite cellular backhaul services to Southern Linc, a wireless communications provider owned by Southern Company, under the terms of a new three-year contract announced October 19. Southern Linc will use Gilat’s satellite transmission for backhaul services when established networks are unavailable, extending cellular coverage for voice and high-speed data services…

Inmarsat revealed Thursday that it was awarded a new contract with Cobham Satcom to connect 732 fishing vessels in the Maldives to Inmarsat’s Fleet One maritime broadband services. The five-year contract includes the supply and maintenance of the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) to include Fleet One satellite communications over L-band from Inmarsat, airtime and a…