Focus: Telecom

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently launched an inquiry into allegations that multiple satellite fleet operators, including Intelsat, have been purportedly abusing their market position.

Sea Launch and Eutelsat announced the finalization of an agreement to launch the Eutelsat 3B spacecraft in April 2014

ORBIT Communication Systems announced the launch of the OceanTRx maritime stabilized mobile VSAT platform for the Asian market.

Thuraya Telecommunications Company announced a strengthened alliance with Astrium Services through the launch of IP+, SatSleeve and Maritime Broadband in Asia.

Alphasat has left Astrium’s facilities in Toulouse after completion of its final integration and test campaign. The satellite is now en route to Kourou, French Guyana, to be prepared for its launch aboard an Arianespace Ariane 5 rocket, scheduled for the end of July.

Eutelsat has launched a new tool for accurate pointing of satellite antennas for consumers, installers, VSAT operators as well as news agencies, broadcasters and service operators carrying out newsgathering operations.

SES announced that the company’s President and CEO Romain Bausch plans to step down from his position at the next annual general meeting of shareholders in April 2014.

ViaSat is launching Exede Voice, becoming the first satellite Internet service provider to offer U.S. residential telephone service.

DISH and nTelos Holding Corp. have now deployed broadband service near Waynesboro and Afton, Va. using wireless spectrum in the 2.5 GHz range.

Astrium took its commitment to the “ALM with Africa” initiative a step further this week. The program’s first pilot phase is launched in Porto Novo, Benin, with a comprehensive workshop to open the dialogue between participating parties and identify industrial and training needs.