TECHNOLOGY

Comtech EF Data Introduces Point-To-Multipoint Modem for Satellite IP Delivery

Comtech EF Data unveiled its CDM-740 Satellite Modem — a high performance architecture featuring an integrated DVB-S/-S2 receiver and a turbo product-coding single carrier per channel (SCPC) modulator.
    The combination of a shared, high speed outbound DVB-S/-S2 carrier and TPC for the low latency data return channel aims to facilitate efficient IP networking and transport over satellite.
    Optimized for high-speed packet processing and reliability, the modem uses an embedded central processing unit, real-time operating system and flash data storage, while offering dual Gigabit Ethernet interaces. The system transmits industry-standard TPC up to 9.98 megabits per second. The receive side supports DVB-S and DVB-S2 operation at L-Band.

DVSI Introduces Multi-Channel Vocoder Chip for Satellite Handsets

Digital Voice Systems Inc. (DVSI) introduced a new multichannel vocoder chip for satellite and mobile handsets.
    The AMBE-3003 vocoder chip offers three separate encoder/decoder operations to provide the capability of up to three full duplex channels and is available in two different packaging configurations: 128 pin low-profile quad flatpack and 179 pin ball grid array packages.

EMS Satamatics Unveils New Terminal

EMS Satamatics has rolled out its SAT-202 product, third-generation, low-data-rate satellite terminal.
    The SAT-202 terminal, which delivers tracking, alerting and mobile asset management, will operate over the Inmarsat IsatM2M global network.
    In conjunction with the launch of the SAT-202 terminal, EMS Satamatics has enhanced coverage to include the Pacific Central satellite located at 142 degrees West that will give improved elevation for customers in the western part of North America and the Pacific.

Newtec Joins Forces with NTT Electronics to Develop DVB-S2 Technology

Japanese broadcasting technology company NTT Electronics selected Newtec to be its DVB-S2 technology partner for the development of its new integrated receiver decoder (IRD) unit, the HVD6100.
    The NTC/7044 demodulator board from Newtec was chosen for the project because of its ability to process data rates up to 155 megabits per second and operate in 16 APSK and 32 APSK high-order demodulation schemes. According to Newtec, the unit has been specifically designed for the type of contribution and distribution applications that the HVD6100 IRD will provide to satellite, broadcast and telecoms operators.

RAD Unveils New Gateway Optimization Solutions

RAD Data Communications unveiled a set of gateways that support 2G and 3G cellular backhaul over landline, satellite and microwave radio links.
    The list of gateways includes: RAD’s Vmux-405, Vmux-425 and Vmux-445 GSM Abis optimization gateways. The products aim to lower cellular operator demand for bandwidth while improving the utilization of their access infrastructure, especially over expensive satellite and microwave links.
    RAD’s Vmux product line also aims to reduce satellite bandwidth consumption and lowers leased line costs for cellular operators, carriers and call centers through compression algorithms and RAD’s patented TDMoIP pseudowire technology.

Starling Unveils StarRail Antenna

Starling Advanced Communications unveiled a satellite antenna, StarRail, which aims to deliver broadband communications aboard high-speed trains.
    The product will leverage Ku-band and coherent multi-panel antenna technology, allowing multi-megabit-per-second performance for voice, streaming Internet and video and the transmission of other types of heavy files, supporting passenger and crew applications simultaneously.
    The two-way continuous broadband connectivity is reliable at speeds exceeding 300 kilometers per hour.

SES Astra Extends Broadband Service to united kingdom

SES Astra signed a cooperation agreement with Eurosat and the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) to extend the reach of its Astra2Connect service in the United Kingdom.
    The agreement will enable CLA to provide its members with the Astra2Connect service under Eurosat’s brand name, Beyondsl. Eurosat, a developer and supplier of satellite TV and consumer electronics, is SES Astra’s distribution partner for Astra2Connect in the United Kingdom.

SERVICES

Air Austral Installs Satellite In-Flight Entertainment

Air Austral, a commercial airline based in France, has installed Panasonic’s satellite-provided eX2 in-flight entertainment system on two Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
    The eX2 system will provide passengers with access to applications such as audio and video on demand, dynamic moving maps, games and a variety of applications that generate ancillary revenue.

AsiaSat, EchoStar Provide DTH Services in Asia

AsiaSat and EchoStar have formed a partnership to deliver direct-to-home (DTH) services throughout Asia, the companies announced June 2.
    The operators aim to deliver a digital satellite television service to Taiwan and other targeted regions via the AsiaSat 4 satellite. AsiaSat 4 has a broadcast satellite service payload, which will enable viewers to receive the DTH offerings using satellite antennas as small as 30 centimeters in diameter.

Bell Proposes Freesat Service in Canada

Bell Canada is proposing a Freesat digital TV service to the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).
    Bell believes the solution would save Canadian broadcasters millions of dollars in terms of constructing new digital infrastructure. Consumers would be required to purchase a compatible satellite dish and digital receiver to acquire service.    
    If Bell’s recommendations are accepted by the CRTC, then consumers would be able to receive a package of at least five digital TV channels without having to subscribe to Bell TV.

BskyB Launches Satellite TV Service on Microsoft Xbox 360

Microsoft and BskyB announced a partnership to integrate functionality between Microsoft’s Xbox 360 gaming system and BskyB’s satellite TV service.
    In July 2008, Microsoft made a similar partnership with over-the-mail DVD rental service Netflix to stream videos over Microsoft’s Xbox Live network. The partnership to date has led to growth of both company’s services in the United States, according to a March statement by Netflix.
    Microsoft rival Sony uses its PlayStation 3 console to manage free-to-air TV in Europe with its PlayTV setup.

BusinessCom Expands VSAT Capacity with Telesat, SES New Skies

BusinessCom has expanded its VSAT space segment capacity on Telesat’s Telstar-10; Ku-band capacity on Telstar-12 and C-band beam capacity on SES New Skies’ NSS-7 satellites.
    The increased coverage targets high-growth, high-demand regions such as Iraq and Afghanistan, allowing BusinessCom to provide iDirect Infiniti and SCPC based VSAT services.

Crawford Adds U.S. Fiber Connectivity

Crawford Satellite Services extended its fiber network, supporting Crawford Connect, with live connectivity via Studio-on-Main, in Columbia, S.C.
    With the national and international fiber video transport, Crawford said it can offer new live capabilities to its clients. The facility is an important location for broadcasters to utilize as a hub for both the city and state and that those booking Studio-on-Main will have a direct connection to Crawford’s local loop providers.

Giga-Com Delivers Satellite Broadcast Solutions to Kuwaiti Government

Giga-Com, a supplier of satellite and terrestrial microwave systems to the media and broadcast industries, has fulfilled a contract for the manufacture, integration and supply of 20 MLV digital portable microwave link systems to the Ministry of Information of Kuwait.
    The systems features a 4-channel re-multiplexing facility and a physical structure to withstand harsh weather conditions.

Hughes Partners with GVF, SatProf to Launch Web-Based VSAT Training Course

Hughes Network Systems and SatProf will launch a joint web-based platform to deliver faster and more cost effective installation training on Hughes’ global broadband satellite systems.
    Additionally, Hughes and GVF have reached an agreement to produce on-line VSAT installation training courses specifically prepared for Hughes equipment. The on-line courses, which will be a part of GVF’s online Satellite Training Academy, will be prepared and hosted by SatProf.
    Technicians who complete this training will receive a joint GVF-Hughes certificate validating their ability to deliver its satellite communications solutions to customers and deal with VSAT-related RF interference issues.

PLDT Offers HD DTH Satellite Service in Philippines

The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) and MediaQuest are developing a high-definition (HD) direct-to-home (DTH) offering for commercial release in 2009.
    The offer would include several channels in either 720 or 1080 progressive scanning resolution. The service is being tested by a group of subscribers in Manila and other provinces.
    MediaQuest’s subsidiary MediaScapeis the licensed broadcast TV provider for the service.

RRSat  Secures Ku-band Capacity on Telstar 11N  for African DTH Services

RRSat Global Communications has started operating a multi channels per carrier (MCPC) platform on Telesat’s Telstar 11N satellite at 37.5 degrees West.
    The Ku-band platform will enable RRSat to serve a growing number of broadcasters by offering television and IP-based services to the African market, including West and South Africa, and connecting to leading cable operators and direct-to-home (DTH) providers on the continent.

Spacenet Deploys Connexstar for Star Race Cars

Spacenet and channel partner Orbital Enterprises have deployed their Connexstar satellite communications services to support enterprise networks for auto producer Star Race Cars.
    Star Race Cars said the deployment enabled faster transfer of large data and media files, VPN access, and support for wireless high-speed Internet access that is shared with the Star Mazda Racing Series officials during races.

CONTRACTS

Inmarsat, Solaris Mobile Receive S-band Licenses from EC

The European Commission (EC) selected Inmarsat and Solaris Mobile to operate mobile satellite services (MSS) system in Europe using 60 megahertz of S-band radio spectrum.
    The awards conclude an application process which began in August and involved several competing companies, including TerreStar, ICO, Thuraya and Ondas. The EC said that four operators were admitted to the selection phase in December and with the assistance of independent experts, analyzed the technical and commercial development of the MSS competitors in cooperation with national authorities.
    Inmarsat’s S-band satellite program, known as EuropaSat, aims to deliver next-generation telecommunications services across member states of the European Union by means of a hybrid satellite-terrestrial network. Solaris Mobile, a joint venture between Eutelsat and SES Astra, said it plans to provide TV, video and radio aimed primarily at broadcasters, telco operators, the automotive industry, and data providers.
    The S-band sits alongside UMTS frequencies that are already used across Europe for 3G terrestrial services. Separately, Solaris Mobile said it is evaluating the S-band payload on the W2A satellite, which was launched in April, after testing found an anomaly. Additional analysis is planned with satellite prime contractor, Thales Alenia Space to assess the extent of the S-band payload’s capability to provide services.

Arianespace To Launch Alphasat 1-XL for Inmarsat

Inmarsat has chosen Arianespace to launch the Alphasat I-XL communications satellite in 2012. The deal follows an agreement between Inmarsat and the European Space Agency (ESA) to cooperate on the commercialization of the first mission to use the new European platform, Alphabus.
     Alphasat I-XL will be built by Astrium using an Alphabus platform and will be positioned at 25 degrees East, joining Inmarsat’s fleet of 11 geostationary satellites providing mobile voice and data communications services across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
    Separately, Arianespace announced it has reached agreement with ViaSat on a renegotiation of its launch services agreement that will secure launch capability for the ViaSat-1 satellite should International Launch Services (ILS), contracted to launch ViaSat-1 in 2011, not be able to provide service.

Atrexx Wins Air Force Eagle Vision Connectivity Contract

Atrexx, a German satellite service provider, won a U.S. military contract to provide satellite-based Internet connectivity for the U.S. Air Force’s Eagle Vision program in Europe.
    The Eagle Vision program is a ground station for the reception of data from civilian remote sensing satellites and supports the U.S. Navy in the collection of imagery and geospatial data taken from multiple satellites as part of a U.S./NATO naval exercise.
    To establish an Eagle Vision ground station in Naples, Italy, the Air Force said Atrexx made adaptations to the program’s satellite beam and router configuration.

Avanti Captures Hercules Development Investment

Avanti Communications won a $345,000 contribution from the European Space Asgency (ESA) for work on a preliminary design review of the Hercules satellite system.
    Hercules has been proposed to the U.K. Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform as part of Avanti’s response to the Digital Britain consultation.
    The Hercules system aims to provide a low-cost method for delivery of broadband services at speeds between 2 megabits per second (Mbps) and 50 Mbps to the 2.5 million rural homes in the United Kingdom.

CSA Awards Magellan Radarsat Development Contract

Magellan Aerospace Corp. was chosen by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to provide a phase B preliminary design of the satellite bus for the Radarsat Constellation Mission (RCM) satellite.
    The RCM mission, which aims to provide data continuity for users of the Radarsat 1 and Radarsat 2 satellites and support ship detection, ice monitoring and oil spill management capabilities, will be comprised of three spacecraft in low-Earth orbit. The expected launch dates for the satellites 2014, 2015 and 2016.
    The initial contract is valued at $5.3 million. Further contracts are expected to follow upon government approval for full funding.

ISS Reshetnev Wins Contract to Build Russian Express Satellites

The Russian Satellite Communications Co. (RSCC) awarded Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev (ISS Reshetnev) a contract to build the Express-AM5 and Express-AM6 satellites. The satellites will be developed by both Reshetnev ISS and Thales Alenia Space.
    The satellites are scheduled for launch in 2012, with Express-AM5 to be placed at 140 degrees East and Express-AM6 at 53 degrees East orbital. The satellites are designed to provide a range of broadcast services, including digtal TV, radio, multimedia services, telephony and mobile communications.

MDA Provides Ground Station for DigitalGlobe WorldView Program

MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) has been awarded a multimillion dollar contract from DigitalGlobe to upgrade an existing multi-satellite ground station solution.
    MDA will incorporate full support for DigitalGlobe’s WorldView satellites and is responsible for developing, integrating and installing the systes in the first quarter of 2010.

Measat Provides Capacity to Astro

Measat Satellite Systems won a $189.2 million contract with Astro All Asia Networks to supply transponder capacity on the Measat-3a satellite.
    Measat will provide Astro’s subsidiary, Measat Broadcast Network Systems, with six Ku-band transponders on Measat-3a for a period of 15 years.
    The satellite, manufactured by Orbital Sciences, is scheduled for launch in June and will be located at 91.5 degrees East.

Orbit receives French Navy Deal

Orbit Technology Group won a contract with the French Navy worth more than $4 million to supply Ku-Band and C-Band marine satellite communication systems from OrSat.
    The systems will provide the French Navy with continuous, high speed, two-way connectivity for reception and transmission of voice, data and Internet connection in harsh environments.

SES Americom-New Skies adds NBA, MLS Distribution Agreement

SES Americom-New Skies won a multi-year distribution agreement from In Demand for delivery of its NBA League Pass and Major League Soccer’s (MLS) Direct Kick programming packages to cable subscribers across the United States. Both packages are distributed over SES’ AMC-1 satellite.
    In Demand also enlisted SES’ HD-Prime satellites to deliver its full programming lineup, its pay-per-view programming and the digital out-of-market subscription sports packages for Major League Baseball, the NBA, the National Hockey League and MLS.
    SES also will deliver In Demand’s range of video-on-demand products.

Sidsa Wins Asia, Middle East Digital Content Protection Contract from Speedcast

Satellite provider Speedcast has awarded a contract to Sidsa, an international digital technology provider based in Spain, to protect Speedcasts’s digital content in Asia and the Middle East.
    Speedcast’s satellite platform initially will use Sidsa’s technology to protect content delivered to a large number of wireless operators. In a second phase, the company plans to extend the platform to other type of users, such as shipping companies.
    

EXECUTIVE MOVES

Dish Network Names COO; CFO

Dish Network named Bernie Han COO. Han will oversee Dish Network’s operations, information technologies and finance functions. Han formerly served as the company’s executive vice president and CFO.
    Dish Network also appointed Robert Olsen, former CFO of Trane Commercial Systems, as its new CFO.
    Dish Network also expanded the leadership responsibilities of Executive Vice President Tom Cullen to oversee all Dish Network sales and marketing functions in addition to his existing management of programming operations.

SeaMobile Appoints CEO

SeaMobile, a provider of satellite communications services to the maritime industry, named Jonathan Weintraub CEO.
    Weintraub previously served as the company’s CFO and acting chief executive. Before joining SeaMobile, Weintraub was a managing director in the consumer products and retail group of UBS Investment Bank.

SkyTerra Adds Former FCC Official

SkyTerra appointed Jeffrey Carlisle vice president of regulatory affairs.
    Carlisle will develop and implement the company’s regulatory and policy strategy with the United States, governments around the world and international organizations.
    Carlisle previously served at the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as senior co-director of the U.S. Internet Policy Working Group and a member of the U.S. Homeland Security Policy Council.

AWARDS

RigNet CEO Nominated for Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Mark Slaughter, CEO and president of RigNet, an enterprise communications company for remote oil and gas industries, was named a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2009 award in the Houston and Gulf Coast area program.
    The awards program recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate “extraordinary success in the areas of innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.”
    Slaughter was selected as a finalist from nearly 550 nominations by a panel of independent judges.

Skycasters Receives Economic Development Award in Ohio

Skycasters, a broadband satellite solutions provider, won the 2009 Crain’s Leading Edge award from The Entrepreneurs Edge, a Ohio-based organization devoted to economic development through growth and entrepreneurship.
    The organization said Skycasters was chosen for the award due to its economic contribution to the Northeast Ohio region.