Arinc Integrates Broadband on Boeing Business Jet
Arinc. Inc. has completed the first integration and testing of eXchange with Service by SKYLink on a Boeing Business Jet. The installation combines Rockwell Collins’ eXchange satellite broadband avionics with Arinc’s SKYLink Ku-band satellite service and adds several in-flight communications features.
The system supports fully functioning operations of an iPhone, allowing it to perform like a PC on a ground network. The systems also supports UMA voice calling, access to e-mail and corporate intranet, the Internet, Voice over IP, and videoconferencing.
In flight, the system features seamless handoffs between SKYLink’s Ku-band satellite service and Inmarsat SwiftBroadband service, creating a global network.
CapRock, Paradigm Form Government X-band, Services Partnership
CapRock Government Solutions signed a multi-year, multi-transponder strategic purchase agreement with U.K.-based Paradigm Secure Communications that gives CapRock the ability to offer X-band capacity and network services to the U.S. military and intelligence communities via Paradigm’s Skynet 5 satellite fleet.
In December 2008, CapRock signed a similar multi-year, multi-transponder purchase contract with Xtar. With both contracts in place, CapRock now claims it is the single largest network provider of commercial X-band services to the U.S. government.
EchoStar Europe Makes IPTV Push With Latens Integration
EchoStar Europe has integrated a cardless conditional access and middleware solution from Latens with its HDX-600 platform to create a solution for IPTV and broadband TV operators.
Latens will provide EchoStar with its ECO middleware platform solution equipped with pre-integrated conditional access software. EchoStar’s HDX-600 supports AVC to reduce bandwidth requirements for video-based services. The integrated solution aims to deliver an upgraded HDX-600 platform for delivering secure, interactive IP-based television services and applications, including video-on-demand.
EchoStar Europe hinted that the Latens integration is the first of a series of planned IP-centered integrations.
GlobeCast Adds New Channel to Platform
Canal 3 Benin has joined the GlobeCast platform on Astra 4A (Sirius 4) at 5 degrees East.
GlobeCast receives Canal 3’s signal via satellite in C-band at its Paris technical operations center. The feed is then uplinked to GlobeCast’s sub-Saharan Africa distribution platform on the Astra 4A satellite. Once on the satellite, the channel can be received in Ku-band direct to millions of homes in more than 30 countries with antennas as small as 90 centimeters.
iDirect Launches Broadband Satellite Service in Lebanon
Lebanese Internet service provider IDMI launched an iDirect-based satellite broadband service for corporate enterprises, financial institutions and government organizations in the Middle East, North Africa and parts of Asia, iDirect announced Oct. 27.
The service aims to provide Ku-band connectivity via the SES New Skies NSS-6 satellite orbiting over the EMEA region and an iDirect hub co-located at the Cyta-Makarios teleport in Cyprus.
IDMI initially will roll out services in Afghanistan, Iraq and East and South Asia, with plans to expand the network in Africa with additional hubs later this year.
Measat Distributes Food Network HD in Asia-Pacific
Measat Satellite Systems signed an HD channel capacity deal to distribute the Food Network HD channel across the Asia-Pacific region,.
The operator will distribute Food Network, lifestyle network, owned and operated by Scripps Networks Interactive, via the Measat-3a satellite.
SkyBitz Provides Asset Tracking to Shipping Trailer Fleet
Epes Carriers shipping subsidiaries Epes Transport System and Texas Star Express are launching an asset tracking and cargo sensor solution from SkyBitz for their fleet of about 2,800 trailers.
The SkyBitz solution will provide improved asset allocation, total load visibility and improved logistics and security to the shipping companies, which will use the SkyBitz InSight Web application to view assets in real-time and run customizable management and operational reports for each vehicle in the fleet.
The asset tracking solutions aim to allow the companies to drive more efficient asset utilization across their fleets and prepare their operations to better respond to changing economic and market conditions.
Stratos FleetBroadband Deployed on MPC Steamship Fleet
Stratos Global Corp. has deployed the Inmarsat FleetBroadband mobile broadband satellite service for MPC Steamship, a commercial shipping company managing 17 container vessels and bulk carriers. MPC integrated the FleetBroadband with AmosConnect from Stratos to manage its fleet-wide e-mail, fax, SMS and interoffice communications. The service also includes database synchronization and access to onboard voyage data recorders. MPC will eventually have the option to use FleetBroadband for engine-performance analysis and emissions monitoring.
MPC plans to double its fleet by 2011 and expects to deploy FleetBroadband from Stratos on the remainder of its existing fleet. The service also will be installed on all new ships.
