Apscc monthly e-Newsletter April 2012

March 1, 2012 - SES has renamed ASTRA Broadband Services, its satellite Internet subsidiary, as SES Broadband Services, to reflect its role as a provider of high-speed satellite broadband Internet. The company's satellite Internet service ASTRA2Connect is also renamed as SES Broadband, which is technically available across the entire fleet of SES and able to support Triple Play services combining broadband access with Voice over IP (VoIP) telephony and TV reception. The new names are in line with SES' new Corporate Identity and its consistent use for all SES companies. SES Broadband Services provides high-speed satellite broadband internet for individuals, businesses and communities.

March 6, 2012 - Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. launched the SkyEdge II Accent Dual Waveform VSAT featuring a dual SCPC/TDMA return channel. The new VSAT will now allow operators the flexibility to implement both technologies in their networks from one single platform rather than have to choose between the two technology paths. Gilat's SkyEdge II Accent offers service providers, who are looking to build flexible and cost-efficient networks, a single VSAT that can dynamically switch between SCPC and TDMA at any time. Gilat customers with SkyEdge II systems are now able to offer new services and increase revenues by adding SCPC-based services to their service portfolio. The SkyEdge II hub and network management system supports a mix of TDMA and SCPC terminals starting from version 6.5.3. Support for SCPC requires an add-on Multi Channel Demodulator (MCD) module at the hub.

March 6, 2012 - Hughes Network Systems, LLC announced that new Hughes 9502 BGAN M2M (machine-to-machine) terminal has been fully Type Approved by Inmarsat and commercial shipments have begun. Hughes was selected by Inmarsat to develop the new 9502 terminal for its global BGAN service. Building on the success of the 9201-M2M product, the Hughes 9502 M2M terminal delivers affordable, end-to-end IP data connectivity for a wide range of industry sectors, such as environmental monitoring for weather instruments, tsunami warning systems and seismic data collection; utility smart grid applications including pipeline/compressor monitoring, well site automation and IP-camera surveillance; and satellite back-up for terrestrial fixed and wireless primary site communications.

March 6, 2012 - Boeing announced that Boeing Commercial Satellite Services (BCSS), a unit of Boeing Satellite Systems International, has entered into a cooperative agreement with Artel to distribute Inmarsat-3, -4 and -5 bandwidth to potential U.S. government customers. It is anticipated that this first collaboration will be followed by additional offers to provide unique end-to-end commercial satellite services to U.S. government and commercial customers. BCSS works with owners of active satellite systems to market available bandwidth to prospective customers and to include hosted payloads on future spacecraft. Boeing's enterprisewide technology portfolio and expertise in government communications missions allow the company to provide tailored commercial solutions that more closely meet customer needs than do other currently available solutions.

March 7, 2012 - Thuraya has launched the most advanced dual mode handheld phone that features both GSM and satellite capabilities. The introduction of this unique phone, branded XT-DUAL, makes Thuraya the only satellite operator to offer seamless communications as the phone provides consumers the flexibility and freedom to switch between GSM and satellite modes wherever they may be located. A smart and professional phone, the XT-DUAL responds to the vital needs of frequent travelers, businessmen, VIPs and consumers from diverse industries as it has a built-in web browser for internet access directly on the phone and it offers the fastest data service on any satellite enabled handheld at 60 kbit/s. The Thuraya XT-DUAL is an extension of the successful Thuraya XT phone which is renowned for being the world’s toughest satellite phone. As such, the XT-DUAL is also splash water, dust and impact protected due to its IP64/IK03 rating, making it a rugged handheld that endures tough conditions.

March 7, 2012 - Hughes Network Systems, LLC announced the availability of a new and comprehensive offering--Hughes High QoS Service. Based on its advanced HX platform, Hughes High QoS Service enables virtual network operators (VNOs) and service providers to offer high-bandwidth Internet and private network access to customers without requiring a large upfront investment. Hughes High QoS Service is a turnkey, bundled package of hardware, software, and network hub capacity that operates out of Hughes teleport facilities and is available across an extensive North and South American footprint based on three Ku-band satellite beams. Hughes High QoS Service enables providers to deliver a range of offerings, from a single high-throughput circuit or trunk, to custom private networks that support value-added applications such as VoIP and video--all without up-front capital expenditures for network infrastructure.

March 7, 2012 - New Zealand marine electronics specialist Electronic Navigation Ltd (ENL) and SatComms Australia have entered into a joint venture forming SatComms NZ. SatComms is a provider of mobile and fixed satellite solutions, from basic handheld technology to fully-integrated satellite network solutions. SatComms works together with their customers to ensure that the satellite solution delivered is a perfect fit for their immediate and future requirements. The partnership will see SatComms bring their airtime and satellite-solutions expertise, while ENL will provide their experience in hardware and local on the ground support. SatComms NZ offers Ku & C-Band VSAT services, with the ability to link customers to various points on the planet via terrestrial infrastructure within Australia and New Zealand. These services offer true broadband data throughput speeds, and the ability for customers to utilize privately commissioned satellite bandwidth for greater performance and security.

March 8, 2012 - NewSat Limited has entered into an agreement with AP Kypros Satellite Limited for an additional orbital slot and expanded frequencies in existing slots. The agreement further strengthens and extends the relationship between the two companies and is subject to regulatory approval. The agreement for the eighth orbital slot adds five additional orbital filings and rights to future filings in certain regions as they are made available. The additional orbital slot, and the expansion of frequencies in the existing seven orbital slots, enables more satellites to be launched and operated, along with the provision of larger more flexible satellites. NewSat will pay consideration in the form of cash and shares in two installments, with the first installment being made on execution of the agreement and the second as required regulatory approvals are received. The financial terms are confidential and are expected to be released at a later date.

March 8, 2012 - Newtec has demonstrated 372 Mbps bidirectional throughput and 313 Mbps unidirectional throughput over a 72 MHz Intelsat Ku-transponder. What started out as a simple test of a number of Newtec’s recently released and upcoming technologies ended in a quite exceptional report. During the actual test an Intelsat 72 MHz Ku band transponder was saturated using Newtec’s latest modem technology and a mere 4.5 meter antenna. The result using Wideband, Clean Channel Technology™(CCT) and Equalink^® (Newtec technologies) was a staggering 313 Mbps. Amazingly that did not include the use of the upcoming modulation and coding DVB-S2 extensions that Newtec’s 200-head engineering team is working on. When adding a return carrier within the same transponder and Newtec’s 2nd generation Bandwidth Canceller (ZN781), 372 Mbps was reached, by far exceeding current market available alternatives within the same link conditions.

March 8, 2012 - The AMOS-3 satellite now has “one-hop” Ku-band capacity available to serve an array of data communication needs between the U.S. East Coast and the Middle East. Due to AMOS-3′s strategic location at 4 degrees West and its beams’ cross-connection capabilities, the satellite offers direct connectivity “one-hop” service between these locations without resorting to outside fiber or any other satellite connections. AMOS-3 is equipped with three Ku beams: Europe, North America and the Middle East. For U.S.-based clients in need of bi-directional data communication services with the Middle East, AMOS-3′s cross-connection capability uses the North America and the Middle East beams. Launched in 2008 with Ku-band beams, AMOS-3 delivers satellite communications for a range of services, including: direct-to-home (DTH), video distribution to cable head-ends, VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) communications and broadband Internet.

March 8, 2012 - Horizon Globex has signed an agreement with IEC Telecom Group to provide its Horizon IP-optimization solution. Through this partnership, Horizon will enable IEC Telecom Group and its subsidiaries, such as SAFA Telecom in Dubai, SAFA Telecom in Abu Dhabi, DEVOR Technologies in Singapore and ASTEC Telecom in Congo to offer lower-cost alternatives for voice and data communications by making best use of the bandwidth available. IEC Telecom Group is a provider of mobile and fixed satellite communications and has a wide international network. The company’s extensive product range and technical competencies will enable IEC Telecom Group to support Horizon in a variety of markets including maritime, global enterprises, government, aid and NGOs, oil and gas, and telecommunications providers.

March 9, 2012 - Glowlink announced the release of its newest member in the company’s ultra-wide instantaneous bandwidth (IBW) spectrum monitoring products. The new product, the Model 1020, has 200 MHz instantaneous bandwidth while at the same time offers the same superior dynamic range performance that Glowlink carrier monitoring products are known for. With this level of IBW, users can capture, measure and analyze traffic-bearing carriers as wide as 200 MHz in bandwidth. It also increases the monitoring speed of satellite spectrum by as much as 15X.

March 9, 2012 - Newtec has successfully tested Newtec’s new high speed Ka-band technology for SES Broadband (previously called Astra2Connect). Newtec has shipped well over 100.000 Ku-band Sat3Play^® terminals for SES Broadband and is now providing the next generation Ka-band terminals for SES Broadband evolution, featuring download speeds beyond 10 Mbps. The test was completed with next generation Ka-band Sat3Play terminals and related hub infrastructure. The new technology was tested on the Astra 1L Ka-band capacity at 19.2 degrees East. During testing, Newtec installed a Sat3Play hub at SES Broadband Services’ premises in Luxembourg, provided several Ka-band terminals working on Astra-1L Ka-band frequencies, and also provided the ability to remotely operate the Hub.

March 12, 2012 - Glowlink has won a competitive contract to provide spectrum monitoring equipment for NOAA satellites. Under the contract, NOAA will deploy a network of monitoring systems based on the company’s state-of-the-art Model 1000 and Model 1010 wideband spectrum monitoring systems to monitor links carried on GOES satellites. The Model 1000 is a sophisticated spectrum monitoring and analysis system that has revolutionized the field of satellite spectrum monitoring. The Model 1010 is a super-wide bandwidth version of the product with superior carrier monitoring characteristics.

March 12, 2012 - Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. announced that its wholly owned subsidiary Wavestream^® introduced a new 80W X-band Matchbox solid state power amplifier to address the needs of military and government applications. The 80W X-band offers both efficiency and performance that make it particularly well suited for mobile SATCOM, flyaway and VSAT satellite communication systems. Wavestream’s 80W X-band’s small footprint (11” x 5.4” x 4.4”) and light weight (11 lb) package can be easily integrated and mounted onto the antenna feed to limit waveguide loss. Every unit is thoroughly tested to assure performance over the full frequency band and over the full temperature range. The X-band is also biased for Class AB operation, drawing less power when backed off to help save valuable energy resources.

March 12, 2012 - SES announced that ITC Global, an international provider of satellite communications services to remote mining, oil and gas, and maritime operations, has renewed a capacity deal to deliver connectivity to rigs and vessels throughout the Gulf of Mexico region. Under the multi-year, multi-million-dollar agreement, ITC Global is utilizing 42MHz on SES’ AMC-9 satellite to deliver high-speed broadband and secure corporate network solutions to crews on ships at sea and remote oil drilling platforms. ITC Global provides satellite-delivered, enterprise-grade communications services around the world.

March 12, 2012 - Intellian announces the next generation in Satellite VSAT Antenna design, functionality and performance with the introduction of the all-new v110GX Ku-Band maritime communications antenna, which is upgradable to Inmarsat Global Xpress Ka-Band service. With a fully optimized Ku-/Ka-band antenna reflector and radome, enhanced to meet the RF performance and capability required for the future. Intellian's v110GX is a 1 meter (41"), 3-Axis Ku-band maritime VSAT antenna communication system serving maritime industries as a platform to easily transform the antenna's functionality into GX high throughput broadband service globally when Inmarsat's I-5 Ka-band satellites are launched and operational in 2014. The v110GX has been designed from the ground up to provide unparalleled performance for both current Ku-band services as well as Inmarsat's upcoming Global Xpress Service.

March 12, 2012 - With the planned commencement of the launch of its next-generation satellite constellation, Iridium NEXT, less than 36 months away, Iridium announces the completion of the satellite preliminary design review phase of the program. This phase concludes the preliminary design and specifications for all elements of the satellite system, including payload, main mission antenna, feeder links and cross links. By completing the preliminary design phase of Iridium NEXT satellites, Iridium and its partners will now begin constructing engineering model units that will be used to verify the design and performance of the system prior to full construction start in 2013. Iridium expects to complete its constellation (Space Segment) Critical Design Review Phase in early 2013. Among the prototypes under construction are the constellation's feeder links and cross links, which will be responsible for communicating to ground stations and between satellites, respectively.

March 12, 2012 - SES announced that Microspace has signed a capacity agreement enlisting the SES-4 satellite to deliver digital video and content to retail stores throughout the Americas and Europe. With new spring and summer fashions and accessories hitting department stores, major North American retailers are filling their stores and digital signage with the sights and sounds of the season, enticing consumers with the latest deals. Microspace is currently using significant transponder capacity on NSS-7 to enable a major U.S.-based clothing retailer to extend its seasonal and promotional campaigns globally. Flat screen TVs positioned throughout the brand-name retailer’s European stores will be filled with digital signage content delivered direct from the Microspace teleport in Raleigh, North Carolina, featuring the new season’s showcase of bright clothing and beachwear. Once operational, the newly launched SES-4 satellite will pick up the distribution duties of NSS-7 with enhanced coverage from the highly coveted orbital slot at 338 degrees East.

March 13, 2012 - Intelsat has confirmed the 2012 delivery of its Global Mobility Network, the core of which is based on five satellites launching over the next 12 months. Intelsat’s mobility infrastructure will ultimately be comprised of 10 customized Ku-band mobility beams on seven satellites spread around the geostationary belt. Through this effort, Intelsat will become the first satellite operator to offer continuous worldwide broadband coverage on a single fleet to maritime and aeronautical customers, backed by Automatic Beam Switching technology. The launch of Intelsat 22, currently planned for late March, will kick off Intelsat’s busy launch year. The satellite will be positioned at 72 degrees East over the Indian Ocean region, joining the previously launched Intelsat 14 and Intelsat 18 satellites with additional mobility beams. Over the next 12 months, Intelsat will complete its mobility fabric with the launches of Intelsat 19, Intelsat 20, Intelsat 21 and Intelsat 27. Intelsat 22 will serve media, government and network services customers in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East with Ku- and C-band capacity. It also carries an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) payload that will be used by the Australian Defence Force and its allies in the region.

March 13, 2012 - As part of AST’s ongoing commitment to improving services to customers, a new, dedicated VSAT Maritime Broadband Solutions Centre will open on the 1 May 2012 in Singapore to specifically serve the Asia Pacific Region. The new VSAT Solutions Centre in Singapore is the first step in a global rollout of custom VSAT Solution Centers for AST, who in recent years have invested in essential ground station technology and Point of Presence (PoP) services. The existing Singapore office, the direct arm of AST Singapore - AST Asia PTE limited, will be managed by Henrik Jacobsen as Managing Director.

March 13, 2012 - iDirect announced that Australian Satellite Communications Pty Ltd. (ASC) has selected a new Series 15100 Universal Satellite Hub to support a partnership with Daltron, Papua New Guinea’s leading ICT solutions provider. The satellite solution will enable Daltron to capitalize on the significant need for high-quality broadband services in Papua New Guinea and new growth opportunities for service providers following recent deregulation in the telecommunications sector. Through its new Evolution hub, Daltron can offer customers a much-needed business-class broadband network that can efficiently support core corporate applications including video, voice and data connectivity. Initially, Daltron will provide satellite solutions to natural resources companies and corporate enterprises, with plans to expand its offering to support education and disaster communications applications.

March 13, 2012 - Globecomm Systems Inc. has been awarded its first managed services contract utilizing the Company’s Tempo Enterprise Media Platform. The contract was awarded by Rollins Corporation. Pursuant to the terms of the four year contract, Globecomm will deploy its Tempo Enterprise Media Platform to over 500 of Rollin’s global locations for corporate communications and training. The Tempo Enterprise Media Platform provides enterprises with the ability to deliver interactive live and on-demand streaming media to desktops, televisions, and mobile devices. The platform works across hybrid delivery networks including Internet CDN, Private Terrestrial, and Satellite.