February 2016

Artist’s rendition of Al Yah 3. Photo: Yahsat [Via Satellite 02-18-2016] TIM, the second largest mobile operator in Brazil, is in discussions with UAE-based satellite operator Yahsat around the use of Ka-band services in Brazil, commencing in 2017. “TIM is looking for the best processes to minimizing costs and maximizing efficiency, supporting areas currently unserved…

Photo: Integrasys [Via Satellite 02-18-2016] Integrasys has released a new automated Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) maintenance tool called Always Up Satellite Terminal (Alusat), which combines traditional equipment management with spectrum monitoring and measurement to accurately derive a remote terminal’s Radio Frequency (RF) status and pinpoint terminals that are not functioning properly. The tool is…

The Spirit of Tasmania. Photo: Optus [Via Satellite 02-18-2016] Optus Satellite and Electrotech Australia have partnered to provide satellite connectivity to the Spirit of Tasmania, a ferry ship that connects mainland Australia with Tasmania. The companies will enable consumer data and telemetry services to the vessel. Electrotech Australia is supplying, installing and commissioning 33 SeaTel…

Iridium’s Satellite Network Operating Center. Photo: Iridium [Via Satellite 02-18-2016] Iridium Communications has been awarded an $8.57 million task order from the U.S. Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), to make upgrades and enhancements to the U.S. Department of Defense‘s (DOD) dedicated Iridium gateway. DISA issued the funding under the Gateway Modernization Efforts contract to improve…

Digital rendering of Gilat’s phased array antenna. Photo: Gilat [Via Satellite 02-17-2016] Gilat is bolstering its investment in phased array antenna systems in hopes of securing a foothold in the aeronautical connectivity market. The company, which already has some phased array antennas on the market, is looking for partners in the aviation space, viewing aeronautical…

Photo: Eutelsat [Via Satellite 02-17-2016] Eutelsat Communications has reached a new record number of channels, having crossed the threshold of 6,000 channels broadcasting from its fleet. The company attributes this new level to strong channel growth in fast growing markets, the continued deployment of pay-TV platforms, and a diversified offer of Free-to-Air (FTA) channels. Eutelsat…

The Skynet 5A satellite artist rendering. Photo: Airbus Defence and Space [Via Satellite 02-17-2016] CopaSAT has become a channel partner of Airbus Defence and Space for Skynet military satellite communications primarily using the relocated Skynet 5A satellite. The company will offer Skynet services to U.S. customers for global security and humanitarian operations. Airbus Defence and…

Hispasat control center. Photo: Hispasat [Via Satellite 02-17-2016] Spanish satellite operator Hispasat reached $245 million in total revenue for the 2015 business year, representing an 8.7 percent increase from the previous business year. Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) reached $199 million, which translates to a 10.6 percent increase compared to 2014. Of…

The iNetVu Ka-98H drive-away antenna. Photo: C-Com [Via Satellite 02-17-2016] C-Com Satellite Systems has received approval to operate its Ka-band iNetVu mobile antenna products on Galaxy Broadband’s network. Galaxy Broadband provides enterprise grade VSAT services to remote areas across Canada and the United States. C-Com deployed and tested the iNetVu Ka-98H system on the Galaxy F2 Ka-band…

Yuri Prokhorov, director general of RSCC. Photo: RSCC [Via Satellite 02-16-2016] Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCC) had a busy year in 2015, having launched new satellites that brought the company to new international markets while simultaneously ramping up available capacity to Russia. With the launches of Express AM8 in September 2015, and Express AMU1 in…