Tag Archives: technology

Beam delivers portable satellite communications system

One of the leading manufacturers of satellite equipment Beam Communications Pty Ltd announced yesterday the launch of a portable satellite communications system called the RapidSat700. The new device operates under Inmarsat’s Broadband Area Global Network, otherwise known as BGAN, system.

Beam is looking to market the new satellite device for use in disaster recovery and emergency situations. RapidSat700 has been developed to offer reliable communications when traditional terrestrial networks are damaged and/or fail during emergency events like earthquakes or hurricanes. The Australian-based satellite company also said the device is an ideal solution for remote connectivity issues.

The portable device boasts of a powerful inbuilt EXPLORER 700 BGAN terminal which provides access to high-bandwidth networks. The RapidSat700 also provides Wi-Fi connection up to 45 meters, an integrated power management system, a robust casing to protect it, plus voice and data connectivity, alongside voice and fax features. This is the company’s first product specifically developed for disaster recovery which can access high speed data networks.

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SatLink Communications to deliver new DTH services in Nigeria

Isareli satellite transmission services provider, SatLink Communications, has been chosen by Nigerian broadcasters to deliver 6 satellite TV channels for DTH services. The agreement will see SatLink providing end-to-end broadcast services through the Amos-5 Ku band satellite which covers much of Africa. One of the companies that will employ SatLinks broadcast technology is HD Playout Centre, which plans to deliver TV channels tailored to meet the African market.

Through the Amos 5 Ku band platform, SatLink will be servicing three channels including the Nigerian entertainment channel, Holat TV, and two international religious channels. All three will be broadcasting in Central, Eastern, and Western Africa. On the other hand, Hosanna Broadcast Network will be making use of the C-band platform to deliver its programs to Pan Africa. Optima Sports TV will also be utilizing SatLink’s services to distribute two terrestrial sports channels carrying a range of programs to the Sub-Saharan viewers.

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Eutelsat’s 21B arrives in Kourou for November 9 launch

Artist’s impression of Eutelsat 21B

Eutelsat’s latest satellite, the 21 B, has arrived at the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana, and is currently under preparations for its November 9 launch. The spacecraft, built by Thales Alenia Space, will be launched into orbit through Ariansepace’s Ariane 5 Rocket.

The satellite 21B, which weighs 5 tons at lift-off, has been equipped with 40 ku band transponders, and was designed to replace another Eutelsat satellite, the 21A. The latter vessel will continue commercial service although it will be moved to a different orbital location.

21B on the other hand will be set at 21.5° East and is expected to operate for 15 years. Eutelsat expected the satellite to boost capacity by up to 50% in target regions across Europe, Central Asia, Middle East, and North Africa.

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French satellite operator poised to enter Aussie market

French satellite operator Eutelsat is poised to enter the Australian market after securing a carrier license from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). The company is also expanding its 28-strong satellite fleet with investments on six new birds, including the Eutelsat 70B, which includes Australia in its coverage.

The high-powered satellite will be equipped with 4 regional beams to 48 Ku band transponders, and is expected to double the capacity in targeted regions. Eutelsat 70B will also provide coverage in Asia, Europe, and Africa, and is slated for a launch late this year. All six satellite under construction are expected to be launched between 2012 and 2015.

Eutelsat is looking into providing satellite solutions to Australia’s increased demand for backhaul services, satellite broadband, and telecommunications services (fixed and mobile). Last August, the satellite operator’s US-arm EutelSat America also secured a telecommunications carrier license from the ACMA.

Intelsat’s First Epic Satellite to be built by Boeing

Intelsat’s Epic Satellite Project gets a head start with Boeing announced as the builder of the 1st Epic Satellite. The telecommunications satellite, labeled IS-29E, is expected to provide between 25 to 30 gigabits/second of bandwidth. Intelsat said the targeted customers for the new project would be the North and South American region, as well as the North American aeronautical and maritime routes.

IS-29E will carry almost the same number of C and Ku-band transponders, pls around 15 kilowatts of power for its payload. The bandwidth speeds are still not as fast as some currently deployed satellites providing commercial broadband, but Intelsat Chief Technology Officer Thierry Guillemin the network throghput is one the highest.

The Ku band satellite is expected to deliver high-speed capacity using narrow spot beams, perfect for those who constantly reuse the frequency. The Epic satellite series will also increase Intelsat’s existing mobile capacity, especially with the increase of high-bandwidth applications brought about mobile applications using data connections.

Satellite market growth to be driven by Ku Band

International point-to-point business has declined over the years but direct-to-home (DTH) services through Ku band sees increased demand, as the satellite industry faces the challenges of an increasingly crowded sky, and great competition from fibre. While no single satellite operator can help meet the demand, the Ku band market has given the industry the much needed robust growth as new Ka band technologies are still on the waiting list.

According to a report by Northern Sky Research, Ku band has been the main growth engine for the satellite sector, and operators looking for revenue expansion rely on the technology to deliver mobility, data backhaul, and other in-demand data services. The report also sees the DTH market to generate at least $1.4 billion in revenues out of the  $4.3 billion seen from the Ku band segment. Satellite communications companies are leaning on new technologies, and solid Ku band platforms for their business operations.