Industry leaders celebrate Genenral Michael Ogbonna Agu, rtd

VVVolVolVolVol o6 o6 66l l. .No. NoNo. No77 N N 55 oo5.. 89 SeptemberOctober 2018 2018

AFRICA

AVM Tommy Udoh, rtd Space assets critical to ending insurgency in Nigeria

By Marcel Dischinger

C O N T E N T S Vol. 7 No. 9

Accessing real-timeconnectivity, from the ground up Editor in-chief Aliyu Bello Emerging threats to peaceful use of outer space Executive Manager Tonia Gerrald SA to the editor in-Chief Ngozi Okey NigComSat offers connectivity to counter-insurgency operations Head, Application Services M. Yakubu The future of Africa’s DTH market Editorial/ICT Services John Daniel The coming of Artificial Intelligence in TV Production Usman Bello Alozie Nwankwo Industry leaders celebrate Retired Brigadier Michael Ogbonna Agu Juliet Nnamdi Eutelsat, Intelsat, SES and Telesat launch C-Band Alliance Client Relations Sunday Tache Lookman Bello Arabsat, Newtec sign new satellite services deal Safiya Thani Eutelsat unveils new hybrid satellite-OTT delivery solution Marketing Offy Pat Tunde Nathaniel Bangabandhu Satellite begins transmission Wasiu Olatunde Media Relations Favour Madu Space asset critical to defeating insurgency in Nigeria Khadijat Yakubu Enhancing the roles of security agencies in the use of outer space Zacheous Felicia Finance Folarin Tunde Earth-Observation Applications of Navigation Satellites 1st iDirect DVB-S2X network launched in Africa Space Watch Magazine is a publication of Astro Launches First 4K UHD Broadcast in Malaysia Communication Science, Inc. All correspondence should be addressed to editor, space Watch Magazine. SpaceX successfully launches Telstar satellite into Orbit Abuja office: Plot 2009, Awka Street, UTC Building, GF 11, Area 10, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria Cover page source: Liquid Telecom Tel: 234 80336471114, 07084706167, email: [email protected]

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Editorial Africa’s golden age of space science

African countries are currently NigerianSat-1, in 2003. However, early track South Africa's role in international participating in a variety of notable space plans to launch a national satellite in space activities. Space activities after technology initiatives. The notable 1976 were not executed until 2003. Five 1994 led to the launch of South Africa's leading African countries involved in Earth satellites have so far been launched by first Earth observation satellite, called observation are South Africa, Egypt, the Nigerian government into outer Sunsat, by Stellenbosch University in Algeria and Nigeria. Other countries space. 1999. including Ghana, Kenya, Angola and This satellite was launched through a Congo, all have also become very active Similar to Alsat-1, The NigeriaSat-1 was working collaboration with the United in space. Ghana and Kenya are twin the first Nigerian satellite built by a States National Aeronautics and Space African countries that recently launched United Kingdom-based satellite Administration (NASA) agency. In 2009, their space agencies. technology company, Surrey Satellite South Africa developed a second Technology Limited, (SSTL). The satellite called SumbandilaSat Egypt, for instance has participated in satellite was launched by Kosmos-3M (Sumbandila means 'lead the way' in space science since the early 1900s. rocket from a Russian spaceport on 27th Venda) to showcase its growth in Earth Through its Helwan Institute of Astronomy September 2003. NigeriaSat-1 was part observation space activities. This and Geophysics, Egypt shared the of the global Disaster Monitoring satellite was launched through the discovery of planet Pluto in the 1930s7 Constellation (DMC) System, which working collaboration with the Russian and participated in atmospheric aerosol trained 15 Nigerian scientists and space agency (RKA). These two studies in the 1980s. Egypt launched its engineers in the development and satellites are the first microsats first Earth observation satellite – assembly of NigerianSat-1 as part of constructed entirely on the African EgyptSat-1 – in 2007. The development technology transfer. . continent and demonstrate South of EgyptSat-1 was through a working Africa's hi-tech industrial capabilities. collaboration with the Ukraine. This The success of NigerianSat-1 has led to collaboration resulted in the participation further space programme development, The launch of the Regional African of 60 Egyptian scientists and engineers in namely the Nigerian communication Satellite Communication Organisation the programme. EgyptSat-1 is not the satellite, NigComSat-1 launched in (RASCOM) in 1992 created the first c o u n t r y ' s f i r s t s a t e l l i t e : t w o 2007, and the second Earth observation Pan-African space initiative. RASCOM communication satellites – the Nilesat- satellite NigerianSat-2 launched in has grown to 45 African member states. 101 launched in 1998 and Nilesat-102 2011. Similarly, NigeriaSat-2 (N2) and It is run through a biennial Assembly of launched in 2000 – were the stepping NigeriaSat-X (Nx) are Nigeria's third and Parties, with the Director's Board stones of Egypt's space science fourth satellites. They were built as high- meeting quarterly. Its secretariat is in development. Other Egyptian satellites resolution earth observation satellites Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire), with operation includes Desert-1 and 2 respectively, by Surrey Space Technology Limited centres in Gharyan (Libya) and Douala designed with considerable home grown (SSTL) for Disaster Monitoring (Cameroon) and supports phone, radio, technology. Constellation (DMC) system. N2 has television and Internet services. Its 2.5-metre resolution panchromatic resilience is indicated by its survival, However, Algeria launched its first (very high resolution), 5-metre despite two of the three locations having satellite, called Alsat-1, in 2002, through multispectral (high resolution, (Near been affected by civil wars. its space agency, Agence Spatiale Infrared Radiation) NIR red, green and Algerienne (ASAL). This satellite was red bands), and 32-metre multispectral Another potential initiative for Africa's designed and built by Surrey Space (medium resolution, NIR red, green and participation in space science is through Technology (a British Company) with the red bands) antennas. the African Resource Management participation of 11 Algerian specialists as (ARM) satellite constellation. The ARM part of a technological transfer South Africa's involvement in space started as a data-sharing agreement programme to equip Algeria for future science can be traced back to the 1950s between Algeria, Kenya, Nigeria and manufacturing of its own satellites. ASAL to amateur rocket launch activities. South Africa to pool their satellite started a 15-year national space Major activities in South Africa's imagery, and has remained Africa's programme aimed at strengthening the participation in space science really Earth observation information system. country's space infrastructure and expanded after 1994 when South Africa increasing the number and capabilities of was democratised. The end of apartheid Africa also continues its endeavours in its space system. Through the ASAL opened new doors for South Africa to space science with the assistance of programme, the further development of a participate more effectively towards already developed programmes, such series of Earth observation satellites space science initiatives. as the European Earth Observation namely Alsat-1B, Alsat-2, Alsat-3 and System called Global Monitoring for Alsat-4 and a communication satellite It was in 1995 that the Department of Environment and Security. The Alcomsat-1 launched in 2016 and Trade and Industry and the Department objective of this programme is to currently operational. of Science and Technology drafted monitor natural resources such as South Africa's first space policy and water, to give advance warning to Nigeria's space efforts actually began strategy to manage and control space decision-makers to counter effects of before the establishment of her space affairs in the country. This initiative led to c l i m a t e c h a n g e , t o s u p p o r t agency, the National Space Research the launch of the South African National peacekeeping operations and to and Development Agency (NASRDA) in Space Agency (SANSA) in 2011. One of provide responses to natural and April 1999. Through NASRDA, Nigeria SANSA's major objectives is to promote human-made disasters. entered space science and launched its cooperation on space-related projects first Earth observation satellite, between South Africa and the international community in order to fast 5 Inmarsat report

Minning Accessing real-time connectivity, from the ground up

As the world becomes increasingly technical solutions that can deliver industrialized, demand for mined industry consultants all working greater efficiencies and help drive products continues to grow. Mining together to review geological data and costs down are paramount. And, as companies face many challenges bring success to mining development with other extraction industries, every including the cost, complexity and and operations. moment of downtime is lost time that difficulty of prospecting and equates to lost profit. Satellite extraction and companies seeking to Mineral exploration teams covering long communications continue to meet the develop new sites must overcome the distances often need to stay in regular demands for data connectivity and many technical and logistical touch with their base camp. Without collaboration within the energy problems presented by local portable communications gear from sector, particularly throughout the geography and climate. None of these Inmarsat, a mobile team would typically mining lifecycle, in areas where fixed challenges are more pressing than the have to travel back to a site that has a l i n e a n d G S M t e l e c o m s a r e n e e d f o r r e l i a b l e ' d a y 1 ' VSAT installation or, in some cases, unavailable. communications. drive to the nearest town with a To ensure mining operations remain broadband connection. A large number Mining lifecycle competitive, many organizations seek of partners also need to keep in contact Throughout the mining lifecycle – ways to exploit new deposits which with each other to work safely and from exploration to development and are often found in regions where the efficiently. From geophysical survey operation to closure - each stage climate and terrain are hostile, and companies and helicopter operators presents specific requirements that w h e r e t h e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s who locate ore deposits, to drilling and satellite communications are uniquely infrastructure is unreliable at best, or construction companies who help positioned to provide. The breadth of non-existent at worst. d e v e l o p t h e m i n e s , c o n s t a n t solutions and applications available communications across the team is a from Inmarsat provides benefits to the Identifying and extracting new requirement for safe and cost effective geological engineers, geologists and deposits often involves high costs so operations. In many related industries, mobile satellite services have long been an established part of the communications mix for personnel operating in areas that are remote from fixed-line and wireless networks. For mining operations, spanning real-time transmission of test data all the way through to asset monitoring, CCTV security solutions, environmental monitoring and crew welfare connectivity, all stages of the mining lifecyle can be fully supported by Inmarsat's satellite-based voice and data solutions. Rapid deployment The complete absence of infra- structure at new sites means setting up from scratch, with only limited support, this requires meticulous planning and a high degree of onsite co-ordination. Difficulties with terrain, climate and communications can often lead to delays and over-runs, putting pressure on budgets and schedules, but today's mobile satellite equipment and services can make communicating from a remote site comparable to that of a modern office.

Being first on the scene, and requiring no specialist training, mobile satellite managers to send reports and chase communicate constantly with the services from Inmarsat are ideally suppliers; environmental monitoring and basecamp, sending status updates and suited running remote diagnostics. In addition, test data from every drill-site, becomes to exploration sites; particularly when BGAN can interface with third-party paramount. With all the various teams there is the greatest need for hardware and software and is part of a needing fast data transfer for transmitting establishing communications, quickly tailored solution for the energy sector. imagery, maps and plots, an assured and effortlessly with colleagues at The combination of rapidly-established, method of broadband data connectivity is head-office half a world away. real-time communications, portability needed, and one that is genuinely Mobile satellite communications and office applications ensures test portable as they are likely to be technology – providing not only phone results are reported immediately for continually on the move. Inmarsat's services but broadband data reducing 'find time' and helping aid push-to-talk (PTT) provides a rugged connectivity decision making and contingency PTT capability for voice dispatch and response, all of which can contribute communications. A vehicular-based – now fits into a backpack and weighs towards reduced capital and operating BGAN is used with a roof-mounted less than two kilos. Inmarsat's BGAN, costs. antenna, base station and hand-held Broadband Global Area Network is microphone in the cabin. Inmarsat's cost- robust, highly affordable and operates BGAN is only the beginning effective, IPbased, voice and data PTT from almost anywhere in the world. It communication system can readily can be set up in minutes by exploration Highly versatile, the BGAN platform can be extended to support operations as a replace VHF/UHF-based trunk radio teams with little or no experience of systems. It routes voice and data traffic, communications equipment, providing mine develops. BGAN Link provides broadband services that can send and providing communication between base a guaranteed broadband data camp, remote drill sites, crew vehicles, capability. receive large amounts of real-time critical data from a fixed location. Designed HQ and any site in the world – all at the Compact and lightweight, BGAN is an touch of a button. all-in-one voice and high-speed IP data specifically for those working in remote solution that anyone can carry with areas for sustained periods of time, and them and use wherever they go. It who require high volumes of standard IP Protecting staff and provides immediate mobile field force data, the system can transmit field data in equipment a low cost, low powered and low connectivity during field and site HS&E is increasingly becoming a critical maintenance system to rival VSAT (which exploration and throughout the mining priority within the energy sector, with can often take a week or two to set up by lifecycle. Terminals can be configured insurance premiums typically reflecting technical specialists). BGAN Link as mobile offices at basecamps, with this. In some cases, the operation's combines the power and convenience of connectivity support for most standard management are rigidly measured by the the BGAN platform with a fixed rate 'all- office applications. number of HS&E incidents, so complying you-can eat' data package at an with the strict regulations by ensuring affordable price. The small form-factor terminals allow base camps and remote sites have site engineers and geologists to send guaranteed voice and data links is As exploration teams typically cover pictures to HQ for analysis; project paramount. When only voice is needed, g r e a t d i s t a n c e s , t h e n e e d t o especially for field workers moving Looking after the environment and communities At the end of any mine's lifecycle, the decommissioning and the process of reclamation and restoration of the land begins. In this final stage, the decommissioning team can rely on a portable terminal again so that bulky and expensive equipment, such as VSAT, can be removed well ahead of full closure, helping maximise resources while keeping costs down. The portability and quick set- up of mobile satellite systems can be especially valuable at this stage, as teams move frequently to operate from different parts of the site, or may need to travel to and from outlying areas.

When mines are eventually exhausted or become uneconomical, M2M can provide a reliable communications link for remote sensors and cameras, helping with the important task of measuring and monitoring environmental data. The automated telemetry service can also extend to helping enhance a company's CSR standing by contributing to the quickly from site to site, or where a back- Ultimate one-stop-shop wellbeing of the communities around the up system to BGAN is needed, Inmarsat's Managing operations in remote mines long after operations have ceased. global, low-cost, handheld satellite phone locations poses many challenges – offers high quality voice as well as support ensuring crew safety, maximising onsite efficiency and maintaining reliable Local presence, global for SMS text messaging, Twitter and leadership email. Designed for rugged use in remote communications to name just a few. Utilizing Inmarsat's mobile voice and data locations, IsatPhone Pro features a GSM- Complementing the connectivity capabilities in the field have been proven style interface with a high-visibility colour portfolio, Inmarsat provides professional time and again to help improve critical screen and keypad that allows for easy consultancy services to ensure the best- decision-making, increase productivity, dialling. fit, end-to-end communication solutions. and reduce time to operation. Providing up to 8 hours talk time and up to With expertise across a broad selection 100 hours on standby, the hand-held has of technologies and applications, and The full portfolio of products and services the market's longest battery life, and is the most extensive portfolio of remote from Inmarsat, each a powerful tool in their also among the most robust available c o m m u n i c a t i o n s o l u t i o n s , t h e own right, is powered by a constellation of being dust, splash and shock-resistant. Engineering & Integration Services (EIS) team can design and implement a advanced L-band satellites, the largest custom solution to meet the critical and most sophisticated commercial Remote Management communication needs of each project. communication satellites ever built, and To track and monitor fixed or mobile which support the global delivery of assets, satellite-based machine to Support is provided across multiple Inmarsat's advanced network services. machine (M2M) applications are also technologies including structured supported by the Inmarsat network, with a cabling, public address and general As one of the most trusted brands in the range of integrated M2M services that alarm, video surveillance, intrusion industry, Inmarsat is a leader in the field of give operators increased visibility of their detection, site security, telephony, mobile satellite services, providing business operations. satellite, wireless, and local and wide reliable, global services for the energy In today's connected or 'digital' field area networks. Services include design sector and beyond. Inmarsat's mobile operations, energy companies want and and build-up Installation, set-up, and services portfolio solves all remote HDR expect to be able to manage their sites in testing of all equipment on-site (High Data Rate) and LDR (Low Data real-time, to enable faster decision- Integration of on-site IT and business Rate) communication needs as field sites making, increased efficiencies, reduced systems, provisioning and training In are set up, as workers arrive on site, when cost, and enhanced security of staff. By addition to traditional Engineering, mining operations are established and providing a full image of assets across an Procurement, & Construction (EPC) through to site closure. entire operational area should an incident services, Many organisations in the energy sector occur, for example a security threat or Inmarsat specialises in providing have come to recognise that satellite mechanical failure, experts can rapidly t e m p o r a r y f a c i l i t i e s w i t h communications have evolved, and that assess the situation from their own office communications and security packages. Inmarsat is leading the way with a range of or deploy an onsite team to investigate, Remote surveillance units provide 24/7 mobile broadband technologies. And with boosting productivity by reducing monitoring from any location in the a full range of communications services downtime. Satisfying a key HS&E world, with voice, data or video that can be easily and cost effectively requirement, the benefits of M2M can also surveillance, and intrusion detection, deployed, especially in discovered but extend to journey management for transported across Inmarsat's network completely undeveloped sites, nothing maintaining the highest standard of crew to the administrative centre. else is required. welfare. IN THE NEWS

AfricaXP unveils new free-to-air channels via SES Emerging threats to peaceful use In Nigeria, local television broadcast of outer space audiences will now have access to 13 new free-to-air (FTA) channels delivered as a multi-channel bouquet The head of Air Bus Defense be ruled out in a foreseeable space during their flight. branded 'PREMIUM.FREE'. The future. bouquet's launch channels will be and Space Systems, in Today, militaries all over the supplied by AfricaXP and delivered Nigeria, Air Vice Marsha world rely on satellites for via SES satellites at 28.2 degrees Victor Tommy Udoh, retired, Space Junk and Its c o m m a n d a n d c o n t r o l , East, according to SES. has identified key threats to communication, monitoring, the peaceful use of e outer Implications early warning, and navigation AfricaXP is the leading independent space at a lecture held at the Due to the advancement in with the Global Positioning African channel network, content National Space Research t e c h n o l o g y, s a t e l l i t e System. Therefore, “peaceful distributor and producer, which owns and Development Agency, technology has become uses” of outer space include and operates over 20 different NASRDA, Abuja during the available to smaller nations, military uses. However, themed channels supplied to major commercial outfits and even African broadcasters and African annual Brigadier General militarization of outer space is a MO. Agu distinguish lecture individuals. This has made threat to the peaceful use of diaspora platforms worldwide. This the access to outer space new bouquet of FTA channels inside the Multipurpose hall outer space. increasingly “democratized”. includes premium channels, which of the Nigeria's space Weaponization of Outer are custom-made for African viewers agency. According to him, Miniature satellites now litter and blend premium African the Low Earth Orbit thereby Space the outer Space is a zone Weaponization of outer space, programming with top-flight that occurs about 100 becoming hazard to other international content across a he says is generally understood kilometers about 60 mile satellite. These “Space Junk” diverse range of themes from sports have become major threats to to refer to the placement in orbit to movies, telenovelas, kids, factual, above the planet, where or on heavenly bodies of space there is no appreciable air to satellites and the more reality and lifestyle programming. objects there are in space, based devices that have a breathe or to scatter light. destructive capacity as well as “By choosing to work with SES, the more the risk. The He enumerated the threats creating weapons that will P R E M I U M . F R E E o ff e r s o u r to the use of outer space as International Space Station channels full regional coverage for (ISS) was most recently transit outer space or simply Shooting down of Satellites, travel from Earth to attack or multinational language channels like Space Junk, Militarization of forced to execute an evasive Hausa. SES also offers the best destroy targets in space. O u t e r S p a c e , a n d maneuver in November 2014 possible verified reach in dynamic when it found itself in the path Though, many experts have and important markets like Nigeria,” Weaponization of Outer argued that ground-based Space. of a piece of debris 14 said Craig Kelly, CEO of AfricaXP. centimeters in diameter. systems designed or used to “AfricaXP is well known for its Interestingly, despite the attack space-based assets also compelling Nollywood catalogue and Since 1999, the ISS has had Outer Space Treaty of 1967, constitute space weapons, and longstanding partnerships with the USA and China have to undertake such evasive prominent West African producers. m a n e u v e r s 2 1 t i m e s , are not technically part of the shot down their satellites in “weaponization of outer space” We are confident that localization 2007 and 2008 respectively; including 5 in 2014 alone. coupled with our fresh international since they are not placed in a situation that might rights will provide the kind of content Militarization of Outer orbit, however, weapons that blend that modern West African encourage other space travel through space in order to audiences demand. Transmitted exploiting nations like India, Space reach their targets, such as free-to-air, this is obviously a great Japan, Israel, and France to The militarization of space is h y p e r s o n i c t e c h n o l o g y offer at a price point that can't be follow suit. Additionally, t h e p l a c e m e n t a n d vehicles, also contribute to the beaten.” observations of a Russian development of weaponry SES reaches over 9 million Direct-to- weaponization of space. satellite executing unusual and military technology in Currently there are no known Home households across West maneuvers in November outer space. In his view, the Africa from its orbital position of 28.2 weapons deployed in space, 2014, also suggest that the degrees East. Those households outer space is allowed to be however, the US has invested with existing FTA set-top boxes introduction of orbital used as an operating location i n d e v e l o p i n g p o t e n t i a l (STBs) will be able to start watching weapons capabilities, for military spacecraft such as technologies, and both China the new channels on their existing preparations for space- imaging and communications and the US have demonstrated STBs for free. based warfare, and a new satellites, and some ballistic anti-satellite capabilities. In addition to hosting these TV arms race in space may not missiles pass through outer channels on the ASTRA 2G satellite, SES' media subsidiary, MX1, is providing the necessary ground NigComSat offers connectivity to counter-insurgency services such as uplinking, encoding, playout servers, and ad-insertion. operations families. Satellite communication operations, in Baga, Kodunga and “The Nigerian FTA market in A senior official of the Nigerian plays an important role in war other areas.. particular offers great opportunities Communications Satellite, operations due to the fact that These connectivity are a for growth, and we are proud to have NigComSat has revealed that g o v e r n m e n t a n d d e f e n c e combination of voice, video such engaged with PREMIUM.FREE to the company is providing real operations are mostly located in as news, sports, entertainment, TV deliver a differentiated content time internet connectivity to the remote locations or in areas and radio broadcast and data package for Nigeria and offer more Nigerian Defense forces suffering from lack of terrestrial social media, mail. Today, most of choice for viewers,” said Clint Brown, stationed in the North Eastern connectivity. Internet connectivity these streaming and file-transfer Vice President of Sales and Market Nigeria as part of Government helps to enhance the quality of life based services have converged Development, Africa for SES Video. and Defence operations. and employment for defence towards IP. In recent times, the “New initiatives like this, which focus personnel, civilians, humanitarian amount of data, voice and video on delivering local and international According to the official, the organizations, and their families. exchanged in defense network has content that is attractive for the end- satellite company supports These programmes often depend grown substantially, often with the consumer and is offered in high remotely deployed defence on satellite communications due leisure and support services that picture quality will further develop personnel, civilian employees, t o t h e r e m o t e n a t u r e o f satellite communications offered to consumer choice in Nigeria.” humanitarian entities and their g o v e r n m e n t a n d d e f e n c e these operations. PAY-TV MARKETS

The future of Africa’s DTH market

The sky appears to be the limit for the direct-to-home (DTH) industry, despite the emergence of consumer actions and competing technologies threatening to take eyeballs away.

The recent public outcry in Zimbabwe, Kenya, increasing competition to ability to exclusively control the Zambia and Nigeria over a decision by Multichoice and Zuku. In order to step up acquisition and distribution of premium Multichoice to increase its subscription its game in Africa, Star Times has recently c o n t e n t ; e x i s t i n g e x c l u s i v e fees points once again to the competition acquired the rights to broadcast arrangements between Multichoice and issues that characterize pay-tv market in Germany's Bundesliga football games H o l l y w o o d s t u d i o s , v a r i o u s the continent. Due to high prices, across the continent. independent content suppliers and subscribers in Zimbabwe have resorted to channel providers; and acquiring local buying decoders and paying their Similarly, US internet-based content content since a large proportion is either subscription in South Africa, which is provider Netflix has announced its entry owned by MultiChoice or are licenced relatively cheaper. In Zambia, Multichoice into South Africa and has started exclusively to MultiChoice. (DSTV) subscribers launched a campaign broadcasting in 2016. The entry of Netflix Major content suppliers often require on social media calling on subscribers to is likely to challenge Multichoice which the payment of upfront minimum boycott the new prices. The federal High currently holds exclusive rights to guarantees in respect of minimum Court in Lagos Nigeria ordered broadcast some top American TV shows subscriber numbers, or other forms of Multichoice not to effect the increase in its which are also screened by Netflix. financial guarantees in respect of subscription fees following two cases Although Netflix is entering the market payment of licence fees, increasing submitted against it by subscribers. using an internet-based model, its proven costs of content, and this does not affect ability to provide some of the top content MultiChoice. Changing market structure means that consumers are presented The company also ties non-premium The pay-tv market has been changing in with an alternative which is potentially content to premium content, making its the continent, characterized by new entry more tailored to the specific needs of packages more attractive to subscribers and expansion of existing service customers who prefer to only watch and advertisers. MultiChoice has providers. Zuku TV from Kenya continues certain programmes and not a bouquet of content supply agreements with to expand its operations across the channels. However, their ability to community television broadcasters continent having set up in Malawi in June compete will be constrained by the which give them first option on 2014. availability of internet and also sporting channels/content produced, preventing content. other broadcasters from accessing the Zuku has also given rights to Zambia's My content on equal terms. TV to broadcast its content in the Zambian Multichoice edge market. In terms of content, Zuku TV has MultiChoice has buyer power due to Despite the lowering of barriers to entry differentiated itself from Multichoice, incumbency, and long-standing brought by digital migration and new offering a combination of a very strong relationships with content providers and technologies, and the dynamic effects Asian package and African soaps, along would likely negotiate better prices than of convergence, traditional incumbent with lower prices for its bouquets. In competitors. The company has 'deeper players are able to retain their position in addition, Econet Media currently provides pockets' and can pay more for premium the market. The experience shows that free to air in over 23 countries and pay-TV content as well as buy a bundle of traditional incumbent firms have been 13 countries services via satellite direct to channels while also reduces transaction forced to be more innovative and h o m e , o n l i n e a n d t e r r e s t r i a l costs. become conscious of their pricing rebroadcasting platforms, under the DStv's large subscriber base provides strategies in an increasingly competitive Kwesé brand. In South Africa, Kwesé more certainty and hence lower risk in environment. Digitalisation alone content is available on Kwesé Play and terms of producing its own content. Much cannot be expected to end the Open view HD in association with Liquid of the premium content available on DStv challenges of the pay-tv market in the Telecom (a sister company) and E-TV is produced by M-Net and SuperSport, continent, particularly where exclusive respectively. In Nigeria, the entry of TStv, which is affiliated to MultiChoice, this content agreements remain a feature of a payTV provider is changing the limits other broadcasters' opportunity to national markets. Competition competition and the structure of the bargain for it. Accordingly, the bargaining authorities will need to be aware that television market in Nigeria. power of wholesale channel suppliers due to technological advancement and StarSat, a Chinese firm which is a have always been limited since retailers greater convergence, application of subsidiary of Star Times, has made have always been able to acquire content competition law in terms of delineating inroads into the pay-tv market in the directly from content owners rather than relevant competition markets will continent. It recently entered the Malawi buying pre-packaged channels on a become more complex as rivalry in the market in January 2015. The coming on wholesale basis. pay-tv sector takes on new and board of Zuku and StarSat TV now means In Africa, Econet has experienced changing dimensions. Multichoice no longer has a monopoly in significant barriers to entry in accessing the pay-tv market in Malawi. StarSat, also premium content due to MultiChoice's Additional report from Tatenda Zengeni and Genna set up its home satellite TV service in Robb INTERVIEW The coming of Artificial Intelligence in TV Production The IBC 2018 event held at Amsterdam, The Netherland, had just ended, during the event, the winners of IBC's Best Paper Award, the BBC R&D’s team speak on the potential impact of Artificial intelligence in TV production industry

Why is the BBC interested in future, we're forming partnerships with that are superficially similar—like AI for production? university groups that specialise in this area - m u s i c a l p e r f o r m a n c e s o r getting access to their expertise, and offering For several years BBC R&D has monologues—but which differ in terms our industry's challenges as opportunities for experimented with ways to create video of what the algorithms need to look for the next generation of AI engineers. coverage of events that are out of scope for and what the audience expects to be conventional outside broadcasts. The shown. Edinburgh Fringe is a good example, with What is your view on the long- tens of thousands of performances at term impact of AI on our What's next for your team? hundreds of little venues across the city. industry? Bringing shows like this to new audiences, There's so much to learn in this area; using small, unobtrusive camera rigs, is our we'd like to build a community of people first use case for AI in Production. And that's Increasing automation has been a theme in in industry and academia who can see brilliant, because the potential impact of AI in our industry for decades now - AI is just the the potential that AI and machine our industry is so profound that it might have latest example. We think that the application learning offer to the field of media been hard to know where to start. of AI to media production will have many benefits, such as bringing many more live production. We'd like to expand the capabilities of Ed to look at genres The opportunity here in terms of audience events to audiences, and helping creative beyond panel shows, and we'd like to do and creative value was so clear that our professionals with mundane and repetitive more “bottom up” research, looking at process of understanding the ways that AI tasks. the challenges being faced by real and ML (machine learning) might change our These will be good outcomes if, as an production teams (typically the most industry could start with the creation of a industry, we keep our eyes on the really boring and repetitive tasks) and asking working prototype, which we've called “Ed”. important things - like creative and editorial how AI could help them work more It's given us a chance to learn by doing and to standards, craft skills development, efficiently, and allow creative build our skills in machine learning, in AI, and representation of diversity, and creative professionals to spend more time in working with real creatives to understand vision. We can't do what we're doing in AI in focussing on the creative aspects of their the sort of rules an automated system needs. Production, without the important work that is going on in parallel in BBC R&D and work. Our IBC paper this year concentrates on full automation, but we Please could you tell us about across the rest of the organisation. We've had colleagues working with the UK hope that our next one will help tackle the the team and their range of Parliament Committee on AI, and leading (potentially much harder problem) of skills? critical work in areas like ethical data-centric skilled craftspeople working in technologies for society. collaboration with AI. The team's been a multidisciplinary one since the project started, and that's been Do you use ML based feature In what timeframe might we successful and very rewarding. Our software extraction tools in Ed and are expect to see a live and algorithmic engineering is informed by they robust enough? broadcast programme shot human-centred research science. The initial and edited with AI rules coded into the Ed system, describing things like how to compose a well-framed ML techniques aren't inherently less robust assistance? shot, came from observing and talking with than any other algorithms. We're looking at a programme makers, and understanding the wide range of ML and other AI methods to Our current algorithms are significantly p s y c h o l o g y a n d t h e t e a c h i n g o f improve Ed. Our engineering approach is to slower than real time. Their speed will cinematography principles. To iterate and test and benchmark the robustness and definitely improve but it's almost certain improve on our work we're doing empirical, performance of any combination of that data-driven systems like Ed will subjective studies with real people. Our algorithms so that we can understand their always produce better quality output if technical skills cover a number of relevant fitness for our purposes. It's clear, though, they can analyse the whole performance areas, including production automation, data that it will probably be a long time before an - looking forward and backwards in time. science, video fundamentals, human- AI-based system can approach the ability of Our team is most interested in coverage computer interaction and neuroscience. humans to handle unusual and unexpected that's 'nearly live'; made available within scenarios. an hour or two of the live performance, How do you find recruiting and hopefully people will be able to see engineers / graduates with Beyond the panel show, what content like that within the next year. other live genres would you AI/ML skills? But we aren't the only team in BBC R&D like to develop for Ed? looking at AI. Earlier this year colleagues The key to successful automation is an in- worked with BBC Four on an experiment depth understanding of the problems to be We're very aware that it's relatively easy to using ML to schedule an evening's solved, so rather than bring in AI/ML experts train machine learning algorithms to do output on the channel. Algorithms and teach them about our industry, we see specific tasks, and much harder to searched out content from the BBC this project as an opportunity to build up synthesise more general intelligence. When archive that would be relevant to BBC these valuable data science skills within the we've trained the Ed system to be good at Four's audience and highlight it to the BBC's existing workforce. This benefits the comedy panel shows, it's going to be scheduling team. BBC, our project and our colleagues. For the fascinating to see how well it does with things Source: IBC IN THE NEWS

Eutelsat, Intelsat, SES Industry leaders celebrate Retired Brigadier and Telesat launch C- General Michael Ogbonna Agu Band Alliance

Leading global satellite operators – Industry leaders gathered at Nigerian Institution of Intelsat, SES, Eutelsat and Telesat has the annual distinguished announced the creation of a consortium lecture in honour of Retired Space Engineers called the C-Band Alliance, or CBA, in a Brigadier Michael Ogbonna Considering the role of space move that could accelerate makings Agu, a pioneer chairman of t e c h n o l o g y i n a f a s t that could accelerate mid band pectrum the Nigeria institution of developing economy like available for 5G services. Space Engineers have Nigeria, the council of described him as a sound Nigerian Society of Engineers, The CBA is designed to act as a intellectual with unblemished NSE constituted the space facilitator as described in a recent U.S. military career during the technology committee in Federal Communications Commission national event held at the 2002, made up of eleven Brigadier Michael Ogbonna Agu, rtd (FCC) proceeding featuring the multi-purpose hall of the e n g i n e e r s w i t h a s t u t e companies' market-based proposal to National Space Research k n o w l e d g e i n s p a c e clear a portion of C-band spectrum in and Development Agency technology and research with advisory liaison with the various the United States. The formation of the recently. Engineers. Professor VOS federal government agencies CBA is a significant achievement and Olunloyo, FNSE as its first such as the national space demonstrates the industry alignment The event was attended by chairman. research and development necessary to make this mid-band dignitaries including the a g e n c y , N i g e r i a n spectrum available quickly, thus former minster of science and Amongst its term of reference Communications Satellite supporting the U.S. objective of winning technology, Professor Turner was to study the national Limited, and the activity centre the race to introduce terrestrial 5G Isoun, the Chief excutive space policy , identify the of NASRDA. services. officer of the National Space engineering aspects of the Also, through the committee, a The market-based proposal was Research and Development National space policy like memorandum of understanding developed in response to a proceeding Agency, Professor Seidu c o m m u n i c a t i o n s , s o l i d between NASRDA and the NSE initiated by the FCC in August 2017, Mohammed as well as the minerals, water resources, was crafted in 2010. The MoU which led to the Notice of Proposed r e p r e s e n t a t i v e o f t h e entertainment, agriculture, which centered on space Rulemaking (NPRM) that was formally government. amongst others and raise engineering-related areas of approved by the FCC on July 12, 2018 observation if any, on aspect cooperation was accordingly and published in the Federal Register of According to the citation, of policy that a re inconsistent signed on the 19 of May 2011. August 30, 2018. w i t h o t h e r p o l i c i e s o r The proposal reflects the unique U.S. General Agu underwent several academic and aspiration on the national Sequel to the enormous telecommunications environment and development. In addition, the contributions of the apace aims to protect the quality and reliability professional careers both in Nigeria and foreign countries. committee was also charged technology committee, and the of the extensive services provided by to make recommendations to a v a i l a b i l i t y o f s p a c e satellite operators in the C-band After his education, General the council of the NSE on the infrastructure and well-trained spectrum to U.S. broadcasters, media, A g u h e l d s e v e r a l way forward towards the manpower in Nigeria, the space and data companies. The proposal appointments at the military, successful launching of the t e c h n o l o g y c o m m i t t e e establishes a commercial and technical engineering profession and first indigenous satellite in framework that would enable terrestrial national levels. requested the Nigerian Society Nigeria. mobile operators to quickly access of Engineers, NSE council to Since its inauguration on the spectrum in a portion of the 3,700 to He was a one time chairman consider the metamorphposis 4,200 MHz frequency band in the U.S., of a peer review panel of two second January, 2002, by of the committee into a full speeding the deployment of next- f e d e r a l G o v e r n m e n t Engineer F.A Somolu, a fellow fledged division, having generation 5G services. parastatals, the National of the Nigerian society of satisfied the prescribed S p a c e R e s e a r c h a n d Nigeria, the President of the requirementrs. Therefore, The proposal specifies the use of a th consortium, now known as the CBA, to D e v e l o p m e n t A g e n c y, Nigerian Society of Engineers, council at its meeting of 16 undertake the technical and commercial NASRDA, and the National the committee has submitted January considered and implementation of the spectrum clearing Information Technology several recommendations to approved the formation of process. This process is necessary to D e v e l o p m e n t A g e n c y, the council which serve as the space engineering division as th repurpose the C-band spectrum for use NITDA. society's input in the national the 17 division of the Nigerian in a 5G environment. The CBA will be He was also a member of the space programme. It also Society of Engineers, NSE. led, effective immediately, by Bill expert group on Nigeria's 25 made inputs on capacity Amongst the cardinal objective Tolpegin, currently CEO of OTA y e a r r o a d m a p a n d building with respect to the of the of the division is to ensure Broadcasting, who will serve as Chief participated in the work of utilization of the Nigeria's first ther professional development Executive Officer of CBA.Media sector N a t i o n a l p l a n n i n g communications satellite, of engineers in the space sector veteran Preston Padden will serve as commission and produced N I G C O M S A T - 1 , a n d through effective capapcity Head of Advocacy and Government the 30 years National university research project on building initiatives. The division Relations. A significant milestone in the Integrated Infrastructure micro-satellite design, among will also serve as an interface progression of the proposal, the Master Plan. others. Also, it was involved in between the Nigerian Society of establishment of the CBA signifies that the investigation of the failure Engineers, NSE and the federal the satellite operators delivering the General Agu has rendered o f t h e f i r s t N i g e r i a n government on all space related vast majority of satellite C-band immense services to the Communications satellites matters such as research, policy f o r m u l a t i o n a n d services in the U.S. have agreed upon Engineering profession. He NIGCOMSAT-1 lost in 2009, implementation, among others. the key technical and commercial steps has over 35 technical papers and accordingly submitted its The council of the Nigerian necessary to enable commercial on a wide range of seminar report to the council which implementation of the spectrum clearing serve as the NSE's position Society of Engineers at its and lecture theme to his th process. The CBA also ensures that meeting on 10 May 2018 credit. He served on Nigerian paper on the failure of the then customer services are protected from approved the change of name Society of Engineer, NSE satellite. potential interference as new wireless from space engineering division board of fellows and several Through the committee, the services are introduced into the cleared to the Nigerian Institution of council committees. Nigerian Society of Engineers portion of the spectrum. maintained a professional Space Engineers. IN THE NEWS

Yahsat, Hughes finalise China Telecom widens its presence In Africa JV to deliver satellite broadband China Telecom's Middle have long been focusing on the Africa market and this Yahsat, a leading global satellite operator based East and Africa subsidiary The new cooperation in the UAE and wholly owned by Mubadala is establishing an inter- allows multi-national closer co-operation with Investment Company, and Hughes Network connection network and companies to subscribe to Teraco further enhances Systems, a subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation telecoms hub to support Te r a c o ' s c o l o c a t i o n our competitiveness in the announced an agreement to enter into a joint growing traffic demands at services bundled with Middle East and Africa venture to provide commercial Ka-band satellite Teraco's South African China Telecom's ICT and region.” broadband services across Africa, the Middle connectivity solutions. Teraco also offers direct East and southwest Asia. data centres. “Our customers in China access to Africa's largest I n t e r n e t e x c h a n g e This new venture combines Hughes deep C h i n a Te l e c o m h a s and the Asia-Pacific region expertise as the global leader in broadband deployed its network will now find it even more NAPAfrica. Jan Hnizdo, satellite networks and services with Yahsat's nodes in Teraco's data convenient to subscribe to director at Teraco, said: unique position and knowledge as the leader in centres in Cape Town, reliable, trusted and high- “We have been investing to satellite broadband solutions across these D u r b a n a n d quality colocation and expand our data centre regions. Johannesburg since connectivity services from facilities with additional Hughes will purchase a minority interest in the Teraco and China Telecom capacity and floor space to venture. The new venture will continue to provide 2012, which provide an inter-connecting hub Global,” said Changhai Liu, meet increasing demands unserved and underserved communities with from enterprises and from reliable, high-speed Internet services operating linking the global internet managing director of the over Yahsat's Al Yah 2 (AY2) and Al Yah 3 (AY3) into the African continent. firm's Middle-East and t h e s u r g e i n c l o u d Ka-band satellites, and leveraging the Africa division. computing uptake. capabilities of the Hughes Jupiter System, Teraco's data centre “Our relationship with designed and optimised for large scale High- services will now be “ O u r c o - o p e r a t i o n China Telecom Global Throughput Satellites (HTS).\ bundled with China immediately builds higher o p e n s u p A f r i c a n confidence among our opportunities for Chinese Hughes will also supply its proven Operating and Telecom's ICT solutions, w h i c h w i l l s u p p o r t customers, so they can content and applications, Business Support System (OSS/BSS) solutions which means a growing for comprehensive network operations and increased data traffic focus on their business management. g o i n g i n t o A f r i c a , operations and leave their n e t w o r k a n d h i g h e r Initially, the venture will focus on "direct-to- especially from Asia hosting, colocation and communications traffic in premise services" to homes and small- to Pacific IT companies i n t e r c o n n e c t i o n the African region to the medium-sized enterprises, and to community expanding there. requirements to us. We East.” centres and schools that are served under local government programmes across these regions. In parallel, there will be an increased focus on "community hotspot" solutions to make satellite- enabled broadband more accessible to many more users across the AY2 and AY3 footprint, Eutelsat signs long-term multiple-launch which currently covers more than 1 billion people. service agreement with Arianespace In addition, the venture will also aim to capitalise on the accelerating transition towards Ka-band Arianespace and Eutelsat agreements, three future o u r c o m m i t m e n t t o based backhaul and carrier solutions from Communications have E u t e l s a t s a t e l l i t e s , enhancing the efficiency of mobile network operators. our satellite programmes.” Masood M Sharif Mahmood, chief executive concluded a long-term E U T E L S A T 7 C , officer, Yahsat said: "The partnership with multiple-launch service EUTELSAT QUANTUM StéphaneIsraël, CEO of Hughes plays a significant role in Yahsat's agreement on the occasion a n d K O N N E C T, a r e Arianespace added: "We growth story and serves as an important step in of the World Satellite already scheduled for are delighted that Eutelsat achieving our vision to providing global satellite Business Week in Paris. launch on Ariane has chosen Arianespace to broadband services to individuals, communities, launch five of its upcoming governments and businesses in unserved and The agreement covers five RodolpheBelmer, CEO of satellites, in addition to the underserved communities. Yahsat's remarkable launches until 2027 and will Eutelsat Communications, three already in our order track record and experience in operating book. With this multi-launch YahClick, combined with Hughes technology provide Eutelsat with said: “We are proud to be leadership and experience, are a winning assured access to space the first operator to commit a g r e e m e n t , E u t e l s a t proposition to unlock the mass market potential with schedule flexibility at t o A r i a n e 6 . T h i s b e c o m e s t h e f i r s t of satellite broadband services across the cost effective prices. With emblematic European commercial customer for region. I am very pleased to see our longstanding this agreement, Eutelsat is programme will further Ariane 6. I would like to partnership with Hughes as a supplier over the the first commercial enhance our ability to gain extend my warm thanks to years now advance to this strategic and very customer to sign up to access to space in a timely, E u t e l s a t f o r t h e i r important joint venture for Yahsat.” Ariane 6, Arianespace's competitive and reliable confidence in Arianespace PradmanKaul, president of Hughes, said: and our Ariane 6 launch "Yahsat has been a valued customer for many next-generation launch manner. It strengthens our years, incorporating our Jupiter System and vehicle, expected to start relationship with our long- vehicle. At the same time, operating expertise into their services. This next service from 2020. s t a n d i n g p a r t n e r , their selection clearly step in our relationship is a natural evolution that Arianespace, which has shows Arianespace's ability builds on our shared commitment to connecting T h i s n e w l o n g - t e r m already been entrusted to offer our customers long- the unconnected and reflects our strategy to commitment builds on the with the launch of half of term partnerships and partner with leading providers around the world. previous contract signed by our fleet. Furthermore, it i n c r e a s i n g l y f l e x i b l e Our investment in this venture will expand our solutions.” presence in Africa, the Middle East and Eutelsat and Arianespace illustrates the key role of southwest Asia markets, where broadband in February 2013, which E u t e l s a t i n t h e demand is expected to grow exponentially in the was expanded in 2017. development of the space coming years." U n d e r t h e s e e a r l i e r sector, while underpinning

7 Fresh IXP alliances bode Casbaa Becomes the Asia Video Industry well for Africa's internet Association (AVIA)

Global non-profit organisation the Internet Society has partnered with Facebook to develop Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) throughout Africa, while IXP industry At an Extraordinary General Meeting of a n d experts Asteroid and NAPAfrica have also healthier. signed a MoU. m e m b e r s , C a s b a a o v e r w h e l m i n g l y Specifically approved the adoption of , t h e The Internet Society and Facebook will Associatio promote IXP infrastructure development, a new constitution and new name. n will be training and community engagement focused on required in order to not only support the Casbaa will now be three main expansion of existing IXPs, but increase goals: to be the number of IXPs. known as the Asia Video Industry Association the (AVIA) and have a new interlocutor "The Internet community adopted the goal f o r t h e of having at least 80% of the internet traffic mandate to represent the interests of companies video industry with and new video companies consumed in Africa being locally governments across the can innovate and grow; accessible, and only 20% sourced outside across the broader video industry. Asia Pacific region; to be and to be a leading source the continent by the year 2020,"said Dawit dedicated to reducing of insight into the video Bekele, Africa Regional Bureau Director for The principal objective of video piracy and creating i n d u s t r y t h r o u g h the Internet Society. a more sustainable publications and reports "We are getting closer to that target thanks AVIA is to make the video industry and ecosystem business environment as well as seminars and to the many activities that promote within which established conferences. interconnection and hosting in Africa and to in Asia Pacific stronger partnerships such as the one we are announcing today with Facebook.” Luxembourg Launches Business-Focused Kojo Boakye, Head, Connectivity and National Space Agency Access, Africa at Facebook, said, ""We admire the Internet Society's important The Luxembourg Space r e s e r v e d a l t e r n a t i v e work to improve connectivity in Africa by SES (Société Européenne Agency has officially investment fund, with supporting IXPsOur partnership with the des Satellites), the world's launched its operations financial backing from the Internet Society will help develop Africa's l a r g e s t c o m m e r c i a l with the goal of promoting public sector as well as IXP ecosystem by deploying resources like satellite operator. Further the further economic private investors. training and equipment to the areas where space-related services development of the Grand The Luxembourg Space they are most urgently needed. and businesses have Duchy's space industry by developed alongside SES, Fund targets an initial 100 attracting businesses, million EUR in capital, its The MoU between Asteroid and NAPAfrica and today commercial d e v e l o p i n g h u m a n goal is to provide equity was established to promote peering and space activity accounts for resources, providing funding for new space local interconnection, with an emphasis on nearly 2% of GDP, among i n n o v a t i v e f i n a n c i a l companies with ground- IXPs as an essential part of the internet the highest ratios in solutions and supporting b r e a k i n g i d e a s a n d ecosystem. Europe. educational and research In 2005, Luxembourg technology. infrastructure. Luxembourg's Deputy "We are proud to be teaming up with joined the European Prime Minister and Minister NAPAfrica to combine our competence and Space Agency as a full Under the authority of the of the Economy, Étienne experience in IXPs and peering," said m e m b e r, l a y i n g t h e Ministry of the Economy, Schneider, says: “Building Nurani Nimpuno, CCO at Asteroid. "We foundation for participation the agency is partnering o n L u x e m b o u r g ' s believe that Africa holds great potential for by the Grand Duchy's with leading national longstanding support for internet growth, but there are still real companies in ESA R&D academic, research and the space industry through challenges to solve in terms of in-country programmes and space business organisations a combination of policy, interconnection. IXPs can play a key role in exploration projects. The and communities as well programmes and funding, boosting that, and at Asteroid we want to most recent step by the as other public institutions the agency will further work play a positive role in that Ministry of the Economy within Luxembourg's encourage innovation- development. NAPAfrica with their was the launch in 2016 of extensive ecosystem of d r i v e n s p a c e amazing reputation and experience is an the initiative, positioning public- and private-sector entrepreneurship and obvious partner for us to work with.” the country as a pioneer in stakeholders. the exploration and promote this country as For more than three Europe's platform for Michele McCann, Head of Interconnection u t i l i s a t i o n o f s p a c e decades, Luxembourg has c o m m e r c i a l s p a c e and Peering at NAPAfrica, said, "Asteroid resources as a step toward been at the forefront of development and a home has a solid team of reputable IXP experts. the in-space economy of commercial and co- for cutting-edge industries. We are incredibly excited about their lean, the future. operative initiatives that Luxembourg is ready to efficient, and highly automated IXP model, To fund space innovation, have shaped a vibrant welcome, support and and we think it's a good fit in Africa. We are the Luxembourg Space s p a c e e c o n o m y. I t s assist the development of proud to be teaming up with Asteroid in Agency is establishing greatest success has been space industry players that promoting local interconnection and with other partners a the creation in 1985 of the c a n m o v e f o r w a r d peering on the continent." venture capital vehicle to government-supported be established as a together.”

8 IN THE NEWS

Yahsat launches satellite Eutelsat unveils new hybrid satellite-OTT broadband service in Ghana delivery solution Africa and Middle East leading satellite operator, Yahsat, officially launched its Eutelsat Communications broadband satellite service, YahClick, in announced the launch of Ghana. The launch announcement came during Eutelsat CIRRUS, a hybrid a press conference held at the Marriot Accra satellite-OTT delivery Hotel, along with Yahsat's partnership with s o l u t i o n , e n a b l i n g regional broadcast and Internet service broadcasters to offer a providers Comsys and Teledata was also flexible, seamless content announced .With the introduction of YahClick, Yahsat, along experience across multiple with Service Partners Comsys and Teledata, screens in a new step to intend to provide Ghana with reliable, cost- further integrate satellite effective, high-performance Internet that into the IP ecosystem. promises to usher in a new age of high-speed connectivity that enables economic and social Eutelsat CIRRUS will Measat-3b progress provide a turnkey content The addition of Yahsat's technology to Ghana's delivery solution via satellite digital landscape, is set to change the and OTT to operators enable end-users to watch proposition in the video broadband landscape. Using the Ka-band seeking to launch or video content on devices segment, which is at the powered by High Throughput Satellite (HTS) upgrade their service, such as mobile phones core of our business. It spot beam technology, YahClick's services will offering the benefits of and tablets, access will offer our customers enable communities, businesses and the rapidly deployed video multiple programmes, the best of both worlds, government to unlock their full potential and services, low operational record and rewind, and combining the efficiency achieve the level of social and economic costs, high image quality view a rich array of and reach of satellite development the nation deserves. Key verticals and consistent end-user programme information, with the convenience of expected to reap the benefits of YahClick experience. while providing business OTT. include banking and finance, mining and oil and gas. In addition to supporting these key rules management and industries, the service is also expected to Through its dual offer of usage reporting for This new hybrid benefit government supported initiatives turnkey DTH services and Eutelsat's broadcast solution is designed to especially in education and healthcare OTT multiscreen delivery, customers. facilitate the building of this new service represents “Accordingly, a content distribution u “The driving force behind the launch of YahClick a further step for Eutelsat in business. It will free up in Ghana is our desire to serve the country's the integration of satellite consumer and broadcasters to focus specific connectivity needs and deliver high- into the IP ecosystem. o n c o n t e n t a n d performance, customized satellite broadband business s u b s c r i b e r s w h i l e solutions to its businesses and communities.” Turnkey TV appetite for Eutelsat takes care of commented Farhad Khan, Chief Commercial distribution service the end-to-end logistics, Officer, Yahsat complex accompanying them in Eutelsat CIRRUS' turnkey m a i n t a i n i n g t h e i r DTH service will provide applications “YahClick is recognized as the leading satellite competitive edge in an satellite TV broadcasters broadband service in Africa thanks to its has increasingly complex with end-to-end video reliability and coverage, alongside the local environment”, said expertise and quality of customer service distribution combined with transformed G e r r y O ' S u l l i v a n , provided by our trusted service partners such as c l o u d - b a s e d s e r v i c e E x e c u t i v e V i c e Comsys and Teledata here in Ghana.” Added management. Bringing broadband President, Global TV Khan together the strengths of from a “nice to and Video of Eutelsat. Both Comsys and Teledata are leaders in traditional DTH with next- Ghana's telecommunications sector, and generation features, the have” to an RodolpheBelmer, CEO possess a solid record of delivering innovative fully integrated platform will absolute of Eutelsat, concluded: communication solutions to a wide range of deliver an enriched viewer “The launch of Eutelsat industries, NGOs, government entities, and experience through live necessity”. CIRRUS sits firmly communities channel broadcasting, within our broader c h a n n e l n u m b e r i n g , Eutelsat CIRRUS is built Comysy Ghana Business Development strategy to reinforce programme information, on an innovative roadmap Manager, KobiAhon commented: “Our goal has guaranteeing product and develop our core always been to lead in innovative solutions to content security, subscriber evolution and ensuring the video vertical. tomorrow's communication challenges in a n d s e t - t o p b o x Ghana management. delivery state-of-the-art features for viewers by By leveraging new enabling operators to technologies to deliver Yahsat launched its flagship service, YahClick, Seamless and appropriate solutions to in Africa in 2012. It was the first operator to integrate new features integrated multi- a n d m a i n t a i n a the evolving needs of introduce HTS Ka-Band satellite broadband our broadcast partners, technology to the continent through Yahsat's Al screen user competitive offer without Yah 2 satellite. Following the successful launch experience the need for support or we seek to reinforce earlier this year, and the recent commercial A multi-screen offer will technical upgrades customer proximity and loyalty and develop new readiness of the company's third satellite Al yah complement the traditional .Video at the heart growth opportunities for 3, YahClick's footprint has extended to 19 DTH broadcast service with of Eutelsat's additional markets in Africa, including Ghana. s i m u l t a n e o u s O T T our group.” streaming through a native strategy hybrid platform. It will “ E u t e l s a t C I R R U S reinforces our value 11 IN THE NEWS

RASCOM expands its Bangabandhu Satellite begins transmission presence at DE-CIX Germany B a n g l a d e s h ' s f i r s t RASCOM, a leading provider of g e o s t a t i o n a r y international capacity for telecom communication satellite carriers and it owns telecommunications Bangabandhu-I (BS-I) is set facilities and structures announced the t o s t a r t i t s m a i d e n expansion of the bandwidth of its IP- t r a n s m i s s i o n t h i s network in Germany and will start S e p t e m b e r t h r o u g h peering at the DE-CIX Internet broadcasting of South Exchanges in Dusseldorf, Hamburg and Asian Football Federation Munich. RASCOM has been using DE- (SAFF) Championship, CIX services ever since 2009. Back in according to reports. these days, in order to improve the IP network connectivity in Germany, Bangabandhu Satellite-1 is RASCOM arranged the interconnection B a n g l a d e s h ' s f i r s t with DE-CIX in Frankfurt, which is g e o s t a t i o n a r y successfully used by the company ever communications satellite. since. The development of the Today, RASCOM is present at public satellite program, known as weeks through this trial test,” engineers for next three he said years. To this end, an 18- Internet Exchanges in cities such as the “Bangabandhu Satellite Farhad Khan, Chief Commercial Officer, Yahsat Moscow, St. Petersburg, Helsinki, Launching Project,” was member team of local Stockholm, Amsterdam, New York, m a n a g e d b y t h e A s k e d a b o u t t h e engineers has been trained London, Paris, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, B a n g l a d e s h preparedness of local up. Hamburg, Munich and Kiev. Moreover, Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n satellite TV channels for Bangladesh will operate the company is partnering with many Regulatory Commission receiving the service, he said satellite from 119.1 degree Internet Exchanges, including the DE- with technical support from BCSCL engineers were east using a payload CIX, and provides its customers with the S p a c e P a r t n e r s h i p working with them to install comprising 26 Ku-Band and opportunity to directly connect to the International. the necessary equipment. 14 C-Band transponders to Internet Exchanges in every city “Some equipment regarding d e l i v e r f o c u s e d mentioned above. “We are set to broadcast the the satellite connection is t e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s “Our company is one of the carriers that SAFF Championship using needed to be installed for coverage to Bangladesh. has a strong presence at the largest BS-I through Bangladesh s w i t c h i n g o v e r t o O n e t r a n s p o n d e r i s public IX-s,” Denis Ganza, the CEO of Television (BTV),” said Dr Bangabandhu-I from other equivalent to 36 MHZ. RASCOM CJSC, comments, “The S h a h j a h a n M a h m o o d , satellite,” said the chairman. necessity of constant expanding this Chairman of Bangladesh K u - b a n d c o v e r s presence is connected with our strategy, Communication Satellite He said Thales Alenia Space, B a n g l a d e s h a n d i t s that is targeted in increasing the network C o m p a n y L i m i t e d the manufacturing company territorial area of the Bay of connectivity for the company's (BCSCL), the organization of the satellite, is yet to Bengal, India, Pakistan, customers as well as acceleration of the responsible to operate the handover the control of the Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, interconnection between the networks of satellite. two ground stations – primary I n d o n e s i a a n d t h e other Internet providers” He added: “We will provide o n e i n G a z i p u r a n d Philippines. C- band covers RascomStar is a public private feed to BTV after receiving secondary one in Rangamati, B a n g l a d e s h , I n d i a , partnership based in Mauritius with it from a private satellite TV to the BCSCL. Indonesia, the Philippines, offices in Ivory Coast and France and s t a t i o n w h i c h w i n s The 12th edition of the SAFF Myanmar, Bhutan, Nepal, with technical infrastructure in Libya and broadcasting rights for the Championship is the biennial Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Cameroon. RascomStar is responsible tournament.” international men's football P a k i s t a n , Ta j i k i s t a n , for the development implementation of The satellite is comprised of championship of South Asia K y r g y z s t a n , the first project of telecommunications by 26 Ku-band and 14 C-band organized by the SAFF and Uzbekistan,Turkmenistan, satellite dedicated to the African transponders, and was Bangladesh is hosting it from and portions of Kazakhstan. continent, under a franchise agreement manufactured by Thales September 4 to 15. The government took the with RASCOM Alenia Space on the B a n g a b a n d h u - I w a s Bangabandhu-I project in .The objective of the company is to make Spacebus 4000B2 platform successfully launched from May 2015 and assigned the universal access to telecommunications and will be operated by the the historic Launch Complex Thales Alenia by signing a services a reality and support the B a n g l a d e s h 39A at NASA's Kennedy $ 2 4 8 - m i l l i o n d e a l i n development of ICT across the continent. Communication Satellite Space Center in Florida of November the same year. RascomStar-QAF is primarily intended Company Limited. United States at 16:14 local to provide a rural telephony solution for M a h m o o d , h o w e v e r, time (02:14 BST) on May 11. The satellite has 15 years for remote areas not served by traditional termed this broadcast as Most modern rocket “Block 5” mission life span while telecom infrastructure but also to “pre-test” for commercial version of the Falcon 9 of another three years for its develop a full range of value added o p e r a t i o n s w h i l e a l l SpaceX lifted the satellite for design. The satellite will services to all African countries. previous tests required the orbit located at 119.1 offer video services for Rascom sells raw capacity in both Ku w e r e c o m p l e t e d degree east and after ten Direct-to-Home (DTH), e- and C-band for customers needing to successfully since the days of launch, it took learning, Tele-medicine, deploy their own telecommunication satellite took position into position in the desired Family Planning, Farming networks such as VSAT networks, TV the orbit. location (orbital slot). etc while voice service to contributions, GSM Backhauling, “Now, the time has come to According to the agreement, cellular backhaul and Internet access, at very attractive and move ahead . . . and we Thales Alenia Space of disaster recovery, and data competitive MHz pricing.End-to-end w o u l d o b s e r v e t h e France will handle the service for internet, SCADA, managed services. operation of BS-I in next two satellite along with local SOHO as well as business- to-business (VSAT).

12 IN THE NEWS

1st iDirect DVB-S2X Arabsat, Newtec sign new satellite services deal network launched in Newtec, a specialist satellite help us meet rising market infrastructures according to Africa c o m m u n i c a t i o n demand for high-throughput specific needs. technologies and Arab and high-performance VT iDirect has revealed that Internet Satellite Communications services, pushing the With Newtec's modems, it S o l u t i o n s , a P a n - A f r i c a n (Arabsat) have signed a boundaries of what is provides a choice of three telecommunications services provider, new agreement to launch of available today,” said Khalid r e t u r n t e c h n o l o g i e s , has launched the first iDirect DVB-S2X new High Throughput B a l k h e y o u r, C E O a t including MF-TDMA, SCPC network in Africa, which is currently live Satellite (HTS) services in Arabsat. “We chose to and Newtec's unique, across more than 300 sites in Nigeria. the Middle East and Africa. partner with Newtec after dynamic Mx-DMA which The network will allow Internet Solutions careful consideration of the combines the best qualities to expand into new markets, such as eeeThe agreement includes market. of both to provide dynamic finance and energy, delivering greater E n t e r p r i s e a n d V N O bandwidth allocation with satellite throughput efficiencies to its services, IP Trunking and We are confident that t h e h i g h e s t l e v e l o f customers. Companies will benefit from mobile backhaul for 3G and Newtec's proven expertise efficiency. cost efficiencies as they expand their 4G services will enlarge our addressable “Our Newtec Dialog platform network sites, presenting more Under the partnership, market and maximize the has a strong association opportunities for smaller companies to Arabsat will deploy a benefits of HTS to achieve with maximizing revenues to enter the market, according to the Newtec Dialog platform with highest efficiency and a c h i e v e t h e h i g h e s t release. a variety of Newtec's DVB- throughput. This helps us profitability, and with S2X Wideband modems provide the high-quality, minimized risk, especially Launched using an iDirect Universal Hub cost-effective services our w h e n b e i n g u s e d t o chassis and the iQ Desktop remote, the The specific modem used customers expect.” maximize the benefits of DVB-S2X network gives Internet for each customer will Once launched, the new H T S n e t w o r k s , ” s a i d Solutions a significant competitive depend on the market being services will use Arabsat Thomas Van den Driessche, advantage in the region as demands served, with Newtec's satellite capacity, with the CEO at Newtec. “We are from the Africa market are growing. portfolio providing vertical- initial hub expected to be proud Arabsat has chosen Internet Solutions will be equipped to specific solutions to deliver installed in Europe within the u s t o e n l a r g e i t s expand in established markets, while the best connectivity next month. Newtec Dialog addressable market and opening new vertical markets through experience for any satellite is a multiservice VSAT serve its most demanding significant efficiency gains. application platform which enables customers, building on our “The timing is advantageous as the Africa .“Expanding our partnership operators to build and adapt long-term and very valued market is growing and more enterprises with Newtec in this way will s a t e l l i t e n e t w o r k i n g partnership.” and organizations are demanding higher performing and more efficient satellite networks to enable their operations,” said VT iDirect Senior Vice President (SVP) of Global Sales John Arnold. iDirect, a subsidiary of VT Systems, is a Smallsats to accelerate M2M/IoT satcom market global leader in IP-based satellite communications providing technology that enables our 350+ partners to NSR's M2M and IoT via new smallsatconstellations either GSM or Low Power optimize their networks, differentiate and Satellite, 9th Edition report in this market is more likely Wide Area networks expand their businesses. forecasts smallsat M2M/IoT than their large LEO “Existing satcom markets constellations are set to telecom counterparts due will be unaffected by The iDirect Intelligent Platform™ allows propel market growth via low to much lower system upcoming small satellite our partners to run their entire business latency, low cost, albeit low CAPEX. constellations targeting operations more efficiently via single, ARPU, service. NSR's first Given the significantly IoT,” notes Alan Crisp, unified IP-based satellite architecture, time forecast for this lower subscription price Senior Analyst at NSR and whether it's providing core IP emerging smallsat market offered by these services, report lead author. “The applications to the enterprise or shows tremendous potential n e w m a r k e t s a n d overall effect of these new specialized services to any number of with 3.7 million M2M/IoT in- applications are expected services is to effectively diverse vertical markets. iDirect is the #1 service units projected by to open to satellite, such as grow the market pie.” name in global satellite communications 2027, representing 37% of life jackets with embedded in key industries including maritime, overall satcom terminals. satellite connectivity, or The high latency and low military/government, and oil and gas, o t h e r t r a d i t i o n a l l y bandwidth offered by such with a 62% hub market share and more A plethora of upcoming small unconnected objects. constellations limits the than a quarter million remotes installed satellite constellations such While the majority of applicability of applications worldwide. In 2007, as Astrocast, Hiber, Kepler connected IoT devices will currently using MSS iDirect Government Technologies (iGT) Communications and many connect via terrestrial satellite services. As such, was formed to drive adoption of its IP- more will target satcom means, there remains a established MSS operators based solutions in the U.S. government M2M/IoT applications with niche for low cost satcom h a v e e s t a b l i s h e d market. In 2008, iDirect Asia Pte Ltd was ARPUs set to $1 per month s e r v i c e s t o d e l i v e r partnership MoUs with established in Singapore to enhance its or even lower, resulting in uninterrupted connectivity s m a l l s a t e l l i t e value-add and responsiveness to substantial new demand for for devices operating constellations to explore customers in the Asia Pacific region. For connectivity. Additionally, outside of terrestrial opportunities for growth, m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n p l e a s e v i s i t while low ARPUs result in network footprints and given these services are www.idirect.net. relatively modest revenue move in and out of primarily complementary in opportunities, viability of terrestrial networks, be it nature

18 SPECIAL REPORT Air Vice Marshall Tommy Udoh, rtd Space asset critical to defeating insurgency in Nigeria

The Nigerian military have continued to relied on its space assets for real-time transmission of images, voice and videos across vast areas of Sambisa Forest and during Peace Keeping operations. In the view of one of the leading players, Air Vice Marshall Tommy Udoh, rtd, satellite communications will remain of vital importance to the defence of the country's vast territory, and the military will focus on harnessing space platforms for direct support of its missions.

In 2016, the President of the Republic of at the time no one knows its locations well Nigeria, Mohammed Buhari had a live as well as the state of the crew in the hostile communications with the Nigerian troops environment, says retired AVM UEdoh, a in the combat zones of the sambisa forest former Chief of Nigerian Defense Space and those on Peace Keeping in Liberia on Administration. Armed Forces Remembrance Day with the However, “While the rescue operation was aid of space assets from the Nigerian activated, the coordinate of the location Communications Satellites, NigComSat, where the jet crashed became available boosting the troops morale, Air Vice from the space assets enabling the military Picture source ADB Marshall Tommy Udoh revealed.. to know the exact location of the wreckage”, he said. Therefore, the location By providing unrivalled capabilities for of the wreckage of the Alpha jet was found, command and control in remote and thanks to the use outer space. austere environments with little or no In today's modern military environment, infrastructure, satellite communications reduced risk of casualty can now be hasCourtesy- become SpaceXa part of modern military guaranteed, thanks to the reliance on operations. all over the world. In over six space assets. For instance, an unmanned Air Vice Marshall Tommy Udoh years of Nigeria's counter insurgency aerial vehicles equipped with foliage- operations, the utility and use of space for penetrating radar can potentially scout military applications have expanded areas of interest. If suspicious activity is greatly. detected, the aerial vehicle would then camps in different time and zones. In The space assets are basically used for send global positioning system addition, with this reconnaissance, it has communications for intelligence, coordinates to unmanned vehicles on the been possible for the military to identify the surveillance, and reconnaissance, along ground or on a river, enabling the vehicles movement of the terrorists' camps from with a number of administrative and to conduct reconnaissance closer to the one locations to another, particularly when support functions, all of which relies area of interest. they are under heavy air and artillery heavily on satellite communications to help bombardment, according to Air Vice address the challenges faced by Nigerian “So far, military Marshall Tommy Udoh. armed forces.* As part of the military's own rule of operations are engagement, the receipt of these Terrestrial network infrastructures are carried out with locational information, often trigger due subject to physical limitations and simply diligence concerns to ensure that they are cannot meet the needs of certain activities. credible information not farmers or lawful occupants before To fill this gap and provide improved any onslaught. With these, if they are performance, there are multiple satellite about the within the artillery range, the military goes constellations orbiting the Earth. on to shell these locations and if they are In Nigerian North East, the significant insurgents”. not, such information is delivered to the challenge for the military is the immense As a result, vast areas could be covered by Airforce for air bombardment, says Air variety of hills, valleys and jungle terrain the unmanned systems, and personnel Vice Marshall Tommy Udoh. that is difficult to see and maneuver would be sent in only after confirmation While the military have been using through, for which is a haven for terrorist that interdiction is warranted. satellites for real time transmission of and insurgents. According to retired Air Vice Marshall images and video across the vast areas of Space assets are responsible for, among Tommy Udoh, identifying the adversaries Sambisa Forest, however, voice other things, allowing people in remote new camps, weapons and logistics have communications across the space assets locations to access the Internet, helping also been possible with the aid of military remains a key priorities of the Nigerian vessels and aircrafts operate safely, and space asset. As a military, he said, “We Armed forces. Accordingly, the military's providing the military and emergency have been using a lot of space asset” . space asset was designed to integrate services with critical communication links The Nigerian military routinely acquire with the existing UHF channels to enable during counter insurgency operations. satellite images of Sambisa forest with the seamless voice communications across Sometimes in 2014, at the peak of Boko aid of earth observation satellites. With different units, and battle fields locations. Haram insurgency, one of our Alpha Jets these images, the military have been able Particularly, during the operations in the was brought down due to bad weather and to identify the location of the adversary North East Nigeria, voice communications via narrow UHF channels from small units, 19 SPECIAL REPORT

such as patrols and Air Vice Marshall squads to connect to other Tommy V. Udoh forces bases in theatre in order to receive orders Head of Office, Airbus and call for support in the Defense and Space, form of medical support or indirect fire support have Nigeria been part of the military Air Vice Marshall Tommy Victor Udoh was capabilities. born on the 16th of February 1960, to the family of Mr and Mrs Udoh. He attended the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife where Maritime security he graduated with a BSc combined honours That Nigeria depend on in Computer Science and Economics in i m p o r t e d p e t r o l e u m 1985. Mr. Udoh proceeded to the University products is no secret, but of Ibadan where he obtained his Masters of its also not a great surprise Science, MSc in Computer Science and that pirates may target By leveraging a network of from space has also enable Strategic studies in 2009. In January 2018, energy transportation radios, commanders have the military to expose he barged A certificate in Cyber Security: chain. If there is anything been able to launch and The intersection of Policy and Technology, unwholesome practices by about the vulnerability, the coordinate an immediate from the Harvard University Executive some importers of petroleum recent case of a missing response using streaming Education, John F. Kennedy School of products into Nigeria, ship serve as an example. video which enable field Government, United States of America, according Air Vice Marshall USA. Given the Nigeria's o f f i c e r s t o a n a l y z e Tommy Udoh. His quest for further studies led him to the dependence on imported reconnaissance feeds from Armed Forces Command and Staff College, oil, an attacker on these cameras, both on the ground As one of the largest Jaji, Nigeria for his Junior and Senior imports could bring and in the air, to plan their consumers of energy in Courses and further proceeded to the significant disruption. response. In addition, with National Defense college, Nigeria for the Africa, Nigeria is faced with I n t h e m a r i t i m e text messaging: convoy strategic course. daily imports of petroleum operations, the military personnel would be able to He attended various Professional Courses, products. However, “Some relies on space asset to s e n d d e t a i l s v i a t e x t Seminars and Conferences within Nigeria importers of these products and Abroad such as United Kingdom, United support security of the messaging, limiting confusion engage in unwholesome States of America, China, Switzerland, Nigeria's territorial waters. and removing, traffic from p r a c t i c e s b y t a k i n g France, Italy, Austria, Hungary, United Arab One instance, was the voice networks. However, advantages of Nigeria's Emirates,Courtesy- Turkey SpaceX and Germany where he case of the missing ship, because the system are territorial waters, and completed the program on cyber security said Air Vice Marshall interoperable, ground forces studies at Gamisch Partenkirchen. declaring demurrage due to Udoh. are able to call for close-air Air Vice Marshall Victor udoh has their inability to discharge To a lay man, it is unheard support for a counter attack. p a r t i c i p a t e d i n v a r i o u s N a t i o n a l their products at the time of of that a ship could be Also, the radio will support Assignments which includes former arrival incurring costs running chairman, National Committee on Cyber stolen. Once the ship was reach-back capability through into millions of dollars, while Security Legislation, former Board Member, diverted from its bearing, satellite communications to in actual facts some of these National Identity Card Commission, former its locational devices were connect operational forces to ships are not within the range member, Presidential committee on the switched off so that it brigade headquarters." of our territorial waters”, he production of Master Plan and Road map for cannot be found. The the implementation opf Information and siad. ship's security alert A major challenge to the ability Communication Technology for National However, with the information system beacon was also of the military to effectively Development, , former member, committee available from our space switched off such that law- manage internal crisis using on National Integrated Infrastructural ssets, according to AVM Master Plan, former member, committee for enforcement or military the space asset is the lagging Udoh, it has became possible the design and implementation of a forces would not be investment in manpower in for the security agencies to centralized identity database for Nigeria, alerted. the armed forces. “The determine if the ships were former member, technical advisory Ordinarily, if the ship's number of space forces within our territorial waters at committee on National Research security alert system was trained each year has not Development and Innovation Council, the time of the claim. In some triggered,the rescue been enough to meet the current vice President of the Alumni instance, if such ship's coordination centers for n e e d s o f t h e m i l i t a r y Association of National Defense College, bearing were found to be at a the country code which the operations”, says AVM Udoh. Nigeria, current member of cyber security location over a period of time, advisory council, current chairman of the beacon is transmitting can With the level of challenges then the security agencies expert group of the senate committee on ICT be discreetly notified, such facing Nigeria today, in terms will commence necessary and Cyber Crime. t h a t t h e N a t i o n a l of asymmetric warfare, the investigations, said Air Vice Air Vice Marshall Tommy Udoh has authorities will dispatch need for technology to Marshall Tommy Udoh. presented about 12 papers on different appropriate forces to deal supports operation have occasion that have contributed to National with the terrorist or pirate. become very important. development. For his competence and Mobile terminals The more security agencies meritorious service to Nigeria, AVM Udoh With the aid of satellite was decorated with the awards of Forces i m a g e r y , a n d t h e Both land portable and land are trained in the use of outer Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, knowledge of the ships mobile BGAN terminals are space to support the conduct Distinguished Service Star and General specifics and dimensions, now used by the military to of operations against our Service Star. He belongs to several as well as specialized support quick response from adversaries, the more professional bodies which includes Nigeria training the military was many different unit during efficient the management of Computer Society, Computer Professional able to locate the stolen operations. These terminals the nations will become. Registration Council of Nigeria, Internet ship. provide enhanced tactical Therefore, space agencies Society of Nigeria and the Nigeria Institute of radio network capabilities, must play a key role in the Management (Chartered). In addition, monitoring and Air Vice Marshall Victor Tommy Udoh s u r v e i l l a n c e o f t h e providing beyond-line-of- peaceful use of outer space voluntary retired as Air Vice Marshall in maritime environment s i g h t ( B L O S ) within the ambit of the outer 2017. communications. space treaty, he said.

20 SPECIAL REPORT

Enhancing the roles of security agencies in the use of outer space The more security agencies depend on the outer space, the more efficient it will be to protect her people and critical infrastructure. Air Vice Marshall Tommy Udoh, rtd, argues that peaceful uses of outer space also include its applications in security and defence, advising security agencies, especially the military to play active role in the Peaceful Uses of the outer space within the ambit of the international law as stipulated by the United Nations.

In any nation, the need to protect lives consequence. This is against the security in the nation. The forward and property as well as safety of border backdrop that the use of space looking , non-intrusive nature and the lines and maritime environment is a technologies especially for military vantage position (high ground) space major responsibility and concern of purposes has presented considerable offers, makes it a viable tool for security government. In recent times, threats challenges among nations particularly agencies that employ them to observe, have become sophisticated and diverse during the cold war era. These communicate, and explore any area on thereby making them difficult to detect apprehensions notwithstanding, the use earth. and contained using conventional of the outer space for security means. applications has become a necessary The multiplicity of players in the space Threats are increasingly becoming tool in combating emerging threats. industry and Nigeria's foray into space asymmetric in nature. These asymmetric has made space products and services challenges manifest in te4rms of Fundamentally, it presupposes that the readily available for the Nigerian security terrorism which seam to have to have military and security agencies' use of agencies. The guiding principle therefore taken the wind off the sail conventional space is largely for peaceful purposes is that these security agencies would warfare. Terrorism has threatened the making sure that the space is not exploits, explore and utilize space soveignty and territorial authority of weaponised. However, the actions of products and services in keeping with many nation states today. certain nations in their space activities the dictates of the UNCOPUOS and The ease of radicalization, recruitment has cast a gloomy shadow on the within the ambits of space Laws and and access to funds has facilitated the possibility of continued and sustained other international laws and obligations. rapid emergence of terrorists and violent peaceful exploitation and exploration of ideological groups that haver developed space for the common good of The meaning of peaceful mankind.. Consequently, the United military and strategic arsenals that purpose threaten the internal security of nation- Nations UN, enacted the outer space Of vital importance is to determine the states and their citizens. Treaty of 1967 and the Moon agreement of 1979 to clearly outlaw the placing of military activities that may be considered within the conditioning phrase “for It has thus become imperative for weaponries in space. Accordingly, a peaceful purposes”. security agencies to embrace and committee on peaceful use of outer space (UNCOPUOS), was set up to The national security of a state dictates employ modern technologies to I emphasize the UN space treaties. that space systems available to them be overcome these security challenges, use to enhance military readiness and particularly outer space technologies. It Globally, however, it is permissible for capability. These may include passive is therefore hardly surprising that in many nations to use satellites as non-intrusive systems for navigation, weather advanced nations, security agencies are space assets in such areas like early forecasting, communication, mapping at the forefront of leveraging the outer warning, intelligence, surveillance, and geodetic measurement, nuclear space to enhance security. It is reconnaissance, global navigation, explosive detection and monitoring, noteworthy that many satellites launched w i r e l e s s c o m m u n i c a t i o n s a n d ballistic missile early warning, photo by Russia and the United States of meteorology amongst others. The reconnaissance and surveillance for America are presumed to be used for concept of dual use of space arms control treaty monitoring. security purposes. These include (civil/military) is also permissible as a satellites for image reconnaissance, force multiplier to enhance modern The maintenance of international peace e a r l y w a r n i n g s , e l e c t r o n i c warfare. This was clearly demonstrated and security also has required forces in reconnaissance, communications and by the USA during the4 first and second being, fully armed as a deterrent and for positioning among nations. Gulf wars. defence against attack by a hostile From the aforementioned, it is the foreign power. Such ready forces are inalienable right of sovereign states to Nigeria is currently facing many recognized as “non aggressive” develop outer space technologies for challenges which include terrorism, consistent with international law and the various purposes, particularly for kidnaping, pipeline vandalisation, security. Ordinarily, space technologies porous border and maritime security UN Charter. in themselves represent the noble challenges are getting more sophistated achievements of mankind. However, band advanced by the day. issues begin to arise when the line This obviously makes the orthodox or Military use of outer space between peaceful civil use and hostile traditional methods of detecting and Article IV OST military applications of such technologies curbing these security challenges The outer space treaty OST, with stated become obsolete, inefficient, and ineffective. It is exemptions, permit the military use of therefore crucial for the Nigeria security space. Article IV of the OST recites an agencies to further leverage space “undertaking” of states' parties to the blurred and having some attendant technology to enhance peace and treaty, not to place in the earth orbit

21 SPECIAL REPORT

“objects carrying nuclear weapons or any International Space Station (ISS) was the physical results of fighting in outer other kinds of weapons of mass most recently forced to execute an evasive space—especially space debris, destruction (WMD), install such weapons maneuver in November 2014 when it which can destroy civil and on celestial bodies, or station such found itself in the path of a piece of debris commercial space infrastructure such weapons in outer space in any other 14 centimeters in diameter. Since 1999, as satellites. manner. the ISS has had to undertake such evasive It must be noted that only “Nuclear maneuvers 21 times, including 5 in 2014 The outer space treaty, OST was weapons” or WMD are prohibited and that alone.. incorporated in 1967 to preclude a general prohibition of military weapons The militarization of space is the claims of sovereignty in space and was not intended. placement and development of weaponry possible resultant conflicts as has and military technology in outer space. occurred on earth in contentions over The second paragraph of the Article IV of Outer space is allowed to be used as an “effective occupation” of newly the OST does impose some additional operating location for military spacecraft discovered territory, the OST enumerated constraint on military on the such as imaging and communications expressly recites that “outer space” moon and other celestial bodies. It satellites, and some ballistic missiles pass including the moon and other celestial expressly forbids the establishment of through outer space during their flight. bodies, is not subject to national military bases, installation and Today, militaries all over the world rely on appropriation by claim of sovereignty, fortifications, the testing of any type of satellites for command and control, by means of use of occupation or by weapons and the conduct of military communication, monitoring, early any other means. Further, outer space maneuvers. warning, and navigation with the Global is to be “free for exploration” and use Positioning System. Therefore, “peaceful by all States without discrimination of However, the use of military personnel or uses” of outer space include military uses. any kind. However, the exploration of any equipment or necessary facilities for However, militarization of outer space is a and use of outer space must be “in peaceful purpose on the moon or other threat to the peaceful use of outer space. accordance with international law, celestial bodies is expressly recognized. including the Charter of the United Weaponization of outer space is generally Nations, in the interest of maintaining Globally, it is permissible for satellites and understood to refer to the placement in international peace and security and other space assets to be used for defence orbit (outer space) or on heavenly bodies promoting international cooperation and national security measures such as of space based devices that have a and understanding. early warning and ISR. Military space destructive capacity as well as creating As the Cold War began, fear of Outer applications also extend to dual weapons that will transit outer space or Space being used for military (civil/military) procedure in rocketry, space simply travel from Earth to attack or purposes spread through the transport and propulsion, space destroy targets in space. international community. This led to exploration (manned/unmanned) for Many experts argue that ground-based the creation of multiple organizations strategic purposes, deterrence and systems designed or used to attack space- with the intent of governing how outer national prestige. Some of the key baCourtesy-sed asse SpaceXts also constitute space space can be used in order to assure it advantages of space to military operations weapons, though are not technically part does not become the next frontier for include freedom of operation, battlefield of the “weaponization of outer space” conflict. Transparency, persistent over watch and since they are not placed in orbit. Some The United Nations Committee on the deterrence. also argue that weapons that travel Peaceful Uses of Outer Space through space in order to reach their (COPUOS) was established in 1959 targets, such as hypersonic technology by United Nations resolution 1472 Threats to the peaceful use of vehicles, also contribute to the (XIV) (shortly after the launch of weaponization of space. Sputnik) as an ad hoc committee.. outer space Currently there are no known weapons The mission of COPUOS is "to review deployed in space, however, the US has the scope of international cooperation Interestingly, despite the Outer Space invested in developing potential in peaceful uses of outer space, to Treaty of 1967, the USA and China have technologies, and both China (2007) and devise programmes in this field to be shot down their satellites in 2007 and 2008 the US (2008) have demonstrated anti- undertaken under United Nations respectively; a situation that might satellite capabilities. auspices, to encourage continued encourage other space exploiting nations research and the dissemination of like India, Japan, Israel, and France to information on outer space matters, follow suit. Additionally, observations of In response to the potential threats of and to study legal problems arising a Russian satellite executing unusual space weaponization, as well as from the exploration of outer space." maneuvers in November 2014, suggest perceived ballistic missile threats, the US The COPOUS is the forum for the that the introduction of orbital weapons is also developing a ballistic missile development of international space capabilities, preparations for space-based defense shield. While missile defense is law. The Committee has concluded warfare, and a new arms race in space presented as a defense of American and five international treaties and five sets may not be ruled out in a foreseeable allied territories against a limited missile of principles on space-related future. attack, it is in reality one more step towards activities.` Due to the advancement in technology, full spectrum dominance. Missile defence Globally, it is permissible for satellites satellite technology has become available allows countries to develop offensive and other space assets to be used for to smaller nations, commercial outfits and technologies under the pretense of defence and national security even individuals. This has made the defense. There are many reasons to be measures such as early warning and access to outer space increasingly concerned about the development of ISR. “democratized”. Miniature satellites now missile defence and space weapon Military space applications also extend litter the Low Earth Orbit thereby technology, including the increased to dual (civil/military) procedure in becoming hazard to other satellite. These conventional military dominance by the rocketry, space transport and “Space Junk” have become major threats US, the vast waste of resources that propulsion, space exploration to satellites and the more objects there are accompanies any arms build-up, whether (manned/unmanned) for strategic in space, the more the risk. The it's a race or an asymmetrical surge, and purposes, deterrence and national prestige. Some of the key advantages 22 of space to military operations include Freedom of Operation, Battlefield Transparency, Persistent Over watch and deterrence Therefore, meeting the challenges of coming decades in the face of current security challenges like terrorism will require substantial investment in technology as well as R & D. To this end, security agencies must be transformed to be far more effective as well as capable to react to the unexpected quickly, appropriately and effectively. The more security agencies depend on the Outer Space, the more efficient it will be to protect her people and critical infrastructure. Therefore Security Agencies, especially the military, should play an active role in the Peaceful Uses of the Outer Space within the ambit of the international law as stipulated by the United Nations REPORT

Earth-Observation Applications of Navigation Satellites

The development of Earth-observation The spaceborne applications atmosphere, this technique uses radio techniques based on the use of navigation Earth-science applications are no signals passing through the atmosphere in signals can be traced back to the use of longer limited to the exploitation of a so-called 'limb-sounding geometry' to GPS in geodetic applications to provide ground receiver data. If a high-quality sense atmospheric properties. astonishing precision, such as the receiver is installed on a satellite in low determination to within a few centimetres Earth orbit, it is possible to determine When applied to the Earth, it can provide of the relative positions of points on the that satellite's orbit to an accuracy of a data of great value for meteorology and Earth's surface separated by several few centimetres with respect to a climatology, particularly because of thousand kilometres. This ultra-precise network of ground receivers. The flying itsexcellent geographical coverage, positioning of fixed GPS receivers is now receiver can measure very precisely accuracy, vertical resolution and all routinely used as a tool for studying the and continuously the changes in the weather capability. dynamics of the Earth's crust especially distances to several transmitters. From plate tectonics.. these data, it is possible in a ground- Our understanding of the Earth's In the course of the development of the processing step to reconstitute both the atmosphere and our capabilities for related models and data-analysis satellite trajectory and various modelling and forecasting its changes are techniques, new geophysical applications geophysical parameters, such as the currently hampered by our limited have emerged. Meticulous modelling variations in the Earth's gravity field. knowledge of the temperature and work has shown how phenomena that humidity fields. Reliable weather forecasts were initially considered as measurement The performance of the technique has require an accurate description of the initial perturbations for the original application been demonstrated on the US-French state of the atmosphere, because small can later become the observations of Topex-Poseidon mission dedicated to initialstate errors can grow rapidly in the interest for new applications. For geodetic ocean altimetry, where an accuracy of forecast. On longer time scales, climate positioning, the presence of water vapour 2–3 cm has been achieved for the models predict a global surface (humidity) along the signal propagation satellite height. The concept can be temperature increase of about 1 K (1°C) path in the troposphere (Fig. 1) is an considered an extension of that of over the next 20 to 30 years, accompanied unavoidable nuisance, because it causes geodetic positioning of ground by an increase in humidity and a cooling in a propagation delay equivalent to a receivers: the orbit of a satellite is very the upper part of the atmosphere, namely significant additional path (~ 0.4 m in smooth and highly predictable (unless the stratosphere, extending from about 15 humid regions). On the other hand, it is the satellite is manoeuvring or in a re- to 50 km height. Climate studies depend possible to derive this water-vapour entry phase!) and this allows the critically on the availability of accurate content to about 1 kg/km2 from the excess o r b i t i n g r e c e i v e r t o p r o v i d e observations of long-term consistency, path estimates, which can be determined measurements of the same quality as which is what the radio-occultation via the geodetic analysis with about 1 mm the ground receivers. measurements from navigation satellites accuracy. can provide. Optimal estimation techniques are As navigation signals pass through the This provides an opportunity to acquire applied in the ground-processing step atmosphere, either through a descending data that are useful, for instance, for and also provide estimates of orbit propagation path (so-called 'set event') or detecting weather fronts in the regions perturbations of a geophysical nature. an ascending one ('rise event') when where the receivers are deployed and, The technique will therefore be used in observed by an orbiting instrument, they more generally, for improving weather future missions aimed at improving our are retarded and refracted (bent) through forecasts if the information is properly knowledge of the Earth's gravity field, an angle determined by the gradients of processed in numerical weather- such as the Gravity and Steady-state refractivity along the path, as depicted in prediction systems. Several regional and Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) Figure 3. The main refraction effect is global networks of ground GPS receivers selected in October 1999 as the first caused by the vertical gradient of are in place today providing data for both ESA Core Earth Explorer mission for refractivity in the lowest atmospheric layer geodetic and meteorological applications. launch in 2005. Several other altimetry crossed by the path. The effect results in and landtopography mapping missions an excess path and in a decrease in the Additional information is provided by the also rely on GPS-based precise orbit observed signal Doppler shift compared to correction for ionospheric effects realised determination. a path in vacuum. The path can be with the reception of navigation signals at Active atmospheric sounding precisely determined from the phase and two frequencies (the ionosphere is a amplitude measurements of the received dispersive medium and so the by radio occultation signals and used to determine the propagation paths depend on frequency). The exploitation of the radio-occultation refraction-angle profile through a rise or The information retrieved is the total technique using navigation signals as set event. The refractivity gradients content of electrons along the the transmitters of opportunity probably depend on the gradients of air density (and propagation path in the ionosphere. This represents the most important ultimately temperature), humidity and is used in various space and ground development for the Earth sciences. electron content. In the region above about applications, as well as in studies of Well-known in Solar System missions 8 k m ( u p p e r t r o p o s p h e r e a n d ionospheric dynamics. where it has been applied since 1964 stratosphere, up to 40 – 50 km), the with the first observations of Mars'

24 SPECIAL REPORT

humidity is negligible and the refractivity is The atmospheric parameters of interest atmosphere with sizes below 100 m. All due mainly to vertical temperature are linked by a simple mathematical of the retrieval methods have been gradients, so that temperature profiles can relation to the refraction index, which verified by means of the end-to-end be retrieved. enables one to reconstitute them with the performance simulation software help of the known gas and hydrostatic mentioned and will be used in the data The first proposal to use GPS signals for equilibrium laws. processing for forthcoming missions. radio occultation measurements was Other studies have addressed the advanced by Russian scientists in 1987, The refraction-angle profiles can also be accuracy of the GPS/MET retrievals shortly followed by a US proposal that led to used directly in numerical weather- compared with other sensors, e.g. a proof-of-concept with the GPS/MET prediction models in order to combine r a d i o s o n d e s p r o v i d i n g i n - s i t u experiment launched in April 1995 on the t h e m w i t h o t h e r a t m o s p h e r i c measurements of comparable accuracy, MicroLab-1 small satellite. Following measurements in an optimal estimation and with various weather-prediction extensive GPS/MET data analysis and approach, which is routinely done in models. The results show that research into the retrieval process, a operational meteorology. These temperature errors are below or close to significant part of which was conducted in prediction models can provide 1 K, although the comparison Europe through ESA studies, it is now temperature estimates with good becomes difficult for regions where the widely accepted that radio occultation with accuracy (2 – 3 K) over the humid regions, errors of existing sensors and models navigation signals can provide useful where radio-occultation data can are above this value. This is the case for profiles of density, pressure and therefore be used to retrieve humidity with a large part of the Southern temperature in the middle atmosphere and about a 10 – 20% accuracy. Hemisphere, where the limitations in the the colder troposphere, as well as humidity existing data are particularly strong. profiles in the tropical and midlatitude The profile has been generated with a regions of the troposphere. complex software simulator developed under an ESA study in order to analyse Instrument development The features that make this technique so the end-to-end performance of the Navigation sensors, even if space- interesting for meteorology and climate technique, and currently in use at various qualified, cannot be used as instruments studies include the global coverage (about European institutes and companies. The for the applications described, since 1000 profiles per day can be obtained for total refraction angle reaches about 1 deg substantially higher performances and each instrument on a polar low Earth orbiter, at grazing incidence and can be different modes of operation are with 48 navigation satellites), the all- determined from the data to an accuracy needed. For this reason, the weather capability (no blockage by clouds, of better than 0.01% of a degree. Because development of suitable instruments unlike classical satellite sounders), the high of the limb-sounding geometry, the was initiated in 1994 within ESA's Earth vertical resolution (varying from some 1.5 h o r i z o n t a l r e s o l u t i o n o f t h e Observation Preparatory Programme. km in the stratosphere to some 0.2 km in the measurements is between 100 and 300 Relevant differences with respect to troposphere), the retrieved temperature km, which is sufficient considering the navigation equipment include: a larger accuracy (about 1 K up to 35 km), and the atmosphere's stratified structure and number of receiving channels, since longterm consistency. This latter quality assuming proper data treatment in both positioning and sounding must be stems from the fact that the measurements weather and climate models. supported; low-noise measurements at are essentially time-interval observations, Often the geometric (ray) optics high data rates; an ultra-stable which can be referred to fundamental description is no longer valid in humid oscillator; high-gain beam-shaped metrological standards regions, because the complex geometry antennas, to compensate for losses (atomic time). of the humidity field can cause rapid i n c u r r e d i n t h e a t m o s p h e r i c In addition to measuring the precise phase fluctuations in refractivity. Such propagation; improved sensitivity to and amplitude of the carrier signal from fluctuations cause multiple propagation observe the weak signals during a each navigation satellite occulted by the paths and significant diffraction effects. In tropospheric occultation,including a so- atmosphere, the instrument also measures this case, the probed region behaves like called 'openloop' mode where an other signals that do not cross the a focusing rather than a defocussing lens, onboard atmospheric model aids the atmosphere so as to determine precisely its and the sensor measures a rapidly instrument operation when closed-loop own velocity and position. These are varying signal. In terms of rays, it is as if phase locking of the signal is no longer needed to compute the (large) Doppler shift the instrument is measuring the result of possible. The GNSS Receiver for caused by orbital motion and derive the the interference of an unknown number of Atmospheric Sounding (GRAS) has excess Doppler caused by the propagation rays. b e e n d e v e l o p e d t o p r o v i d e in the atmosphere. The required accuracy, To handle such effects correctly, the data radiooccultation measurements in an particularly for the along-path velocity processing must be based on wave optics operational way. Initially proposed in component, is high (order 0.1 mm/s), which (physical optics). A satisfactory method 1996 as the instrument for a prospective makes it mandatory to use differential has been elaborated in the course of constellation of micro-satellites It is positioning techniques, supported by a various studies, based on the concept worth mentioning that the experience global ground network of receivers. that the rays can be 'disentangled' by gained with GRAS has also given The use of differential techniques also propagating the received signal European industry the opportunity to win allows the correction of transmitter and backwards until it is reconstructed on a important development contracts for receiver oscillator errors, which might virtual surface where the effects are similar sensors in the US market. otherwise be confused with the atmospheric negligible. Once this is achieved, the Recently, additional activities have been contribution. When the gradients of retrieval can be carried out as before, started to develop a miniaturised version refractivity in the atmosphere are small over starting with the derivation of the excess of GRAS for the Atmospheric Climate spatial scales of the order of the signal Doppler shift. Experiment (ACE) mission, selected in wavelength (0.2 m), the processing can be The method requires one to measure also 1999 as a potential Earth Explorer based on geometric optics, so that the the amplitude of the received signal. An Opportunity mission and currently being propagation paths can be treated as well added advantage of the method is that it studied at Phase-A level, as well as for ocalised rays. The excess-Doppler profile allows the vertical resolution to be other flight opportunities. can be transformed into a refraction-angle sharpened further and makes it possible P. Silvestrin, is of ESA Directorate of Application , The Netherlands profile, which in turn enables one to derive a to observe vertical features in the refractionindex profile. 25 26

IN THE NEWS ASIA

SpaceX successfully throughput, highly flexible, state-of-the- the region is creating a boom in the cyber- art satellite that will provide a significant security industry, which is worth $11.4bn launches Telstar competitive advantage to customers and is expected to double in size by 2022, satellite into Orbit serving the demanding requirements of according to consultants Fircroft. broadcast, enterprise and government The level of protection against external SpaceX carrying Canada's Telstar 18 users throughout Asia ,” stated Dan cyber-attackers was assessed as Vantage communication satellite has Goldberg, Telesat's President and CEO extremely low for 43 per cent of launched its Falcon 9 rocket from Cape in a press release. companies, which may result in an Canaveral, Florida. increase in attacks, according to a report As announced by Telesat global satellite Telesat's satellite was carried to orbit by released by Kaspersky Lab in Moscow. operator, the Telstar 18 VANTAGE is SpaceX's powerful and reusable Falcon About 73 per cent of perimeter breaches designed to expand the company's global 9 rocket using a new Block 5 were achieved by penetrating vulnerable coverage to the Pacific Ocean region, as configuration and deployed into orbit 32 web applications, according to the survey, well as China, Mongolia, and Southeast minutes after the rocket's liftoff. Heaviest which evaluates data collected from Asia. communications satellite launched into Middle East enterprises. “Telstar 18 VANTAGE is a high orbit throughput, highly flexible, state-of-the- SpaceX's rocket return trip ended on the More than 40 per cent of all industrial art satellite that will provide a significant "Of Course I Still Love You" drone ship control system computers globally competitive advantage to customers somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean, after protected by Kaspersky Lab solutions serving the demanding requirements of this year's 16th flight, with only the were attacked by malicious software at broadcast, enterprise and government rocket's first stage being recovered. least once during the first half of the year. users throughout Asia ,” stated Dan The liftoff was not without incidents as it Tata Communications has invested Goldberg, Telesat's President and CEO in was delayed because of rain and a cloud $250m in the region, whose share is 7 per a press release. ceiling. Luckily, SpaceX did not have to cent in the global sales revenue, in the Telesat's satellite was carried to orbit by use the backup launch window set for past eight years. SpaceX's powerful and reusable Falcon 9 Monday, at 11:28 PM ET. rocket using a new Block 5 configuration The “majority of this investment is made in and deployed into orbit 32 minutes after According to Mashable, the Telstar 18 the Middle East, nearly 70 per cent, and it t h e r o c k e t ' s l i f t o f f . H e a v i e s t VANTAGE is the most massive spans multiple services”, said Mr communications satellite launched into communications satellite ever launched Moussalli. “There is ongoing investment orbit at 15,564 pounds (7,060 kilograms), in various resources including SpaceX's rocket return trip ended on the surpassing the previous record held by employees, offices, technology and "Of Course I Still Love You" drone ship its brother, the Telstar 19V launched in training ... digital transformation is somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean, after July. happening at different pace in different this year's 16th flight, with only the rocket's The Telstar 18 VANTAGE satellite is countries. And with more services moving first stage being recovered. jointly operated by Hong Kong's APT to the cloud, security becomes an The liftoff was not without incidents as it S a t e l l i t e C o . a n d t h e important element offering good scope in was delayed because of rain and a cloud telecommunications company Telesat this region.” ceiling. Luckily, SpaceX did not have to from Canada, and is designed to provide use the backup launch window set for an electrical output of approximately 14 Tata Communications, based in India, has Monday, at 11:28 PM ET. kW and to stay on orbit for at least the its regional headquarters in Dubai, which According to Mashable, the Telstar 18 next 15 years. it considers a top priority market and VANTAGE is the most massive employs nearly 70 professionals in the communications satellite ever launched Tata Communications emirates. at 15,564 pounds (7,060 kilograms), surpassing the previous record held by its opens cyber-security “Dubai is a perfect place from a platform brother, the Telstar 19V launched in July. centre in Dubai perspective. When we put all business The Telstar 18 VANTAGE satellite is jointly elements together, Dubai qualifies to be operated by Hong Kong's APT Satellite our top priority,” said Mr Moussalli. Tata Communications, a digital Co. and the telecommunications Tata Communications has more than 50 infrastructure provider with operations in company Telesat from Canada, and is partners in the region and is working with nearly 240 countries, opened an designed to provide an electrical output of telecoms operators such as Etisalat, advanced cyber-security operations approximately 14 kW and to stay on orbit Turkcell in Turkey, STC in Saudi Arabia, centre in Dubai as part of the company's for at least the next 15 years. Batelco in Bahrain and SimbaNet in wider push in the region. Kenya. Accordingly, “We will be spending $50 Managing cloud security and digital SpaceX successfully million [Dh2.14 billion] in cyber-security infrastructure is one of the main mediums globally by 2020 and our region's share launches Telstar satellite of growth for the Indian company, which is will be up to 20 per cent, which I consider growing 33 per cent year-over-year. into Orbit quite sizeable,” said RadwanMoussalli, senior vice president, Middle East, SpaceX carrying Canada's Telstar 18 Its global network includes one of the Central Asia & Africa at Tata Vantage communication satellite has largest submarine cable connectivity to Communications. launched its Falcon 9 rocket from Cape more than 240 countries. A submarine Canaveral, Florida. cable is laid on the seabed between land- The 12-seat Dubai centre, which was b a s e d s t a t i o n s t o c a r r y opened on Thursday, will provide cyber- According to the global satellite operator, telecommunication signals across security services to the GCC nations. the Telstar 18 VANTAGE is designed to stretches of water bodies. About 90 per Tata Communications has two posts in expand the company's global coverage to cent of global data is transmitted by wires India, one in Singapore and plans to roll the Pacific Ocean region, as well as at the bottom of the sea. China, Mongolia, and Southeast Asia. out another in Saudi Arabia in October. The high incidence of cyber-attacks in “Telstar 18 VANTAGE is a high “We have invested in setting up hubs in 28 IN THE NEWS ASIA different countries in partnership with Thaicom and and deploying services on the ground to licensed local partners. We buy capacity mitigate the digital divide in the Asia Pacific, from local players and connect them with Bangladesh as with IPSTAR we were the first company customers, spread across five worldwide to launch a high-throughput continents, who want to connect with this Communication satellite back in 2005." part of the world and vice versa,” said Mr Satellite Company Sign Moussalli. Patompob (Nile) Suwansiri, CCO of Consulting Contract T h a i c o m , a d d e d : “ T h e c o n t r a c t Beyond the Middle East, Tata demonstrates Thaicom's ability to provide a Communications is focused on Africa, Thaicom Public Company Limited, a broad range of commercial services to where it considers Kenya, Uganda, leading Asian satellite operator and support governments and corporates in Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania as provider of integrated satellite end-to- their development and implementation of technology hubs. end solutions, and Bangladesh complex satellite programs. BCSCL can “We have a plan to open a SOC in Kenya Communication Satellite Company draw upon our vast experience in that will also serve Uganda and Limited, a Bangladesh Government developing markets and providing cost- Tanzania. We are helping the owned satellite operator, announce the effective satellite communication services communities to protect their data. signing of a multi-year consultancy on an end-to-end basis. Thaicom has been Because if we don't protect it, then the service agreement. involved in various projects and aspects of entire journey of digital transformation satellite infrastructure and business will slow down,” said Mr Moussalli. Under the agreement, Thaicom will development in Asia and Africa in the last 20 provide BCSCL comprehensive years.” Singtel, KVH aim to business and market development APSTAR-5c satellite services for the Bangabandhu Satellite- digitalize APAC's 1, the first ever geostationary satellite of successful launched maritime sector Bangladesh that was successfully The Board of Directors APT Satellite launched on 11 May 2018. Holdings Limited has announced that APSTAR-5C Satellite was successfully Singtel has announced a new The contract is a next critical step in the launched by the SpaceX Falcon 9 to the partnership with global satellite and national objective to narrow the digital designated geostationary transfer orbit on maritime communications provider KVH divide and promote the digitalization 10 September 2018. Following the launch, Industries to accelerate the digitalization process in Bangladesh. The satellite multiple orbit raising operations will be of the maritime sector in Asia-Pacific. program will enable the country to fulfil conducted to put satellite into the The companies will jointly provide a its demand of satellite related services geostationary orbit where the in-orbit test broadband satellite service with KVH's by itself and will introduce broadcasting will be performed to ensure that the satellite mini-VSAT Broadband satellite and telecommunication services to rural performance conforms to the expected connectivity solution for shipping areas of Bangladesh and other design. companies in the region. countries in Asia. The Bangabandhu APSTAR-5C is the replacement satellite for Singtel will provide its maritime Satellite-1 will also support rescue APSTAR-5 for maintaining business customers with KVH's product and operations in the aftermath of disasters. continuity and reliable services for the service offerings, including a customers of APSTAR-5. It is a subscription-based connectivity Md Saiful Islam, Managing Director of geostationary communication satellite and solutions. Bangladesh Communication Satellite will be located at 138 degree East orbital Company Limited (BCSCL), said: "We slot. Comparing to APSTAR-5, APSTAR-5C The mini-VSAT Broadband service is are pleased to partner with Thaicom in carries more transponders and further designed to facilitate the use of digital order to develop our Bangabandhu expanded the coverage, including a high- solutions for purposes including satellite program and future markets. throughput satellite capacities covering the improving operational efficiency, crew The Bangabandhu satellite system Southeast Asia region. With wider welfare, and onboard safety. represents an opportunity for our Nation coverage, greater capacity and more It can be used to collate real-time data to provide advanced communications powerful function, APSTAR-5C is able to about engine performance from onboard and broadcasting access including high- satisfy future market demand so as to sensors, obtain information about speed internet and direct-to-home maintain the competitive edge of the Group. weather patterns and sea currents to broadcasting services for both the determine the most fuel-efficient routes, citizens of Bangladesh and the people in Arianespace to launch and allow onshore operational staff to other Asian countries in a cost-effective keep track of the status of cargo. manner. Our partnership with Thaicom Thailand's THEOS-2 demonstrates a key step in our Arianespace has announced that it will orbit “With 90% of the world's trade carried by commitment to increasing economic THEOS-2, the very-high-resolution Earth seaborne vessels, it is imperative for the growth, and enhancing the quality of life observation optical satellite for Thailand, shipping industry to adopt innovative for all Bangladeshi citizens through under the terms of a turnkey contract technologies in order to operate more n a t i o n w i d e a c c e s s t o between Airbus Defence and Space and the efficiently,” Singtel head of satellite Ng telecommunications.” Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Kheng Ghee said. Development Agency of Thailand Anant Kaewruamvongs, CEO of (GISTDA). “This service provides an accessible Thaicom, stated: "We are proud to be Using a Vega or Vega C rocket, this Earth high-speed broadband connectivity that able to participate in this historical observation mission will be conducted from enables digital technologies such as the milestone for Bangladesh and to have the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Internet of Things (IoT), cloud and data been selected to assist the country in the Guiana, from 2021. analytics to be deployed onboard ships.” business and market development of its THEOS-2 is a very-high-resolution Earth Bangabandhu Satellite-1 in several observation optical satellite, part of the Asian countries. Thaicom has many next-generation national geo-information years of experience and expertise in system provided by Airbus Defence and developing complex satellite programs Space to support the Kingdom of Thailand's

29 IN THE NEWS ASIA key development priorities. This end-to- the dynamic Earth observation market.” launch of Telstar 18 VANTAGE and for end system will make Thailand one of their dedication and professionalism the few nations in the world able to fully Telesat Successfully throughout this mission.” exploit geo-information for societal Launches Telstar 18 benefits. SpaceX successfully launched Telstar 18 VANTAGE, Powerful VANTAGE to Geostationary Transfer As an optical satellite system delivering Satellite Bringing New Orbit (GTO) aboard a new Falcon 9 0.5-meter ground resolution imagery, rocket. Liftoff was from Space Launch THEOS-2 is based on Airbus' innovative, Coverages and HTS Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force flight-proven AstroBus-S platform. It will Capacity to the Asia Station. Shortly after liftoff, Telesat's secure the service continuity of THEOS- newest satellite with a launch mass of 1, an Airbus-built satellite launched in Pacific 7,011 kg was deployed from the Falcon 9. 2008, which continues to deliver high- Telstar 18 VANTAGE is expected to enter quality imagery five years after its Telesat announced the successful launch of commercial service after it has expected end of life. With the AstroBus-S its new Telstar 18 VANTAGE high successfully completed orbit raising and satellite, Thailand is joining a small circle throughput satellite (HTS) aboard a comprehensive in-orbit testing. As of nations with sovereign access to very SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Liftoff occurred on previously announced, Telesat has h i g h - r e s o l u t i o n g e o s t r a t e g i c Monday, September 10th, from Cape partnered with APT Satellite of Hong information. Canaveral Air Force Station. Built by SSL, a Kong in the design and procurement of Maxar Technologies Company, Telstar 18 this new spacecraft, which APT calls Built by Airbus Defence and Space, VANTAGE is the third HTS in Telesat's Apstar-5C. The satellite has a 15 year THEOS-2 will weigh about 450 kg. at global fleet with capacity that delivers a new design life. launch and is designed for a nominal level of performance and value for satellite service life of at least 10 years once broadband requirements on land, at sea injected into a sun-synchronous orbit at and in the air. Indian rocket orbits approximately 620 km. British Earth-imaging Telstar 18 VANTAGE will replace and The light-lift Vega and Vega C are both expand on the capabilities of Telesat's satellites part of the Arianespace's family of Telstar 18 satellite with its extensive C-band An Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle launch vehicles, alongside the heavy-lift capacity over Asia, its Ku-band HTS spot has lifted off with the NovaSAR 1 and Ariane 5 and the medium-lift Soyuz, beams over Indonesia and Malaysia, and SSTL S1-4 satellites on-board. Credit: operated from the Guiana Space Center. its five additional regional Ku-band beams. ISRO Vega C is Vega's next-generation Operating from 138 degrees East, the Two British-built reconnaissance vehicle for flights with small to medium- satellite's coverage reaches across Asia all satellites, one designed to test new radar sized satellite payloads whose entry into the way to Hawaii – in both C and Ku-band – imaging technology and another to collect service is scheduled on 2019. To meet enabling direct connectivity between any high-resolution optical imagery, arrived in the needs of an increasingly dynamic point in Asia and the Americas. Its orbit after a successful liftoff aboard an market segment, Vega C will offer innovative Ku-band payloads of HTS spot Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle. Arianespace customers enhanced beams and focused regional beams will payload performance thanks to its provide customers operating in Southeast The PSLV lit its solid-fueled core stage as improved lift capability, along with Asia, Mongolia, Australia & New Zealand, the countdown clock reached zero at the increased volume under the payload and the North Pacific Ocean with greater SatishDhawan Space Center on India's fairing. Avio, based in Colleferro Italy, is choice and flexibility to serve today's east coast. The first stage motor pushed the industrial prime contractor for Vega bandwidth intensive applications.\ the 144-foot-tall (44.4-meter) rocket, and Vega C. which flew in its least powerful variant Telesat VANTAGE satellites combine with no strap-on boosters, away fro the Following the signature of this contract, focused regional beams with powerful HTS Indian spaceport on the Bay of Bengal Philippe Pham, Senior Vice President spot beams enabling users to maximize Liftoff occurred at 10:08 p.m. local time in Earth observation, Navigation & Science throughout and spectral efficiency while India, and the PSLV fired into a low cloud of Airbus Defence and Space said: “We optimizing network performance. By deck less than 30 seconds into the flight, are very proud to have been selected by implementing these advances on Telstar 18 disappearing from the view ground- the Kingdom of Thailand for the THEOS- VANTAGE, Telesat customers across the based observers. 2 satellite. We are glad to continue the Asia Pacific region now have a competitive long term partnership between Airbus edge in meeting growing demand for The PSLV's first stage motor burned out and Vega, the most reliable and versatile satellite broadband from aero and maritime less than two minutes after liftoff, launcher in its class.” service providers, enterprise network dropping away as a hydrazine-fueled China launchedoperators two satellite and for its leading GPSsystem telecom (Source: companies. China Daily Vikas second stage engine ignited for a StéphaneIsraël, CEO of Arianespace, two-and-a-half minute burn. A solid- said: “We are delighted that Airbus “Telstar 18 VANTAGE is the latest example fueled third stage and a liquid-fueled Defense and Space has chosen the of how Telesat's innovative payload designs fourth stage later fired in succession to Vega system to orbit THEOS-2, an provide our customers with the advantages inject the mission's two Earth-observing advanced observation satellite for the they need to compete successfully in payloads into an orbit roughly 363 miles Kingdom of Thailand. Arianespace is today's satellite service markets,” said Dan (585 kilometers) above Earth, very close proud to contribute to a strengthening of Goldberg, Telesat's President and CEO. to the flight's target, Indian officials said. this country's observation capabilities. “Telstar 18 VANTAGE is a state-of-the art An on-board camera view showed the THEOS-2 joins the long list of satellites spacecraft that not only replaces Telstar 18, two satellites, which flew side-by-side in our backlog built by our customer and a satellite in wide use across Asia and the atop the rocket on a specially-designed partner Airbus Defence and Space, Pacific, but brings far greater capabilities payload adapter, separating from the along with the VD-20 satellites, the first including Ku-band mobility coverage and PSLV's fourth stage, and officials commercial contract signed for Vega-C HTS spot beams that will allow Telesat to declared the mission a success. last year. THEOS-2 illustrates again the grow our presence in the region. We would perfect adaptation of Vega and Vega C to like to thank SpaceX for the successful “Today's success, once again, really

30 IN THE NEWS ASIA proved the promise of PSLV as a user- film directors, fashion designers and he said two paying tourists would circle the friendly vehicle in all aspects,” said K. architects. Moon in 2018, but those plans that did not Sivan, chairman of the Indian Space "If you should hear from me, please say materialize. Research Organization. yes and accept my invitation. Please don't Musk showed off designs for the 118-meter say no!," Maezawa added. (129 yards) long BFR, which will consist of a One of the satellites, named NovaSAR Maezawa is chief executive of Japan's first stage with engines and fuel systems, 1, is the product of a public-private largest online fashion mall, and is the 18th and a second stage with the spacecraft partnership between the British richest person in Japan with a fortune of $3 where the passengers will ride. Musk government, UK satellite-builder billion, according to the business estimated it would cost $5 billion to build. Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd., and magazine Forbes. The BFR spacecraft's shape is reminiscent Airbus Defense and Space, which Maezawa's other hobby is amassing of the space shuttle, the bus-like US supplied the mission's radar imaging valuable works of modern art and last year, spaceships that carried astronauts to space payload from its facility in Portsmouth, he announced the acquisition of a Jean- 135 times from 1981 to 2011. England. Michel Basquiat masterpiece worth $110.5 million. Musk has said he wants the BFR's vessel to NovaSAR 1's S-band synthetic His love of art led him to decide to invite be able to hold around 100 people, and that aperture radar, supported by solid-state artists to come along, he said. the launch system could one day be used to power amplifiers, is the centerpiece of "I would like to invite six to eight artists from colonize the Moon and Mars in order to the tech demo mission, which aims to around the world to join me on this mission make humans a "multi-planetary" species. validate a radar imager lighter and to the Moon," Maezawa said. Other space companies, like Virgin more compact than those flown on "They will be asked to create something Galactic, founded by British tycoon Richard most previous radar reconnaissance after they return to Earth. These Branson, and billionaire Amazon founder satellites. masterpieces will inspire the dreamer Jeff Bezos's rocket company Blue Origin, Radar imagers in space can see within all of us." are working on trips to the edge of space through clouds, and are sensitive even Until now, Americans are the only ones that could offer tourists a chance at in darkness, providing an all-weather, who have left Earth's orbit. A total of 24 weightlessness for 10 minutes or so. day-and-night surveillance capability. NASA astronauts -- all white men -- Virgin's trip will cost about $250,000. Blue Wave emitted by the instrument will voyaged to the Moon during the Apollo era Origin's price has not been revealed. bounce off Earth and return to a of the 1960s and '70s. Twelve walked on Russian and Chinese companies are also receiver on-board the satellite, carrying the lunar surface. working on space tourism plans. Musk, who information about the appearance of The first space tourist was Dennis Tito, an is also the CEO of Tesla Motors, has drawn the surface. American businessman who in 2001 paid attention in recent months over his erratic some $20 million to fly on a Russian behavior. SSTL views NovaSAR as a pathfinder spaceship to the International Space for future lightweight radar imaging Station. satellites that can be developed at SpaceX CEO Elon Musk described China launches twin lower cost than similar missions in the Maezawa as the "bravest" and "best past. The trend toward miniaturization adventurer." BeiDou-3 satellites in space technology has allowed "He stepped forward," Musk added. "We China has successfully sent twin BeiDou-3 engineers to fit a radar instrument into a are honored that he chose us." navigation satellites into space on a single smaller package, meaning the imager Musk said he would not reveal the price carrier rocket. can fly on a cheaper satellite and Maezawa paid for the Moon trip, but said it The Long March-3B carrier rocket lifted off rocket. would be "free for the artists." from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center to "This is dangerous, to be clear. This is no conclude the 285th mission of the Long walk in the park," Musk cautioned. March rocket series. Japanese billionaire "When you are pushing the frontier, it is not The twin satellites are the 37th and 38th businessman to a sure thing. There is a chance something editions of the BeiDou navigation system. could go wrong." After a series of tests and evaluations, they become SpaceX's first Still, when asked by reporters if Musk will work together with 12 BeiDou-3 Moon traveler would be a passenger, he left the door satellites already in orbit. open to the possibility. The twin satellites will provide danger alerts A Japanese billionaire and online "As far as me going, I'm not sure. He did suggest like maybe that I would join on this and navigation services for global users. A fashion tycoon, YusakuMaezawa, will basic system with 18 orbiting BeiDou-3 be the first man to fly on a monster trip. I don't know," Musk said. "Yeah, yeah, yeah," said Maezawa. satellites will be in place by the end of the SpaceX rocket around the Moon as year, which will serve countries early as 2023, and he plans to bring "All right. Maybe we will both be on it," Musk said to cheers and applause. participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. six to eight artists along. The satellites and the rocket for Maezawa, 42, will be the first lunar The ride will take place aboard a Big Falcon Rocket (BFR), which may not be Wednesday's launch were developed by traveler since the last US Apollo the China Academy of Space Technology mission in 1972. He paid an unspecified ready for human flight for five years at least, Musk said. and the China Academy of Launch Vehicle amount of money for the privilege. Technology, respectively. "Ever since I was a kid, I have loved the The BFR was first announced in 2016, and Moon," Maezawa said at SpaceX was touted as the most powerful rocket in history, even more potent than the Saturn Named after the Chinese term for the Big headquarters and rocket factory in Dipper, the BeiDou system started serving Hawthorne, California, in the middle of V Moon rocket that launched the Apollo missions five decades ago. China in 2000 and the Asia-Pacific region in metropolitan Los Angeles, late Monday. 2012. "This is my lifelong dream." Last year, Musk said the BFR's admittedly He added: "I choose to go to the Moon... "ambitious" goal was to make a test flight to with artists!" Mars in 2022, followed by a crewed flight to He said he wanted to invite artists from the Red Planet in 2024. various fields including painters, This isn't the first time Musk has vowed to sculptors, photographers, musicians, send tourists around the Moon. Last year, 31 IN THE NEWS ASIA

Uniwise Offshore Merchants Innovation Investment operational efficiency, crew welfare, and Management Co increased investment. onboard safety. Vessels can leverage this Selects Thaicom Nava Founded in August 2015, OneSpace has fast and reliable connectivity to harness for Entire Fleet secured four rounds of financing, raising real-time data about engine performance about 800 million yuan. OneSpace CEO gleaned from onboard sensors to facilitate Uniwise Offshore Limited, one of Asia's Shu Chang said that the funds will be used preventive maintenance and reduce leading offshore support vessel (OSV) in the research and manufacturing of the maintenance costs; obtain information on operators,` has chosen Nava™, company's OS-X and OS-M series weather patterns and sea currents to Thaicom's new high-speed broadband rockets, industrial upstream and determine the ship's most fuel-efficient service for maritime markets, to d o w n s t r e a m l a y o u t , i n t e l l i g e n t route; and provide onshore operations enhance the company's operations on manufacturing base construction and staff regular updates about the status of their entire fleet of more than 30 building a team of talented staff, according cargo. Through this collaboration, Singtel vessels. Uniwise Offshore will use Nava to the press release. OneSpace plans two will provide its maritime customers with enabled high speed connectivity and - launches by the end of this year. It is KVH's product and service offerings, solutions to focus on operational expected to achieve annual production including AgilePlansTM, a subscription improvements, including optimized capacity of more than 30 OS-M series based connectivity solution for electronic document handling, as well rockets and 20 or more OS-X series commercial fleets. as ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore rockets by 2020. communications for safer and more cost-effective operations. Astro Launches First 4K Inmarsat and Auxilium The company will also be able to UHD Broadcast in improve its on-board communication to Deliver Satellite IIoT services including crew welfare and Malaysia fleet management. The service is Mining Solutions Astro has achieved a historic milestone Inmarsat and Auxilium, a leading powered by Nava FTTS™ (Fibre-tothe- with the launch of Malaysia's first live 4K Australian mining technology solutions Ship) which is able to support very high UHD broadcast. The media company company, have established a formal data rates, providing constantly high showcased live Premier League games, partnership to deliver the most effective bandwidth for operational efficiency of Liverpool vs West Ham and Arsenal vs Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and with wide area satellite coverage across Man City in the country's first 4K UHD communications solutions for Australian Asia Pacific. Nava FTTS incorporates broadcast for football fans at its partner mining companies. an Lband backup solution. food and beverage outlet Souled Out. Football fans can check out the list of The partnership will see Auxilium participating outlets showing Astro's 4K New Distributors deploying satellite connectivity from UHD here. The list is expected to grow Expand ViaLite's Asia Inmarsat in its IIoT solutions. This will over the next few weeks and F&B outlets ensure that mining companies can access or retailers interested to participate in the Pacific Reseller IIoT and communications services Astro 4K UHD broadcast can register their regardless of how remote their location is, interest at the same website. The 4K UHD Network and without the need to invest significant broadcast of Premier League is a preview Two new distributors in the Asia Pacific s u m s i n b u i l d i n g a t e r r e s t r i a l of Astro's plans to unveil its 4K UHD set region have been appointed by ViaLite communications infrastructure in order to top box later this year. Astro which has Communications in the latest connect their mining operations. Auxilium been investing in infrastructure to expansion to the company's reseller designs and manufactures technically enhance the viewing experience with 4K network. Both distributors have their advanced mining equipment, technology UHD broadcast, will progressively roll out head offices in Hong Kong, with and services to support high-value mining 4K UHD service in dedicated channels, a Datacom System International being and construction assets. It deploys brand-new software and programme system integrators for satcom and satellite connectivity to enable the guide to make content discovery easy and broadcast applications while Starcom seamless transition of data from mine site intuitive as well as other innovative Electronics focuses on timing and to the control centre, which can be product features later in the year. synchronization applications. With thousands of kilometres apart. presence throughout the whole Asia Pacific region, including Pakistan and China unveils newest Malaysia and a subsidiary, Wancom Singtel, KVH Industries Communication & Network Technology microrocket Ltd, in China, Datacom are a major Collaborate to C h i n a A e r o s p a c e S c i e n c e a n d supplier of satellite communications Accelerate Maritime Technology Corporation (CASC) unveiled equipment and one of the main system its micro rocket the Lightning Dragon integrators for satcom applications in Sector Digitalization No.1. The rocket, the first in the Lightning the region. ViaLite's RF over fiber Dragon series, could have a carrying across Asia Pacific capacity of no less than 150 kilograms and products make a good fit with their other Singtel and KVH Industries, Inc. product lines. operate on the sun-synchronous orbit. announced a partnership to provide The rocket is capable of launching within shipping companies a seamless 24 hours after arriving at the launch site. It One Space Completed broadband satellite service with KVH's can be delivered to the customer six B Round Financing mini-VSAT BroadbandSM satellite months after the signing of the contract. It connectivity to help accelerate the digital is now under development by Chinarocket One Space Technology completed B transformation of the maritime industry Co., Ltd. under CASC. The device round financing of 300 million yuan across the Asia Pacific region. This features a complete cabin space of 1.1 ($43.8 million). The funding was led by satellite service is designed to facilitate the meters in width and 1.5 meters in height. CICC Jiatai (Tianjin) Equity Investment use of digital solutions in the maritime The rocket is capable of carrying out Fund and followed by FinTrek Capital industry to significantly improve l a u n c h m i s s i o n s c o n s i s t i n g o f while its shareholders like China

32 IN THE NEWS ASIA

o n e - r o c k e t - o n e - s a t e l l i t e a n d SSTL's Spacecraft Operations Centre in Ahmed Al Shamsi will remain as Advisor to one-rocket-multiplesatellites. Guildford, UK. Also on the PSLV-C42 the CEO. Ali Al Hashemi, will at the same launch will be the SSTL S1-4, a sub-one time continue to be General Manager of meter resolution Earth observation Yahsat Government Solutions. Yahsat has satellite with a mass of 440kg that will also named Marcus Vilaòa as Thuraya's Indian led Telescope further enhance SSTL's existing in-orbit Chief Technical Officer. Marcus will observation capabilities. continue his role in Yahsat as the Chief Manager Consortium Technical Officer in addition to his newly Concludes Design Work announced role in Thuraya. Marcus brings Eagle Technology Joins over 35 years of experience in the satellite on SKA industry, acquired from Embratel, SES, After four and a half years, the HawkEye Satellite Inmarsat and Yahsat, importantly bringing international Telescope ManagerTM Partner Program invaluable experience from the mobile consortium has formally concluded its satellite services sector. Shawkat Ahmed work on the architectural design of a is appointed as Thuraya's Chief New Zealand's Eagle Technology has fundamental part of the software for the Commercial Officer succeeding Rashid become one of the first firms to sign up for Square Kilometre Array: the nervous Baba's tenure as Thuraya's Acting Chief HawkEye 360's new strategic partner system of the Observatory, which is called Commercial Officer. Shawkat carries over the Telescope Manager. program. Auckland-based Eagle, which 22 years of experience in satellite provides geographic information systems communications attained through Formed in November 2013, the and geospatial services for New Zealand occupying senior commercial leadership consortium was tasked with designing the and the South Pacific Islands, will be able roles in Yahsat, Thuraya and Telstra to leverage HawkEye 360's future crucial software that will control, monitor V-Comm. and operate the SKA telescopes. TM constellation of low earth orbit smallsats brought expertise in the field of Monitoring to support its solutions as a strategic and Control for large-scale, complex partner. GatesAir Appoints Jacky systems and design of user interface Yee to Asia Pacific experience. Led by India's National Centre The launch of the strategic partners for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), the program followed a successful Series A-3 Leadership role international consortium comprised nine funding round by HawkEye 360, which GatesAir, a global leader in wireless, institutions in seven countries. raised an additional US$9.6 million for the over-the-air content delivery solutions for development of its satellite systems. radio and TV broadcasters, continues to The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project HawkEye 360 said it expects to launch its grow its global sales team with the is an international effort to build the world's first cluster of three experimental appointment of Jacky Yee as Head of largest radio telescope, led by the SKA satellites later this year. The new funds Sales, Asia-Pacific. Based in Singapore, Organisation based at the Jodrell Bank will go towards its first commercial Jacky will lead a team of four regional sales Observatory near Manchester, UK. The satellite cluster. managers and report directly to Rich SKA will conduct transformational science Redmond, President and Managing to improve our understanding of the Launch of H-IIA F40 Director, International. Universe and the laws of fundamental physics, monitoring the sky in with IBUKI-2 and Jacky comes to GatesAir with more than unprecedented detail and mapping it Khalifasat Aboard 20 years of experience in the broadcast hundreds of times faster than any current Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and and audio-visual industries, including key facility. JAXA hereby announce the launch of the regional and director-level sales roles with H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 40 (H-IIA F40) industry heavyweights such as Tektronix, ISRO’s PSLV to Launch on October 29, 2018 from Yoshinobu Extron Electronics, Grass Valley Group NovaSAR-1 and SSTL Launch Complex at the JAXA and Snell Advanced Media. Tanegashima Space Center. H-IIA F40 S1-4 will carry aboard JAXA's Second His vast experience also includes a stint as Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite Sales Manager, Southeast Asia for Harris Broadcast Communications Division – the has signed an agreement with Antrix “IBUKI-2” (GOSAT-2) and KhalifaSat, a company from which GatesAir was born. Corporation Limited, the commercial arm remote sensing Earth observation While at Harris, Jacky exceeded sales of the Indian Space Research satellite, developed by the Mohammed quota each year. Organisation (ISRO), for the launch into a bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in the 580km sun-synchronous orbit of United Arab Emirates. MBRSC is a Dubai NovaSAR-1, a small Synthetic Aperture government organization. Utilizing its David Meltzer Appointed Radar (SAR) satellite, and SSTL S1-4, a launch oversufficiency, the H-IIA F40 as Secretary General of high-resolution Earth observation launch will provide launch opportunities satellite. The two satellites will launch on for five small satellites as auxiliary Global VSAT Forum PSLV-C42, due to liftoff in September payloads. The Global VSAT Forum (GVF) has 2018. NovaSAR-1 is a technology announced the appointment of David demonstration satellite mission designed Thuraya Names New Meltzer to serve as its Secretary General to test the capabilities of a new low cost with effect on 27 August 2018. Meltzer S-Band SAR platform. The spacecraft was CEO, CTO and CCO brings over twenty five years of experience designed and manufactured by SSTL, with Ali Al Hashemi, who has led Yahsat in the satellite industry, including serving an S-Band SAR payload developed by Government Solutions, Yahsat's as a board member for both a regional Airbus Defence and Space in Portsmouth, specialised unit fulfilling defense and satellite operator and for a mobile satellite and an Automatic Identification Receiver governmental client requirements, for the operator. (AIS) supplied by ComDev to track ships at past few years is announced as the new Previously, he served for 16 years in CEO of Thuraya, while former CEO various business and legal roles at sea. NovaSAR-1 will be operated from Intelsat, culminating in serving as Intelsat's 33 IN THE NEWS ASIA

General Counsel and Executive Vice eMerge switches. We look forward to President for Regulatory Affairs. Most helping CCTV as they make the move to Successful Launch of recently, Meltzer served as the General using TICO for 4K Ultra HD coverage,” The Horizons 3e Counsel and Chief International Officer of commented Hans Hasselbach, Chief the American Red Cross where he led its Commercial Officer for Nevion. Communications legal, international disaster relief and Satellite development activities. Arianespace has SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation successfully launched announces the successful launch of the China Central Television Horizons 3e communications satellite. two communications Horizons 3e was launched aboard selects Nevion for new Arianespace's Ariane-5ECA launch satellites vehicle from Guiana Space Centre. The UHD/4K contribution Arianespace has successfully launched satellite was separated from the launch Nevion, the award-winning provider of two communications satellites: Horizons vehicle following launch. Moving forward, virtualized media production solutions, 3e for Intelsat and SKY Perfect JSAT satellite operations will begin once in- has announced that China Central Corporation, and Azerspace-2/Intelsat orbit testing verifies Horizons 3e Television (CCTV), the largest television 38 for Azercosmos and Intelsat. satellite's nominal performance broadcaster in China, has selected Nevion Intelsat 38 is a Ku-band satellite to be As the fourth satellite jointly owned with Virtuoso software-defined media nodes to placed at the 45ºE orbital location. It will Intelsat, Horizons 3e is the first High provide a contribution solution for 4K Ultra replace Intelsat 12 and host Direct-to- Throughput Satellite (HTS) for SKY HD signal transmission between studios. Home (DTH) platforms for Central and Perfect JSAT and will lead to the CCTV wants to increase its use of Eastern Europe as well as the Asia- expansion of our next generation UHD/4K, so it needed a solution that would Pacific region. Intelsat 38 will also business in the Asia and Pacific region. enable it to transport these signals reliably provide connectivity for corporate and efficiently over its existing baseband networks and government applications (SDI) infrastructure initially, and over IP in Africa. Intelsat 38 was built by SSL, a Speedcast International eventually. The new Nevion Virtuosos will Maxar Technologies Ltd. company announces pricing of be used to encode UHD/4K signals (4x3G- (formerly MacDonald, Dettwiler and SDI) to fit on bandwidth equivalent to a Associates Ltd.). $175 million single 3G-SDI signal – with the help of the The launch took place on Tuesday, incremental term loan lightweight TICO compression technology September 25, 2018 at 19:38 pm (local Speedcast International Limited has (profile 1 and 2). This will enable CCTV to time) from the Guiana Space Center successfully priced the US$175 million use its existing 3G-SDI infrastructure to (CSG), Europe's Spaceport in French incremental term loan add-on to its route and transport the UHD/4K signals, Guiana existing US$425 million US Term Loan B dramatically reducing the need to invest in This was Arianespace's sixth mission of facility (due 2025). The Incremental Term additional capacity to support the higher the year, as well as the 100th mission by Loan and the Existing Term Loan will resolution. the Ariane 5 heavy launcher. In 22 years have the same terms, including interest Furthermore, the same Nevion Virtuosos of operations, Ariane 5 has orbited a total margin, and will be priced at LIBOR plus also supports transport over IP (SMPTE of 207 satellites. The launch also 2.75% p.a., which is a 0.25% p.a. ST 2022-6 and SMPTE ST 2110), allowing marked the 300th mission by the increase on the current interest margin CCTV to transition easily to an IP Arianespace family of launchers, under the Existing Term Loan. infrastructure when they decide to, without reflecting the company's ongoing role in "This incremental term loan add-on needing to deploy new media nodes. support of leading satellite operators, b u i l d s o n S p e e d c a s t ' s s t r o n g Nevion Virtuoso's versatility means that both regional and global. relationships with institutional lenders in the platform will also be able to Azerspace-2 will help Azercosmos meet the US Term Loan B market." said Clive accommodate CCTV's evolving needs. In the growing demand for direct-to-home Cuthell, Chief Financial Officer, addition to the features mentioned above, (DTH) television, government, and Speedcast. "The acquisition of Nevion Virtuoso supports a wide range of network services in Europe, Central and Globecomm is a strong fit with Media Functions including transport South Asia, the Middle East and Sub- Speedcast's strategy to consolidate our f u n c t i o n s f o r v a r i o u s f o r m a t s Saharan Africa. The satellite will also industry and build competitive (uncompressed transport, as well as provide high power Ku-band connectivity advantages based on scale and JPEG2000 and H.264 codecs, ASI/IP to the African continent from 45 degrees capabilities. The incremental debt will be code stream adaptation, MADI), audio East. Azerspace-2 is ideally designed for used to complete this synergistic video processing functions and reliability smaller antennas and will deliver cross acquisition and enhance our liquidity and security enhancement functions connectivity between East Africa, West position." (active and standby code stream Africa and Central Africa, Europe and Speedcast intends to use the proceeds switching, content encryption). Central Asia. from the Incremental Term Loan to fund This project builds on an established “Azerpsace-2 is Azercosmos' second the acquisition of Globecomm Systems relationship between Nevion and China telecommunications satellite and will Inc. for approximately US$135 Central TV station, which has been using further expand the service currently million(see Note 1 below), to pay fees NevionVideoIPath orchestration and SDN available from Azerspace-1,” said and transaction expenses and to repay a control software and eMerge switches as Rashad Nabiyev, chairman and chief portion of the loans outstanding under its the core of its SDN system since 2017. Executive officer of Azercosmos. “The Revolving Credit Facility ("RCF"), This system has played a key role in the satellite will also enable us to provide enhancing Speedcast's liquidity position. coverage of major events in China, more reliable service by serving as back- The Incremental Term Loan will be including the Spring Festival Gala and the up for Azerspace-1 located at 46 degrees borrowed on completion of the Boao Forum for Asia, as well as the 2018 East, which is only one degree away acquisition which is expected to occur in FIFA World Cup. “We are thrilled that from Azerspace-2. We are pleased to Q4 2018, subject to customary closing CCTV has extended our existing have collaborated with leaders of the conditions, including regulatory relationship and taken on Nevion Virtuoso global satellite industry throughout the approvals. in addition to NevionVideoIPath and our implementation of this project.”

34 IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

Raytheon strengthens enabling secure transmissions between subscribers on October 1, 2018. satellites, other spacecraft, unmanned SecureWatch, DigitalGlobe's powerful, alliance with aerial vehicles and high-altitude cloud-based geospatial intelligence commercial satellite aircrafts. (GEOINT) platform, will now combine in "This partnership will help us continue to one platform the company's high- company HawkEye 360 lead the digital transition in satellites with resolution optical imagery and MDA's technology that provides next- SAR imagery, enabling defense and R a y t h e o n C o m p a n y ' s R T N , i s generation capabilities for our intelligence analysts to deliver collaborating with commercial small customers," said Brian Schettler, actionable insights to decision makers satellite company, HawkEye 360 Inc., as managing director of Boeing HorizonX regardless of weather and light part of its ongoing focus to provide Ventures. "Enabling BridgeSat to scale conditions. innovative commercial technologies and their operations accelerates secure, more precise data to the government reliable satellite communications Maxar's MDA will refresh hundreds of sector. around the world." global sites on a weekly basis using RADARSAT-2's Wide Ultra Fine format The alliance includes a strategic BridgeSat was formed in 2015 to (3 meter resolution, 50 kilometer scene investment in HawkEye 360 and provides a d d r e s s c o s t , b a n d w i d t h a n d width). RADARSAT-2 imagery allows Raytheon with a unique level of access to infrastructure limitations in space-based users to observe features and changes data, enhancing the company's analytics optical communications. The company that go undetected using other imaging services for government customers. recently announced an industry-first techniques, and provides day and night "Our plan is to fuse HawkEye 360's agreement with NASA to develop a coverage regardless of weather. geospatial information with other relevant commercialized free-space optical SecureWatch users can access timely data sources, further augmenting the communication system that could RADARSAT-2 imagery using current intelligence we provide to our U.S. and support the agency's future missions. subscription plans. When combined with international customers," said Dave "As we grow our OGS into a global 30 cm optical imagery, analysts will have Wajsgras, president of Raytheon network, this investment will help us an even more uniquely powerful and Intelligence, Information and Services. meet the need for secure delivery of big reliable toolset to perform analysis to "Similar to our alliances with other data from LEO and GEO satellites at make decisions with confidence. commercial companies, HawkEye 360's faster speeds, and a lower cost than constellation will offer our customers traditional radio frequency solutions," "Adding RADARSAT-2 imagery to advanced capabilities – in this case said Barry Matsumori, chief executive SecureWatch is a perfect demonstration expanded coverage and deeper insights – officer of BridgeSat. of Maxar Technologies' unique promise: and importantly, at a lower cost." create valuable, integrated and Boeing HorizonX Ventures led innovative solutions that address HawkEye 360 is pioneering the use of low- BridgeSat's Series B funding round, with customers' critical challenges," said flying, small satellites to collect radio participation by Allied Minds. The Mike Greenley, Group President of frequencies for use in next-generation investment and relationship with Boeing MDA. "MDA's RADARSAT-2 information geospatial services. HawkEye 360 will connects BridgeSat with Boeing has played a key role in supporting launch its Pathfinder cluster of three small experts, testing labs and other valuable security missions for over two decades, satellites at the end of 2018, with resources to accelerate the deployment and partnering with our sister company, additional clusters planned until the full of its OGS services around the world. DigitalGlobe, immediately enhances our constellation is in orbit by 2020. The role of Boeing HorizonX Ventures is offerings and expands our global reach." "This will be a new layer of information to target investments that help scale "SecureWatch subscribers now have an unlike anything the geospatial community startup innovation in aerospace. Its exciting new tool to enrich GEOINT has had to date," said John Serafini, portfolio is made up of companies gathering and decision-making," said HawkEye 360's Chief Executive Officer. specializing in autonomous systems, Dan Jablonsky, DigitalGlobe President. "Our alliance with Raytheon will help us additive manufacturing, energy and data "Combining SAR and optical imagery provide unprecedented situational s t o r a g e , a d v a n c e d m a t e r i a l s , takes analysts' abilities to the next level awareness for multiple customer augmented reality systems and to deliver powerful insights into what's segments and applications. We are very software, machine learning, hybrid- happening in their areas of interest and excited to team with Raytheon to extend electric and hypersonic propulsion and allows them to save lives, resources and our analytics to their customers.” Internet of Things connectivity. time.” Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of Boeing HorizonX commercial jetliners and defense, space GrupoTelevisa Selects Ventures Invests in and security systems. A top U.S. Intelsat for end-to-end exporter, the company supports airlines BridgeSat to Advance and U.S. and allied government distribution services Satellite Communication customers in more than 150 countries. Intelsat S.A. announced that leading Mexican multimedia company, Boeing announced its investment in DigitalGlobe GrupoTelevisa, has extended their Denver-based BridgeSat Inc., an optical contract for Intelsat's satellite solutions; communications solutions company announces the leveraging the powerful high-throughput enabling the future of connectivity in space availability of MDA (HTS) Ku-band beams on Intelsat 35e through a network of ground stations and for their European distribution needs. proprietary space terminals. RADARSAT-2 Data in As part of the new, multi-year BridgeSat is developing a global network SecureWatch agreement, GrupoTelevisa will leverage of optical ground stations (OGS) to DigitalGlobe announced that synthetic Intelsat's global hybrid network to transmit large amounts of data into space aperture radar (SAR) imagery from distribute its pay-TV programming to quickly and reliably. Its stations support Maxar's MDA RADARSAT-2 satellite will viewers throughout Europe via Intelsat low Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary become available to SecureWatch 35e located at 325.5°East and the (GEO) satellite optical communications,

36 IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

IntelsatOne terrestrial network. Intelsat Fi service—park-to-park—providing a distribution of Pantelio is an important will transport the signals from Televisa's true value when visiting parks across our milestone for us, as it is the first time we master control in Mexico City via state. By partnering with Viasat, we provide broadcast services in the Czech IntelsatOne's terrestrial network to the believe we can deliver on our mission to Republic and Slovakia. This will help us company's teleport in Fuchsstadt, modernize our park connectivity diversify our presence in the European Germany, for turnaround services of its offering—even in the most challenging broadcast market. We are convinced that content throughout Europe. Intelsat is park locations.” Pantelio, with its wide and innovative pay- providing a fully managed service offering TV offering and unique features, will be a for Televisa's European distribution, Viasat brings decades of experience great success.” including monitoring the signal and supporting outdoor connectivity networks providing immediate response to ensure nationwide. The Company currently Roland Shlichting, founder and CEO of efficient, reliable and high-quality content provides global communications and Panaccess, added: “we are thrilled to delivery at all times. connectivity services to federal, state and partner with Hispasat and Belinter Media local governments; militaries; small for the launch of Pantelio. The high “In order to further expand Televisa's businesses; multinational corporations; performance and the coverage of international business and meet our global airlines; and consumers, among other Hispasat satellites are ideal for transmission needs, we need an end-to- markets. distributing content and providing end solution that is quick to scale and can connectivity in Europe. This, together with reliably distribute high quality, secure "Viasat has deep knowledge and the high quality of service and operation content to our viewers,” said William experience in building, operating and standards it provides, has made very Aguirre, director of satellite operations, monitoring complex Wi-Fi networks in the easy for us to deploy the platform in a Televisa. “Intelsat's world-class global hardest-to-reach locations, most extreme record time.” network and managed media solutions weather conditions and in places where have enabled us to expand into new uptime is critical," said Cody Catalena, markets, cost efficiently distribute high vice president and general manager, Flixon Media to sell quality content to viewers across Europe.” Global Business Solutions, Viasat. "We streaming app TV “As broadcasters and programmers adjust are well positioned as a broadband and their business models and distribution managed Wi-Fi provider to support the service through small platforms to meet their viewers' changing State of Nevada in their quest to bring ISP's in the United needs, it is critical to provide them with a high-speed internet to their diverse set of managed solution that can quickly, simply park locations.” States and cost-effectively deliver their content anytime or anywhere they need it”, said Specific to the Nevada State Parks The Internet & Television Association Rob Cerbone, Intelsat's vice president and system, Viasat will leverage its advanced recently reported that around 21 million general manager, media. “We greatly ViaSat-1 and ViaSat-2 satellite systems, homes used an Amazon Fire TV, Apple appreciate our continued partnership with coupled with its unique Wi-Fi services TV, Chromecast or Roku for an average of GrupoTelevisa and the trust that they have platform, to deliver a comprehensive almost 15 days a month in 2017. Over 460 placed in Intelsat's global network to meet hotspot solution to Nevada. For this million IP devices in the market today can their current distribution and future project, Viasat has aligned with WiFi in the support one or more pay TV apps. Over programming needs around the world. Park, LLC, a Nevada-based telecom 168 million U.S. consumers watched consultancy, to help define the streaming video via a connected TV Nevada state park connectivity strategy across the parks, device in 2017. which include focusing on the most highly- selects Viasat to provide visited parks first. Regarding OTT (Over-The-Top) services there is a boom in people switching to park connectivity online live tv services. The present Hispasat, Panaccess scenario gives the over-the-top video Viasat Inc. announced the Nevada State launch CEE DTH providers a treasure trove of opportunities Parks Department will tap into Viasat's to explore. Indeed, in 2017 the number of satellite-enabled Wi-Fi hotspot platform, to platform viewing hours on OTT video content is provide a rich connectivity experience at close to 13 billion, when at the end of its parks statewide. The audiovisual service provider 2016, less than half was reached. The Panaccess has launched a DTH platform main consumers of these services are the In January 2017, during his State of the in cooperation with Hispasat and Belinter United States, which alone accounts for State address, Nevada Governor Brian Media and targeting the Slovak and 58% of these views. Sandoval unveiled the Explore Your Czech markets. Nevada initiative. This program Flixon Media is now giving small ISP's highlighted the expansion and creation of Distributed by Hispasat 30W-5 at 30 and Wireless Internet Service Providers new Nevada State Park locations, as well degrees West, Pantelio is initially offering an opportunity to be part of this who will be a s a n u m b e r o f n e w p a r k 40 SD and 60 HD channels and uses able to offer the internet-delivered amenities—including Wi-Fi enabled parks state-of-the-art technology that allows Flixon.tv service. and campgrounds—to stay competitive telco providers to offer such additional and relevant in the outdoor recreation services as Ultra HD, HbbTV, VOD and Lee Singleton, head of business market. seven-day catch-up. The launch of the development said; “Strategic alliances "We're proud to be the first U.S. state to platform was announced today are swiftly altering the video media announce our commitment to put Wi-Fi in (Wednesday, September 12) in an event landscape. In order to capture the all of our state parks," said Eric Johnson, in the Slovak city of Zvolen in which it was greatest market share, many internet administrator, Nevada State Parks. "Our presented to key partners and installers. service providers are looking at forming long-term goal is to ensure the millions of business alliances with OTT video park guests that visit our locations each Commenting on the development, Ignacio providers and collaborating to have joint year have access to the same consistent Sanchis, CCO of Hispasat, said: “the deal offerings to cater to the needs of the high-speed, high-quality connectivity Wi- with Panaccess and Belinter Media for the constantly evolving customer base.”

37 IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

Flixon.tv have recently partnered up with MI \Intelenet Global Services, a renowned fire, ambulance), Oil & Gas exploration, Internet Company, West PA Internet global Business Process Services player, Broadcasting, and Mobile Banking for Services and Locality Networks to make the has announced that the company has set rural Russian communities. streaming television service available to up a center in Jordan with the “The multi-year contract valued at US$2 their customers. inauguration of its latest global delivery million covers our extensive line of center, the company said. iNetVu® mobile antenna systems,” said Nick Visser from MI Internet Company said; Drew Klein, Director of International “We have been looking for ways to offer The state-of-the-art center with a capacity Business Development for C-COM. more video choice to our customers and the of 200 seats will help the company “This agreement shows long-term Flixon.tv service from Flixon Media allows expand its operations across all sectors interest from one of our most active us to do that.” and provide low cost Arabic delivery integration partners in the region location based on emerging client operating in demanding environments to Elaine Bailey from WestPAnet, Inc said; demands. deliver the highest quality product to “Our company fully understands the their customers,” Klein continued. importance of pursuing new opportunities Intelenet has four centers in the Middle- “Cooperation with such a respected for the distribution of content, and we are East catering to clients across travel, international company as C-COM excited to promote this brand.” logistics, telecom, financial services and Satellite Systems is strategically public sectors with cost optimal BPS important for GC AltegroSky,” said Will Burge from Locality Networks said; “We service offerings in English and Arabic. Tatyana Shumaeva, Head of Marketing used to have to sit at home, gather in front of The setting up of Jordan center is a for Altegrosky. “The concluded new the TV and wait patiently for our favorite stepping stone which will allow Intelenet supply agreement, that meets the shows to come on. Fast forward to today to provide hybrid onshore and offshore growing demand for mobile satellite and we're having new and exciting TV delivery locations. The center is in the communications solutions, is the best experiences but without being tethered to process of expanding to a 500-seater confirmation of the quality and relevance the traditional TV. Our partnership with facility and will be a pivotal center for of C-COM's iNetVu® mobile antenna Flixon.tv allows our customers to watch driving growth in the GCC region. systems in Russia,” continued what they want, wherever they are, on the Shumaeva. schedule they choose.” Piety Gonsalves, Managing Director — There are no minimum commitments on Middle East, Intelenet Global Services the part of AltegroSky under the supply Sandra Scott, head of marketing for said, “Jordan is a strategic low cost agreement and some of the terms of sale Flixon.tv said; “Today, we live in a highly nearshore delivery location for us and this of products under the agreement shall competitive video marketplace where center underscores our intent to grow be determined at the time of order. entertainment is no longer confined to the aggressively in this region leveraging living room TV. Flixon.tv provides access to local talent. We see significant live programming that can stream directly to opportunities to grow across sectors. PCCW Global launches a set top box, tablet or smartphone.” With this strategic presence in Amman, managed SD-WAN our continuous endeavor is towards service to enterprises Hispasat, Thales Alenia operational excellence and delivering customer satisfaction by providing digital across 80 countries Space to demo balloon transformation based new age innovations,” technology for 4G/5G PCCW Global, the international applications Intelenet has a global footprint with operating division of HKT, Hong Kong's presence in eight countries, with a premier telecommunications service combined strength of 40+ service centers provider, has launched a new global Spanish satellite operator Hispasat is and 55000 employees to meet the Software-Defined Wide Area Network, joining forces with Thales Alenia Space to growing requirements of businesses from SD-WAN service which complements conduct tests of HAPS (High Altitude various corners of the world in multiple existing fiber-based IP-MPLS services, Pseudo Satellite) balloon technology for languages. providing enterprises with a secure, 4G/5G telecom applications. In a statement application aware network that the partners said Spanish firm Zero 2 continually optimizes for performance Infinity will provide the balloon for a C-COM announces and cost in real time, and delivering a demonstration to be held next month in multi-year US$2 million vastly improved user experience. southern Spain to directly connect the payload in the stratosphere with a contract As enterprises seek to extract the most smartphone on the ground. C-COM Satellite Systems Inc. has signed value from exciting new technologies a contract with one of its long-standing such as cloud computing, data analytics The balloon is designed to take the place of integrator partners pursuant to which the and the Internet of Things, heavy the platform currently being developed by partner is permitted to order up to demands on branch networks often lead Thales Alenia Space as a complement to US$2,000,000 worth of C-COM's to increasing complexity along with cost geostationary satellites. products over a 5-year period. a n d r e s o u r c e - i n t e n s i v e WA N Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture AltegroSky is a leading VSAT satellite management between Thales (67%) and Leonardo- communication operator in Russia with Finmeccanica (33%), is building a subsidiaries that include satellite PCCW Global's new SD-WAN service stratospheric platform called Stratobus, operators CJSC "Rais Telecom", CJSC addresses these challenges head-on by described as “halfway between a drone and "SETTELECOM", CJSC "Moscow simplifying multi-site WAN deployment a satellite”. The low-cost product will offer Teleport" and system integrator LLC and management. The service autonomous and permanent regional Altegro Engineering. The company has optimizes traffic in real time by coverage from a height of 20 kilometers, an been reselling for more than a decade constantly adapting to meet changing optimal position for 4G and 5G and has created unique integrated business needs while simultaneously telecommunication applications, said the solutions in many vertical markets, balancing performance and cost. Traffic partners. including Emergency Services (police, is intelligently routed over a preferred 38 IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

network path from a combination of IP- Orange Slovensko, Gilbert, AZ, is a satellite communications MPLS, broadband and 4G LTE provider that currently delivers commercial connections in order to meet pre- EUTELSAT 16A to services for a variety of Department of defined network and performance expand pay-TV offer via Defense (DoD), Department of Homeland policies. The service is transport Security (DHS) and other U.S. Government agnostic, so enterprises are able to satellite agencies. To support this contract, Bushtex make use of an existing PCCW Global Orange Slovensko has signed its first-ever leveraged SES GS' extensive experience in MPLS network, or even connectivity multiyear contract with Eutelsat providing satellite communication services for provided by another service provider. Communications expanding its pay-TV the U.S. DoD, and more specifically for the SD-WAN is easy for enterprises to offer via satellite and enabling a U.S. Air Force, over the past 30 years. deploy and integrate with their current nationwide reach across Slovakia. network, resulting in minimal Eutelsat's 16° East position is already a “We are proud to support Air Combat disruptions for end users while key video neighbourhood for Slovakia Command and our small business industry providing an integrated and seamless thanks to its exceptional channel line-up partner, Bushtex, for this network. It allows the end-to-end user experience tailored to local viewers. Orange mission partner to conduct training and .Moreover, customers are able to take Slovensko will broadcast from EUTELST operations that help validate and refine control of their own SD-WAN network 16A satellite to extend its existing offer to Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures,” said through a centralized management reach households not covered by its FTTH Pete Hoene, President and CEO of SES portal that provides advanced visibility, network. Government Solutions. configuration, reporting and trouble- Under this contract with Eutelsat, the shooting capabilities platform delivers 38 channels, with more The contract is a 12-month base year with four . than half in HD. These channels are one-year option periods starting on 1 August Enabling cost effective access from the available in 3 main pay-TV packages, plus 2018. The total contract value is USD 29.3 branch site to data center, SD-WAN additional thematic and premium channel million. The award includes the ability to complements PCCW Global's existing add-ons, starting at 6 euros per month. provide optional surge capacity over the life of Console Connect service, a global The service includes exclusive distribution the contract, with a six-month extension Software-Defined Interconnection® of Orange Sports channels, home of option. platform that provides automated, Champions League matches for the secure and predictable connectivity Slovakian territory for the next three between the data center and business seasons as well as other highly valued Chatham Islands gets partners, major cloud service providers football, ice hockey, basketball and mixed world-leading IoT network and business-critical applications martial arts, MMA content. across the globe. The service also The Chatham Islands have joined some of the supplements and enhances PCCW Pavol Lanèariè, CEO of Orange most technologically advanced places in the Global's comprehensive suite of Slovensko said: "By launching our own world thanks to the completion of a brand new communication services that includes Orange TV satellite service, the availability In te rn e t o f Th i n g s ( Io T) n e tw o rk . Global MPLS, Global Internet Access, of our television services to the public will Progressively, all the world's devices such as Global Ethernet, Global UCaaS and grow dramatically. The premium content household appliances, smart gadgets, Managed Cybersecurity Solutions. offered by our television will be available to vehicles, and agricultural monitoring tools are almost all Slovaks.” Over 80 countries across the US, Asia, being connected to the internet Africa, Latin America, the Middle East Michel Azibert, Chief Commercial and This is the Internet of Things and it allows and Oceania will be covered during the Development Officer of Eutelsat, added: devices to “talk” and “learn” from each other so initial launch phase of the service, “We are delighted to be working with they can constantly improve their which will continue to be expanded Orange Slovensko as they expand their performance. An IoT network draws far less through both PCCW Global's existing pay-TV offer to all of Slovakia. This energy from devices connected to it than an network as well as third party providers' contract reflects the efficiency of satellite internet network, allowing devices to transmit networks. PCCW Global's MPLS to reach communities across a territory data for years without needing new batteries. network itself spans over 3,000 cities in and the strength of EUTELSAT 16A's 150 countries, with direct extensions coverage over Central Europe. We look The IoT network on the Chatham Islands has available to all major cloud providers. forward to continue working with Orange just been rolled out by Wireless Nation, Slovensko as its offer evolves to alongside a big upgrade to the islands' satellite Mr. Jordick Wong, Senior Vice guarantee the best quality of content to network which the residents rely on for internet President, Product and Vendor audiences across the country.” Management, PCCW Global, said, “Globally, the need for intelligent and Thanks to the upgrades, residents will have advanced business networks is SES Government Solutions much faster and more reliable internet, as well growing substantially. Our SD-WAN to Support Air Combat as all the benefits of a dedicated IoT network. service provides enterprises with an Command Training and For the people and businesses living on the efficient and streamlined networking islands, the upgrades are a game changer. capability that maximizes their existing Testing Operations “With reliable high speed internet recognised connectivity solutions and optimizes as a basic human right given so much of our business-critical and cloud-based SES Government Solutions, a wholly- day-to-day lives relies on access to data, the applications, ensuring an enhanced owned subsidiary of SES, has teamed with demand for the service is growing,” Iain user experience without having to prime contractor Bushtex, Inc. to provide Torrance, Chatham Island Trust Enterprise spend more on connectivity.” commercial Ku bandwidth to U.S. Air CEO, says Combat Command, SES announced today. This satellite communications “The Internet of Things solution being trialled capability will support training and testing on the Chathams has potential to deliver operations in the continental U.S. considerable benefits in a wide range of Bushtex Inc., a small business based in environments. “For example, we are piloting

39 IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

the vehicle tracking capabilities of the facility in 2015, the program has added 40 (HV18) this September. Wireless Nation's GPS unit, the Fox in 3 years, and currently has 12 teleports Tracker, with a view to using it to help engaged in the quality evaluation process. The lightweight, powerful terminal, easily with safety of our loan workers.” Zariff Certifications have been issued to carried in a backpack, helped to keep the Ali, Premium Service Manager at teleports operated by Eutelsat, du, world up-to-date with the progress of the Wireless Nation, says the network will C O M S AT, S i g n a l h o r n , O p t u s , Alpine team, climbing in a remote part of u n l o c k a w o r l d o f e c o n o m i c Globecomm, Horizon, Media Broadcast, The Himalayas, frequently at altitudes of opportunities and greater safety for the ElaraComunicaciones, GlobalSat, Talia, over 5000m. islanders Telenor, Vivacom, Cyta, Batelco, SingTel, The climbers posted regular media CETel, Etisalat, Hawaii Pacific Teleport, updates of photos and video, kept in “The IoT network deployment will Intelsat, Speedcast, Telstra and Arqiva. touch with the other teams and stayed change the way the locals live each day The industry has quickly adopted the safe thanks to the global connectivity of by enabling them to get feedback from transparent, independently verified Inmarsat's Global Xpress network and the natural resources they rely on as standards as a means for teleports to the quick set-up and ease-of-use of the their main source of income,” Ali differentiate themselves and for customers SWARM. explains. “Things like temperature to choose the price-performance level sensors, humidity sensors, soil suitable for their applications Speaking directly from the Himalayas, moisture probes, and rain gauges can Full Certification under the WTA program is RAF Squadron Leader Gordon become invaluable tools to smart the result of a comprehensive data- Henderson of the Alpine Team described resource management and efficiency collection and inspection process. A the SWARM's data speeds as “like when they're connected to the internet. teleport operator completes a +170-item having the equivalent of a home wi-fi questionnaire and submits it to WTA. The system”. “Whether it's for farming or fishing, the Association analyzes the data based on Paradigm's MD Ulf Sandberg added: “It's Chatham Islands have entered a new standards established by its Certification been fantastic to follow the team's era of productivity with the IoT network.” Committee and issues the Provisional progress with the superb photos and Alongside increased productivity, the Certification based on the self-reported videos that satcom, via the SWARM and IoT network comes with many benefits information. Global Xpress, has allowed them to for the safety of people and assets. share with the world”. ireless Nation's recently launched Fox The teleport then has six months to Tracker is an inexpensive and small achieve Full Certification. To achieve Full The SWARM was selected for the GPS device which can constantly Certification under WTA's program, an expedition following its success in transmit its location for up to seven auditor is dispatched to visit the teleport, providing seamless connectivity at the years on a single charge. “It will enable provide independent validation of the data RAF100 Flypast over Buckingham residents to track their assets, such as submitted in the questionnaire, and Palace back in July 2018. This high- boats, for greater peace of mind — both identify additional factors that may profile RAF100 Centenary event involved for the owner when the boat is docked, positively or negatively affect the score. 100 aircraft from the past 100 years flying and the owners' loved ones when he or Full Certification is issued at a Tier number over the skies of London. The SWARM she is out at sea,” Ali says from 1 through 4, of which 4 represents the provided the Air Command Media team highest degree of excellence, and remains with constant communications in the face Wireless Nation Marketing Manager, in effect for 3 years of high demand from the public on the MiroSudzum, says the infrastructure “We are very satisfied with obtaining the terrestrial 4G network. upgrade on the Chatham Islands is all Tier 3 full certification, granted by the WTA, part of the company's continued for our Teleport in Mexico City. Elara is a The SWARM is an ultra portable, rugged commitment to rural New Zealand. company with a narrow focus on customer satcom system which can be easily “The rollout on the Chatham Islands is a experience, and this certification is the operated by a non-skilled user. great demonstration of the work we can result of the continuous work carried out by Assembly typically takes around 90 do to bring rural New Zealand into the our team to provide an excellent service”, seconds with high-speed, broadband 21st Century,” Sudzum says. “We're said Operations and Insfrastructure connectivity achievable in less than 240 proud of the work we've done here and Director Isauro Luna. “This allows us to seconds. Acquiring the satellite is excited to roll out more IoT networks position ourselves with a clear intuitive, quick and tool-free using the throughout mainland New Zealand.” differentiator which gives greater integrated audio and visual pointing aids c o n f i d e n c e t o o u r c u s t o m e r s . ” onboard the PIM® (Paradigm Interface Mexico City Teleport Module) terminal controller. View the “Elara's Mexico City facility has become SWARM video for a closer look at the achieves full the 21st teleport to be fully certified by WTA terminal and for visuals on its quick setup certification from and the first teleport in Latin America to and simple pointing. gain full certification,” said executive World Teleport director Robert Bell. “Satellite operators HIMALAYAN VENTURE 18 is the Association and end-customers are now including principal expedition of RAF100 – the certification as a question in their RFPs, celebration of the centenary of the which increases the value of the program formation of the Royal Air Force, the first The World Teleport Association (WTA) to teleport operators.” independent Air Force in the world. The h a s a n n o u n c e d t h a t expedition unites 75 members of the ElaraComunicaciones has achieved Broadband in a wider RAF family in a pioneering Tier 3 full certification of its Mexico City expedition to the Rolwaling and Khumbu teleport under WTA's Teleport backpack at the top of regions of the Nepalese Himalayan Certification Program the world range. It brings together individuals with a Since its introduction at IBC 2015, the variety of outdoor experience, ranging Paradigm's high-speed SWARM satellite Certification program has quickly grown from the absolute novice to the terminal provided invaluable support for in popularity. Starting with one certified experienced mountaineer. the RAF on their Himalayan Venture 18 AMERICAS

Hughes to provide managed service, the network solution said Cody Catalena, vice president and will also enable agencies to utilize idle general manager, Global Business satellite broadband bandwidth from other GETN users to Solutions, Viasat. "We're proud to sign services for U.S. maximize network efficiency and Intelisys on as our latest Master Agent, performance. giving their network an ability to sell Government Education GETN supports, among others, the primary broadband services to their Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), customers whenever cable or fiber is out of and Training Network United States Air Force (USAF), Air reach. Further, as we see business Hughes Network Systems, LLC has been Force Reserve Command (AFRC), Air applications continue to move to the cloud, awarded a new General Services National Guard (ANG), Defense Health our Viasat service provides a great back- Administration Blanket Purchase Agency (DHA), and the Department of u p i n t e r n e t c o n n e c t i o n — g i v i n g Agreement contract for a fully managed, Justice (DOJ). Training applications over businesses a truly diverse internet global satellite network to support the network range from broadcasting connection to run applications like voice distance learning programs for the videos of mock trials for judicial and video, transaction processing and Government Education and Training employees to instructor-led video more.” Network. The Government Education discussions for air traffic controllers, and Training Network GETN community, medical personnel, civil engineers, The Viasat service gives business a consortium of multiple agencies, has acquisition professionals, and aircraft customers more available options to depended on Hughes to power its mechanics around the world. support their sales and businesses distance learning network across the U.S. operations. Viasat currently offers a and dozens of international sites, and this variety of unlimited and metered data contract builds on the company's Viasat signs new plans with download speed options commitment to deliver innovative network master agent ranging from 35 Megabits per second technology for the Federal Government.\ (Mbps) across most of the U.S. up to 100 agreement with Mbps in select areas. "Hughes has supported GETN for 10 years and we value the opportunity to Intelisys continue delivering a secure and reliable Viasat Inc. has announced that Intelisys, Planet and Orbital network for government agencies to train Inc., a ScanSource company and the Insight expand satellite their global workforce," said Tony Bardo, nation's leading Technology Services assistant vice president of Government Distributor has become as its latest imagery partnership Solutions at Hughes. "The GETN Master Agent partner offering Viasat's One of the operator of the largest program exemplifies how to best harness business internet services. This new constellation of imaging satellites, Planet the power of online organizational partnership significantly increases and Orbital Insight, the leader in training for employees in dispersed Viasat's presence in the business and geospatial analytics, has announced a locations while reducing or eliminating enterprise channel, giving Viasat access multi-year contract for Orbital Insight to travel costs.” to over 3,000 Intelisys agents source daily, global satellite imagery from The contract award, estimated at $15 nationwide. The agreement with Intelisys Planet. The contract is an expansion of million in total funding for up to five years, comes on the heels of the ViaSat-2 t h e i r p r e v i o u s i m a g e r y - s h a r i n g marks the third time Hughes has been service launch for business internet agreement. selected to deliver the turnkey satellite users. broadcast network, which is expected to "We're proud to bring Viasat into the "Orbital Insight has been a fantastic encompass 1,030+ downlink sites with 1 Intelisys portfolio, which contains more partner for Planet, and we are looking or more classrooms, five uplink sites, 21 than 160 of the world's leading service forward to continuing our relationship as broadcast studios, and 44 international providers," said Jay Bradley, president of they develop analytics that make our sites. The Hughes team includes Intelisys. "By selling Viasat's business imagery more accessible and actionable longtime subcontractor Convergent internet services, Intelisys agents will be for businesses," said Will Marshall, CEO Media Systems to support installation, able to reach more business customers and co-founder of Planet. "The partnership maintenance and content scheduling for in more places with faster broadband signals the market's confidence in the the network. speeds.” growing number of use cases for insights GETN distributes its training content via Specifically as a Viasat Master Agent, derived from daily global imagery with HD interactive television (ITV: 1-way the Intelisys network will be able to offer advanced analytics." video, 2way audio) with audio interaction Viasat high-speed satellite internet as an achieved through a secure terrestrial option to their enterprise and business Orbital Insight develops analytics software audio conferencing system. This customers across the U.S., filling using geospatial datasets, such as seamless, interoperable network allows broadband coverage gaps where Planet's imagery collections, providing user agencies to share video-based business customers want assured, timely intelligence to decision-makers distance learning programs and common reliable, high-speed broadband across various industries. Now, Orbital facilities. communications. Additionally, with Insight will have greater access to Planet's Hughes will expand and continue to Viasat satellite internet service, Intelisys daily, 3.7 meter resolution PlanetScope promote the use of interactive TV as a business customers gain access to a imagery, as well as .72 centimeter very cost-effective and instructionally diverse, resilient secondary connection resolution SkySat imagery for any location sound medium for distance learning in a for business continuity and SD-WAN on Earth. The high-frequency revisit rate blended learning environment. Users implementations. Installation of service and broad geographic coverage of report completing over 250,000 student typically takes place within three to five Planet's imagery makes it well-suited to training hours each year, resulting in a days of ordering, giving business specific Orbital Insight use cases, cost-avoidance in the tens of millions of customers the ability to quickly deploy including counting cars, trains, and ships, annual training dollars through GETN. and use Viasat's fast, reliable as well as monitoring commercial and Under the contract, GETN will utilize connectivity service. residential real estate construction. The HughesON managed broadband service "Businesses are looking for higher speed spirit of the partnership is to foster a closer at select sites, including wireline, wireless bandwidth options in both rural and working relationship across commercial and satellite connectivity. As part of a urban areas—whether that's for a markets and humanitarian initiatives. primary or back-up connectivity option,"

Editorial Calendar 2018 Editorial Calendar 2017 2018 schedule of publications Please find below the schedule of publication, and themes, for the rest of your 2018 media planning The publication is sold monthly on a subscription basis, to readers in Africa, Europe, and North America as well as Middle East. But it is also distributed widely, free, to participants at selected conferences. Below please find the schedule of releases.

Vol 6 No 9 January 2018 can stay connected to family and friends, and receive the latest entertainment. Once considered a luxury, broadband Benefits of aviation weather services. connectivity is now viewed as a must-have for maritime Aviation operations are highly sensitive to weather vessels. Correspondingly, Maritime Satellite conditions. Information on weather conditions helps Communications are available across the globe. This diti6n meteorologists, pilots, navigators, airline companies and will focus on Maritime Satellite Communications businesses to ensure safe flights and save money by reducing some of the stringent requirements related to carrying extra fuel loads. This edition will feature the benefits Vol 7 No 3 May 2018 of weather information to the aviation sector as the industry is Digital oilfield known to be both very weather-sensitive and weather- Over the past five years, nearly 50 new deep offshore plays information-sensitive have been discovered off the coast of West Africa, ] cementing the region's reputation as a vast resource of Vol 6 No 10 February 2018 untapped potential. In fact, about one-third of new Satellite Broadcasting Services discoveries worldwide since 2010 have occurred in West Africa, most of these offshore. This boom in activity has The satellite broadcast services sector is undergoing and drawn dozens of E&P operators, including supermajors facing substantial change. The article suggests some key and large independents, and has created thousands of new areas driving change. It focuses on vertical integration of jobs and a growing need for service providers and services The continuous addition of TV channels broadcast infrastructure. As offshore activity in West Africa continues by satellite pay-TV platforms, boosted by the launch of new to increase, so does the demand for reliable platforms in recent years, has resulted in a strong increase in communications, and a critical element of operational capacity usage for satellite operators. Transponders used by performance is an unfailing real-time connection. This satellite TV platforms worldwide are estimated to have issue will focus on current trends and technologies in the Oil almost doubled. This edition will feature special report on the and Gas Industry. performance of the satellite pay-TV market. Vol 7 No 1 March 2018 Vol 7 No 4 June 2018 Enterprise Connectivity Satellite supply and demand in Africa This issue of spacewatchafrica will focuses on satellite One of the most significant trends in enterprise connectivity supply and demand in Africa. So far, the demand for high is the need for faster bandwidth. It's a development that's speed connectivity is rising. Consumers, businesses, and evident across virtually every market – corporate, maritime, governments want more bandwidth for a variety of oil and gas, cellular backhaul, utilities and many others. It's purposes. In Africa, much of the population remain driven by end users who want to run a broader range of unconnected or underserved. In business, internet access business applications over a satellite network and who need is critical not optional. And in military, fast, secure internet is to expand their network to new sites and new users. The vital to safeguard valuable lives and equipment. Specific overall market for enterprise connectivity is surging. This s e c t o r s s u c h a s D T H , v i d e o d i s t r i b u t i o n , edition will report the role of Satellite in driving enterprise telecommunications, maritime and O&G also require connectivity connectivity. Vol 7 No 2 April 2018 Vol 7 No 5 July 2018 Maritime Connectivity Strategies for Choosing the right satellite Maritime Satellite Communications play a vital role in the global economy. With up to 80,000 merchant, cruise, and solution government vessels at sea at any given time and more than ICT professionals are often faced with the dilemma of 1400 offshore oil-rigs, there is a pressing need for the choosing an efficient and reliable satellite service, connectivity and benefits that satellite provides. With consistent with their networking requirements and Maritime Communications, ship headquarters can company objectives. The dilemma is reinforced by many communicate with their fleet enabling real-time ship providers offering limited, 'off the shelf' satellite connectivity monitoring, navigation, and surveillance. Oil-rigs can receive packages. This edition will explore some benefits of these and transmit real-time operational data. Crew and passengers considerations as well as assist in choosing the optimal satellite service provider. AFRICA

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