RASCOM-QAF delivers Tele-education project in Kenya

VVVolVolVolVol o6 o6 66l l. .No. NoNo. No77 N N 55 oo5.. 810 Novembe 2018r 2018

AFRICA

The future of Ultra High Definition Television viewing NTA TheUnde risersta nding questofBy Marcel Dischinger Africa’ for snew largest space TV Network

C O N T E N T S Vol. 7 No. 10

Cartographers celebrate 40th Anniversary Editor in-chief Aliyu Bello UAE's home grown KhalifaSat successfully launched Executive Manager Tonia Gerrald Algeria telecoms corporation showcases its satellite internet SA to the editor in-Chief Ngozi Okey in Mauritania Head, Application Services M. Yakubu CWG Plc: A leading player in the ICT Industry across Africa Editorial/ICT Services John Daniel Usman Bello Nigeria may run Radio Navigation Satellite Systems in 2019 Alozie Nwankwo RASCOM-QAF delivers NEPAD Tele-education project in Kenya Juliet Nnamdi Al Yahsat launches YahClick satellite broadband in Cameroon Client Relations Sunday Tache Lookman Bello The Potential of a Global Telemedicine Vehicle Network Safiya Thani Cote d'Ivoire aspires to ITU Council seat Marketing Offy Pat Intelsat and Q-KON plan large-scale Broadband deplyments Tunde Nathaniel in Africa Wasiu Olatunde French Navy fleet now equipped with RIFAN 2 Media Relations Favour Madu secure intranet system Khadijat Yakubu DStv drops 2 TV channels Zacheous Felicia Finance Folarin Tunde New Pan-African Data Centre Association launched in Morocco Inmarsat named fastest-growing maritime VSAT provider Space Watch Magazine is a publication of NTA: The rise of Africa’s largest TV Network Communication Science, Inc. All correspondence should be addressed to editor, space Watch Magazine. Abuja office: Plot 2009, Awka Street, UTC Building, GF 11, Area 10, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria Tel: 234 80336471114, 07084706167, email: [email protected]

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Editorial

Cartographers! Life begins at forty

We all know the saying, ”A picture says data and the visualization in a GIS understand it is the cartographersfault, more than 1000 words”. And that is true, almost look like a map, this is as good as not the technology's. because humans are excellent image it is dangerous. So, dear esteemed colleagues: let us processors. A report or instruction that we To create a map in the sense of the read or hear automatically gets step out of the closet and take a position conference theme, a map that is easy to in the front line again and let us play a transformed to a mental image before we understand and that tells a story the can remember it or react on it. Memory leading role in this modern world of cartographer is still needed more than visual communication. artists, people who can remember ever endless rows of numbers or sequence of playing cards transform them into mental Technology and methodology are maps advancing,and we have to master them A mapping agency, GIS/Transport is a at any time and pick the appropriate high end service provider for Digital Mind mapping is the methodology for solution for our individual tasks. Again, Cartography, Land Administration, brainstorming and creative processes. please remember: technology does not R e m o t e S e n s i n g a n d G I S And there are a lot more of analogies and make maps, cartographers do. So, i m p l e m e n t a t i o n a n d S o f t w a r e metaphors that show how deep the please let us not forget what our role development. visualization in pictures and maps is really is over falling in love with embedded in our subconscious A e r o p r e c i s a s t i l l i s a n o t h e r technology. photogrammetric service provider with Another saying goes: “War always Diamond DA42 MPP aircraft 9H-AEV, happens at night, when it rains at the VexelUltraCam camera, Applanix 510 intersection of 4 maps”! Technology still Also, please let us not waste time trying POS AV GPS / INS and SOMAG gyro can't fix night and rain, but it helps with to compete with geographers, mount based in Abuja. Aeroprcisa has waterproof, backlit rugged devices and in surveyors, planners and all the other produced more than 300,000sqkm high the seamless digital world there are no professions that know how to use a GIS. resolution and high precision more intersections of 4 maps. Rather let us remember what we have, orthophoto for government and industry and they don't: our detailed knowledge clients over the last 5 years and a b o u t : s c a l e s , p r o j e c t i o n s , currently fitting the aircraft with a LiDAR With our affinity for visual processing we symbolization, lettering, generalization, system to start the 2018/19 flying automatically pay attention to beautiful and, more important: our knowledge season with both photo and LiDAR data map: the human mind sees it, is attracted and experience on how to use it to capture. to it, likes it and immediately understands create fit for purpose maps it. Naturally that can change with time, Lets wrap up with a few thoughtsabout culture and educational background of the role of the cartographer. Not only GIS/Transport at this moment is the user, and this is where the from the public, even from professionals designing, building and operating GIS cartographer comes in we hear:“Why do we still need a service agencies in Nasarawa, Gombe, In deed, technology helps with data cartographer, everything has been Kaduna, Oyo and Edo- states with 15 capture and quality control, makes mapped and we have google maps and expatriate consultants, 4 affiliate updates really easy, allows us to choose a car navigation that says “turn left in Nigerian senior consultants covering different scales and projections and 300m” with a friendly voice”. Now, the cartography, survey and planning, 60 symbologies for the same data set and it answer to this one is simple: google Nigerian GIS/Transport staff and a total allows for fast and easy publishing and maps and the car navigation were of 630 Nigerian project staff. Around 2/3 dissemination. created by cartographers for general of the staff or 460 are professionals with consumption and obviously they did an a degree who work with computers or Crucial, especially when we remember excellent job. The cartographer electronic field equipment. The GIS the conference theme “Decision Tools for understands the endusers' needs and agencies' roles are digital cartography, National Security, Disaster Management creates maps accordingly, as standard land administration and optimization and Economic Recovery” is the ability to or ad hoc products in paper or digital and computerization of spatial business perform complex queries ad hoc and with format. processes. individual visualizations of the results

In the past endless time was spent with By Ronald Klaus data capture and drawing or engraving The cartographer is an artist, a the map sheets, with edge matching, with communicator and delivers a clear preparation for print, color separation etc. unambiguous and unmistakable visual and subsequently with updating. The time message in form of a map. Again, we are saving we can now invest in ever please remember: A map has to talk to improving the design us, it has to have a message and it has to meet us in our comfort zone.The Data collection is easy, everybody can cartographers target, client, audience is collect data and everybody can visualize a human being. If the human does not 5 APOINTMENTS

company growth and its ongoing NCC appoints Nwokike commitment to customer service. as new spokesperson These leadership changes include the f o l l o w i n g a p p o i n t m e n t s a n d T h e N i g e r i a n C o m m u n i c a t i o n s promotions: James Frownfelter has Commission (NCC) has appointed Mr been appointed as Chief Executive Nnamdi Nwokike as the Director, Public Officer (CEO). Jim Frownfelter, who will also continue to serve as the Chairman Affairs, following the retirement of Mr Tony Source: Airbus Defence and Space of ABS' Board of Directors, has over 30 Ojobo. According to the statement by Mr y e a r s o f t e c h n o l o g y a n d Sonny Aragba-Akpore, NCC Assistant communications experience in the Director Public Affairs, Nwokike's Philippe Oliva joins satellite, aeronautical, broadband, and appointment took effect from Oct. 8. wireless fields. Sam Wong previously Aragba-Akpore said, prior to his new Eutelsat as EVP of sales Chief Financial Officer, has been position, Nwokike was the Director, promoted to President and Chief Corporate Strategy Planning and Risk and products Financial Officer. Dee Schwalb Management of the NCC. Philippe Oliva is appointed as Executive p r e v i o u s l y E V P o f B u s i n e s s Vice President of Sales and Products as Development, is promoted to Chief Nwokike became the NCC's Deputy of September 3rd, 2018. He will report to Operating Officer (COO). Carmen Director and pioneer Head, Consumer Michel Azibert, Deputy CEO and Chief G o n z a l e z – S a n f e l i u h a s b e e n Affairs Department, a department he Commercial & Development Officer, with appointed as Chief Commercial Officer started and renamed Consumer Affairs a view to succeeding him as Commercial (CCO). Stephen Salem has been Bureau. “At Consumer Affairs Bureau, he Director during the course of 2019. appointed as General Counsel. Ron created the Consumer Parliament, Michel Azibert Busch previously Vice President, Consumer Outreach Programmes, will continue to serve as Deputy CEO. Network Services, is promoted to Consumer Bill of Rights and Consumer Philippe Oliva was previously Vice Executive Vice President, Network Factsheets. President and Managing Director of Services. Justin Derksen is appointed “These organs remained veritable Strategic Accounts at IBM. After starting as Senior Vice President, Business channels for handling consumer his career at CIMAD, Philippe joined IBM Development. Patrick French complaints, consumer education and in 1999 where he held several senior previously Vice President Global general dissonance in the market.”In positions including head of Business Business Development is promoted to 2004, he was transferred to Business Services France and Vice President of Senior Vice President, Global Business Development Unit, a department vested Integrated Technology Services. During Development. Jason Miller is appointed with the responsibilities of developing new his career at IBM he oversaw the launch of as Vice President, Sales Support & business vistas. With his team in the unit, the Cloud business and Hybrid Cloud Market Research. he worked with consultants from World services in France, then in the United Bank and USAID towards the setting up of States where he worked for several years. OneWeb Appoints the Universal Service Provision Fund in A French national, Philippe is a graduate the Commission. of Ecole Supérieure des Ingénieurs Adrian Steckel as “In 2007, Nigeria through the NCC, Commerciaux. CEO and Eric supported the candidature of Nnamdi F o u n d e d i n 1 9 7 7 , E u t e l s a t Nwokike for the Executive Secretary Communications is one of the world's Béranger as President position to head the West Africa leading satellite operators. With a global and COO Telecommunications Regulatory fleet of satellites and associated ground OneWeb announced the appointment Assembly (WATRA). He contested and infrastructure, Eutelsat enables clients of Adrian Steckel as Chief Executive won the election. across Video, Data, Government, Fixed Officer and Eric Béranger as President “Nwokike served as Executive Secretary and Mobile Broadband markets to and Chief Operating Officer. During of WATRA for two terms of three-year communicate effectively to their Eric's tenure as Chief Executive Officer, tenure from 2007 to 2013. WATRA customers, irrespective of their location. OneWeb grew five-fold and developed consists of Independent National Over 6,600 television channels the technical foundation to launch its Regulatory Authority (NRAs) and operated by leading media groups are system. In his new role, as President d e p a r t m e n t s f o r r e g u l a t i o n o f and Chief Operating Officer, Eric will Telecommunications services established broadcast by Eutelsat to one billion viewers equipped for DTH reception or ensure that OneWeb's innovative by governments of member states in the system of satellites and ground Economic Community of West African connected to terrestrial networks. infrastructure can deliver high quality States (ECOWAS) sub-region and Headquartered in Paris, with offices and services to customer communities Mauritania.He returned to NCC in early teleports around the globe, Eutelsat around the globe. Adrian brings 2013 and traversed the commission's assembles 1,000 men and women from extensive experience and passion for Project and Strategy canvass as Director, 32 countries who are dedicated to enabling connectivity to OneWeb. Projects Department. delivering the highest quality of service. Since 1999, he has been Eutelsat Communications is listed on building companies from the ground up the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange and working to enable voice and data (ticker: ETL). For more about Eutelsat communications in countries around go to www.eutelsat.com the world. Adrian was the CEO of lusacell, a very successful mobile carrier in Mexico, which he sold to AT&T ABS Announces New in 2015. He also led the buildout and operations of the fiber backbones in Executive Management both Colombia and Peru in cooperation Changes with their respective governments and ABS announced new appointments and during his time as CFO at TV Azteca, he changes of its executive management team also took the company public on the Mr Nnamdi Nwokike to reflect its transition into the next phase of New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). IN THE NEWS UAE's home grown KhalifaSat successfully Algeria telecoms corporation launched showcases its The Mohammed bin Rashid spectrum, KhalifaSat can space innovations that have Space Centre, MBRSC, provide images that meet given the satellite an enhanced satellite internet in announced the successful the highest international digital camera; fast image Mauritania launch of the Emirati satellite standards. These detailed download and high-speed K h a l i f a S a t i n t o o r b i t . high-resolution images can communication capabilities KhalifaSat is the first Emirati help government and from its position anywhere T h e i n c u m b e n t c a r r i e r A l g e r i a satellite to be 100 percent p r i v a t e s e c t o r above the world; an automatic Telecommunications Corporation took developed at the facilities of organisations get accurate satellite control system with part in the special exposition of Algerian MBRSC in the UAE by d a t a f o r m o n i t o r i n g increased storage capacity; a products being held in Nouakchott, Emirati engineers.One of the environmental changes, satellite positioning technique Mauritania from October 22 to 28, 2018. m o s t a d v a n c e d e a r t h detecting the effects of that allows it to simultaneously observation satellites, global warming, ensuring capture multiple 3D images; as The public company provided broadband KhalifaSat was launched responsible urban planning well as advanced target positioning for capturing high connection for the event with the technical from the Tanegashima and management, and Space Centre in Japan, aiding relief efforts at times quality images with pinpoint support of the Algerian Space Agency aboard the H-IIA rocket. . accuracy and high speed. intends to also take the opportunity to of natural disasters. These images can also K h a l i f a S a t c o n t a i n s a n display the new satellite internet T h e f i r s t s i g n a l w a s support the effort to advanced positioning system that allows a large number of 3D competence acquired thanks to the successfully received at the a c h i e v e s u s t a i n a b l e Alcomsat-1 satellite launched in ground station from the images to be captured at once, development goals and with eges to be captured in less December 2017 and commissioned in Mohammed bin Rashid improve the quality of life. Space Centre. At a later time.KhalifaSat is the third June 2018. KhalifaSat is two metres satellite to be developed by stage, KhalifaSat will capture high and weighs only 330 MBRSC after DubaiSat-1 and Algeria Telecommunications Corporation and deliver high-quality kg. Its speed is estimated DubaiSat-2. What distinguishes sees in Mauritania a potential market for its detailed images of Earth to at 7km/s, which enables it it from the first two satellites is the ground station at to orbit the Earth almost 14 that it is the first satellite to be data connection which can generate MBRSC, Dubai. At 70cm per additional revenues for the company. In and a half cycles daily. It fully developed by a team of pixel panchromatic and 2.98 has bagged five patents h i g h l y q u a l i f i e d E m i r a t i January 2017, Imane Houda Feraoun, metres per pixel in multi- and developed seven engineers. Algerian minister of Post and Information Technology, indicated that Alcomsat-1 would contribute to the expansion of French Navy fleet now equipped with RIFAN 2 Algeria Telecommunications Corporation in Africa. secure intranet system

Commenting on the project in preparation More than sixty vessels in 'unprotected' to 'secret' s y s t e m s h a v e b e e n for the African Internet Governance Forum the French Navy are now and 'NATO secret' This refurbished, and a new UHF organized by the African Development e q u i p p e d w i t h t h e network transmits data n e t w o r k h a s b e e n Bank in Collaboration with the 'Réseau Intranet de la produced by the various deployed, which now allows International Telecommunications Union, Force Aéronavale étape applications, both to all-IP (Internet Protocol) the official presented Mali, Niger, and 2' (RIFAN 2) system, coordinate operations voice and data exchanges C h a d , t h a t s t i l l h a v e a l o w ranging from aircraft and for daily and logistical between ships, with a range telecommunications services penetration carriers and front-line management of life on o f s e v e r a l t e n s o f rate in remote areas, as prospects. frigates to support ships, board, as well as to kilometres. With the new revenues generated from p a t r o l c r a f t b a s e d exchange data between national and international markets with o v e r s e a s , a n d information systems of RIFAN 2 also provides satellite internet and optical fiber, Algeria submarines. Thanks to theatre chiefs of staff on o v e r a l l n e t w o r k Telecommunications Corporation expects the system, all ships at board a vessel for the m a n a g e m e n t a n d its dreams would come true. It could sea can now establish duration of an operation. cybersecurity incident elevate itself to the same international secure broadband links monitoring capability. This standards as the incumbent carriers with each other and with Whether it's a ship sailing monitoring can take place Tunisie Telecom, Maroc Telecom, and the onshore command alone, a carrier group, or both from an onshore Egypt Telecom. centre. an amphibious group on management and control Algeria's first communications satellite The RIFAN 2 programme operations, the various centre, or locally on board Alcomsat-1 was launched in December contract, worth around € vessels are equipped to the ships, thus providing the 2017. The Alcomsat-1 telecommunication 160 million, was awarded meet their respective crews with a degree of satellite incorporates a total of 33 to an industrial group c o n n e c t i v i t y independence, so that they transponders, including 19 Ku-band, 12 headed by Airbus as the r e q u i r e m e n t s . T h e can make the best use of Ka-band, and two L-band transponders. prime contractor and system is capable of the network according to the Nine of the 19 Ku-band transponders are comprising the Naval c o m b i n i n g s e v e r a l operational situation. used to broadcast TV and digital radio Group and Rohde & communication streams The RIFAN 2 system is channels, while the remaining are used to S c h w a r z a s c o - in order to optimise the regularly adapted and provide communications in North African contractors. The purpose use of the transmission upgraded, whether in terms regions, including Tunisia, Northern Chad, of the programme is to capacity available at sea, of its central architecture or and Northern Sudan at speeds of 2Mbps. equip the French Navy's which is, by nature, the integration of new The Ka-band transponders are used to s u r f a c e s h i p s a n d limited. It therefore m e a n s o f s a t e l l i t e deliver high-speed broadband internet to submarines with a truly u t i l i s e s s a t e l l i t e b r o a d b a n d the Algerian territory at speeds of secure intranet system. It connections, such as communications. Similarly, 20Mbps.The satellite also features X- is designed to transmit Comcept or Syracuse, as the cybersecurity incident band, UHF and EHF transponders as well d a t a w i t h v a r i o u s w e l l a s r a d i o monitoring and detection as two transmission and three receiver classification levels, c o m m u n i c a t i o n s y s t e m w i l l a l s o b e antennas. r a n g i n g f r o m resources. Existing radio upgraded. PROFILE CWG Plc: A leading player in the ICT Industry across Africa

We are birthed 26 years ago in Nigeriaon in-class Partners and Technologies. We th Partners, Clients,customers, Media and September 26 , 1992, as a Computer Professional Bodies. As a result of its understand that e ?ective technology Warehouse Group principally catering service excellence and increased solutions are the engines that drive business mainly to computer hardware projects. 25 contribution to economic development growth and are proud of our position as 'the years may have seem young, but the vast through the deployment of many Power behind Business. experiences, knowledge transfers, technology solutions, The World Globally, Financial Services Institutions are capabilities and competencies within the Economic Forum (WEF) recognized the constantly undergoing technological company's structure defies the number of Company as a Global Growth Company in upgrade. CWG supports this drive by years it has lived as we have continuously 2014. providing the Financial Technology remained a benchmark for excellence in platforms, Cloud Services and Software Africa. Being a forward looking Company in an solutions to about 60% of all banking ever agile industry, its diligence and transactions in Nigeria. The company has Austin Okere founded the business with an commitment to providing technology successfully implemented and supported idealistic outlook of the future. A few years solutions that ensures organizational Finacle, which is the foremost Core Banking on, DCC Networks was established as the efficiency and effectiveness has given the application in the Nigerian banking system. communication arm; to provide VSAT, To date, CWG has installed over 4,000 Metropolitan, Wide Area and Local Area ATMs, manages over 2,500 of these Networks to Corporate Organisations. ATMs on behalf of the banks and Emerging demands in the areas of currently provides support services. software systems, training and solutions Further deepening its commitment to led to the acquisition of Expert Edge excellence through the introduction of Software in 1997. her ATM as a Service Initiative. The vision was not confined to the shores of Nigeria, as a Ghana office was The telecommunications industry is a established in 2003; and in 2005, key contributing sector to the global Computer Warehouse Group was economy. In line with our strategic incorporated to coordinate and monitor thrust of serving as a technological the activities of the thrtee subsidiaries enabler for growth. CWG provides CWL, DCC, and Expert Edge. Managed Services, IT infrastructure support and integration to major In February 2008, Computer Warehouse telecommunication giants. 50% of Group attracted the interest of Abraaj mobile calls are routed through CWG Group, a Private Equity firm, who then enterprise servers and storage invested in the company. This giant infrastructure with ownership of key stride led to further pursuit of its Pan teelcommuniocations infrastructure African vision, thus establishing other Austin Okere,Founder, CWG Plc manah=ged and supported by CWG, regional offices in East and Ccentral while also providing 40% of the Africa; CWG Uganda Limited 2010 and telecommunications sector with C W G C a m e r r o o n L i m i t e d 2 0 1 2 Company prominence and dominance in Managed Services, Data Centre and reespectively to handle the business the ICT sphere. Fast forward some two Teleport Services. interest arising from those regions. Finally, decades on, the Company, has in March 2012, the three subsidiaries were transitioned and undergone some The sector is responsible for deploying merged and ceased to exist as separate restructuring for the next phase of its technology solution to assist and support entities, but rather as divisions of Computer business's life cycle; this included different tiers of government in their bid to Warehouse Group. changing its name from Computer improve the lives of her citizenry. CWG's Warehouse Group to CWG Plc in 2016. Government sector is responsible for Looking into the future, Computer The Company which had begun as a identifying areas within government Warehouse Group listed its sharer on the reseller of foreign Products and Services operations that can be improved with the Nigerian Stock Exchange on the 15 had evolved into an innovator and integration of technology to ensure overall November 2013 and become listed as a developer of IT Platform solutions that efficiencies and operational excellence. Our Public Company. This listing boosted the enable growth. This strategic thrust has partnership with various levels of market capitalization of the NSE by about 4 brought about a remodeling of our government improves service delivery to bilion Naira, making Computer Warehouse citizens and increase contribution to the Group Plc the highest capitalized security in business operational landscape, GDP of the country. the ICT sector. Computer Warehouse Group n e c e s s i t a t i n g a S e c t o r b a s e d Plc's listing also marked the first listing on Management Structure to enable us Some CWG e-government solutions which the exchange after the launch of the X-Gen deploy technology solutions across are adaptable in wither the executive, trading engine; same engine used on the various industries, ranging from legislature or judiciary arms of the NASDAQ. Telecommunications, Financial Services, government create avenues for revenue As a company with great belief in Government, Utilities and Emerging collections, accountability and transparency, excellence, service delivery and operational Markets such as the Healthcare, whilst ensuring excellence in their standards, Computer Warehouse Group Transportation, Distribution, Agriculture, operations. Our involvement in the pursues its achievements through global Real Estate and other Sectors of the government sector supports the CWG best practices using its ISO90001 economy. At CWG Plc, we are poised to strategy of deplying technology solution to Certification process across the whole provide total technology solutions that add enable growth. Group. Over the years, numerous awards value to Private and Public Enterprises; and recognition has poured in from Our engaging our Skilled Workforce and best- IN THE NEWS

DStv drops 2 TV Nigeria may run Radio Navigation Satellite channels Systems in 2019 MultiChoice has announced that its dropping the Sony Channel (DStv 127) and Sony MAX (DStv 128) from its DStv satellite T h e N i g e r i a n Madagascar, ASECNA communication, navigation pay-TV platform at the end of October after G o v e r n m e n t h a s With the proposed trials, and surveillance/air traffic not renewing the channel's carriage contract announced plans to Nigeria, according to the management systems with Sony Pictures Television Networks. commence test-bed trials M i n i s t e r w o u l d b e planning, intended to MultiChoice was asked why it decided not to of Radio Navigation diversifying its economy in improve aircraft operations renew the carriage contract but declined to Satellite System by the d e m o n s t r a t i o n o f by making use of modern answer. c o m m i t m e n t t o t h e CNS/ATM technologies In a release bythe company, MultiChoice first quarter of next year. realization of its Economic said that the Sony channels will as from end G e n e r a l l y , s a t e l l i t e October 2018 stop airing on DStv. The This was revealed by Recovery and Growth Plan, M i n i s t e r o f ERGP. communications provide a current contract with Sony will expire end of real possibility to meet the October. C o m m u n i c a t i o n s , ''In collaboration with our Adebayo Shittu while partners, Nigeria shall demands of the ICAO Emma Marshall, spokesperson at Sony C N S / A T M s y s t e m , Pictures Television for the Europe, Middle declaring open the 15th commence test-bed trials, especially in areas where a East and Africa (EMEA) region told ITU Resolution 609 characterization and pilot terrestrial communication Channel24 in response to a media enquiry Consultation meeting demonstration by first infrastructure is lacking. The on Friday that "Sony Pictures Television's and Radio Satellite quarter of next year; 2018 benefits of using in particular channels in Sub-Saharan Africa, Sony Services Symposium in using selected Nigerian Air very small aperture terminals Channel and Sony Max, will stop being Abuja. F o r c e A i r c r a f t s a n d (VSAT) include the use of the carried on MultiChoice's DStv platform at the According to the Minister, validation by ASECNA, he most appropriate and cost- end of October, as the contract between SPT the test-bed trials would said.'' effective technology to and MultiChoice expires at that time". The safety of air operation is a l s o c o m p r i s e i m p r o v e a e r o n a u t i c a l vitally dependent on the characterization and pilot g r o u n d - g r o u n d "We thank our viewers in the region for their availability of reliable demonstration of the communications.. support. SPT is excited about future satellite systems in c o m m u n i c a t i o n s a n d opportunities in the Sub-Saharan African So far, VSAT networks have c o l l a b o r a t i o n w i t h navigation services. been implemented in a market and is exploring programming partners, using selected options for the continent.” number of ICAO regions and Nigerian Air Force According to the Air the operation of these Aircraft and validation by N a v i g a t i o n s y s t e m s , The Sony Channel rebranded from Sony networks is well under international organizations Entertainment Television in September 2014 A g e n c y f o r A e r i a l control. and ICAO had embarked on after MultiChoice added it 11 years ago in Navigation in Africa and November 2007. In 2016 MultiChoice Africa removed both Orange and Telespazio partner to supply Satcom channels from DStv and GOtv elsewhere in Africa outside of South Africa but later services to French Armed Forces returned it to its GOtv digital terrestrial television subscription service. T h e F r e n c h J o i n t their teams, skills and infrastructures in France In South Africa, MultiChoice also came close D i r e c t o r a t e f o r infrastructures to develop and overseas, as well as to removing the channels at this time, Infrastructure Networks an offer dedicated to state its ability to offer secure according to sources, who said that the two and Information Systems requirements, known as c o m m u n i c a t i o n s . Sony channels were destined to suffer the selected Orange Business MONaLiSat (National Telespazio France is same fate as in the rest of Africa after Services and Telespazio M e t a - O p e r a t o r f o r contributing its excellent Naspers' pay-TV arm embarked on a wider France to provide several Satellite Connections). understanding of the plan to cut back on channels with too much satellite communication Defence sector and its repeat programming that were angering capabilities and the This offer relies on a ability to integrate, deploy DStv subscribers. comprehensive range of and maintain satellite In the end the Sony Channel and Sony MAX associated managed s a t e l l i t e t e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s both got a last-minute reprieve, but now the services to all military and t e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s axe finally came down on the channels due state entities involved in systems. to too much old content and repeats. this framework agreement. services and associated The MONaLiSat offer is In mid-2016 Sony Pictures Television \ equipment which both appealing due to the Networks for Africa and the Sony Channel \These services will partners have used to expertise offered by dragged MultiChoice into scandal for the facilitate communications m e e t t h e s p e c i f i c O r a n g e B u s i n e s s faking of Gogglebox South Africa by making when armed forces are requirements of the Services and Telespazio as if TV households were watching content involved in field missions, Ministry. The solutions France in terms of across DStv channels that MultiChoice where end-to-end security provided by Orange g o v e r n m e n t never even showed. Gogglebox SA got i s v i t a l . A s t r a t e g i c Business Services and telecommunications. cancelled with people involved in the partnership to target the Telespazio France will Furthermore, both teams scandal fired. g o v e r n m e n t s a t e l l i t e help supply land and have been able to create communications market maritime communications an offer that fits the The accomplished and respected Sonja in several bands and meet requirements of the Underwood who used to be Sony Pictures Orange Business Services the mobility needs of beneficiaries of the Television Networks' territory director for and Telespazio France, a forces when deployed in framework agreement, by Sony Africa's channels also left Sony at the subsidiary of Telespazio ( a the field. giving them priority end of March 2017, something that Sony joint venture between O r a n g e B u s i n e s s access to the expertise or didn't announce, with no new Africa boss Leonardo, 67%, and Services is contributing its innovations of several who engaged with media or TV critics the Thales, 33%), have pooled l a n d a n d s a t e l l i t e French SMEs. past two years. BUSINESS

RASCOM-QAF delivers Tele-education project in Kenya

In Indonesia, the satellite technology has life power of 6.6 kW. Positioned at 2.85 been used to provide an effective educational degrees East, its footprint covers the entire system to sparsely distributed population in African continent, as well as parts of Europe 14,000 individual islands stretching across a and the Middle East. distance of over 5000 km, many of which are The RASCOM satellite provides a inaccessible mountainous or jungle terrain, continental coverage of Africa hence offering While in China, the extensive use of satellite the same quality of services in all rural areas medium has provided 21 hours adult at the same price. educational programmes every day to over 30 million people Apart from leadership issues, the e-School initiative is one of a kind in the world in terms In need of ideological platform to drive public of scale. The resource requirements, from interest in space, the NEPAD e-Africa human resources to technological and Commission piloted e-School project in 17 financial resources, were estimated at USD African countries, namely Algeria, Burkina 240 billion. However, according to report, Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of one consortium estimated the cost of setting Congo, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, up a single e-School demonstration at USD Lesotho, Mali, Mauritius, Mozambique, 4.8 million . Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa and Femi Williams Uganda. The e-School initiative is a novel If the consortia members, consisting of ten CEO, Chams Plc innovation that earned NEPAD the Global institutions, were to equally share the cost, Intelligent Community Visionary of the Year each partner would be expected to raise VSAT at Isiolo Girls High School award and was designed to instill ICT skills in USD 500,000, meaning serious budgeting students that enable them to participate in the concerns for all involved. This may have knowledge society upon graduating. accounted for the delay in the initiation of the in ICT proficiency, maintenance and the pilot projects in some other countries. VSAT at Isiolo Girls High School However, the NEPAD e-School project is integration of ICTs in teaching and learning. In turn, the trained teachers were required gradually advancing and its being deployed Giving fresh insights into the project, rural in African countries where resources, to train other teachers and induct learners. terminals are low cost, easy to install, and Accordingly, NEPAD estimated that each particularly ICT resources, tend to be scarce. full outdoor telecom infrastructure can The e-Schools are equipped with computers youth graduating from an African high communicate directly in the same country, school would be ICT-literate, and by the end interconnected through local area networks with any gateway located anywhere in (LANs). In turn the individual LANs are linked of 2013, each child graduating from an Africa. These terminals support up to 4 African primary school would be ICT- via satellite to form a wide area network telephone lines, each with prepaid and post (WAN) that stretches across the continent literate arising from the implementation of paid capabilities, fax and data connectivity the e-School initiative. which can support up to 10 internet T h e R e g i o n a l A f r i c a n S a t e l l i t e connections (PCs) hence being also ideal Communication Organization (RASCOM), for rural schools within the NEPAD e-school Content and communication with the support of the International project. In isolated villages terminals feed on quality Telecommunication Union (ITU), support the DC and solar power panels and to lower According to NEPAD, the content of the e- e-Africa Commission's activities. consumption they have a sleep mode that is School system resides in the electronic Through RASCOM-QAF 1, rural regions in activated each time user are not material used to support curriculum Africa have been able to access affordable communicating. delivery. This material is mostly housed in telecommunication services and internet The successes of the India's INSAT program e-textbooks, lesson notes, and recorded connectivity using the Very Small Aperture that connects over 500 village resource lessons including video and audio. In some Terminal (VSAT) The NEPAD's e-School centers with rural hospitals across the cases, relevant material from the World initiative was designed to tap into the cost country for tele-medicine and 35,000 Wide Web is downloaded and adapted to fit benefits of connectivity through satellite link classrooms for tele-education had earlier the curriculum. In terms of communication, and to connect schools in Africa regardless of demonstrated the achievements of satellite the project team retrieves documents their location within the different national technology in education. through a network, downloading and boundaries. u p l o a d i n g m a t e r i a l , a n d e - m a i l transmission. However, in point-to-point links, where the e-Schools in Kenya smart monitors are connected directly to At present, six secondary schools including In this wise, the learning content were servers, the system has limited transmission Chevakali High School, Isiolo Girls relevant to the curriculum, exposing between the central node and the peripheral Secondary School, Maranda High School, learners to information that falls within their nodes. Menengai Secondary School, Mumbi Girls scope of understanding. In addition, the RASCOM-QAF1R, built by Thales Alenia Secondary School and Wajir Girls layouts of online content were such that Space within the scope of a turnkey contract Secondary Schools are trialing NEPAD e- navigation such as searching, selecting, provides communications services in rural Schools in Kenya. The e-Schools are reading, easily facilitates back and forth parts of Africa, including long-distance distributed in six provinces and were movement. However, the quality aspects of domestic and international links, direct TV supplied with computers, printers, scanners, content and communication include the broadcasts and Internet access. local area networks, Digital Satellite TV, Smart Boards and VSAT equipment for accuracy of the content and information, and completeness, format, reliability and Built on a Spacebus 4000B3 platform, this internet access. This equipment was then timeliness. high-power satellite is equipped with 12 Ku- installed in computer laboratories that had band and 8 C-band transponders. It weigh been created for the purpose. about 3,000 kg at launch, and offers end-of- Two teachers from each school were trained

6 IN THE NEWS

Al Yahsat launches IRG Becomes Satcoms Innovation Group YahClick satellite broadband in The Satellite Interference level. support more than just R e d u c t i o n G r o u p This makes it uniquely interference Cameroon announced it is expanding positioned to provide a its reach to encompass all p l a t f o r m f o r t h o s e As well as being a unique UAE's Yahsat will offer reliable high-speed types of innovation within engineers to discuss collaborative forum, with in- satellite broadband Internet in Cameroon t h e s a t e l l i t e current challenges. This person events happening through its YahClick service, with the aim of communications industry. approach has resulted in a across the globe on an increasing the African country's Internet number of innovative annual basis, SIG will penetration rate and bridging the Digital As part of that expansion, it solutions being brought to continue to lobby other Divide. Yahsat will provide serviceS via its has changed its name to market that have had a industry groups and flagship broadband offering, YahClick, Satcoms Innovation Group m a s s i v e i m p a c t o n regulators where that is according to a report in IT Web Africa. (SIG). SIG aims to promote r e d u c i n g s a t e l l i t e beneficial to the industry. It innovation in the satellite i n t e r f e r e n c e . will also support and Yahsat said it aims to improve the West communications industry Martin Coleman, Executive p r o m o t e i n n o v a t i v e African country's broadband internet to improve operational D i r e c t o r , S a t c o m s projects to provide better penetration rate and provide internet efficiency, reduce the risk I n n o v a t i o n G r o u p , tools and processes with connectivity in areas where mobile of service impacting commented: “Satellite the aim of improving operators and access providers' fiber optic events, and improve quality interference remains an efficiency in satellite infrastructure is either weak or dormant, of service. A significant part important challenge for the operations. according to its statement. of that remit remains industry. Current hot topics include It will compete in Cameroon with Cameroon innovation to minimize Artificial Intelligence (AI), Telecommunications (CamTel), which satellite interference, both At the same time, much of a u t o m a t i o n , a n d signed an agreement with the Belgian by prevention and quicker t h e i n n o v a t i o n a n d Unmanned Aerial Vehicles provider of Very Small Aperture Terminal resolution. improved processes we ( U A V s ) , a m o n g s t (VSAT) services SatADSL, to distribute It also now covers other have been working towards others.Satcoms Innovation satellite broadband internet services. areas where innovation a l s o e n a b l e o v e r a l l Group was officially Cameroon's satellite internet service can improve performance efficiency savings, which launched during Satellite market includes players Bloosat and and enable the industry to may also lead to cost Te c h n o l o g y A s i a i n GoSat. become more competitive. savings for operators. Singapore. The event is In July 2018, Yahsat announced plans to SIG will continue the focus Widening our remit is being co-hosted with expand its operations across West Africa on bringing the industry t h e r e f o r e a n a t u r a l Intelligence-Sec. by showcasing YahClick at West Africa together at an engineering progression to enable us to Com. “Africa is a high-priority market for us, and with the commercial readiness of our third SatADSL launches commercial Ka-band satellite Al Yah-3,” said Farhad Khan, Chief Commercial Officer at Yahsat, quoted in IT broadband in Africa via Avanti's HYLAS 4 Web Africa. “We are now able to offer our broadband connectivity solutions to even C o m m e r c i a l K a - b a n d De Vos, Chief Operations customer VNOs, contention- more markets across the continent.” broadband services in Sub- Officer and co-Founder of based, multicasting, and In September 2018, Yahsat announced its Saharan Africa have been SatADSL. “This is made more, independently of the launched by SatADSL, joint venture with Hughes Network possible by our innovative C- communications technology bringing cost-effective SDP which mitigates the used. Systems (HUGHES), a subsidiary of coverage to communities EchoStar Corporation, to provide high investment costs Kyle Whitehill, CEO of and businesses. traditionally associated with Avanti, said: “We're delighted commercial Ka-band satellite broadband Utilizing Avanti's High deploying satellite services.” to extend our partnership services across Africa, the Middle East, and Throughput Satellite (HTS) Through the Ka-Band with SatADSL and support Southwest Asia. HYLAS 4, the new offering offering, SatADSL intends to the delivery of affordable In addition to this latest announcement, will provide consumer and significantly improve the broadband across Africa. Yahsat has already announced its c o r p o r a t e b u s i n e s s penetration of high capacity Our new satellite HYLAS 4 intentions to expand its operations in Africa connectivity which Internet Internet in the region, completes our coverage of to five new markets in West Africa: Senegal Service Providers (ISPs) will offering connectivity in Sub-Saharan Africa and with and Gambia through Yahsat's service be able to easily offer to regions barely covered by our reliable high-speed partner Arc Telecom; Côte d'Ivoire through consumers via SatADSL's mobile operators and where connectivity, we look forward Cee-Net Technologies; Benin through P l a t f o r m - a s - a - S e r v i c e fiber access remains to building on this partnership Isocel; and Ghana through Teledata and (PaaS) solution, the Cloud- unavailable. The new to help liberate the potential Comsys. based Service Delivery services are expected to be of people and businesses, Platform (C-SDP). This fully up and running by the wherever they are on the Already, YahClick provides reliable satellite includes VNO Flex and end of this year. continent.” voucher-based services internet for home and business internet SatADSL's C-SDP provides The new services leverage which are not currently a complete OSS/BSS, t h e N e w t e c D i a l o g ® users in 28 countries across the Middle available via other Ka-band East, Africa and South West Asia. The c a r r i e r - g r a d e , f u l l y multiservice platform and offerings in the region. redundant platform to deliver Newtec's MDM2210 IP YahClick satellite broadband service uses “Providing fast, reliable and satellite services via the Satellite Modems, which game changing satellite technology to affordable connectivity is at cloud, eliminating the feature an embedded Wi-Fi- provide satellite internet services to rural or the heart of what we do, and expense of deploying router. This modem delivers underserviced areas, and is suited for use our latest solution empowers physical infrastructure. It lets throughputs of more than across a variety of different consumer ISPs in Africa to cost- satellite and teleport 100 Mbit/s and enables end- segments and markets. At YahClick offers effectively provide satellite operators easily offer any users to easily add numerous fast and cost effective internet for b r o a d b a n d t o e n t i r e service, including pre-paid, devices to the same satellite everyone, no matter where you are. communities,” said Caroline post-paid, volume-based, subscription.

7 SPECIAL REPORT

The Potential of a Global Telemedicine Vehicle Network

By Drew Klein

The Nigeria Bayelsa Hospital Telemedicine Vehicle is perhaps Africa's first Mobile Maternity Unit equipped with satellite communications, serving pre-natal women, but they are geared to assist throughout the entire maternity process, according to this report.

Nearly 50% of the world's population have According to one Harvard study, for every no access to basic health services. The $1 spent on mobile healthcare, there is a Broadband connectivity, can connect the vast majority of this population live outside return of $36 to the healthcare budget. rural patient to urban hospitals via satellite. cities, in peri-urban areas, where few Mobile surgical vehicles, mobile Doctors, specialists and patients can now hospitals exist. eographical areas with MRI/CAT/Mammography/Ultrasound be instantly linked, to provide consultation, limited to no healthcare accessibility clinics, mobile maternity, mobile primary diagnosis and treatment. regions are called 'medical deserts', and health care (Medical/Dental/Vision), and they continue to expand as people move many other types of telemedicine vehicles T h e N i g e r i a B a y e l s a H o s p i t a l out of rural regions and into cities. can be strategically circulated throughout Telemedicine Vehicle is Africa's first the world's medical deserts, bringing Mobile Maternity Unit (MMU) equipped Medical deserts can be found in both healthcare to billions of people. And while with satellite communications, deployed in developed and developing countries alike. healthcare costs vary dramatically from Nigeria by Bayelsa Hospital. The mobile In the United States, approximately 30 country to country, a sad reality is that it clinics are focused on serving pre-natal million people live more than 30 miles from will never be economically feasible to women, but they are geared to assist a hospital that provides emergency care. In build hospitals or health care facilities in throughout the entire maternity process. Niger, more than 60% of the population (10 all the world's medical deserts. Providing The MMU is designed, integrated & million people) live further than a one hour mobile clinics to people who live in maintained by MST Specialised Vehicles walk to a basic healthcare center. While hospital deserts is both cost effective and (MSTSV), Cape Town, South Africa. Africa is urbanizing, approximately 63 efficient. M S T S V ' s f o c u s i s t o p r o v i d e percent of the total Sub-Saharan comprehensive solutions delivering population still live in rural areas. Even “According to one healthcare, education and administrative France, often lauded as a prized model for services to members of the public. Visit national healthcare, has struggled with a Harvard study, for their website at https://www.mstsv.net/ \ steady decline in rural doctors, notably general practitioners. every $1 spent on Bayelsa is one of 36 Nigerian States found at the southern tip of the country and home Both the CDC and the NIH have confirmed mobile healthcare, to more than 2.2 million people. It is the that a direct correlation exists between least populated region in the country but distance to hospitals and an increased risk there is a return of ranked 27th in geographical area. The of preventable death. In India, for example, $36 to the healthcare state lies on major oil & gas deposits, and it was estimated that 50,000 deaths (out of yet despite being one of the richest states 72,000) from sudden abdominal conditions budget”. in Nigeria (GDP per capita), most locals in 2010 could have been averted with better still live in rural poverty. medical access. Those who lived more The initial plan was to build 2 MMU for than 100km from a hospital were at the Analysis and Case study Bayelsa State in conjunction with Bayelsa highest risk. A 2016 study showed that only Telemedicine, defined as the remote hospital. The MMU is to be fully staffed 1 in 8 high income countries had developed diagnosis and treatment of patients via with professional doctors, nurses, a national policy on hospitals in rural or telecommunications, has traditionally remote areas. Rural healthcare facilities been encompassed by three modalities: have historically been a poor investment Real-time Diagnosis (RTD), Store & and their sustainability is concerning. Even Forward Analysis (SFA), and Remote in the US, 83 rural hospitals have closed Patient Monitoring (RPM). For this white since 2010 with another 673 vulnerable to paper, the focus will be on RTD and SFA shut down. as they relate to accessibility and cost per patient. Innovations in medical The problem isn't likely to improve so long technology, vehicle design, and mobile as the cost of building hospitals in rural satellite Internet now have the potential to areas remains prohibitive. bring any clinic to any patient. State-of- the-art facilities on wheels, combined with

8 SPECIAL REPORT

midwives, and volunteers who can perform in price from millions to hundreds of pregnancy testing, immunizations, basic millions of dollars. An increased checkups, HIV testing, and ultrasound number of hospital closings has been scans. seen in recent years. Cost per Bed (CpB) is a generally accepted way to The vehicles would contain first class estimate hospital build, and this medical equipment including sonar, number can be very different ultrasounds, fetal heart rate monitors and depending on many factors. could assist during live births, newborn incubation, vital monitoring, and much Some statistics: Canada, Oakville- more. Specialists in urban hospitals would Trafalgar Hospital (Urban), 457 beds = assist patients, if needed, via satellite, and $2.7 Billion (CpB = $5,908,986) USA, provide real time diagnosis and test Hampton Regional Medical Center results. The long-term project was to (Rural), 32 beds = $32.1 Million (CpB = financial contributor and Saab Grintek expand to 72 total vehicles (2 per Nigerian $1,000,000) UK, Cramlington Technologies (SGT) is the provider of State) and see over 1,000,000 peri-urban Hospital, 210 beds = $134 Million (CpB the satellite services. women per year, with the goal of drastically = $638,095) Pakistan, Bilqees Sarwar reducing maternal and infant mortality Hospital, 50 dialysis chairs = $9 Million “SGT, with its technology partner C- rates, while keeping the cost per patient (CpB = $180,000) India, Mysore COM, provide the technology to allow low. Surgical Hospital, 200 beds = $6 health professionals to have access to Million (CpB = $30,000) Nigeria, state of the art data communication for The project, in conjunction with the Bauchi Hospital, 300 beds = $7 Million medical purposes instantly,“ says Suraj Bayelsa government, would be funded by (CpB = $23,333) It's clear that there Ramlall – General Manager at Saab local oil companies as a social investment are significant variations to the cost of Grintek Technologies. ”SGT ensures the in return for their license agreements. In hospital and clinic building, depending 'Train of Hope' is always connected.” this case, the oil companies procure the on the country and quality of build. vehicles and pay maintenance costs for What is more evident is building a low- the first 3 years. The government, cost clinic in a rural area in a “Africa's first Mobile universities and hospitals staff the vehicle developing country is still a far more Maternity Unit and pay for the medical consumables. expensive endeavor than using mobile clinics. Telemedicine vehicles can see equipped with The cost of a delivered MMU is more patients, at a lower cost, in areas approximately $500,000 USD. Monthly where no formal healthcare exists. satellite maintenance costs (staffing, medical supplies, satellite bandwidth, fuel & Assuming a schedule of 300 days per communications repairs) are estimated at $30,000 / month. year, and estimating that one Henceforth, the cost to purchase, operate telemedicine vehicle can see, on was deployed in and maintain one vehicle for 3 years is average, 50 patients per day, it will Nigeria by Bayelsa estimated at $1,600,000. Assuming 10- require 216,000 operational vehicles hour shifts, an average of 50 pre- and post- to reach the 3 billion people worldwide Hospital focused on natal women can be seen per day per who have no access to medical care. MMU throughout the Bayelsa State's peri- Assuming the cost of $1,600,000 per serving pre-natal urban and rural areas. v e h i c l e a n d 3 - y e a r maintenance/support costs, the price women”. Assuming the vehicle is on the road for 300 tag to build and operate a fleet of such Also, the Mobile Diagnostic Center, days per year, that would equate to 15,000 vehicles would be approximately $345 Russia The main customer of satellite patient visits per year (45,000 over a 3- Billion per 3-year period (average of equipment for telemedicine complexes year period). Based on the above $115B per year). is the Federal State Unitary Enterprise assumptions, a total of 72 vehicles would To put it into perspective, according to "All-Russian Center for Emergency be able to see and treat over 1,000,000 a 2016 study, global governments Medicine Protection" under the Ministry women per year.The cost to build and spent approximately $8 Trillion dollars of Health of the Russian Federation. maintain these 72 vehicles for 3 years on healthcare in 2017. Creating a The first application of emergency would be $115,000,000 USD, at an global telemedicine network would medical response complexes in the approximate cost of just $35 per patient consume only 1.5% of global aftermath of floods has already showed per year. For comparative purposes, The healthcare dollars per year. the main advantages of using satellite 2018 proposed Nigerian government technologies in emergency situations: budget currently allocates over $940 Other examples of rapid deployment and high quality of Million USD to the Federal Ministry of communication, providing unlimited Health. telemedicine remote diagnostics capabilities. The Transnet-Phelophepa Health Currently, the customer already has a Care Train, South Africa is a mobile fleet of 14 mobile systems, equipped Comparative costs clinic bringing medical care to rural with the iNetVu Drive-Away Antennas, One reason why mobile telemedicine South Africa. Phelophepa has 18 which are used in almost all regions of clinics are so attractive is because the coaches and is equipped to provide the country. costs to develop are a fraction of what they general health, dental, eye and are to create a dedicated brick & mortar psychiatric care, as well as cancer In addition, the Missouri Hospital facility. Hospital building is an screening tests, diabetes prevention Association, USA Orbital Data Net extraordinarily expensive endeavor; and counselling sessions. Operating (ODN, Inc) is a VSAT network supplier acquisition of land, construction costs, since 1994. Roche is the largest that supports critical communications for equipment and staffing can create a range SPECIAL REPORT

States and agencies across America. than 5% of the total build cost of a ambulances and telemedicine vehicles, More than 20 of these ODN built medical mobile clinic. offering a low cost and high-speed solution units can be found in Missouri as well as that can be used while the vehicles are in several smaller units in Louisiana C-COM auto-pointing iNetVu® brand motion. providing emergency services to the major antennas are considered the most hospitals. ODN is the provider of satellite reliable and advanced mobile systems With bandwidth prices falling, and with services utilizing their novel satellite in the world. With the Company's one- companies like C-COM developing smaller network. button, auto-acquire technology, users and more affordable solutions, which offer can simply push a button on the Broadband capabilities, it makes sense to Greg Heifner, founder and CEO of ODN iNetVu® controller, and it will find equip all moving vehicles with solutions that said: “We have worked with the iNetVu satellite in under two minutes, afford connectivity anywhere, anytime. satellite antenna systems for over a providing high-speed Internet decade. We have found them to be a connectivity to your vehicle or For more than 20 years, C-COM has offered superior product from the aspects of surrounding area, all without the products which are extremely consistent, performance, cost of acquisition and requirement of a satellite engineer. both in terms of quality and manufacturing technical support. Our Transparently repeatability. The iNetVu® line of products Meshed Ku-band network requires a high Patients in rural locations can bridge are easily field serviceable, often able to be performance antenna system to properly the gap between them and a first-rate fixed in minutes with just a few tools. The maintain a lowered latency, encrypted life hospital, connecting with specialists Company also offers world class technical saving link from the remote trailers back to that are only available in major cities. support, working with its partners to ensure the hospitals.” MRI, CAT, Mammography, X-ray, and an end-to-end solution that provides the other massively detailed files of final customer with a seamless Broadband However, the New Zealand Health significant size can be transferred experience. Services, New Zealand Eight Digital effortlessly, securely, and rapidly, via Mobile Breast Cancer Screening Clinics satellite, to specialists hundreds of Conclusion moved around the rural areas of New miles away, who can offer quick “The need for an effective and robust global Zealand, and sent mammography scans analysis, and provide medical advice, telemedicine network is not only desirable back to specialists at Auckland hospital, through video conference. but it's highly achievable,” says David via satellite, providing immediate results to Hartshorn, CEO at Geeks Without patients. “One reason why Frontiers, a non-profit organization dedicated to leveraging technology and Another example of telemedicine is the social enterprise to provide Broadband for Loma Linda University Medical Center, mobile the next Billion (“B4B”). “We have the USA Mobile Surgical Vehicle, USA. Loma telemedicine clinics know-how, we have the funds, we have the Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC) critical communications and technology – provides a self-contained, four-wheel- are so attractive is we just need the will,” Hartshorn continued. drive vehicle with sophisticated diagnostic equipment and connected to LLUMC via because the costs The potential to build tens, even hundreds satellite for teleconferencing. to develop are a of thousands of mobile health clinics is quite real. In 2018, more than 3 billion people The Emotion Health, Peru Mobile Primary fraction of what have no access to medical care, and with Health Care Clinics, Spain. Used in Peru, 46% of the world living in rural areas, there these units educate and assist rural they are to create a exist a significant opportunity in the growing Peruvians in the early detection of prostate mobile health market. Hospitals continue to and breast cancers. The telemedicine dedicated brick and close and the expense to build and maintain vehicles make it possible to do specialized them isn't sufficient to serve the needs of the tests in remote areas, where doctors can mortar facility”. global community. The humanitarian and receive and analyze results immediately, economic evidence is clear. via satellite, and return a diagnosis on the same day. C-COM has designed, manufactured, and sold more than 8,000 antenna It should be evident: a telemedicine vehicle units into more than 100 countries. The cannot REPLACE a hospital.A telemedicine vehicle is intended as a substitute for a fully In many parts of the world, often in the Company sells its motorized, iNetVu® functional, brick & mortar clinic, able to bring same places where healthcare is limited, auto-deploy systems through a first-rate medical care to the rural public. A there exists no suitable communications network of more than 500 partners, suitably equipped telemedicine vehicle can infrastructure, which can be vital to the who also provide service and support finally connect a patient with a specialist health of a compromised patient. to the local end user. C-COM employs 30 people, is publicly traded on the that they would never have a chance to see, either because of distance to a high-quality Even without satellite connectivity, a Canadian Venture Exchange, and has hospital, or because of their urgent health mobile health clinic still offers tremendous a very strong balance sheet. status. A simple vaccine, antibiotic, or value, providing basic medical services in routine checkup is often all that is needed to locations that have limited access. The Company is also developing the change a life. A Global Telemedicine Vehicle However, when a satellite connection is next generation of mobile antennas: Network is the most cost effective and added to the vehicle, the mobile medical flat panel, electronically steerable, efficient way to solve this problem. clinic becomes especially more valuable, modular, conforming, and working offering immediate access to specialists, while in motion, with the latest satellite doctors, test results, and more. The constellations, in various orbits. This satellite component often represents less will be of significant value to future IN THE NEWS

AMN and Intelsat partner to connect Cote d'Ivoire aspires to ITU Council seat rural sub-Saharan The Government of Cote policies, reducing the cost of continued focus on ICT- Africa d'Ivoire has announced its mobile ownership, creating driven leadership and Intelsat and Africa Mobile Networks (AMN) intent to contest the election of relevance of the Internet economic growth, with the announced that Intelsat has made a strategic ITU Council membership from among low-incoming groups economy having grown by investment in AMN to accelerate the Region D, elections for which and women, and to enable over 7% in 2017. The west deployment of mobile connectivity to will be held during the telecom operators to develop African country's National unserved communities across multiple Plenipotentiary Conference new business models and Development Plan (NDP) countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Given the 2018, which is the highest tariff structures targeting the 2016–2020, which has economic and geographic complexities of policy-making body of the ITU. unconnected. underpinned government expanding mobile connectivity to the ultra- Held every four years, the efforts on enabling socio- In a country where the ICT economic progress in Côte rural areas of Africa, many Africa's mobile Plenipot is the key event at which ITU Member States sector contributes nearly 8% d'Ivoire by reducing network operators face barriers when trying to decide on the future role of the to the gross domestic p o v e r t y, i m p r o v i n g deploy their networks to these areas. o r g a n i z a t i o n , t h e r e b y p r o d u c t , p r o v i d i n g a inequality, increasing According to report, determining the organization's livMeasat-3belihood to more than agricultural output and AMN provides MNOs with a network-as-a- ability to influence and affect the 150,000 citizens, efforts are p r o m o t i n g t h e service (NaaS) solution in which AMN will development of information and being made by the “ANSUT” manufacturing sector, has fund, build and operate the ultra-rural network communication technologies t o i n c r e a s e t h e G D P had a positive impact on for the operators. As a result, African mobile (ICTs) worldwide. contribution to 15% by 2020; the communications sector operators will be able to extend their coverage a n a m b i t i o n t h a t as well. with minimal opex and capex risk, enabling The Conference sets the demonstrates the importance of the ICT sector to the The government of Cote them to grow their subscriber and revenue Union's general policies; adopts four-year strategic and country's economy, and the d'Ivoire has expressed its base, and better serve all their customers. financial plans; and elects the leadership that Cote d'Ivoire commitment to ITU-led senior management team of the aims to provide both within its initiatives and to ensuring At the core of AMN's solution is a low-cost, organization, the Member borders as well as regionally. its participatory role in small cell solution that is powered by a highly States of the Council, and the Cote d'Ivoire sees ITU's digitally connecting the reliable solar-based system which can be m e m b e r s o f t h e R a d i o evolving role in the new w o r l d , f u l f i l l i n g t h e rapidly deployed and installed in less than 6 Regulations Board. Later this smarter world of digital Sustainable Development hours. As part of the long-term agreement, month, the ITU Plenipotentiary communications as an entity A g e n d a , a d d r e s s i n g AMN will leverage the power, performance Conference will meet in Dubai, that should continue to lead p r i v a t e - s e c t o r and efficiencies generated by Intelsat's next- United Arab Emirates. and guide the world's digital incentivization and internet communications sector, development issues and u generation Intelsat EpicNG high-throughput It will be preceded by the last e n a b l i n g i n t e r n a t i o n a l n e e d s , b u i l d i n g t h e satellites (HTS), as well as the 23 Intelsat meeting of the 2018 session of c o l l a b o r a t i o n a n d capacity of the young satellites covering the continent to provide the the Council on Saturday, 27 cooperation, promote access p o p u l a t i o n s a c r o s s optimal balance between coverage and high- October 2018. To maximize the to affordable communications d e v e l o p i n g M e m b e r throughput for the enabled sites. impact of mobile technology on services to under privileged States, extending reach of Once installed, the sites will connect over the being able to fulfill the and female populations, and the ITU's stakeholder- Intelsat fleet to the core of the mobile network Sustainable Development c r e a t e a n i n c l u s i v e inclusion efforts and operator and deliver 2G mobile services, such Goals, Mr. Claude Isaac Dé, the knowledge-driven society, fortifying the ITU's regional as GSM voice, SMS and GPRS/EDGE packet Minister of Digital Economy and which should be equipped presence, assist in building data, with the ability to upgrade the base Post, Cote d'Ivoire, recognizes with stronger financial and I T U ' s i m p r o v e d human resources. institutional capacity as a stations to 3G and 4G as data demands allow. the need to proliferate basic telephony as well as mobile global body, and to “The high performance, redundancy and internet among the still Cote d'Ivoire's aspirations to participate in all feasible flexibility of Intelsat's satellite fleet over Africa unconnected populations of the be elected as a member of the means to create new made them an ideal partner for us,” said country, which effectively ITU Council demonstrates f i n a n c i a l a n d Michael Darcy, AMN's chief executive officer. means overcoming affordability the west African nation's administrative resources “Intelsat shares our view that mobile coverage issues, revamping taxation for the Union. is not spreading quickly enough and as such, invested in AMN's vision of installing a cell site in every African village. Together, we can Kineis: The First European Constellation accelerate the deployment of mobile of Nanosatellites connectivity and work to ensure that communities, wherever they are located, have equal access to high quality, sustainable and Kinéis constellation will Hanoi, Seoul, Bangkok, in Southeast Asia. The affordable broadband connectivity.” be 25 nano-satellites for Tokyo and subsidiaries in Kinéis Space Network will IoT services (Mass B e i j i n g , J a k a r t a , complement the existing Jean-Philippe Gillet, Intelsat's vice president c o n n e c t i v i t y Melbourne, Canberra and terrestrial network for and general manager, broadband, said, c o m p l e m e n t a r y t o Perth. For the coverage of object connectivity (IoT “Bringing mobile connectivity to the most rural Orbcomm and iridium the globe to be updated Low frequency). parts of Africa requires hybrid networks and services). regularly, we need as innovative business models to truly close the Kinéis is a private m a n y a n t e n n a s a s To begin with, the services business case. By investing in and partnering company comprised of nano-satellites. of Kinéis and its beacons with AMN, we can rapidly, and cost effectively CLS company as a will be for the safety of expand an MNO's reach and deliver critical minority shareholder and Kinéis network will canoes, fishermen from connectivity to communities who many including the CLS/Argos represent around 25 Indonesia. In Australia, the thought were impossible to connect. We look International Commercial antennas in the world Kinéis service consists of forward to our partnership with AMN and the Network and antennas. In including one in Jakarta monitoring in white areas ability to deliver a network that will support the Asia, the CLS network and five in Australia and of livestock, and food social and economic development of represents offices in still others to be installed security of herds communities throughout sub-Saharan Africa.”

11 IN THE NEWS

New Pan-African 4KUNIVERSE launches on HOTBIRD over EMEA Data Centre O n t h e o c c a s i o n o f is encrypted and encoded Gerry O'Sullivan, Eutelsat's Association M I P C O M 2 0 1 8 , with Wide Colour Gamut, at Executive Vice President launched in 4KUNIVERSE, a 24/7 4K 50 frames per second (50p), Global TV and Video. HDR general entertainment HLG HDR and colour space “4KUNIVERSE will enjoy Morocco TV channel, airing original enabling 1.07 billion colours. rapid growth across Europe, The Africa Data Centre Association T V s e r i e s , m o v i e s , “We are very pleased to Middle East and North Africa (ADCA), a non-profit, Pan-African documentaries, sports and welcome 4KUNIVERSE on thanks to our long-term professional association, which will primetime programming, all board our UHD platform in agreement with Eutelsat's foster the development of the data centre in 4K HDR, has confirmed t h e H O T B I R D HOTBIRD satellite. industry in Africa, launched at that it will be launching on neighbourhood. It's exciting to be at the BroadGroup's inaugural Datacloud the popular HOTBIRD video forefront of TV technology Africa Leadership Summit held in n e i g h b o u r h o o d o n Their exciting range of UHD a n d t o g e t h e r w i t h Marrakech, Morocco.During the Summit, November 1st, 2018. s e r i e s , m o v i e s a n d HOTBIRD, we'll be able to more than 50 members joined the O n c e p o s i t i o n e d o n documentaries as well as a fulfill customer demand of founding members of the Association, HOTBIRD, the channel will burgeoning live sports wanting the highest quality which now has 30 data centre operators be capable of reaching key offering promises to delight picture on television: 4K and 30 partners and suppliers. Other cable and IPTV networks, and enthrall new audiences HDR,” says 4KUNIVERSE's international organisations, such as reaching tens of millions of across Europe, Middle East Founder & CEO, Matthew France Datacenter, DDA (Dutch subscribers. 4KUNIVERSE and North Africa,” stated Mancinelli. Datacenter Association) and the European Data Centre Association.are supporting the initiative. Fatoumata Sarr Dieng, Director of Intelsat and Q-KON plan large-scale Broadband Wholesales at Sonatel (Orange), was elected as the new President and a deplyments in Africa member of the Board. Other board members are the Secretary-General, Intelsat, operator of the programs. Q-KON's offering of Q-KON. “Intelsat truly Ayotunde Coker of Rack Centre, Nigeria world's first Globalized will incorporate services from understood the challenges and the Treasurer, Wouter Van Hulten of Network and leader in Intelsat 33e, one of Intelsat's we were facing in expanding Paix Data Centres, Ghana. The Vice i n t e g r a t e d s a t e l l i t e next generation high- our network and delivered Presidents are Stephane Duproz of Data communications, and Q-KON throughput satellites, and HTS throughput via a service has announced that Q-KON Center Africa (Liquid Telecom), South utilize IntelsatOne Flex for that allows us to tailor our will introduce new, multiple Enterprise, a managed offerings to meet the different Africa & Kenya, Amine Kandil of N+One, h i g h - s p e e d b r o a d b a n d Morocco, Dr Lawrence Nkala of Tel-One, wholesale service that requirements of our users. services powered by the Through this agreement, Q- Zimbabwe and Paul-Francois Cattier, removes the complexities I n t e l s a t O n e F l e x f o r KON will leverage the Schneider Electric, Ivory Coast. and improves the economics E n t e r p r i s e p l a t f o r m . of network expansion. a d v a n t a g e s o f t h e Dieng said, “Our new association has Combining a cloud-based Intelsat and Q-KON will IntelsatOne Flex platform to three main objectives. First, we want to management platform with partner on marketing the new define and structure services put our assets in Africa together, to hold Intelsat's global satellite and services, while Q-KON will that solve challenges for our data in Africa. Second, we want to terrestrial networks, the work with small regional and customers across multiple solve the issue of latency time and IntelsatOne Flex platform will wireless ISPs and field verticals.” connectivity we have currently on the enable Q-KON to rapidly partners for the installation continent. Finally, we want to become a d e p l o y h i g h - q u a l i t y and support of end-user “Broadband connectivity is major actor in the new digital economy. I broadband that enables new equipment. IntelsatOne Flex spreading rapidly, but it is not want to personally thank Paul-François services and applications for for Enterprise enables Q- spreading equally, as the Cattier, Schneider Electric, for leading s m a l l e r b u s i n e s s e s K O N t o i m p r o v e t h e economics have kept it out of such an initiative, which has been a great t h r o u g h o u t B o t s w a n a , efficiency and robustness of reach in many parts of Africa,” success. I encourage all data centre Mozambique, Namibia, South its network and offer said Brian Jakins, Intelsat's A f r i c a , Z a m b i a a n d operators to join the association, which customized services. This regional vice president, Zimbabwe. means Q-KON's partners Africa. “The technology to currently has 30 members from all over Many private business and Africa. can differentiate their deliver services must be individuals at the metro edge paired with new business “I am very pleased to hand over the s e r v i c e s a n d v a l u e remain unconnected. By models if telecom companies Presidency to Fatoumata Sarr Dieng, propositions to meet the p a i r i n g t h e i m p r o v e d varied needs of end users. In and network operators are to she has the right leadership for this throughput delivered by addition, it will enable Q-KON reach remote areas where important role,” said Paul-François Intelsat's globalized network to close the business case broadband connectivity can Cattier. “There is a huge growth in with smaller, more capable a n d e n a b l e n e t w o r k empower economic growth. demand for energy and connectivity in hardware, network operators e x p a n s i o n i n r e g i o n s Intelsat is strongly committed Africa. The smartphone penetration, the are able to cost-efficiently and previously uneconomical to t o s u p p o r t i n g A f r i c a ' s digital services explosion as well as the profitably expand their serve – all while maintaining economies with better Data Sovereignty law, the bandwidth and networks beyond the cities. As full control of its network. c o n n e c t i v i t y, a n d t h i s latency times, are triggering a bright a result, small businesses, “Over the past 18 months, collaboration with Q-KON will future for the data centre and colocation schools at the metro edge, we have evaluated multiple show how network operators business in Africa. All founding members farmers, and hospitality satellite operators and can close the business case are confident that Dieng and the new businesses in more remote p o t e n t i a l t e c h n o l o g y and expand enterprise board will succeed in their mission to areas can receive the high- providers, and we are very operations, rural banking q u a l i t y , a f f o r d a b l e make the data center industry one of the p l e a s e d w i t h t h e services and government connectivity needed to pillars of the African economic collaboration with Intelsat,” programs to unserved areas support and grow their says Dr. Dawie de Wet CEO and bridge the digital divide.” development.” businesses and social 18 IN THE NEWS

UK-France space Inmarsat named fastest-growing maritime agreement delivers VSAT provider device to ocean The digital transformation installations undertaken in propositions, which are fixed- of the commercial shipping the first half of 2018 were for fee, large allowance BGAN satellite industry had passed a Fleet Xpress. packages designed to serve major milestone, when Euroconsult's independent customers such as mining, In January 2018, UK Space Agency and last September. Inmarsat research also confirms that construction and engineering CNES signed a joint statement during the confirmed that the 5,000th Inmarsat was the fastest companies, using data-heavy applications for sustained UK-France Summit in Sandhurst to step up ship installation of Fleet growing VSAT provider to periods of operation in semi- co-operation in space, building on 2014's Xpress, the world's only the maritime industry in the permanent environments. Brize-Norton framework arrangement. h i g h - s p e e d , first six months of 2018, The Surface Water and Ocean Topography g l o b a l l y - a v a i l a b l e accounting for over 1,500 We also launched IsatData (SWOT) mission is a step closer to the launch Ka-band VSAT service terminals out of an industry Pro in conjunction with our as a UK built device is delivered to Thales designed for mobility and total of 2,550. partner to serve the M2M Alenia Space in France. available from a single market. IsatData Pro provides A device built in the UK by Honeywell, which operator, was completed Inmarsat is the world's a store and forward short- will form a vital part of the mission to make the by the close of the month. leading provider of global burst data exchange at first global survey of the world's surface m o b i l e s a t e l l i t e speeds of 6,400 and 10,000 waters and oceans, has been delivered to Following its launch in telecommunications services bytes in the send and receive Thales Alenia Space in France. and offers a comprehensive March 2016, Fleet Xpress directions, which enables the The Surface Water and Ocean Topography, portfolio of services for use on has emerged as theFarhad Khan, Chief Commercial Officertracking, Yahsat and monitoring of or SWOT, mission is led by CNES (the land, at sea and in the air. We market-leading pathway to fixed or mobile assets French Space Agency) and NASA with provide voice and data globally. support from the UK Space Agency and the digital transformation as connectivity to end users Canadian Space Agency. shipping companies seek through the most versatile By comparison, the BGAN to deliver improved vessel and reliable network across M2M service offers an end-to- The warming of Earth's climate may and fleet efficiency, boost Africa, giving us the capability end IP data capability for real- profoundly alter the movement of freshwater profitability and enhance to deliver innovative services time applications, such as resources from lakes to rivers to reservoirs, seafarer wellbeing. The a n d s o l u t i o n o n a n smart metering, SCADA, resulting in significant societal impact. The latest data compiled by the unprecedented scale. m o n i t o r i n g a n d o t h e r SWOT satellite will use radar technology to respected, specialist infrastructure telemetry measure the features of oceans, coastlines, m a r k e t a n a l y s t , For Inmarsat, our first market- solutions, at speeds of up to rivers and lakes across the globe to improve Euroconsult, indicates that entry in the Sub-Saharan 464kbps in both directions. understanding of changes over time and six out of ten VSAT Africa was the BGAN Link their impact on farming, industry and human populations. The UK-built device, known as a duplexer, is a vital component that routes radar signals around the satellite and can UAE's Defence Ministry hires Injazat to transmit at a power of 1,500W – a level never before seen in this kind of device. Speaking develop digital transformation system in Brussels at the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites Plenary, UK Space Agency Director of Growth Catherine Mealing-Jones said: The Ministry of Defence, ''The contract is aligned with industries not only in the MoD, has signed a the federal government Satellites play a major role in understanding region but also in the world. contract with Injazat Data digital transformation This success was mainly our home – planet Earth. Using great British Systems, an industry- strategy,'' he stated. Injazat technology, the SWOT mission is a great attributed to the strong recognised market leader is fully owned by Mubadala, commitment by the national example of how satellites can take i n t h e r e g i o n f o r the investment arm of the measurements of our environment from the government to develop an information technology, Government of Abu Dhabi. unique vantage point of space, in this case, e f f i c i e n t a d v a n c e d data centre and managed giving us the first global survey of one of our communications network. services, to support the most precious resources – water. The UK In UAE, Information, Driven by its ambitious aim and France are leading space powers in ministry's e-system. Communication, and Media of positioning itself as a Europe and the delivery of the duplexer for Technology industry sector g l o b a l d i s t i n g u i s h e d the SWOT mission is a significant milestone Major General Pilot which makes the higher location in terms of offering in our partnership, which continues to go Abdullah Al Hashemy, portion of the knowledge- advanced communications from strength to strength. A s s i s t a n t U n d e r - based industries has services of all kinds, the It will now be integrated into a Radio- Secretary for Support particularly received a UAE has been actively Frequency Unit by Thales Alenia Space Services at the ministry, significant importance from b u i l d i n g i t s s a t e l l i t e before NASA engineers add it to their KaRin and Khaled Al Melhi, Chief the federal and local c o m m u n i c a t i o n s instrument developed at the Jet Propulsion Executive Officer of governments. Government infrastructure. Currently, it Laboratory (JPL) in California. The satellite is Injazat, witnessed the spending has continued to has seven than satellites due to launch 2021. signing ceremony, along boost this growing industry and is planning to launch CNES is supplying the RFU (Radio- with a number of officials in order to take its place that another, maximizing its Frequency Unit), which is co-funded with the from both sides. suits the UAE in the global capacity to not only meet the UK Space Agency UKSA. As well as the Major General Pilot Al economic map. domestic's demand but also duplexer, Thales Alenia Space is developing Hashemy said the ministry to serve the whole MENA the 'hyperbox' in Toulouse which will create was seeking to implement The UAE's information region by providing high the radar pulse and receive radar echoes. t h e m o s t a d v a n c e d t e c h n o l o g y a n d advanced solutions in this Hailing this new milestone, CNES President electronic and digital communications sector is realm. Jean-Yves Le Gall said: transformation systems. one of the most advanced

12 SPECIAL REPORT NTA: The rise of Africa’s largest TV Network In 1977, Intelsat satellites carried the first-ever live video broadcast of the Nigerian Festival of Arts and Culture, FESTAC, 77 bringing Nigeria’s regional stations into a single-fold, named NTA to coordinate the program in Lagos and featured live feeds from the event venues in succession transmitting signals around the globe. Today, the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA is Africa’s largest, streaming different contents on its Network, using its infrastructure – NTA News 24, NTA Sports 24, NTA Knowledge, NTA Entertainment, NTA Parliament, NTA Hausa, NTA Igbo, and NTA Yoruba respectively. Read more in this report.

Before the coming of Decree 24 of 1977, all runs one national channel and has a using the same infrastructure – NTA News the television stations in Nigeria were national network of 101 stations.. It 24, NTA Sports 24, NTA Knowledge, NTA regionalised. The earliest broadcasting reaches over 90 million viewers, Entertainment, NTA Parliament, NTA stations in Nigeria were the Western representing around 80% of Nigerians with Hausa, NTA Igbo, and NTA Yoruba. Nigeria Television, Radio Television access to television. Stations are located in Broadcasting of Kaduna, Northern Nigeria, the various states and Abuja, the federal At the Nigerian Television Authority, the the Eastern Television and the Midwest capital, and have their own programming possibilities for digital broadcasters in the Television respectively. However, it was but also link to network programming. NTA digital era are limitless,Picture as more source channels ADB the modest beginning on 31st October is the most popular television station in are creating activities in the supply end of 1959 of the Western Nigerian Television several Nigerian regions and has the content. This is stimulating demand for (WNTV) that beamed out the first widest reach in the country, according to local content production thereby creating Television signals in Nigeria which Euroconsult. job opportunities at all levels of Content heralded the begining of television creation including Camera Crew, editors, broadcasting in Nigeria. “With terrestrial and post production. Twenty-four-hour of Courtesy- SpaceX transmission a day multiplied by According to Engr. Stephen Ogu Moses, transmitter, the approximately 500 channels and d u r i n g t h e M u r t a l a M o h a m m e d multiplied by 365 days a year will give us Administration, Nigerian government maximum distance an idea of the magnitude of Content hosted all African countries, as the first requirements, says Maxwell Loco, exhibition of all African Arts and Culture that can be reached Managing Director, NTA Enterprise. make its debut in Lagos and Kaduna. However, the need for Nigerians, and is about 200km. This The Challenge today, he said, is no longer indeed the global community to watch the implies that hundreds having specialised channels to meet events live in the comfort of their homes, individual and the society's expectations, irrespective of locations led to the search of repeaters and relay but how to fill these multiple channels for the type of television network that could already created with compelling content. deliver images as quickly and easily from stations will be The digital era of course, would require other side of the country as they are from new skills, specialisation, and style of the next street. he said needed to pick up the Content development and distribution. Yet without satellite, it would have been signals, retransmit, difficult to provide live broadcasts of most Fundamental of satellite of the events of the All African Arts and and as such it will not broadcasting Culture that took place in Nigeria. As the cost effective for For communication to exist there must be highest relay point invented by man, a transmitter, a sender as well as a satellite was uniquely placed to distribute broadcast receiver. A communication satellite is an content to millions of Nigeria, and the object that is placed about 36,000 continent of Africa at large. operations”. kilometers from space to the ground. A British writer, Author C. Clark, was the first Today, the Nigeria Television Authority, In 2009, NTA initiated a joint Venture with to propose placing telecommunications NTA is now the largest TV network in Africa the Beijing StarTimes group. This also relay in geostationary orbit, and just as well as one of the oldest and most gave birth to what is today known as NTA- twenty years later his vision became a accomplished indigenous broadcast Star TV Network (StarTimes). The core reality. outfits in Nigeria. objective of this partnership was to This scenario gave birth to the present provide an innovative technology – driven In Nigeria, satellite offers unique Nigerian Television Authority, NTA with the digital public service pay TV in Nigeria. advantage of flexibility and ubiquity, capacity to manage the event from one Several years after, it is a success story. allowing contributions to be carried from single organization, says Engr. Stephen Today Nigerians have a credible any location where content is produced Ogu Moses, Executive Director, alternative in the digital satellite pay and distributed to any point on the earth's Engineering of the Nigeria Television television sub sector in Nigeria. NTA is now surface. Again, geostationary satellites Authority, The Nigerian Television capable of streaming different thematic interface with portable or nomadic stations Authority (NTA) is government-owned, Contents on the Network simultaneously, Such as SNG or FlyAway mobile stations

19 SPECIAL REPORT

with 1.2/1.5m antennas and amplifiers of land mass of about 70 kilometers, it is use. In the world of electromagnetic a few hundred Watts, allowing always difficult to make effective and transmission, radio frequencies are guaranteed transmission information efficient coverage with terrestrial scarce commodity. Once a signal is rates of up to 100 Mbit/s. transmission, that is why broadcasters transmitted in circular polarization via prefers to use satellite. In areas, where satellite, the advantage of frequency re- In Nigeria, Intelsat satellite ushered in there are high rise buildings and rocky use permit the optimal use of frequency the era of satellite transmission, the first terrains, especially in Plateau and Lagos resources and avoiding waste. application being interconnection of states respectively, a line of site can also Frequency re-use permits the use of a networks between five continents and block the signal because it is point- to – specified range of frequencies more the first live broadcast of events of point, Engr. Stephen Ogu Moses, than once within the same satellite national interest, beginning with Executive Director, Engineering of the system so that the total capacity of the FESTAC 1977. However, decades later, Nigeria Television Authority said. system is increased without increasing television account for more than half of the allocated bandwidth. the utilization of the capacity provided by With broadcasting satellite capacity from communications satellites, ranging from Intelsat, NTA transmits TV programmes According to Globecast, drivers for delivering live signals back to television mainly to households that are equipped to future C-band usage in Nigeria includes studios, exchanging programmes receive them direct via satellite. high definition distribution growth, DTT between broadcasters from around the NTA's TV channels are broadcasted in migration that will develop contribution world, direct broadcasting to satellite standard and High Definition broadcast via needs to cover terrestrial head-ends and domes and the digital terrestrial network. the Intelsat's satellite, and as at today, NTA increase of international events taking At the moment, NTA transmit its signals is a market leader in television place in Africa that will increase via Intelsat 902 satellite for its domestic broadcasting not only in Nigeria, but also occasional use demand in C-band and international operations, according across Africa.According to a study, the to Engr. Stephen Ogu Moses, Executive number of homes receiving channels Satellite footprint broadcast by NTA stands at over 30 million. Director, Engineering of the Nigeria This refers to a map of signal strength Television Authority. Satellite is the only s h o w i n g t h e u n i q u e p a t h o f means of transmission that can cover the Satellite Broadcasting in Nigeria transmission, normally refers to as the entire globe. In a country like Nigeria with Though, the Nigerian Television Authority, power of the satellite. According to ITU, a landmass of over 923,608 square NTA relied on the Ka-band transponder the entire globe is divided into three kilometers, satellite remains best from the Nigerian Communications regions, while Africa belongs to region platform for transmitting broadcast Satellite, NigComSat for real time one, the Americas are in region two, and signals, he said.. connectivity and internet access across its the Asian countries were categorized in locations, but for contribution from the region three. ContinuingCourtesy- SpaceXfurther, Engr. Stephen Ogu zonal offices, to the head office, including Depending on how they will be used, on Moses, “With a terrestrial transmitter, the the transmission of its broadcast signals board satellite antennas are designed to maximum distance that can be reached over Nigerian landscape and beyond, the cover precise zones which can range or covered is about 200km, out of over NTA relied on the Intelsat satellite, from a single country to a several 900,000 landmass that makes up according to Engr. Stephen Ogu Moses,. continents. A satellite with global beam Nigerian territory. This implies that At the moment NTA relied on C-band which can cover two regions, he said.. hundreds of repeaters and relay stations is between 3 – 6.75 frequency ranges. Nigeria's first international gateway was will be needed to pick up the signals, established in Lalente, Oyo state, with retransmit, and as such it will not cost be The Nigerian Television Authority is highly large sized earth station, built on ee effective for broadcast operations”. reliant on C-band satellite capacity, analogue technology. At the Lanlete principally for contribution to earth stations gateway, the antenna size was 32 When public television broadcasting first uplinking its signals in the C-band to reach meters. Gradually, in 1980s, Nigeria b e g a n , n e t w o r k o f b r o a d c a s t terrestrial emitters in Nigeria and Europe. It again established another international transmitters were built to deliver operates two earth stations in Abuja and gateway at Saka Tinubu in Lagos State channels to homes in urban areas. one earth station in Lagos. Apart from this with antenna size of 15m. However, many communities in rural and NTA control 10 C-band uplink facilities the hinterlands or with low population across the country, which include seven However, a signal transmitted from the density remained without coverage from DSNG terminals. They currently have 100 32 meter dish could cover the regions, terrestrial networks, thereby leaving C-band TVROs that are analog terrestrial depending on the satellite. In addition to them without the new services. In terms TV stations receiving TV signals from the global beam is the hemi-beam. The of reliability, especially the mean time these uplink stations located in all state Nigerian Television Authority, NTA once between failure, when there are plenty capitals and other community stations. relied on hemi-beam to transmit its repeaters, there is that tendency to have signal to Europe and across Africa from high failure rate during operations with These signals received by TVROs are its 11 metre dish, and sometimes, with a television broadcasting. further transmitted terrestrially in UHF and minimum of 6.5 metre dish. The hemi- Satellites have completely transformed VHF bands to end customers. The 100 beam cost more than the global beam. this environment by removing all analog channels have all migrated to DTT Also, the zonal beam permits the NTA to barriers. A satellite power enables it to , according to NTA. cover the entire country. However, using deliver hundreds of television and radio By virtues of the universal coverage it zonal beam, the signal can only travel to channels as well as data services to any provide, satellite play a key role in West African and Southern African number of antennas within its coverage disseminating information, expanding the countries. So far, NTA 's transmission to zone. number of broadcast channels for viewers Americas rely on global beam. In addition, satellite is also very fast to set and uniting communities. Today, more than up, the easiest and the quickest way of 90 million homes in Nigeria receive In order to transmit a signal on Intelsat deploying television signals across television by satellite, either directly or 903, with a Hemi-beam, to a target different locations, either in rocky terrain through a terrestrial network. audience in Europe, NTA rely on a zonal and high rise buildings without a line of In Intelsat satellite, all of NTA C-band beam to get the signal get out there, and sight. frequencies are on circular polarization, then crisscross to another Ku-band In Borno state, North East Nigeria, with offering the advantage of frequency re-

20 SPECIAL REPORT transporter, solely because of regulatory pictures and audio programmes. 2016. Also ITS is fully ready to be launch provisions that prevent the use of dish of MPEG2 established in 1995, was the in Ilorin, Kwara state, Oshogbo in Osun over 90cm for signal transmission,. first video compression format used for state and Enugu in Enugu state but television, bringing digital TV to the awaiting the regulatory authority that did Migration from Intelsat to general consumer by satellite and not make a clear timeline program for the NigComSat 1R satellite cable. On average, MPEG2 can carry entire stakeholders in the DSO business The management of the Nigerian eight digital channels in the same space for the implementation of digital Television Authority, NTA has concluded required for a single analogue channel. migration. plans to migrate its space segment from However, MPEG4 was already used to Intelsat to the Nigerian Communications stream video over the Internet when it Due to the huge financial engagements, Satellite Limited, NigComSat. According was launched commercially for TV ITS decided to enter into partnership to Engr. Stephen Ogu Moses, Executive broadcasting in 2006. Its role is vital to agreement with Star-times of China. The Director, Engineering of the Nigeria the development of HDTV programming ITS/Star platform offers the most viable Television Authority, all of NTA's space because it uses significantly lower bit- and realistic platform for easy realizing segment including satellites, and the rates. HD in MPEG2 format requires at and delivery DSO target. The ITS is tracking, telemetry, command, control, least 18 Mbps whereas MPEG4 needs inheriting well over 120 sites from the monitoring and related facilities and only 8 Mbps. Further gains in the order NTA while our strategic partner already equipment required to support the of 30 to 40% are expected over the next operates in over 86 cities, in 34 states operation of these satellites will now be few years. across the country and the federal capital domiciled in Nigeria. \ territory. Given our approach in the Jos operation, it only requires complimenting However, it is worth noting that content “NTA will rely on existing infrastructure in these 86 cities to contribution from zonal offices via NigComSat for accommodate the Freetv services.This satellite requires significant additional relationship if encouraged and nurtured capacity and incurs incremental costs, as signal contribution will take Nigeria to a speedy conclusion all ten zonal transmissions are broadcast of the DSO.Currently the transmission on a national footprint, requiring separate from the zones due standard for DTT is DVB-T2 H.264 which transponder capacity. is deployed but will soon be upgraded to As a result, the strategy of the migration to its limitation in H.265. is gradual and systematic, he said, such signal distribution that video signal degradation are kept to Changing phase of Television a minimum at every single step of the over Europe”, says That television has moved beyond the delivery chain.. Before now, the Nigerian living room is stating the obvious. Many Television Authority, NTA relies on Moses Ogu. programmes can now be watched on Intelsat satellite, for both content computers, mobile phones, and tablets contribution and distribution of its Digital switch over devices. However, the appeal of mobile television is not so much that it is potable, broadcast signals. However, the NTA is The world-wide digitization process is but that it is personal. Viewers do not starting the transition to NigComSat, with being undertaken to free up spectrum have to agree with other family members signal contribution from the ten zonal for the growth of the information on what to watch. The image of the centers to the headquarters in Abuja. technology industry. Apart from clearer family, clustered around the living room images, increased channels for set is an accurate depiction of how most For instance, from the outstations, zonal contents and easier reception, the people watch television in most offices contribute to live discussions, and availability of spectrum will allow countries. the NTA 9pm o'clock news. Ordinarily, expansion of the internet based I there is one satellite in the uplink for technology. The most popular television programme contribution, sending signals to Abuja, In May 2015, the Nigerian Television tends to be the most heavily recorded and then another satellite to distribute to Authority (NTA) registered the and the most watched on computers and local and global viewers. The Nigerian Integrated Television Services Limited mobile devices. These days you can Television Authority, NTA will rely on (ITS) with the Corporate Affairs hardly watch TV programme without NigComSat for signal contribution, and Commission as a limited liability being invited to visit a website to see also due to its inherent limitation in signal company to do the business of some extra footage, to react or to discuss distribution over Europe. Broadcast Signal Distribution (BSD) as the show with other fans on face book, envisaged in the Government's white twitter, Myspace etc. People are This will enables the NTA to study the paper, on the recommendation of the watching TV and are surfing the web at performance. If the performance is high, Presidential Advisory Committee on the same time. Apps are also emerging to the NTA can now migrate to distribution Digital Migration. This entity is the open new windows between programme stage. However, there are certain areas, Broadcast Signal Distribution that and mobile audiences. we will still use the Intelsat, says Engr. emerged from the NTA in line with this However, the future of television will be Stephen Ogu Moses, especially the recommendation. This organization is more than integrating tweets or hashtag footprint of NigComSat satellite, saddled with the responsibility and into the programming to start a “global particularly, the beam doesn't support objective as spelt out in the white paper conversation”. The future of television signal transmission over Europe so NTA of evacuating and distributing will be driven by innovations and a vision will still rely on Intelsat satellite to Broadcast signals terrestrially across for more meaningful entertainment and distribute to spiral over Europe. the country Nigeria. engagement. Right now, viewers are tuning to multiple screens without any Migration from MPEG 2 to Each country has their own unique cues or direction. Whatever you want to situations but Integrated Television MPEG 4 do or say requires explicit design for each Services (ITS) which is the National Motion Picture Experts Group, MPEG, is screen. Doing so will inspire more broadcasting Signal Distributor for a group established by the International informed and creative ideas through the Nigeria has proven itself as a reliable Organization for Standardization (ISO), entire broadcast ecosystem, including organization by launching the DSO pilot which prescribes international standards the original programming on the main scheme in Jos Plateau State on 30th April for compression coding of moving screen.

21 Courtesy- SpaceX

N T A i s b r o a d c a s t i n g t o U S A , C a n a d a a n d E u r o p e . V i e w e r s i n Washington DC, USA, can receive NTA signals on MHz TV and COMCAST Cable and in addition via Satellite on INTELSAT America- 5 (1. A-5). Viewer in other parts of USA and Canada can receive NTA via satellite on INTELSAT America -22 5 (1.A-5). In Europe NTA can be received via Satellite INTELSAT 95. SPECIAL REPORT Nigeria's strategic position for spaceport

Nigeria’s position on latitudes 4° and 14°N, and longitudes 2° and 15°E is perhaps a strategic location for a Spaceport. Since the establishment of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in 1999, Nigeria has engaged young engineers and scientist for acquisition of relevant skills and technology in different sectors. While the country is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean in the South and Sahara desert in the North, her coastal area is devoid of human population due to water bodies and the mangrove forest region, this fit perfectly for the establishment of launch service activities that are accompanied with noise and heat to the environment, according to this report.

Space exploration and satellite business direct effect on the consumption of was an exclusive preserve of launch vehicle propellant due to the industrialized nations until early 2000s thrust generated to overcome the when developing nations such as weight, gravity pull and aerodynamic Nigeria, South Africa, India, and forces at lift off. The size is considered Indonesia ventured into launching of only when it hinders other satellites to satellites for research and other national be jointly launched onboard same development. According to a report, with launch vehicle. As a result, the most nanotechnology and miniaturization of efficient way of reducing propellant satellites and related technologies, a consumption and thereby reducing cost is locating an appropriate launch site chunk of space exploration cost services NigeriaSat-1 attributed to launch vehicle services has where the rotation speed of the earth reduced drastically. For instance, more can be maximized on the launch than 75% of launch vehicle constitutes vehicle. the rocket propellant, the remaining 25% have the payload where the satellites All satellites today get into orbit by and control avionics are accommodated. riding on a rocket. Several countries This means that more than 75% cost of and businesses have rocket launch fastest. launch services are attributed to the cost capabilities, and satellites as large as of launch propellant. Therefore, several tons make it into orbit regularly Once the rocket reaches extremely thin reducing the utilization of propellant on and safely. It is necessary to air, at about 193 kilometers up, the launch vehicle will significantly reduce understand the launch dynamics and rocket's navigational system fires small the cost of space exploration through requirement to absolutely know it global rockets, just enough to turn the launch launch services platform. One of the effects on the launch location. vehicle into a horizontal position. The ways of effecting this is by finding a For most satellite launches, the satellite is then released. At that point, suitable global position for satellite scheduled launch rocket is aimed rockets are fired again to ensure some launch port. vertically at first. This gets the rocket separation between the launch vehicle through the thickest part of the and the satellite itself. The earth is a sphere that spins atmosphere rapidly and best minimizes eastward along its north and south poles fuel consumption. A rocket must accelerate to at least axis at a speed of 1,675 kilometers per 40,320 kph to completely escape hour. It bulges at its center with a radius After overcoming greater part of the Earth's gravity and fly off into space. of about 6,378.1 kilometers with a atmospheric resistance, the rocket Earth's escape velocity is much greater circumference of about 40,000 control mechanism uses the inertial than what's required to place an Earth kilometers at the half of the hemisphere. guidance system to make necessary satellite in orbit. With satellites, the It also axially tilted at about 23.4 adjustments to the rocket's nozzles to object is not to escape Earth's gravity, degrees. The biggest radius of the earth tilt the rocket to the course described in but to balance it. Orbital velocity is the is found at the center called the equator. the flight plan. In most cases, the flight velocity needed to achieve balance With the physical laws of motion, the plan calls for the rocket to head east between gravity's pull on the satellite centripetal force is greater at the farthest because Earth rotates to the east, and the inertia of the satellite's motion -- edge on the surface of the earth than any giving the launch vehicle a free boost. the satellite's tendency to keep going. other place on the surface. The strength of this boost depends on This is approximately 27,359 kph at an the rotational velocity of Earth at the altitude of 242 kilometers. Without Based on recent estimate, the cost of launch location (Garry and Harris, gravity, the satellite's inertia would carry taking a satellite in space is determine by 2000). The boost is greatest at the it off into space. Even with gravity, if the the weight, size and the mission orbit of equator, where the distance around intended satellite goes too fast, it will the satellite. However, the size has a Earth is greatest and so rotation is eventually fly away. On the other hand, if 24 SPECIAL REPORT

Spaceports, most of the active the satellite goes too slowly, gravity will pull it Spaceports are located largely above the back to Earth. At the correct orbital velocity, equatorial line. However, other gravity exactly balances the satellite's Spaceports that are close to the equator inertia, pulling down toward Earth's center but are inactive in the recent decade are just enough to keep the path of the satellite the French launch control Kourou at curving like Earth's curved surface, rather Latitude 5.20 N Longitude 52.80 W in than flying off in a straight line. Guiana, the Brazil Alcantara Launch The orbital velocity of the satellite depends Center at Latitude 2.30 S Longitude 44.40 on its altitude above Earth. The nearer to W, and Italian San Marco Range off the Earth, the faster the required orbital velocity. Kenya coast Latitude 2.90 S Longitude At an altitude of 200 kilometers, the required 40.30 E. Further to this equatorial launch orbital velocity is a little more than about benefit, the American Boeing Sea launch 27,400 kph. To maintain an orbit that is at Latitude 0.0 degrees 1540 W in the 35,786 kilometers above Earth, the satellite Pacific Ocean to carry out satellite executive orders such as ease of doing must orbit at a speed of about 11,300 kph. launches. business to encourage investment in different sectors of the economy. According to UCS in its latest report, orbital These sites especially the site in Kourou speed and distance permit the satellite to are doing well, however, some locations To make a rough estimate, the Earth's make one revolution in 24 hours. Since such as the San Marco Range, off Kenya circumference can be determined by Earth also rotates once in 24 hours, a coast, is yet to be used since 1988 due to multiplying its diameter by pi (3.1416). satellite at 35,786 km altitude stays in a fixed insecurity that contributed to the state of The diameter of Earth is approximately position relative to a point on Earth's the facility. While others such as the Brazil 12,753 kilometers. Multiplying by pi surface. Because the satellite stays right Alcantera is ongoing. It is therefore yields a circumference of something like over the same spot all the time, this kind of necessary to sustain equatorial 40,065 kilometers. o r b i t i s c a l l e d " g e o s t a t i o n a r y. " Spaceport locations to increase Geostationary orbits are ideal for weather competitive and participation in the space To travel around that circumference in satellites and communications satellites. exploration and commercialization. 24 hours, a point on Earth's surface has to move at 1,675 kph. For example a In general, the higher the orbit, the longer Nigeria's strategic position launch from Florida's Cape Canaveral the satellite can stay in orbit. At lower doesn't get as big a boost from Earth's Nigeria's position at latitudes 4° and 14°N, altitudes, a satellite runs into traces of rotational speed. The Kennedy Space and longitudes 2° and 15°E is Earth's atmosphere, which creates drag. Center's Launch Complex 39-A is strategically locating for a Spaceport. located at 28 degrees 36 minutes The establishment of the National Space 29.7014 seconds north latitude. Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in 1999 is an indication that The Earth's rotational speed there is Space Science and Technology is not about 1,440 kph. The difference in strange to Nigeria as a nation. Earth's surface speed between the equator and Kennedy Space Center, In addition, Nigeria has launched four then, is about 229 kph. Considering that satellites in communication and remote rockets can go thousands of kilometers sensing since inception with active per hour, you may wonder why a performance till today. Other sectors of difference of only 229 kph would even service include aerospace, spacecraft matter. and space applications that the country has engaged young engineers and The answer is that rockets, together with scientist for acquisition of relevant skills their fuel and their payloads, are very and technology in the sector. Nigeria has heavy. For example, the Feb. 11, 2000, been involved in regional and liftoff of the space shuttle Endeavour international treaties for the peaceful uses required launching a total weight of of the outer space, such treaties from 2,050,447 kilograms [source: NASA]. It United nations, African Union, West takes a huge amount of energy to African Countries, etc which is an Disaster Monitoring Constellation accelerate such a mass to 229 kph, and indication of willingness to collaborate therefore a significant amount of fuel. with nations and non-governmental The drag causes the orbit to decay until the Launching from the equator makes a organizations for a common mutual satellite falls back into the atmosphere and real difference. burns up. At higher altitudes, where the benefit of the participating parties. vacuum of space is nearly complete, there is Moreover, most communication Furthermore, the country is bounded by almost no drag and a satellite like the moon satellites are launched at almost the Atlantic Ocean in the South and can stay in orbit for centuries. equatorial location with respect to the Sahara desert in the North. The coastal satellite desired footprint for services. It area is devoid of human population due to is therefore convenient to launch such water bodies and the mangrove forest satellites at the equatorial regions where region. This fit perfectly for the Global view of space ports the satellite will require less maneuvers establishment of launch service activities Globally, spaceport are located closely to or distance to be placed at the desired that are accompanied with noise and heat the equator inorder to achieve the gains of orbit of operation. This tactics consume to the environment. reduction of rocket propellant. The less propellant and less cost of launch The present administration has also equatorial line divides the African Continent service. in almost halve of it size. In the map of provided enabling policies through

25 26

IN THE NEWS ASIA

Asia Video Industry Technology. Upper stages are breakthrough for Foxtel and will independent spacecraft installed on the undeniably attract many new subscribers Association announces carrier rocket that are capable of who are excited about the raw beauty of new members restarting their engines multiple times in UHD," said Tony Berthaud, vice president space to allow them to send different of sales, APAC, at Harmonic. "With UHD's payloads into varying orbits. They are improved resolution, Foxtel's viewers can The Asia Video Industry Association also referred to as space shuttles. now feel like they are standing on the field (AVIA) announced that Netflix has joined during live sports events and become as a Patron member, alongside Globe In February this year, the Yuanzheng-1 immersed in the latest movies. Our video Telecom as a Corporate member, rocket upper stage helped send two processing solutions are at the heart of strengthening the mandate of the satellites into orbit on a single carrier many UHD service offerings around the Association to represent the interests of rocket for China's BeiDou Navigation world, and we're proud to be leading the companies across the broader video Satellite System. The Yuanzheng-1S, a charge for stunning video experiences.” industry in Asia. simplified version of the Yuanzheng-1, is designed for short flights, and will be Additionally, in joining AVIA, Netflix has mainly used for commercial launches, increased their role in supporting the said Cui Zhaoyun, deputy chief designer Intelsat and APSATCOM industry by committing to becoming a of the upper stage. Steering Committee member for the launch IntelsatOne flex Coalition Against Piracy (CAP); piracy Previously, the Long March-2C rocket for maritime customers being one of the central pillars of the newly was capable of sending payloads of in Asia refocused Association. CAP is at the about 1.2 tonnes into the sun- forefront of fighting piracy through Intelsat S.A. announced that APT Mobile synchronous orbit. Installed with the Satcom Ltd. will become the first maritime enforcement, disruption of intermediaries Yuanzheng-1S upper stage, the in the piracy chain, along with government solution partner to offer, in China, carrying capacity of the rocket has been IntelsatOne Flex for Maritime services. and consumer outreach. AVIA is also a increased to two tonnes, according to supporter of Globe's 'Play it Right' Cui.This latest launch was the 286th campaign to discourage video piracy. This agreement will deliver a seamless mission of the Long March rocket series. global maritime network for APSATCOM's “As we create new forms of content, this is customers, providing unparalleled an opportunity for Globe to enhance Foxtel partners throughput, improved economics, and synergy with other key stakeholders in the Harmonic to power easier access to broadband services. global entertainment industry”, said Globe Under the new, multi-year agreement, President and CEO, Ernest Cu. “Through first 4K UHD service in Intelsat will provide IntelsatOne Flex for AVIA we will ensure that our customers Maritime services, interconnection, and get the full benefit of our partnerships. In Australia backhaul to APSATCOM's data centers. addition, this will help strengthen our The award-winning IntelsatOne Flex for advocacy of protecting original content Harmonic announced that Foxtel, an Maritime platform is a seamlessly providers against piracy.” Australian pay-TV operator with cable, integrated managed service that offers direct broadcast satellite and IPTV multi-layered global coverage by Louis Bowell, AVIA CEO, further stated streaming services, has launched the leveraging the power of the Intelsat that “It is clear that whatever part of the first 4K UHD offering in the country using EpicNG high-throughput satellites (HTS) video industry you come from, there are a Harmonic software-based UHD and Intelsat's global network of wide concerns about the growing threat from solution. Harmonic's solution maximizes beam satellites. video piracy and there is a need to have workflow efficiencies and ensures farsighted policies to foster growth. I am exceptional video quality at low bitrates IntelsatOne Flex for Maritime provides a delighted that we will be able to work for Foxtel's next-generation television flexible infrastructure for solution partners together with Netflix and Globe Telecom services. looking to incorporate high-throughput on these crucial issues for our industry services while avoiding the complexity of "Video quality, HDR support and forecasting throughput requirements China launches new reliability were our key considerations across the various beams. This enables when choosing a technology partner," those solution partners to dramatically remote sensing said Darren Windus, distribution improve their economics while delivering systems manager at Foxtel. "Harmonic higher performance broadband service ” satellites has a strong track record of delivering more efficiently. APSATCOM and other Two remote sensing satellites, both part of amazing video quality and world-class solution partners are able, through this the Yaogan-32 family, have been deployment support, making this an IntelsatOne Flex Service, to customize launched by a Long March-2C rocket with easy business decision for Foxtel. When their solutions and, in turn, deliver a an attached upper stage named we are ready to introduce HDR to this unique value proposition for each of their Yuanzheng-1S, or Expedition-1S, at the new service, Harmonic's software- customers. Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in centric approach to video delivery will Jiuquan, northwest China's Gansu make it a simple, quick upgrade.” APSATCOM, which provides a suite of Province. The satellites have entered their applications for maritime customers to planned orbits and will be used for Harmonic handles the entire UHD manage business operations and provide electromagnetic environment surveys production and delivery workflow for crew services, will introduce its and other related technology tests. Foxtel's new service using the Electra® IntelsatOne Flex for Maritime offering with This was the first flight of the upper stage video processor for live UHD HEVC a 1-meter antenna solution focusing on named Yuanzheng-1S, or Expedition-1S. encoding, the ProStream® X stream Chinese vessels. About 90 percent of It cooperated well with the Long March-2C processor for scrambling and the global trade is conducted via shipping, rocket and significantly improved the RD9000 decoder to achieve superior and China's role continues to grow, carrying capacity of the rocket, according video quality for broadcast contribution. according to the International Chamber of to the China Academy of Launch Vehicle "This is a significant technology Shipping. The global reach of IntelsatOne

28 IN THE NEWS ASIA

Flex for Maritime also enables research, science and technology ORBCOMM to offer APSATCOM to extend its offerings capabilities. throughout the Asia Pacific region. satellite services and Minister for Industry, Science and solutions in China “To support the growing communications Technology, Karen Andrews, welcomed requirements of our maritime customers, the signing, which occurred during the ORBCOMM Inc. announced the we needed a high-powered, reliable International Astronautical Congress in availability of ORBCOMM satellite managed services platform,” said Jason Bremen, Germany yesterday. “This services and solutions in China, targeted Li CEO of APSATCOM. “IntelsatOne signing will further drive Australia's for the heavy equipment, transportation & Flex for Maritime provides us with the position in the global space race and logistics and maritime industries. One of throughput, flexibility, and redundancy assist in growing our share of the world's the premier Chinese telecommunications we need to deliver a consistent level of space economy, estimated to be worth operators recently received the service and availability wherever our around US$345 billion,” Minister authorization for the use of ORBCOMM's customers need it. This enables them to Andrews said. satellite constellation. ORBCOMM's local enhance the efficiency of their business service partner for China, Asia Pacific operations while at sea and provide fast, “The statement of strategic intent is Navigation Telecommunications Satellite reliable Wi-Fi connectivity that improves confirmation of Sitael's support of (APNTS), based in Shenzhen and Hong crew morale and loyalty.” Australia's capability for developing Kong, will participate in providing service, small satellites, investment in support and distribution. “IntelsatOne Flex for Maritime will help operations, ground stations and R&D. deliver the highest quality, global “The Coalition Government established A China Gateway Earth Station (GES) is communications service with ultimate the Australian Space Agency to grow our planned for construction to serve as a reliability, allowing APSATCOM's space sector, helping to create more network link between the ORBCOMM services to be enhanced and expanded Australian jobs and inspiring the next satellite system and its worldwide even further,” said Mark Rasmussen, generation of the workforce.” infrastructure. It will enable ORBCOMM to Intelsat's vice president and general more effectively deliver the advanced manager, mobility services. Head of the Australian Space Agency, Dr services provided by its satellite Megan Clark AC, said Sitael was constellation, making communications committed to the Australian space more efficient, reliable and globally “When designing the platform, our main industry and the broader use of space available for its industrial IoT customers. goal was to enable simple access to across a wide range of sectors of the Additional ORBCOMM GES facilities in Intelsat's mobility network while allowing economy. “We support Sitael's China are in the planning stages. our solution partners to customize and investment in cutting edge research and maintain full control over service development. “ORBCOMM is pleased to be able to differentiation — something that is not operate within China, which provides a possible with global maritime service “This initiative aims to solve unique competitive advantage to the platforms offered by other companies. communications challenges that will Company, and deliver the benefits of our Using IntelsatOne Flex for Maritime, provide enhanced connectivity, robust satellite service to a much broader APSATCOM will be able to generate n a v i g a t i o n i m p r o v e m e n t s a n d customer base,” said Marc Eisenberg, much improved economics and leverage monitoring of our country and its Chief Executive Officer of ORBCOMM. its unique value, applications, and resources,” Dr Clark said. Mr Nicola “The regulatory approval combined with market position to meet the specialized Zaccheo, Chief Executive Officer at the addition of an ORBCOMM GES in needs of its customers.” Sitael, said their strategic purpose to China will significantly improve service design, build and test small satellites levels and coverage in the region as well would help to increase the capacity of as provide access to a new high-growth Sitael plans new the Australian space sector. market for deployment of ORBCOMM's industrial IoT solutions.” investment in “Sitael is proud to be part of the growing Australia's satellite space ecosystem in Australia, delivering “We have been following ORBCOMM's growth and jobs in advanced continued momentum with great capability manufacturing and innovation in cutting excitement for some time and are pleased edge space technology development.” to help bring ORBCOMM's products and The Australian Space Agency has signed The Agency supports the long-term services to China,” said Zhang Hai Ming, a statement of strategic intent with Sitael development and application of space M a n a g i n g D i r e c t o r o f A P N T S . Australia, a designer and manufacturer technologies, growing our domestic “Leveraging our understanding of the local o f s a t e l l i t e s , e n h a n c i n g t h e space industry and securing our place in customer base and China's wide-ranging competitiveness and capability of the global space economy. push towards a more connected society, Australia's space industry. Sitael we believe there is a significant Australia is a subsidiary of Sitael S.p.A, The Coalition has an ambitious plan for opportunity to market ORBCOMM's broad the largest privately-owned space the Agency; to triple the size of the IoT solutions portfolio to the heavy company in Italy. sector, adding another $12 billion equipment, transportation and logistics annually to the Australian economy by and maritime industries, which will enable The Coalition Government committed 2030, and creating up to 20,000 new customers throughout the region to $41 million to establish the Australian jobs. Sitael Australia opened a new improve the efficiency and performance of Space Agency and is investing more branch in Adelaide in June 2018, their business operations.” than $260 million to grow Australia's becoming one of the leading local space satellite infrastructure. This is part companies in the design and of the Coalition's investment of around manufacture of satellites of up to 300kg. $2.4 billion to grow our space sector, and

29 IN THE NEWS ASIA

PSLV-C42 Launches 2 Inmarsat unveils major operation and maintenance. Foreign Satellites New IoT service for the shipping industry Ultra Electronics, The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C42) of Indian Space Research Gigasat announced the Organisation (ISRO) successfully Inmarsat unveils Fleet Data, a new Internet first deliveries of new launched two satellites – NovaSAR and of Things (IoT) service, which will enable ship owners and managers to access and S1-4 – from the Satish Dhawan Space vehicle mount satellite Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota. Both analyse real-time onboard data more antenna efficiently, and as a result will help satellites were injected into the Sun Building on the success of the DA-180 Synchronous Orbit at an altitude of 583 accelerate the adoption of IoT across the maritime industry. Developed in partnership Lite and DA-200 Lite products, a new km. The satellites belong to UK-based with Danelec Marine, Fleet Data will record 1.5m version has been developed to Surrey Satellite Technology Limited data from the onboard Voyage Data meet growing demand. Government, (SSTL), which has a contract with Antrix Recorder (VDR), and other vessel sensors, emergency response and broadcasters Corporation Ltd, the commercial arm of pre-process that data, and upload it to a increasingly require more compact and ISRO. NovaSAR carries S-band rapidly deployable solutions for higher central (cloud-based) database equipped Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and an data throughputs at X, Ku and Ka band. with a dashboard and Application Process Automatic Identification Receiver The first units were delivered to a large Interface (API). payloads. Asian military customer after a successful This will allow ship owners and managers to The satellite applications include factory acceptance in August. quickly and easily identify equipment issues forestry mapping, land use and ice cover The DA Lite series of vehicle mount and failures and seamlessly link 3rd party monitoring, flood and disaster antennas has been one of the most applications to monitor vessel performance monitoring and maritime missions. It will significant new product ranges Ultra and fuel efficiency. Latest research be operated from SSTL's Spacecraft Gigasat has developed in recent years, Operations Centre in Guildford, UK. published by Inmarsat on digital transformation in shipping* indicates that, and the DA-150 Lite was the natural next S1-4 is a high resolution earth on average, ship operators and managers step in our development programme. observation satellite meant for surveying resources, environment monitoring, plan to spend $2.5 million on IoT-based urban management and disaster solutions within three years and expect, on New Business Success monitoring. This was the 44th flight of average, to achieve IoT-driven cost savings for e-GEOS in PSLV and the 12th flight of the Core of 14% over the next five years. The Alone version of the vehicle. Core Alone research also strongly suggests that a Indonesia and Japan is its lightest version without the six greater maritime appetite for IoT-based strap-on motors. It is used for launching solutions would emerge if more data could e-GEOS, a company set up by Telespazio smaller payloads. be delivered and analysed in real-time. and the Italian Space Agency, has extended its presence in the Far East with Reliance Jio Selects the awarding of a tender in Indonesia and Intellian Launches a contract renewal in Japan. In Indonesia, Hughes India for e-GEOS won an international tender World's First announced by the Ministry of Marine Nationwide Satellite Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) in support of Future-proof Ku-to-Ka operations at the SAR (Synthetic Radar Convertible Sub-1m Backhaul Network Aperture) ground station located in the Perançak Space Centre. The agreement, VSAT, v85NX whose main objective is to guarantee Hughes Communications India Limited satellite monitoring of illegal fishing within Intellian, the world's leading provider of (HCIL), a subsidiary of Hughes Network the Indonesian Exclusive Economic Systems, announced that Reliance Jio satellite communication antenna Zone, provides that e-GEOS be Infocomm (Jio), the largest 4G and mobile systems, is launching its new 85cm Ku to responsible for activating and updating broadband digital services provider in India, Ka band convertible maritime VSAT processing chain software, the satellite has selected the Hughes JUPITER System antenna, the Intellian v85NX, the first to receiving processor, and the receiving to enable satellite connectivity to more than b e d e v e l o p e d b a s e d o n t h e antenna. China launched400 two satellite4G/L TEfor itssites GPSsystem in remote (Source: Chinaand Dailyrural high-performance more reliable NX locations. In Japan, e-GEOS has renewed for the platform. The v85NX is a future-proof Hughes and Jio were both recognized in third year in a row, following an s y s t e m t h a t s u p p o r t s G E O Fortune's 2018 Change the World list of the international tender, the agreement constellations as well as ensuring top 10 companies that make a positive underwritten with JSI (Japan Space compatibility with future networks, such social impact as part of their core business Imaging), allowing the Japanese as LEO and MEO. It is designed to be strategy. Jio ranked number one on the list company to supply their clients with easily convertible from Ku to Ka band by for expanding Internet access in India, satellite data generated by the simply changing the RF Assembly and including via its 4G network, which will COSMO-SkyMed constellation. The Feed while still using the dual-band leverage JUPITER System technology to partnership between the two companies optimized reflector and radome, and is connect locations beyond the reach of has already led to, in January 2017, the capable of supporting full 2.5GHz Wide terrestrial backhaul technology. creation, in Japan, of a CUT (Commercial Ka-band networks, the first antenna to User Terminal) ground station for the ever be so. Hence, users can avoid Under the agreement with Jio, Hughes management of operations of planning, having to buy a completely new system India will provide a managed service to acquisition and processing of satellite to use new services in the future include network planning, implementation, images.

30 IN THE NEWS ASIA

connect power). The system can operate spectrum and service various cable ThinKom and Telesat out of the case or be put onto a vehicle roof customers across the U.S. for video to Jointly Develop an in a matter of minutes and eliminates the distribution. However, with spectrum rights need for complicated wiring and rack- expected to expire in mid 2020s and YoY Enterprise User mounting components. The MANTA is now performance on the C-band U.S. business Terminal for Telesat's shipping with an iDirect X7 modem and declining fast owing to capacity pricing can support modems from various declines and OTT pressure, revenues Global LEO suppliers. Kymeta KÂLO™ network associated with C-band spectrum do not Satellite Constellation connectivity services can also be bundled make economic sense (-6% CAGR in 10 with the solution for complete global years) in the future as demonstrated in the th ThinKom Solutions, Inc. and Telesat coverage. NSR's GSCG 15 Edition report. have signed a memorandum of The partnership marks a strong understanding (MoU) to jointly develop collaboration between two of the most Satellite revenues vs. innovative players in the mobile satellite a Ka-band enterprise user terminal for communications market. The KyWay spectrum proceeds? Telesat's planned low Earth orbit (LEO) terminal is an industry-first solution and the Similarly, telecom industry proponents constellation of satellites. As an initial world's only commercially-available, flat- have increasingly demanded the Federal step in the process, ThinKom's panel, electronically-steered satellite Communication Commission, FCC in the ThinAir® Ka2517 phased array terminal. The PIM® terminal controller has U.S. to free up 500 MHz of spectrum for 5G antenna system, which is currently in a proven track record from its existing use. Thus, already laden with high debt, production for commercial and integration into a range of satellite Intelsat especially, Net debt to Adj. EBITDA government in-flight connectivity (IFC), terminals. ratio of 8.61, teamed up with Intel in October will be used for over-the-air testing on “With Paradigm PIM-enabling the Kymeta 2017 to submit a win-win proposal to Telesat's Phase 1 LEO satellite over the antenna, we will create superior solutions. reallocate 100 MHz of this spectrum next few months. We are looking forward to working with towards 5G, in a span of 2-3 years, while Kymeta and revolutionising SATCOM-on- reallocating multiple TV channels to Telesat's state-of-the-art LEO the-move.” commented Ulf Sandberg, other/new satellites. constellation will combine the M a n a g i n g D i r e c t o r, P a r a d i g m . company's global spectrum rights in Recent developments have seen SES, and Ka-band with Telesat's proprietary LEO “The new KyWay terminal and PIM until recently Eutelsat and Telesat join the architecture to transform global technology solution is ideally suited to the proposal, now termed as C-band Alliance. communications. The constellation will mobile military, government, and The proposal aims to remove C-band deliver an unsurpassed combination of emergency responder sectors, and footprint from major U.S. metropolitan capacity, speed, security, resiliency, Kymeta is excited about the advances and areas where the first deployment of 5G latency and low cost. Telesat's LEO flexibility that the new MANTA terminal would take place, in-turn compensating constellation will accelerate 4G/5G solution will bring to the market,” said cable head-ends for a required change in expansion, bridge the digital divide by David Harrower, Senior Vice President of filters and ground equipment on antennas, bringing fiber-like highspeed services Global Sales, Kymeta. repointing, amounting to a total cost of into rural and remote communities, and roughly ~$900m, taking into account a set new levels of performance for C-band spectrum registered 4,700+ Earth Stations in the c o m m e r c i a l a n d g o v e r n m e n t U.S., and approximately ~30,000 more broadband on land, sea and in the air. reallocation: A new unlicensed ones.

dimension Now, even with declining pricing and Paradigm and Kymeta consequent declining revenues, and high announce partnership C-band reallocation debates between r e i m b u r s e m e n t s t o w a r d s satellite operators and telecom providers broadcasters/cable operators along with a on enhanced portable aren't new. Mid C-band spectrum is years-long painstaking process of terminal solution seemingly ideal for low frequency dissecting the spectrum, the proposal applications and resistant to rain fade, with makes sense due to the high arbitration recent 5G technology promoters terming reward available with the auction of the 100 Kymeta and Paradigm have both the 3.7-4.2 GHz spectrum as a sweet spot. announced new partnerships to create MHz to 500 MHz of spectrum. Following This part of C-band traditionally has fallen similar spectrum sales of 600 MHz in other an enhanced portable terminal solution under the purview of the larger 3.4-4.2 for military and emergency responder countries and bands in the U.S., a 2x-4x GHz band licensed by ITU for Fixed higher MHz-pop value could be allocated to customers called the MANTA. The Satellite Services (space to earth), radio MANTA, which integrates the the total 500 MHz spectrum sale in and mobile links through satellite and other question. Kymeta™ KyWay™ terminal together such services worldwide. While various with Paradigm's Interface Module Thus, with other countries establishing a countries have already implemented $0.17-$0.38 MHz-pop spectrum sale rate, (PIM®) controller, offers increased several measures to either purchase or capabilities to users needing reliable the U.S. valuation could easily be $0.5-$0.6 forcefully take the band from satellite conservatively, and with the need of a guard communications on-the-move. Military operators and auction off to telecom and first responder users who need band for removing the interferences (of operators, the case in U.S. has been more ~50-100 MHz), the total value of the 400 connectivity for remote incident uncertain until last year. response, in urban environments MHz spectrum for 330 million U.S. where existing infrastructure is population could theoretically be $60-$75 compromised, or elsewhere in the Satellite Demand Play billion. And with Intelsat and SES, world where operations demand The majority rights holders to 3.7-4.2 GHz approximately possessing 45% of the reliable communications now have a of spectrum in the U.S. are Intelsat and spectrum each, both could (again, rugged, easily transportable, and SES, two major, global satellite operators theoretically) net at least $20-$25 billion in mobile connectivity solution. in terms of in-orbit satellites and proceeds after tax. The MANTA is a one case, all-inclusive transponders leased. They account for solution and needs just one cable (to almost ~90% of the U.S. C-band 31 IN THE NEWS ASIA

What happens outside of the distribution channels could fit in under media and APEC-managed sites. Two U.S.? 30% of Ku-band satellite capacity. high-capacity connections using With respect to other regions around the Therefore, there would be a certain loss diverse O3b ground stations have world, there is precedent with many of capacity revenue per year, in situations been added in Port Moresby suburbs operators in Asia having to relinquish rights where customers don't decide to switch to Gerehu and Boroko, and will be in extended C-band already, where many other satellites of the same operator. backhauled to gateways in Australia to hadn't been compensated appropriately. ensure reliability of connectivity Most underdeveloped countries do not Again, change in economic value for the services. pursue fairness to spectrum rights as the sale of the first 100 MHz of spectrum as U.S. FCC does, and with lack of procedural compared to the last 100 MHz, and the The Australian Minister for Foreign conformity and weak(er) historical demand profile in low frequency changes Affairs, Senator the Hon Marise precedence of receiving proceeds through and subsequently the bargaining power Payne, said, “This investment is an sale of spectrum, it is unpredictable that of the operators reduces on 'usage important component of Australia's operators in Asian or even Latin definition' as most customers are moved broader internet connectivity support American/Middle East countries may get a to Ku-bands. Finally, the FCC could resort to PNG that includes the Coral Sea fair share from a similar auction. Europe, in to partial allocation of spectrum assets Cable System, which will connect Port all likelihood, could have the same from satellite operators to telecom ones, Moresby and Sydney by a new fibre ramifications as the U.S., albeit with a while forcefully auctioning the other part optic cable scheduled for delivery by 1.5.x-2.5x lower MHz-pop valuation as once the rights expire in the next ~6-8 late 2019.” compared to U.S., which makes sense for years. Moreover, with the current U.S. Eutelsat to join the alliance. regime, satellite operators may only be Paul Komboi, the Managing Director of partially allowed to take the proceeds to DataCo said, “Having worked with their domicile countries or forced to invest SES Networks prior to the APEC Bottom Line the proceeds in U.S. markets. summit, we are confident that the Economic and regulatory factors such as proven quality of service and above lower the high arbitrage potential experience will ensure a successful with an overlay of operational, CAPEX and DataCo and SES APEC 2018 event. After APEC, we regulatory costs, but nevertheless Intelsat hope to continue to partner with SES and SES have a great opportunity to offset Networks to Provide Networks to improve internet services their complete debts with the spectrum across the archipelago and bring PNG sale. Even with SES's maximum 200 MHz Broadband Network for closer to the world.” spectrum sale possibility, the costs and APEC 2018 regulatory factors, Intelsat and SES each Imran Malik Khan, Vice President, may gain between mid to high single-digit Fixed Data Sales Asia-Pacific of SES billion dollars (considering Intelsat's >6B Ahead of the 26th Asia-Pacific Economic Networks said, “We are very pleased tax losses), wiping of 70%-100% of their Cooperation (APEC) forum taking place that SES Networks was chosen to debt. in Papua New Guinea, the PNG provide this service for such an Faced with net losses in C-band satellite Government through its implementing important event such as the APEC video distribution and data due to agency, DataCo with the assistance of summit. This represents a tremendous extremely low fleet efficiencies, a limited the Australian Government have chosen vote of confidence in our company by mid C-band spectrum sale remains to be SES Networks to provide a managed r e g i o n a l g o v e r n m e n t s a n d the best bet for these operators clearing data service delivering 6Gbps of high- underscores our ability to provide debts and investing in new hybrid satellite bandwidth, low-latency connectivity to quickly dependable, high-quality and architectures, constellations and ensure the venues and all delegates have consistent services, on demand, consumer broadband. reliable, high-speed internet access through our extensive and flexible Although, even with successful spectrum during the conference from October to network infrastructure and on-the- sale precedents in U.S. before, the December 2018. SES announced that ground expertise.” proceeds and their subsequent transfer to the service will utilise capacity from its Luxembourg domiciled SES/Intelsat would O3b Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite Bangladesh signs remain in question, primarily due to the fleet to supplement existing capacity into current U.S. administration's aversion on Papua New Guinea (PNG) and will utilise digital connectivity such an outflow. Even if the proceeds are existing DataCo infrastructure. allowed from escrow auction funds, deal with Chinese notwithstanding the years it can take in “This investment is an important company clearing up total spectrum, operators may component of Australia's broader internet Bangladesh has signed an agreement be forced to invest in an already saturated connectivity support to PNG that includes was signed with a Chinese company to U.S. market, that would inherently be loss the Coral Sea Cable System, which will implement a digital connectivity project making, thus reducing the ultimate cash connect Port Moresby and Sydney by a aiming to deliver high speed benefit available to both operators. new fibre optic cable scheduled for broadband internet across the country Finally, the share price surge may be less delivery by late 2019.” including remote areas. substantiated in the long term, if due to the The agreement was signed between above factors, only a fraction of proceeds To provide additional connectivity to the Director General of Information and materialize into direct cash opportunity nation, SES Networks has created a new Communication Technology (ICT) core network for DataCo, featuring state- Department AKM Khairul Alam and However, costs would certainly be higher of-the-art security technology to ensure China Railway International's (CRIG) t h a n t h e r e i m b u r s e m e n t s t o detection and prevention of network representative to Bangladesh Wei broadcasters/cable providers, given both intrusions. The core network connects Xiaojun at ICT department. The Tk Intelsat and SES may need to launch a Port Moresby to two Australian cities and 8000 crore project will begin in 2019 new satellite (<$200M) to retain includes caching systems to ensure near- and conclude in 2021. customers. But, with the new compression instant access to important content After implementing the project a total HEVC using DVB-S2X, almost all video during the conference, such as news of 35,500 Sheikh Russel Digital

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Laboratories will be established in the key leaders in Australia's emerging goes beyond simple data collection and educational institutes across the country. commercial space industry. “We're thrilled uses embedded edge computing-based Besides, high tech laboratories will be to add Fleet's Proxima satellites to the It's software to analyse and select key, established at 54 public universities of the Business Time manifest. Fleet's planned targeted data for secure transmission country. Posts, Telecommunications and constellation of more than 100 satellites over an array of satellite service options, Information Technology (ICT) Minister will enable greater connectivity across the including Fleet's own satellites. This Mustafa Jabbar, ICT department globe and provide better access to data revolutionary approach means the use of secretary Juena Aziz, CRIG president about our planet.” IoT in remote industries is now Chen Xiping and vice president Wang Lijie achievable, enabling data-driven were present during the programme. “We're proud to offer a rapid and agile decisions that improve productivity and approach to launching small satellites – efficiency across a range of industries, one that sees customers like Fleet join a including mining, logistics and agriculture Commercial launch of manifest and be integrated into the CubeSats by an Electron vehicle ready for launch in just weeks, not months or years. This Connectivity barriers Australian company approach supports commercial now scheduled companies and governments alike to no longer, for live rapidly deploy space-based assets and production in the cloud US orbital launch provider Rocket Lab has get them operational faster.” signed a contract with fast-growing Fleet Space Technologies Chief For some early adopters, the cloud Internet of Things (IoT) start-up Fleet already provides a scalable, flexible Space Technologies to launch two Executive, Flavia Tata Nardini, who founded Fleet to enable a more efficient infrastructure achievable without large satellites that will form the foundation of a capital investment, enabling workflow global IoT communications constellation. world through connectivity, said the rapid manifesting and integration time is a key efficiencies in content creation, The two Proxima satellites are the first of a management and distribution. fleet of small, low-cost satellites that will attraction to Rocket Lab's Electron launch vehicle. provide internet connectivity for millions of Broadcasters are faced with increased sensor devices based in remote locations processing and storage needs to on Earth. “We decided to build and launch two more satellites over the past few months and accommodate their archives and new content. At the same time, this content The satellites have been added to the Rocket Lab has moved at the speed of light to incorporate them in this mission, must be distributed and delivered in manifest for Rocket Lab's upcoming multiple ways, each with different mission, 'It's Business Time', scheduled assist us with licensing and complete integration in record time. We will be in technical requirements: video and audio for launch in November from Rocket Lab's codecs, wrappers, metadata, and so on. Launch Complex-1 on New Zealand's space less than few months after making the decision to join the mission. This rapid Meeting all these demands, and ensuring Mâhia Peninsula. The payloads were that each is in the correct format, can be manifested quickly, with just weeks turnaround time is what the space industry really needs now. an automated process that is ideally passing between signing the agreement suited to the cloud. and the satellites completing integration “To see our first commercial CubeSats launched is an incredibly important for launch next month. This rapid Up to this point, however, the adoption of manifesting process is crucial to small milestone for us as a business, and it sets us on the path to achieving our goal of advanced cloud-based workflows, satellite customers, offering flexible and especially for live production, has been frequent launch opportunities. connecting Australia, and the world, in ways like never before.” hindered by concerns over the reliability of connectivity to the Internet. That is why The Fleet satellites will be launched inside The Australian Communications and Dejero believes that achieving cloud Rocket Lab's in-house designed and built success within broadcast will take Maxwell dispenser. They join the current Media Authority (ACMA) has licensed Fleet to perform satellite telemetry, industry-wide collaboration. It's Business Time payloads of two Spire Dejero solves the first-mile challenge of Global Lemur-2 satellites, the Irvine tracking, and command, and payload data reception across S-band and L-band efficiently moving content into the cloud CubeSat STEM Program (ICSP) from virtually anywhere, where it can be IRVINE01 educational CubeSat, NABEO, frequencies. The launches of Proxima I and II also allows Fleet to test longwave managed, processed and ultimately a drag sail technology demonstrator distributed. This is of critical importance designed and built by High Performance and shortwave band frequencies. The pathfinding payloads on Proxima I as the industry transforms. But that is just Space Structure Systems GmBH and a one part of the equation. GeoOptics Inc. satellite, built by Tyvak and II are scheduled to launch in advance Nano-Satellite Systems. of Fleet's larger Centauri satellites, which are set to be launched aboard other At IBC2018, Dejero collaborated with launch vehicles in late 2018. Microsoft Azure, Avid, Haivision, Hiscale, The Proxima I and II satellites are a pair of Make.TV, and Signiant, to show a proof- identical 1.5 U CubeSats designed and When combined with Fleet's ground of-concept demonstration of live built by Fleet. The satellites will mark the production in the cloud to deliver greater first commercial tests of Fleet's software- terminal, the Portal, Fleet's constellation will enable satellite connectivity in remote flexibility, scalability and budget defined radios, enabling it to transmit data efficiencies to broadcasters. efficiently across both S-band and L-band industries where cellular networks are not present. frequencies in space. The satellites will From the field, a live video stream is sent ultimately help form the beginning of a to the Microsoft Azure cloud platform constellation of more than 100 The Portal enables businesses to connect up to a thousand devices to private, from a Dejero EnGo mobile transmitter. nanosatellites that, together, will act as a Dejero's video on-ramp technology dedicated Internet of Things (IoT) space secure Low Power Wide Area Networks anywhere around the world, at a fraction receives the stream in Azure, transcodes network for enterprises across the world. it and delivers the standardised stream to Rocket Lab Chief Executive, Peter Beck, of the cost of traditional satellite systems. Unlike other IoT gateways, the Portal Make.TV's Live Video Cloud, which is said Fleet Space Technologies is one of used to curate and route the content to

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any number of destinations from within performance in the semi-finals thrilled broadcasters and pay-TV operators re- Avid MediaCentral. Hiscale's cloud- UK audiences, keeping them glued to think their strategies of reaching out to based transcoding solution enables the their screens. their audiences, and how they strengthen live ingest into customers' editing and The BBC reported a record-breaking their content appeal. asset management environments, where 66.8 million total match requests (live By Shawn Liew high- and low-resolutions files can be and on-demand) on BBC iPlayer and stored in Avid Nexis. BBC Sport. Additional workflows include a live ingest England's quarter-final triumph over How can TV providers workflow using a Haivision stream to Avid Sweden also became the BBC's highest MediaCentral or a file-based workflow online-viewed live programme ever with stay social? with Signiant. The overall solution 3.8 million live requests on BBC iPlayer The TV and media industry is undergoing presents users with a single interface, and BBC Sport. a great period of change. The pulling relevant data from collaborating If audiences are now increasingly convergence of video, wireless and partner technologies while leveraging the consuming live sports content streamed mobility has given rise to enormous compute and storage power of Microsoft over the Internet, then there must be content consumption on second-screen Azure. genuine concern that there will be even devices, transforming both established less resistance to more generic content. and emerging markets. At the same time, This workflow aims to illustrate how the In the UK, regulatory authority Ofcom viewers are looking for ever more cloud can deliver on a vision that enables has announced that, for the first time, the compelling and vibrant on-screen content broadcasters to take advantage of a number of subscriptions to streaming that offers better service features, greater highly flexible infrastructure that scales services such as Netflix has overtaken consistency, higher quality and more according to their needs — whether that those to traditional pay-TV. Should immersive viewing experiences. be for a month, a day, or an hour at a time broadcasters and pay-TV operators be — while reducing costs, and expanding duly concerned? In response to this demand, broadcasters their revenue options. They should, in the sense that this is yet and service providers are constantly another indication of the shift in viewing looking for ways to engage with their The cloud can help broadcasters address habits; they should, in the sense that the audiences and meet consumer interests. a pressing need to improve efficiencies likes of Netflix are offering content at an Second-screen devices, such as mobiles and control costs. Cloud-based affordable price that appeals to and tablets, are now becoming the processes can be shut down when they audiences, whose mobile devices offer primary device for content consumption are not needed, so broadcasters are not image resolution of such quality that the for many individuals. They can also be paying for processing power they are not relative smaller screen size of their used to supplement and improve the using. devices becomes negligible. existing linear TV experience. A hybrid world is emerging, where on- Yet, all is not lost. According to Eurodata, premises and cloud infrastructure work 171 million viewers in 20 territories A recent report published by Parks together. In this scenario, the cloud is around the world watched the 2018 FIFA Associates, sponsored by MediaKind, often used for occasional or peak needs. World Cup Final. shows that video consumption on mobile It could present new opportunites: Yassine Berhoun, sports director at phones has increased by 55% between trialling a new channel, for example. Eurodata TV Worldwide, said: “This 2015 and 2017, while traditional linear TV clearly shows once again that even in the viewing of live content in households has As the broadcast industry transforms, age of mobile devices and non-linear decreased by 60%. For TV providers, cloud processing will become crucial to viewing, major sports events are the only making the media experience as metadata enrichment. For those with show capable of gathering such large compelling and immersive as possible is extensive archives, comprehensive audiences in front of a TV set.” critical for success today — and social content metadata is central to There is also the not insignificant fact video can do just this. maximising monetisation. that it is also impossible to expect all broadcast TV content to be consumed The real opportunity for TV providers is to Artificial intelligence (AI) can identify over the Internet — current Internet find new ways to learn more about the detailed information within the content, infrastructures will simply collapse over consumer, their viewing needs and including image and sound recognition, the burden. enable integration with social networks as well as speech detection, to enrich the And while emerging compression and pay-TV. In doing so, they can metadata. technologies such as AV1 will allow enhance content discovery and use Taking away the need for capital increasingly higher resolution content to audience data to provide a more relevant investment and moving to an operational be streamed over the Internet, the and personalised user experience. This expenditure model, spinning up and appeal of watching major live events same data can be used to help deliver shutting down processes and the over the TV set remains strong. advertising that is more relevant and associated costs as needed, the cloud timely — generating higher user will enable people, even those perhaps The fear for broadcasters and pay-TV engagement, churn and and unlocking working out of their garage, to run an operators perhaps, is that they are new monetisation potential. enterprise-grade broadcast operation. fighting a losing battle against the likes of As consumers increasingly turn to second They will drive revenue much quicker, Netflix where the generic entertainment screen and over-the-top (OTT) viewing from a significantly lower cost base, content genre is concerned. And with platforms, it is likely that integrating which changes the dynamics of the Amazon having recently stepped into the audience engagement with social will industry completely. live sports streaming genre with the become paramount. Therefore, by acquisition of rights to stream certain providing high-quality, tailored mobile A record World Cup, in matches of the English Premier League, content which is focused towards t h e s t a k e s h a v e n e v e r b e e n individual user experiences, broadcasters more ways than one higher.Traditional linear TV still has an and TV providers can play an influential While England eventually failed in a important role to play in society. Whether role in enabling the industry to evolve and valiant attempt to win the 2018 FIFA this diminishes over time, or indeed, gain adapt to the next shift in the future of World Cup, the Three Lions' — as the more clout, will depend largely on how media. England football team is known — By Arun Bhikshesvaran

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Juniper and Nutanix wide leader in Mobile Satellite Service Global business jets. The package will (MSS) and Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) cover Viasat's Ka-band and dual-band expand partnership for throughout the western hemisphere. Ka-/Ku-band equipment, inclusive of the multiclouds Viasat shipset, radome and STC, for all Our friends at N-Sat were instrumental \ Bombardier Global Express, Global in the rapid provision of emergency Juniper Networks and Nutanix expanded Express XRS, Global 5000 and Global satellite communications services when their existing partnership with an aim on 6000 aircraft. Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico last simplifying enterprise multicloud year” J. Alberto Palacios - CEO architectures. The goal is better Through this agreement, operators and Globalsat Group integration and automated management other maintenance, repair and overhaul between network, security, compute and (MRO) shops of Bombardier Global The agreement increases the reach of storage aircraft can work directly with Globalsat Group, the first Pan-American . StandardAero to install Viasat's in-flight mobile satellite service provider, offering Specifically, Juniper's Contrail Enterprise connectivity system on the select named current and future satellite service Multicloud will integrate with Nutanix APIs Bombardier models. customers with an enhanced local to provide enhanced network visibility for presence in Puerto Rico and increasing virtualized workloads, ultimately "Owners and operators of Bombardier the consortium's value in the field of facilitating automated fabric management. Global aircraft no longer have to wait to custom missioncritical solutions. As part A d d i t i o n a l l y, J u n i p e r ' s U n i f i e d install the industry's fastest, most robust of this agreement, N-Sat President and Cybersecurity Platform together with in-flight connectivity system for their founder Noemi Perez joins the Globalsat Nutanix's software-defined networking business jets—they can install Viasat's Group and will lead the Globalsat offering, Flow, and AHV hypervisor, advanced business jet connectivity Caribbean division. Mrs. Perez has intends to secure applications with system today," said Jerry Goodwin, vice extensive experience in technology microsegmentation in enterprise cloud, as president, Global Network Services, entrepreneurship, emergency and well as provide a hardened security Viasat. contingency planning. posture that prevents lateral propagation of threats. Enterprises will be able to "Our in-flight connectivity service is Through this agreement, Globalsat deploy the vSRX integrated virtual firewall proven to support more passengers and Group, the MSS provider with the in their Nutanix environment, extending more devices simultaneously through all highest growth in Latin America, once the same capability across multicloud phases of flight, when performing again increases its leadership position architectures with a single point of control bandwidth-intensive applications, and consolidates itself as a complete using vSRX on-premises and in AWS, including accessing virtual private turnkey satellite service provider Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud networks, or streaming high-definition throughout the western hemisphere. “By Platform. video calls, cloud content or live TV becoming part of the Globalsat Group, entertainment. And with our dual-band N-Sat will now be able to offer its “As enterprises race toward multicloud, solution, operators will have access to customers a wider portfolio of products they are burdened with complexities that more global coverage, redundancy and and services and better serve them arise during each stage of the journey. By still have Viasat's highest-speed Ka- when the need arises. integrating Contrail Enterprise Multicloud band solution.” and Juniper's Unified Cybersecurity The N-Sat team will continue to deliver Platform with Nutanix's Enterprise Cloud, StandardAero will offer Viasat's most best-in-class services to current we are delivering an end-to-end secure advanced business aviation dual-band, customers while enhancing Globalsat's and automated multicloud environment Ku-band and Ka-band shipsets, expertise,” said Noemí Perez. Globalsat spanning compute, storage and including the Global Aero Terminal 5510, Group CEO J. Alberto Palacios said: networking for our customers,” said which will tap into the ViaSat-1, ViaSat-2 “Our friends at N-Sat were instrumental Bikash Koley, Chief Technology Officer, and European Ka-band satellite in the rapid provision of emergency Juniper Networks platforms, and will be forward- satellite communications services when . compatible with Viasat's future- Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico last “The future of enterprise infrastructure is generation satellite constellation, year. multi-cloud - that's no longer up for debate. ViaSat-3—enabling use of the ViaSat-3 We immediately realized that our Networking shouldn't be the complex capacity with no additional hardware shared vision and customer-oriented burden holding companies back from this upgrades. ViaSat-3 is an ultra-high philosophy were a perfect match, and transition, and that's why we're so capacity satellite platform, which will be therefore we now take this potential to committed to working with our partners like comprised of three ViaSat-3 class the next level, by integrating our Juniper to offer our joint customers satellites offering global coverage. operations we continue to increase our seamless, secure networking fit for the global presence as well as increase our m u l t i - c l o u d w o r l d , ” s a i d R a j a Each ViaSat-3 satellite is expected to overall value in the satellite industry.” M u k h o p a d h y a y, V P o f P r o d u c t deliver one terabit per second capacity, Management, Nutanix. which is around the estimated total Viasat offers real time network capacity of commercial communications satellites in space Globalsat Group and N- connectivity package today. Sat form a strategic for Bombardier Global "Our business jet customers want fast, alliance over new Aircraft via reliable internet—no matter where they fly," said Marc Drobny, president, Caribbean division StandardAero StandardAero Business Aviation. "As Globalsat Group and N-Sat Corporation the only master distributor of Viasat's have announce the signing of a strategic Viasat Inc. announced an exclusive Ka-band and dual-band packages, we alliance through which N-Sat Corporation d i s t r i b u t o r a g r e e m e n t w i t h have an opportunity to work with our becomes a member of the Globalsat StandardAero to offer a high-speed Bombardier Global aircraft customers Group, a leading consortium and industry- connectivity package for Bombardier as well as other MROs, and set them up

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with a connectivity solution that will launch vehicles. public-private partnerships with industry leverage the latest satellite technology for “Since the early days of the space provide a path to develop launch vehicles faster speeds, more capacity and program, the Air Force has been a world to assure access to space, address the improved performance today and well into leader in space launch,” said Air Force urgent need to transition away from the future. We are proud to expand our Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein. "As strategic foreign reliance, and provide industry leadership in connectivity space becomes more contested and our responsive launch capabilities to the s o l u t i o n s w i t h t h i s e x c i t i n g adversaries develop new capabilities to warfighter.” partnership—especially as more business thwart our advantage, we are fielding our jet customers want to get online, globally.” space capabilities to ensure we remain the best in the business." Sky and Space Global commended for Air Force awards three While the prototypes are being developed, the Air Force will continue to pioneering deployment Launch Service competitively award commercial launch of communication Agreements services contracts to providers who demonstrate the capability to design, nano-satellites produce, qualify and deliver launch The U.S. Air Force has announced the systems and provide the mission Based on its recent analysis of the global award of three Evolved Expendable assurance support required to deliver nano-satellites market, Frost & Sullivan Launch Vehicle (EELV) Launch Service National Security Space satellites to orbit. distinguishes Sky and Space Global with Agreements to Blue Origin, Northrop “I'm excited to announce these creative the 2018 Global Company of the Year Grumman Innovation Systems, and partnerships that directly support the Air Award for being first-to-market with a United Launch Alliance. The award to Blue Force's strategy to drive innovation and series of nano-satellite solutions. From Origin will be for development of the New leverage commercial industry. These deploying the first communication nano- Glenn Launch System. The award to awards are a leap forward in space launch satellites to enabling financial Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems is capabilities, ensuring continued U.S. transactions over nano-satellites and for development of the OmegA Launch dominance in space,” said Dr. William ensuring cybersecurity integrations, SAS System. The award to United Launch Roper, Assistant Secretary of the Air has many industry-first credits to its Alliance will be for development of the Force for Acquisition, Technology, and name. Vulcan Centaur Launch System. Logistics. "SAS is the first company to deploy three The Launch Service Agreements will The Air Force competitively awarded the communication nano-satellites, weighing facilitate the development of three Launch Service Agreements as other 1 to 10 kilograms. They fly in a formation, domestic launch system prototypes and transaction (OT) agreements in enabled by SAS' differential drag enable the future competitive selection of accordance with the Air Force's other formation flying and intrasatellite two National Security Space launch transaction authority (OTA) for prototype communications technologies," said Arun service providers for future procurements, p r o j e c t s . O T a g r e e m e n t s a r e Kumar Sampathkumar, Industry Manager planned for no earlier than fiscal year nontraditional acquisition arrangements at Frost & Sullivan. "These three nano- 2020. that allow for shared investment to satellites are the first of nearly 200 that Through public-private partnership encourage innovation and promote the SAS plans to deploy by 2020 to enable agreements, the goal of the acquisition maturation of capabilities. The use of OTA around-the-clock coverage in an area strategy is to satisfy federal law by is consistent with guidance in the National plus or minus 15 degrees from the ensuring that the U.S. maintains assured Space Transportation Policy to “cultivate equator. Insights generated in the access to space, with at least two increased technological innovation and simulator will integrate into the SAS domestic launch service providers and entrepreneurship in the U.S. commercial proprietary network management without reliance on non-allied rocket space transportation sector through the software, which will ensure that the propulsion systems. use of incentives such as nontraditional constellation maintains a specific acquisition arrangements, competition distance between each satellite.” "Our launch program is a great example of and prizes.” how we are fielding tomorrow's Air Force The awards will be contracted through Air Sky and Space Global ' first three test faster and smarter," said Secretary of the Force Space Command's Space and nano-satellites, called 3 Diamonds, are Air Force Heather Wilson. “We're making Missile Systems Center (SMC), located at already in orbit and constitute a small but the most of the authorities Congress gave Los Angeles Air Force Base, California. valid communication network in space. us and we will no longer be reliant on the SMC is the U.S. Air Force's center of Additional nano-satellite industry-first Russian-built RD-180 rocket engine." acquisition excellence for acquiring and achievements for SAS include inter- With the Congressional mandate to developing military space systems. Its satellite communication, transfer of data, transition away from reliance on foreign portfolio includes the Global Positioning images, phone calls, and the first financial rocket propulsion systems, and the S y s t e m , M i l i t a r y S a t e l l i t e transaction over nano-satellite, planned Delta IV retirement, the Air Force C o m m u n i c a t i o n s , D e f e n s e connection to the global phone network developed an acquisition strategy to Meteorological Satellites, Space Launch system, flight in a formation without any accelerate National Security Space and Range Systems, Satellite Control propulsion, relying only on the differential launch requirements. Networks, Space Based Infrared Systems drag and cyber-security protection and Space Situational Awareness "Leveraging domestic commercial space capabilities. T h e n e w a n d c o s t - e f f e c t i v e launch systems is good for the Air Force, communication methods enabled by Sky and a revitalized commercial launch “These awards are central to the Air Force and Space Global ' nano-satellites are industry is good for the taxpayer," Wilson goal of two domestic, commercially viable r e s u l t i n g i n n e w d o w n s t r e a m added. launch providers that meet National applications, such as financial Security Space requirements,” said Lt. transactions via virtual wallets on mobile The EELV program has successfully Gen. John Thompson, the Air Force's phones. To maintain transaction integrity launched 72 NSS missions, dating back to Program Executive Officer for Space and via its satellites, Sky and Space Global 2003, using the Atlas V and Delta IV SMC commander. “These innovative partners with cyber-security provider

37 IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

CheckPoint. This collaboration will allow Hispasat's CEO, Carlos Espinós; This plan will also help to make access to SAS to integrate CheckPoint's solutions Hispasat's CCO, Ignacio Sanchis; telemedicine and tele-education with its own for early-stage threat detection Hispamar's Business Director for South services easier. and prevention. In addition to the financial America, Sergio Chaves; Gilat's Regional services and communications markets, Sky Vice President for Latin America, Tobias and Space Global also enables Dezordi and Gilat's General Manager of United Launch Alliance applications in the growing Internet of Brazil, Eduardo Bessa. The joint goal is to successfully launches Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine enhance the reach of Brazilian Internet (M2M) markets. service provider networks, thus making it AEHF-4 mission easier for residents to access a high- "Meanwhile, to achieve its target of quality service, helping to bridge the A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V establishing a constellation, Sky and Space digital divide and promoting development rocket carrying the fourth Advanced Global signed a contract with nano-satellite in Brazil. Extremely High Frequency mission for manufacturer and supplier GomSpace to the U.S. Air Force lifted off from Space produce more than 200 nano-satellites," For this purpose, Hispamar will use the Launch Complex-41. The launch of noted Sampathkumar. "To comply with Ka band capacity of its High Throughput AEHF-4 marks ULA's 50th launch for the SAS' strict requirements, GomSpace is Satellites (HTS) Amazonas 5 (in U.S. Air Force that began March 8, 2007. establishing a separate dedicated satellite operation since last year) and Amazonas production line, which will operate 3 (launched in 2013), which have "ULA's unparalleled record of according to serial production standards coverage beams specifically designed for successfully launching and placing established by the automotive industry; Brazil. The Ka band allows the satellite's payloads in orbit signifies our profound representing a significant advancement in power to be concentrated on smaller commitment to national defense," said satellite manufacturing—another proof areas than traditional frequency bands. Tory Bruno, ULA president and CEO. point of how Sky and Space Global is Together with the greater available "We remain the only launch provider changing the industry.” bandwidth and the possibility to reuse capable of placing our customers' frequencies that HTS technology allows, payloads into any national security Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents a the amount of information that can be space orbit, anytime, which we've Company of the Year award to the transmitted will directly increase, proudly exhibited through 50 launches organization that demonstrates excellence reaching higher speeds and achieving for the U.S. Air Force.” in terms of growth strategy and more competitive rates for end clients. implementation in its field. The award "Over the past 12 years, the men and recognizes a high degree of innovation with SkyEdge II-c, Gilat's highly efficient multi- women of ULA have reliably delivered products and technologies, and the service platform, has been designed for dozens of Air Force payloads into orbit resulting leadership in terms of customer HTS and supports a broad portfolio of from GPS to WGS, and SBIRS to AEHF," value and market penetration. small terminal solutions, which will enable said Gen. Jay Raymond, commander of high quality affordable broadband to Air Force Space Command. "ULA's Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards multiple market segments. The user unprecedented 100 percent launch recognise companies in a variety of terminals are compact and easy to success has directly contributed to our regional and global markets for deploy, greatly improving performance of national security. Congratulations to the demonstrating outstanding achievement satellite-based connectivity. entire launch team on a successful 50th and superior performance in areas such as launch for the U.S. Air Force.” leadership, technological innovation, The capacities in the Ka band of customer service, and strategic product Amazonas 3 and Amazonas 5 cover This mission launched aboard an Atlas V development. Industry analysts compare 7 4 . 5 % o f B r a z i l ' s p o p u l a t i o n , Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle market participants and measure representing more than 145 million (EELV) 551 configuration vehicle, which performance through in-depth interviews, people and 48 million homes. The includes a 5-meter large Payload Fairing analysis, and extensive secondary advanced technology of these satellites, (PLF) and stands at 197 ft. tall. research to identify best practices in the c o m p l e m e n t e d b y G i l a t ' s h i g h industry. performance Sky Edge II-c platform Producing more than two and a half installed in the Hispamar teleport in million pounds of thrust at liftoff, the Atlas Hispamar and Gilat Caxias do Sul, allows Hispamar's clients V 551 configuration rocket is the most to offer complete connectivity solutions powerful in the Atlas V fleet. The 551 launch Broadband without the need to deploy additional rocket has launched groundbreaking ground-based infrastructure apart from a missions for our nation—from the services in Brazil to small terminal. critically important Mobile User promote high-quality Objective System (MUOS) constellation The technology presented by Hispamar to historic science missions including internet access and Gilat will provide a range of services New Horizons, the first mission to Pluto, including residential Internet access to and the Juno mission to Jupiter. Hispamar and Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. Brazilian residents; connectivity services have joined together to offer a new high- for telecommunications operators, The AEHF system, developed by quality satellite-based broadband offering competitive prices and high Lockheed Martin, provides vastly connectivity service, focusing on both the throughput, as well as services to improved global, survivable, protected residential and corporate market, in order to institutions and companies, for the communications capabilities for extend Internet access to the parts of the development of corporate networks. strategic command and tactical country that are currently digitally isolated. Furthermore, service will be provided for warfighters. government services and mobile Both companies announced this plan in a backhaul will be provided to complement "The new launch exemplifies ULA's special event for clients, partners and mobile networks, as well as service for ongoing commitment to 100 percent media held in São Paulo, as part of the terrestrial and aerial and maritime mission success," said Gary Wentz, ULA Futurecom fair. The event was hosted by mobility services. vice president of Government and executives from both sides including Commercial Programs."My sincere

38 IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

thanks to the entire ULA team and our With SES Networks' connectivity and IBM connectivity to all Sri Lankans, and VoWiFi is mission partners who made this, our Cloud's global data center footprint and another key step in offering next generation 50th launch for the U.S. Air Force, services, clients will be able to build and run a solutions to our customers. We started this possible.” wide range of applications and use cases for journey by enhancing the infrastructure in our the digital era. This includes low-latency network and migrating to a new state-of-the-art AEHF-4 is ULA's eighth launch in 2018 cloud services, optimised IoT and AI core network. For our customers, this means a and 131st successful launch since the solutions, dedicated private or remote better experience through greater agility and company was formed in December connectivity, rapid deployment of flexibility.“ 2006. ULA's next launch is the NROL- connectivity services and continuous 7 1 m i s s i o n f o r t h e N a t i o n a l emergency preparedness strategies, among Reconnaisance Office on a Delta IV others. Rede Amazônica expands Heavy rocket. The launch is scheduled “Together with our Direct Link service HDTV to the Amazon via for Nov. 29 from Space Launch providers, IBM is helping enterprises Intelsat 14 Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force securely and reliably connect to the cloud Base, California. Intelsat S.A. announced that Rede Amazônica, and take advantage of high value services an affiliate of Rede Globo, will rely on Intelsat to including AI, IoT and analytics,” said Gabe accelerate and expand the reach of its high With more than a century of combined Montanti, Global Offering Executive, IBM heritage, ULA is the world's most definition (HD) programming via digital terrestrial Cloud. “The collaboration with SES television (DTT) broadcast in the Amazon region experienced and reliable launch Networks can help customers connect to the of Brazil. service provider. ULA has successfully cloud globally especially those in “Intelsat 14 provides Rede Amazônica with delivered more than 130 satellites to underserved regions of the world.” unprecedented quality, reception and reach, orbit that provide Earth observation enabling them to cost effectively expand their c a p a b i l i t i e s , e n a b l e g l o b a l “As cloud services become a cornerstone of DTT service offerings throughout the northern communications, unlock the mysteries the digital era, ubiquitous high-capacity, low- region of Brazil” of our solar system, and support life- latency connectivity to the cloud from saving technology. virtually anywhere in the world is paramount As part of the new, multi-year agreement, Rede to everything from enterprise productivity Amazônica will leverage C-band satellite and revenue growth to consumer end user services via Intelsat 14, Intelsat's newest video SES Networks enables satisfaction,” said John-Paul Hemingway, neighborhood in Latin America, located at 315°E. direct connectivity to CEO of SES Networks. “We are excited to The addition of Intelsat 14 further strengthens team with IBM Cloud to meet these growing and expands the breadth and depth of Intelsat's IBM cloud via Global cloud connectivity demands. With three premier video neighborhoods in Latin performance that rivals the terrestrial fibre America. Combined, Intelsat 11, Intelsat 21 and Satellite Network connectivity, our standards-based O3b fleet Intelsat 34 distribute top-tier sports, is designed to make satellite a seamless e n t e r t a i n m e n t , n e w s a n d e d u c a t i o n SES Networks is enabling high- 'plug-and-play' connectivity option for robust programming to over 193 million viewers, performance, fibre-like connectivity to solutions for cloud leaders like IBM Cloud.” delivering 77 of the 100 most-watched channels, IBM Cloud customers globally through including nearly 150 in HD. the IBM Cloud Direct Link Service Provider Program. SES Networks is Dialog launches Voice The strength and reach of Intelsat's video using satellite-based connectivity to neighborhoods in Latin America offers Rede deliver an improved digital experience in over WiFi calling in Sri Amazônica the opportunity to consolidate the c u s t o m e r s e g m e n t s s u c h a s Lanka production and distribution of 13 HD channels to g o v e r n m e n t s , g l o b a l one location, allowing it to reduce operational t e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s , m a r i t i m e , costs and simultaneously expand its regionalized aerospace, energy and other markets Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka's premier connectivity provider, launched Voice over content offerings in the Amazon. with remote or mobile end points, SES “Through Rede Amazônica, viewers across the announced today. Wi-Fi (VoWiFi or WiFi Calling) service, that will enable users to make calls using a Wi-Fi Amazon region will have access to high quality, informative and entertaining television content,” With cloud adoption increasing network. The first to launch the technology in Sri Lanka, Dialog, will enable subscribers said Phelippe Daou Junior, Rede Amazônica's w o r l d w i d e , S E S N e t w o r k s i s President and CEO. “With Intelsat, we can collaborating with IBM to help ensure that with VoWiFi supported handsets to connect to a Wi-Fi network, and make or receive calls broaden our reach and provide more affordable applications and solutions can be and differentiated programming to our viewers. deployed on the IBM Cloud to markets from mobile numbers and landlines at standard local call rates. The VoWiFi service The quality, reliability and reach of Intelsat's video that currently have limited connectivity neighborhoods enable us to achieve significant does not require any third-party app to be due to unreliable or non-existent operational savings while at the same time installed and the recipient of the call will terrestrial networks. SES Networks' O3b increasing our viewership and enhancing the receive it as a standard incoming call unlike Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite service offerings that we deliver to households Over-The-Top (OTT) apps (WhatsApp, network delivers improved resilience and across the Amazon.” always-on managed connectivity Viber, Skype and IMO) where the recipient requires the same app to be installed and to services to IBM Cloud customers. “Intelsat 14 provides Rede Amazônica with be connected to the internet. unprecedented quality, reception and reach, The O3b constellation is the only non- enabling them to cost effectively expand their geostationary satellite system today that All customers with a VoWiFi /WiFI Calling DTT service offerings throughout the northern delivers broadband connectivity with enabled smartphone can now take region of Brazil,” said Rob Cerbone, Intelsat's fibre-like performance. O3b broadband advantage of the technology. Currently, the vice president and general manager, media. “As solutions are the only satellite-enabled Huawei P20 Pro, P20, P20 Lite, Nova 3 and Digital Terrestrial Television allows for a more services that are MEF CE 2.0 certified. Nova 3i support the technology, whilst the efficient use of spectrum, Rede Amazônica can The certification in all CE 2.0 service service will be extended to other VoWiFi further differentiate the type of informative and types recognises SES Networks' ability to supported handsets including Apple and entertaining content it provides to existing and offer MEF-compliant service level Samsung in the near future.Pradeep De new viewers.” agreements for key attributes such as Almeida, Group Chief Technology Officer, latency, jitter and throughput. Dialog Axiata PLC said, “Dialog is committed to delivering the latest in technology and

39 Globecast extends C-COM releases third use in all commercial and consumer markets. “The company has recently partnership with ATP quarter results successfully demonstrated both transmit Media for distribution and receive capabilities of its next C-COM Satellite Systems Inc. generation, Ka-band electronically of tennis coverage in announced today financial results for the steerable, phased array antenna at the Europe, Asia and third quarter ended August 31, 2018. University of Waterloo.” Klein added. The Company has generated revenues America of $4,002,223 and a net after tax profit of $641,930 or 2 cents per share. Orolia search and Globecast has renewed its partnership rescue systems ready with tennis rights owner ATP Media, the This compared with revenues of broadcast production and distribution $2,341,016 and a net after tax profit of for global arm of the ATP World Tour, to bring HD $130,183 or 0 cents per share as commissioning coverage of tennis events to viewers reported in the same quarter of 2017, around the globe. representing an increase of 71% and Orolia has prepared a record nine search 393% respectively. and rescue systems across five The new three-year deal extends The working capital of the Company continents for commissioning through the Globecast's relationship with ATP Media, increased by 1.7% to $19,571,332 at Global Cospas-Sarsat Satellite Search with Globecast supplying ad hoc August 31, 2018 as compared to and Rescue System. distribution services for the ATP World $19,245,884 at August 31, 2017. The Orolia has been leading the development Tour Masters 1000s, the ATP World Tour Company paid out $464,569 in of global search and rescue programs for 500s, the Next Gen ATP Finals, and the dividends during the third quarter nearly thirty years, reaching a major Nitto ATP Finals, which total more than compared to $459,057 in the third milestone with the world's first 20 events. quarter of 2017 representing a 1.2% operational Medium-altitude Earth Orbit Acting as a distribution hub for ATP increase. The Company has maintained Search and Rescue (MEOSAR) system Media, Globecast consolidates all live its quarterly dividend payout while in 2011, and completing all global content produced by ATP Media's continuing to innovate and invest into the MEOSAR system installations ever productions around the world and next generation of advanced antenna since. To date, 75 percent of the Earth's provides helpdesk support to all the products. surface is monitored by Orolia's international rights holders. Globecast MEOSAR systems. provides satellite backhaul from venues The Company also announced the to London, combines them with incoming payment of its eligible quarterly dividend Cospas-Sarsat conducts an annual fiber deliveries, then selects content to in the amount of $0.0125 per common commissioning process for regional create a master feed. This hybrid model share payable on November 12, 2018 to search and rescue systems that are ensures successful delivery of an all shareholders of record as of October being constructed or upgraded extremely resilient, redundant world 29, 2018. Based on the closing price of worldwide. This year, Orolia has f e e d . T h i s f e e d , a s w e l l a s $1.05 per share on October 12, 2018, prepared a record nine global search and supplementary feeds covering additional this dividend represents a yield of 4.76% rescue systems for commissioning matches, are then distributed to on an annualized basis. This is the across five continents, which include five broadcasters in Europe, Asia and Company's 26th consecutive quarterly ground-based Local User Terminals America. dividend and its 30th consecutive (LUTs) and four Mission Control Centers. profitable quarter. “We are pleased with These new, lifesaving search and rescue Shane Warden, Director of Broadcast the results of this recent quarter which is systems are in line to be commissioned in and Technology at ATP commented, indicative of much improved market North America, Australia, Europe, Asia “We're really pleased to be renewing our conditions over the same period last and Africa. partnership with Globecast. Over the last year,” said Leslie Klein, President & CEO few years they have delivered a of C-COM. Through its McMurdo subsidiary, the consistently high-level service and are most trusted name in emergency well placed to evolve with our ambitious “C-COM's iNetVu® brand continues to readiness and response and the world plans. We look forward to continuing our be in great demand from customers leader in the design, development and partnership with Globecast over the next around the world who value cost- installation of search and rescue ground- three years.” effective solutions combined with high based infrastructure, Orolia has reliability. We are seeing a resurgence of equipped these systems with the very Liz McParland, Commercial Director of orders, especially from the oil and gas, latest search and rescue technology to Contribution for Globecast said, “We've disaster management, mobile banking, increase response times and save more been working with ATP Media for many and government sectors, all of whom lives worldwide. years now, providing a complete remain significant users of our antenna package of services, using our technical systems.” Klein continued. At Orolia, we're proud to achieve a new expertise and premium quality customer milestone in the decades of technology support to create a seamless solution. C-COM has also developed two new innovation that we've brought to global carbon fibre Manpack models which are search and rescue operations,” said As rights costs continue to increase and now in production. The one-case Orolia's VP Satellite Search and Rescue the sports market becomes ever more backpack antenna is expected to Systems, Paul Zweers. “We are the competitive, rights holders have to generate incremental sales for the leading manufacturer to commission maximize ROI, engaging with partners Company from Military, Broadcasters, next-gen MEOSAR systems, and this who understand these requirements. Emergency Responders and Disaster record number of global systems in line We're very pleased ATP Media has once Management verticals. for commissioning reflects our ongoing again chosen us to ensure the delivery of commitment to delivering critical multiple feeds across the world with the C-COM also continues to make strong technology solutions, anywhere in the high quality required. progress in the development of a world.“ revolutionary mobile antenna system for

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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