The Big Picture: UHDTV and Ultra High-Resolution Systems

VVVolVolVolVol o6 o6 66l l. .No. NoNo. No78 N N 55 oo5.. 1 February 2018 2020

AFRICA

Nigeria

SPECIAL FEATURE Africa Magic Channels Aand ne wthe le ariseder aofn dNollywood player in the aerospace industry

C O N T E N T S Vol. 8 No. 1

Still on rural connectivity Editor in-chief Aliyu Bello BBC launches Arabic news channel in HD exclusively on Arabsat Executive Manager Tonia Gerrald IoT connectivity via satellite SA to the editor in-Chief Ngozi Okey A leading women entrepreneurs in the Head, Application Services M. Yakubu ICT sector Editorial/ICT Services John Daniel Usman Bello Euroconsult forecasts a four-fold increase in satellite demand over the next ten years Alozie Nwankwo Juliet Nnamdi What will 2020 bring for the satellite Industry? Client Relations Sunday Tache Iridium latest launch and the future Lookman Bello of the mobile satellite phone industry Safiya Thani Earth Observation innovator, Satellite Vu opens office in UK Marketing Offy Pat Elon Musk’s turning moments Tunde Nathaniel Wasiu Olatunde UAE Space Agency launches NewSpace Innovation Programme Media Relations Favour Madu NCC releases list of authorised space Khadijat Yakubu stations in Nigeria Zacheous Felicia Finance Folarin Tunde NIGCOMSAT chair, Arc. Kazaure visits ground station Africa Magic Channels and the rise of Nollywood Space Watch Magazine is a publication of The Big Picture: UHDTV and Ultra Communication Science, Inc. All correspondence should High-Resolution Systems 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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1

Editorial

Still on rural connectivity

At the end of 2018, there were about 3.9 technology, with WiMAX used to between the Network Operator and billion unconnected people, out of 4.4 distribute the signal to the subscribers. satellite operator allow satellite to billion that were unconnected in 2014, This allowed citizens to be more c o m p e t e w i t h o t h e r b a c k h a u l although the subject of providing informed about announcements technologies. connectivity to rural and remote areas has posted on government websites that Typical services needed in rural areas been on the agenda of the ITU for were related to their daily lives, and that can be facilitated by decades.In fact, the debate to cover rural providing access to several secondary telecommunications networks include areas has been active in the late schools.In order to expand rural eHealth, eCommernce, eGovernment, in nineteenth century ub the days of c o n n e c t i v i t y, a s y s t e m f o r addition to environment monitoring and telegraph and the early twentieth century eProcurement was designed over low farming. In rural areas, patients lack when telephony emerged. end smartphones for small scale quality healthcare. As a result, retailers in the Kgautswane rural area telemedicine represents a suitable Still, many people in rural areas are not of South Africa, allowing dwellers to solution to address this problem. In rural aware of the potential of the internet in perform stock replenishment without areas, primary health centers can be changing their daily lives, and some have having to be displaced to an urban overburdened with daily visits while the even not heard of it. The lack of digital center 70 km away. It also allowed the referral to secondary and tertiary health literacy is indeed a barrier to internet providers to schedule bulk delivery to centers does not use technology to adoption. Internet has become a specific delivery points closer to the accurately transfer patent information. commodity that users should access to on retailers, where the payments can be In some scenarios, social workers helps the basis of need. In order to provide this made in cash upon delivery. patients in a rural area communicate with access regardless of costs and business For Botswana, a cattle farming country, doctors remotely using multimedia aspects, Government intervention might RFID technology is used to identify technology relying wired broadband be necessary in several places, cattle animals and herders. The device supported by wireless connectivity in hard especially in rural areas. data is stored on a mobile extension to reach areas, supporting telemedicine Although the technology is different, this officer personal computer, and then applications in rural areas. In some scenario was similar to what happened transferred to a central database instance, ultrasound imaging was historically for railroads, postal mail, and containing all the information on cattle performed in rural areas by trained non- the fixed telephone networks. Therefore, and their owners. Internet connectivity physician personnel, and the results were Africa can learn from history to develop a permits the online transferred to the transferred to a cloud system where the policy for the future. database. physicians could perform diagnosis in an So far, policies for providing broadband In Zambia, Sunflower farming was urban hospital. access need to be reached and initiated in the Macha rural area after With the advent of the IoT, sensor implemented through collaboration the introduction of internet to the village measurements can be performed by between various stakeholders, including and its surroundings. The network was Body Area Networks in rural areas; they Government, policy makers, especially based on WiFi mesh for local access, are transmitted to smart mobile phones, the regulatory authority, business players with two VSAT terminals providing using Bluetooth low energy, where they such as equipment manufacturers and backhaul connectivity. The network can be stored and transmitted to the cloud telecom operators, service and content was also used for eLearning, whenever network connectivity is providers, and citizens. enhancing the procedures of the local available. Cloud storage can allow remote In order to increase internet adoption in health system, and for other personal diagnosis and patient monitoring, rural areas, users need to see the benefits uses such as email, chatting by the possibly with the help of “health ontology”. provided for their daily lives, which will inhabitants. In the rural area of Maseru, increase adoption, and eventually make Lesotho, “eKiosks” were deployed to Farming is another application area for the business case viable for operators. provide basic internet connectivity, with rural zones that can benefit from internet T h i s c a n b e d e m o n s t r a t e d the WiBACK system, based on WiFi connectivity, or even from local network througheEducation, eCommerce, and mesh networking relaying the traffic to connectivity. For instance, IoT devices eGovernment. reach the backhaul network. can be used to perform precision irrigation In Cameroon, a Multipurpose Community in areas with limited availability of Telecenters (MCTs) project was launched Satellite communications are irrigation water. RFID sensors can also be by the government in Cameroon. The overcoming the traditional challenges used to track and monitor livestock. project was aimed at providing internet that prevented them previously from and telecommunications access to the being a competitive backhaul solution. In addition, the deployment of automated local community. The telecentres are Indeed, there are several reasons that teller machines (ATMs) and the use of connected via VSAT technology. A survey allow satellite to compete for backhaul point of sale (POS) devices often poses revealed that most people use the connectivity. Mainly, the satellite numerous challenges in rural areas. One Multipurpose Community Telecenters for operator can act as a service provider of the most important challenges is the education, eEducation, eHealth, for the Mobile Network Operator, and lack of reliable connectivity so that the eGovernment, and eCommerce thus the satellite launch and transactions with the users' cards can be purposes.. management costs do not affect their performed in real-time. Internet connectivity to the Dwesa-Cwebe directly, as long as the costs of rural area in South Africa was via VSAT bandwidth leasing and/or of SLA

5 APPOINTMENTS

appointed the Managing Director of the its first employees. Enrico will maintain his Facebook appoints Intelligence (UK) division of Airbus Defence capacity of TSC President. Enrico brings a Regional Director for and Space with responsibilities for wealth of experience including operations reshaping and developing the UK Earth leadership, engineering and technology Middle East, Africa and Observation business in line with changing knowledge, financial analysis and business markets and technologies. Under his planning proficiency. Turkey leadership, the business has evolved and achieved stability, growth and profitability. Derya Matraº has been appointed as Andrew Browne Joins Regional Director of Facebook in the Middle East, Africa and Turkey. In this role, Gregory Gabroy joins Telesat as Chief Derya will lead Facebook to serve Arianespace as Senior Financial Officer businesses and communities and to grow the company's economic and social Vice President - Brand Telesat announced that Andrew Browne, impact across the region. and Communications one of the industry's most experienced “The fast-growing Middle East, Africa and executives, has been appointed the Turkey region is an important market for company's Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Facebook. Derya's wealth of experience Arianespace appointed Gregory Gavroy as its Senior Vice President – Brand and Reporting to President and CEO, Dan in emerging markets and her pioneering Goldberg, Andrew will serve on Telesat's spirit will help us further drive impact and Communications, effective January 13, 2020. He will be responsible for Executive Management Team and be value in this uniquely diverse region, while based in the company's headquarters in maintaining our mission of bringing Arianespace's internal and external communications and brand strategy. He Ottawa. Browne has had a long and p e o p l e t o g e t h e r a n d b u i l d i n g distinguished career in the satellite communities,” said Nicola Mendelsohn, succeeds Isabelle Veillon, who is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities. industry. He was most recently the CFO of Facebook's Europe, Middle East Africa SES, a position he held since February 12, Vice President. Gavroy will be joining Arianespace's executive committee and reporting to CEO 2018. Prior to that, he was CFO of O3b Stéphane Israël. As Senior Vice President - Networks where he was involved in Derya spent most of her career in introducing the first Medium Earth Orbit emerging markets and was previously the Brand and Communications, Gavroy's main mission will be to define and execute satellite constellation to users in the global Facebook Country Director for Turkey. Maritime, Energy, Enterprise and Prior to joining Facebook, she was Vice Arianespace's internal and external communications strategy and coordinate all Government service verticals. Prior to President of Dogan Media Group, the joining O3b, Browne was CFO and member largest media conglomerate in Turkey. actions in support of the company's brand image. of the management board at SES from She has also held leadership roles in 2010. He served as CFO of New Skies Management Consulting at McKinsey & Prior to his appointment, Gavroy was the Satellites between 1998 and 2008, where Company, advising private sector and he worked alongside Dan Goldberg, then governments around the world, especially Head of Content and Media at aircraft manufacturer ATR, in charge of media CEO of New Skies, overseeing IPOs on the on the digital economy.Derya has a NYSE and Euronext before the sale of New Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from relations and social media, as well as corporate transformation and internal Skies to the Blackstone Group and Bogazici University and an MBA from ultimately to SES. Columbia Business School. Derya, who is communications. From 2016 to 2019, he one of the permanent members of the was Director of Corporate Communications Women in Tech Foundation (Wtech), has at OneWeb, where he implemented a 360° Intellian Names also been ranked 6th in Ekonomist's 2019 communications strategy for this startup “The 50 Most Powerful Women CEOs in specialized in delivering Internet services to Cheng-Yu Tang as Vice Turkey '' and was on Fortune's “40 Under users around the world through its low- President, and Head of 40” list in 2016. Earth-orbit satellite constellation. Derya is also the California President of APAC the Turkish American Business Council Enrico Palermo ( TA I K ) a n d a m e m b e r o f t h e Intellian, the world's leading provider of Entrepreneurship Board Executive appointed Virgin satellite communications systems, has Committee of the Union of Chambers and Galactic's Chief appointed Mr. Cheng-Yu Tang as Vice Commodity Exchange (TOBB) in Turkey. President and Head of Asia-Pacific region, Operating Officer based in Hong Kong SAR, China. He reports to CEO, Eric Sung; and his SSTL appoints Phil Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc., a vertically appointment is in-line with Intellian's plan to Brownnett as integrated aerospace company, has maximize business efficiency and to announced the appointment of Enrico achieve its strategic objectives in the APAC Managing Director Palermo as Chief Operating Officer, region. effective immediately. In this newly created Cheng-Yu Tang, who has more than 20 Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) role, Enrico will be responsible for helping years of solid experience in driving announces the appointment of Phil maintain efficiency and peak performance sustaining business growth and Brownnett as Managing Director, across the enterprise as it develops as a management leadership especially in succeeding Sarah Parker who is stepping public company, and will lead the execution satellite communications, maritime and down from the role to pursue new of specific company strategies and aeronautical industry, will oversee challenges. Phil Brownnett, who is initiatives. Intellian's entire APAC business including currently Managing Director of Geo sales, technical support, business Intelligence (UK), Airbus Defence and Enrico currently serves as President of The development and operations. He is also Space, will take up his new position on 1st Spaceship Company (TSC), the wholly- part of the Global Executives Team of February 2020, after a period of handover owned aerospace manufacturing and Intellian in shaping global business during January. Phil joined the development subsidiary of VG. In this role, strategies and eco-system partnerships to Intelligence division of Airbus Defence Enrico leads over 500 employees at the cope with the fast-growing satellite industry. and Space in September 2003 as a senior company's facilities in Mojave, California. manager and in October 2012, he was He joined Virgin Galactic in 2006 as one of IN THE NEWS

BBC launches Liquid Telecom plans South Africa's first Arabic news channel wholesale 5G network launch in HD exclusively on Arabsat Pan-African telecoms group Tshwane but is only offering Telecom's 5G network means Liquid Telecom is taking full wireless access services the company is poised to take advantage of being one of the so far. BBC News Arabic television has inked advantage of a host of 5G- only companies in South As for other competitors, another long-term agreement with ready handsets which will hit Africa to have access to the like MTN and Vodacom, the South African market next Arabsat to launch exclusively their first 3.5 GHz spectrum, launching they will have to wait for the year, while its key competitors Arabic news channel in high resolution to their 5G network before many allocation of the remaining remain stalled by the regulator. the region, onboard of Arabsat BADR-4 competitors can get their 116 MHz of spectrum – which covers the entire MENA region and hands on a licence. presumably some time next Liquid Telecom is a leading most of Western Europe. Starting The South African regulator, year – giving Liquid communications solutions January 1st, 2020, the HDTV FTA t h e I n d e p e n d e n t Telecom a substantial provider across 13 countries – channel will join the same video Communications Authority of advantage in the nation's primarily in Eastern, Central neighborhood with her sister channel South Africa (ICASA), has yet mobile 5G race. and Southern Africa – that BBC News Arabic SD, and among other to announce a spectrum serves mobile operators, leading international and regional news auction for 5G, creating an “Our wholesale operating carriers, enterprise, media and channels, which can be received across interesting dynamic for telcos partners can exploit our content companies and retail the region with the minimum receive dish in Africa's southernmost new ultra-fast 5G roaming customers with high-speed, size. nation. Liquid Telecom has 56 network to build the next reliable connectivity, hosting Sam Farah, Head of BBC News Arabic MHz worth of spectrum in the g e n e r a t i o n o f and co-location and digital said: “I am very pleased BBC audiences 3.5 GHz band, which it is communications and make services. using for its 5G network i n n o v a t i o n p o s s i b l e , can now watch BBC News Arabic TV in It has built Africa's largest rollout. anytime, anywhere,” said high resolution across the Middle East, independent fibre network The only other players Liquid Telecom CEO Nic ( a p p r o a c h i n g 7 0 , 0 0 0 and elsewhere in Europe. It's never been currently with a licence for this Rudnick. “5G will facilitate kilometres), and operates data more important for people to be able to spectrum are state-owned r e a l - t i m e r e m o t e centres in Johannesburg, turn to trusted, independent news Telkom, which has so far collaboration, improved Cape Town and Nairobi, with a providers, and it is very exciting that our revealed nothing of its 5G business efficiency and combined potential 19,000 audience can now tune into BBC News ambitions, and rain South lower costs – ultimately square metres of rack space Arabic's award-winning journalism in HD Africa, who launched a 5G driving growth in the South and 80 MW of power. quality.” network in Johannesburg and African economy.” Liquid Khalid Balkheyour, Arabsat President and CEO said: “This new agreement with BBC News Arabic will enrich the Tunisia to launch SMS disaster alert system audiences experience in MENA region, and matches Arabsat strategy to continue The Government of Tunisia is Tunisia regularly suffers areas. The service is expected being the leading HD neighborhood for c o l l a b o r a t i n g w i t h t h e from flooding disasters, to be in place before the next Middle East & North Africa. BBC News country's mobile operators to often following torrential rainy season of 2020, likely to Arabic is one of the pioneer channels to develop an SMS-based early rains, which in some cases begin in September. broadcast in Arabic language and we are warning system to alert causes loss of life, as well as “Our citizens are increasingly delighted to be the first choice every time citizens at risk of major natural serious material damage. In demanding reliable, accurate the channel wants to increase its disasters. The new service September 2018, severe and timely information during presence across the region. Exclusively forms part of the launch of the weather in Tunisia's Cap the floods. This is why it is broadcasting in HD format, is something GSMA's 'We Care' initiative in Bon peninsula caused essential for us to have a unique and significant to this strategic Tunisia by local operators human casualties and public alert system based on Ooredoo, Orange and Tunisie property damage. partnership”. digital solutions that will be Telecom, marking the first In response to such events, accessible to everyone,” said launch of We Care in the the new service will use an His Excellency Mohamed Arabsat's BBC News Arabic HD Middle East and North Africa SMS alert mechanism to Anouar Maarouf, Minister of frequency: (MENA) region. provide instant targeted Communication Technologies - Satellite: Arabsat BADR-4 @ 26° East The initiative is a collaboration information before and and the Digital Economy. - Coverage: MENA & Europe with the Tunisian Ministry of d u r i n g m a j o r n a t u r a l - Frequency: 11996 MHz Interior and the Tunisian d i s a s t e r s , i m p r o v i n g “The health and safety of our - Polarity: Horizontal Ministry of Technologies of disaster preparedness and customers and all Tunisian - Symbol Rate: 27500 Communication and Digital response. When a major risk citizens is one of the top - FEC: 3/4 Economy. is identified, the Ministry of priorities for a socially - Transmission: DVB-S “The GSMA is delighted to be I n t e r i o r w i l l s e n d responsible operator such as - Modulation: QPSK working in collaboration with notifications to the mobile Ooredoo. This is why we have the Tunisian government and o p e r a t o r s b a s e d o n put at their disposal all our The BBC represents a set of democratic t h e c o u n t r y ' s m o b i l e recommendations from the direct and targeted means of ideals that matter greatly to the country: ecosystem on the successful National or Regional Natural communication, and why we giving a voice to the voiceless, pursuing launch of 'We Care' in Tunisia. Disaster Committees. have joined forces with the the truth without fear or favour, and The new SMS alert system is These notifications will Ministry of Technologies, a great demonstration of how include the content of the ensuring that the joys of learning, culture Communication and Digital industry players can work alert to be broadcast and the and beauty are available to everybody – Economy, the Ministry of the together to enable mobile l o c a t i o n o f t h e a r e a Interior and all the various irrespective of income or background. As technology to play a vital role concerned. stakeholders to support this we move towards our second century, we in protecting citizens,” said The operators will then send We Care project,” Mansoor believe that a strong BBC can be a Jawad Abbassi, Head of an appropriate SMS alert to Rashid Al Khater, CEO, powerful champion for the UK – at home MENA region, GSMA. citizens in the affected Ooredoo Tunisia said. and abroad. ANALYSIS

IoT connectivity via satellite

In the world of IoT, the advantages of satellite coverage including ubiquity, quality of service, always on/always there, High Throughput, compression, and cost reductions today enhances delivery of broadband to millions advances making satellite an enabler of IoT, according to this report.

In a world where customer expectations are parking. The use cases are really message queue telemetry transport (MQTT) increasingly demanding, and technologies endless. and constrained application protocols (CoAP). constantly push the art of the possible, The sensors that do this are simple and Therefore, IoT can be used in nearly every enterprises are fast harnessing the power of require little bandwidth for the packet. sector, such as industry, agriculture and health the Internet of Things (IoT). Nowadays, Conversely, there are lots of protocols care. IoT devices have very low data rate, Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as a that will do the job. We will discuss how, hence the bandwidth required for data powerful platform for solving everyday why, and where communication stacks transmission between the devices and the IoT problems. In order to make our life easier and like Wi-Fi, ZigBee, ZWave, LoRaWAN, network server is minimal. more efficient, the physical objects which UMG, RPMA, Weightless, 2G, 3G, LTE, Also, unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs - also surround us have to become smarter. CatM1, NB IoT and 5G all play their roles called "Drones") represent a huge economic Across all industries, billions of remote assets and how their design intents impact what opportunity. Rapid advances are being made will soon be connected to increase you need to deploy where. Lastly and in airframes, payloads and applications. productivity, reduce costs, and create new notably of high importance, we will However, advanced in the ground support revenue streams, in ways previously discuss ROI, TCO and Compliance gains infrastructures that can support large fleets of unthinkable. From industrial applications to for end user. UAVs deployed over large areas are lagging. Smart Cities, farming, Point-of-Sales, and the To implement a UAV use case like latest security solutions; from highly valuable In addition, wearable manufacturers and autonomous package delivery, continuous industrial assets to the smallest devices - data consumers want the same thing: smart, city-wide aerial surveillance, or full-coverage will power the world of tomorrow. However powerful, easy-to-use devices that are environmental monitoring, many ground today, many enterprises don't have access to comfortable and safe to wear. But in infrastructure capabilities must be a global, reliable IoT connectivity service. reality, there's a huge gap between what constructed. These include networks of They are unable to reach remote assets due to manufacturers can deliver and what systems to shelter, secure, recharge, test, erratic or insufficient coverage, as existing users demand and actually find usable. load / unload, and transfer data for UAVs. connectivity solutions are too complex or The components fueling these products prohibitively expensive. Connectivity has not are the crux of the user acceptance always been within reach for every enterprise problem. The smarter and more IoT- How It Works – until now. Eutelsat will be at the core of the connected wearables are, the more Through Eutelsat's global fleet of Internet of Things revolution, connecting p o w e r t h e y n e e d . B e c a u s e geostationary satellites, and ground-breaking businesses to assets in ways not possible manufacturers have had to design technologies in hubs and terminals, Eutelsat is before. Whether fixed or on the move, across around batteries that are rigid and clunky, redefining the rules of IoT connectivity. land and ocean, their products are often awkward, Eutelsat IoT FIRST is a simple and integrated While the advantages of satellite coverage are inconvenient or uncomfortable for users. solution includes a compact, low-power, easy well known -- ubiquity, quality of service, However, advances in power sources to install satellite terminal, Ku-band satellite always on/always there -- technological are unlocking wearable potential. capacity, and an IoT-dedicated hub, operated advances make satellite an enabler of IoT. Attendees will learn how, instead of being and managed by Eutelsat. Terminals are Advances such as High Throughput Satellites, a barrier for designers, batteries can easily and rapidly installed and configured compression, and cost reductions today power a whole new level of innovation. thanks to an interactive Smartphone app that enable delivery of broadband to millions. They will hear about best practices for helps to point the antenna and commission the Billions of dollars currently being invested by battery safety, flexibility, and charging, terminal. IoT FIRST is proposed at the lowest leading companies and entrepreneurs in New and see examples of wearables price-point of alternative satellite based Space promise to bring high capacity, low l e v e r a g i n g t h e l a t e s t b a t t e r y solutions, in the range of cellular IoT latency, satellite-delivered communications advancements. connectivity services. The monthly services to billions around the world. This Eutelsat will revolutionise the way subscription service starts as low as single- presentation will discuss these advances and businesses access and use data from digit Euros per month, and includes access to trends that are facilitating new horizons for IoT assets, no matter where they are a web-based portal and API for customers to applications. deployed, in a simple and affordable way. manage their connectivity service or build There have been predictions of more than 50 IoT FIRST is Eutelsat's inaugural IoT customised applications. billion sensors and devices in our connected service. This simple, innovative satellite According to the global economy experts, IoT world. The interesting aspect of this is that based IP connectivity solution is will create a new trillion dollar market within 70% of the data requirements are very small designed to connect businesses to 2020 Cisco predicted in their white paper that packets that measure repetitive states or remote assets, anywhere, inexpensively. IoT will have a strong impact on global values based on performance or time series. Whether you need to monitor industrial economy in the near future. It will help to Oil companies want to know if, a pump is pipelines, or connect rural ATMs, reduce the cost for industrial production, city running, a tank is empty or close to overflow Eutelsat IoT FIRST enables enterprises infrastructure management and agricultural and if the drill bit is moving. Farmers and to transmit data between remote assets production by its state-of-the-art technology. ranchers want to understand simple things like and the cloud, ensuring faster, more In the same way, IoT will enhance employee soil PH, moisture content, NPK nutrient levels, e f f i c i e n t a n d m o r e r e l i a b l e productivity, supply-chain and logistics water run-off, or the location and health of their communications than any other method. efficiency and company asset management livestock. Manufactures want to see of a IoT devices communicate, share, and system. All of this will lead to a big economic station is manned or a line is moving. Small exchange information with each other in impact in global economy. towns want info on trash, lights, buildings and a secure way while following the Additional report from Eutelsat REPORT

Frances Valintine A leading women entrepreneur in the ICT sector

Frances Valintine is an education futurist, was not divorced from people's everyday technology enthusiast, and founder and lives. Valintine strongly believes that chair of The Mind Lab and Tech Futures students need to be equipped with the right Lab, specialist education labs focused on skills to face an increasingly digital world. advancing STEM (science, technology, Flexibility and adaptability are soft skills engineering and mathematics) fields. For needed to navigate the changing the past twenty years, Valintine has been environments they will encounter. It is this passionate about improving education in flexibility that is at the core of a the ICT space, and in embracing and contemporary teaching and learning shaping the future of education delivery for approach, as it encourages students to the next generation. explore from their own perspectives, \ bringing in their own experiences. In 1998, Valintine co-founded the Media Design School in Auckland, New Zealand. Valintine also identified the need for In 2003 she sold to Laureate International teachers to become equipped with skills to Universities, however stayed on as CEO address future classrooms. It was at this until 2003. Prior to founding The Mind Lab, time that a partnership between The Mind Valintine founded an ICT company Lab and Unitec Institute of Technology was says they will do something, or believes developing interactive projections using formed, and a post-graduate programme someone else can do something, they won't c o m p u t e r v i s i o n , w h i c h s h e was launched with the aim of providing let the other down. Being able to remain commercialised with advertising and teachers and educators at all levels with confident in each other is of paramount marketing applications. In 2013, Valintine professional development opportunities in importance.” This, Valintine says, means they founded The Mind Lab, a specialist digital and collaborative learning don't have secrets; they don't have hierarchy. education provider focusing on digital and approaches. The Mind Lab's expertise in Instead, there is full transparency. “Team collaborative learning techniques. The training for 21st century education, members should be able to ask a straight Mind Lab has gone from success to coupled with Unitec's history as a class- question and get a straight answer in success, and Valintine has won numerous leading provider of applied vocational response.” This has allowed Valintine to bring awards for her novel approaches to education ensured that the programme her team's skills forward, and in this education, technology and pedagogy. provides teachers with the knowledge and environment of trust someone can come skills to implement contemporary practice forward and ask to undertake a certain Valintine founded Tech Futures Lab in in their own classrooms, and “navigate the project, or attempt a certain task. This is a January 2016. Tech Futures Lab is an new landscape of learning. core part of her leadership style. innovative incubation lab which tackles the issue of skills shortages as a result of the Early successes Challenges continuous and vast advances in Since 2014, The Mind Lab has rapidly One of the greatest challenges in startups is connectivity, cloud computing, cognitive grown as more teachers and education having to leave what is likely to be a stable computing and automation, and internet of providers realised the necessity of what career with financial security, and devote a things, to name only a few. Though still in the programme offered. The organisation significantly greater amount of time and effort early stages, Valintine's work with Tech currently has three other centres in to developing and sustaining a new business Futures Lab has also seen significant Gisborne, Wellington and Christchurch, in towards success. Unfortunately, walking success. addition to the Auckland centre. There are away from a stable, secure career or job is The Mind Lab was the answer to several also currently 16 satellite centres in cities something almost all serious entrepreneurs educational and societal issues identified and towns around New Zealand. must face if they are to succeed. There is no by Valintine. She recognised the rapid easy way out, however the most logical and changes in technology – access to digital A c c o r d i n g t o Va l i n t i n e , m a n y advisable strategy is to ensure that devices, human communication and entrepreneurs have a “sixth sense” about everything is considered carefully before interaction, and future opportunities in a what's going to happen next. Being able to one-way bridges are crossed. This is even digital world – and that the only certainty envision the right time to act is paramount harder when children or family are factors in was that change was happening, and to a startup's success. When she launched the equation. All decisions carry some weight would continue to happen. Valintine The Mind Lab, her whole focus was trying of risk, but at certain stages of life the risk is realised that every industry and every to get young children, teachers, and greater. sector was going to change as a result of education in general across the line with Probably the biggest challenge for women in the “digital wave”, and that education digital technologies, knowing that it would entrepreneurship is children, and family needed to adapt to reflect the digital age shortly become mainstream. She felt that responsibilities. When Frances Valintine people were quickly being immersed in. there was enough global evidence, and started The Mind Lab, her children were Valintine realised that 21st century knew that enough people at the time could already teenagers. “There is a big advantage education cannot be modelled on historical see the need for what she was in having older children. For one, risk-taking pedagogical approaches best fit for a non- undertaking. becomes easier. Many of the women I am digital world. mentoring are in their early 30's, and have As an individual ever passionate about young children. This can place them in a technology, she embraced the tremendous Trust is central The strongest cultural aspect at both The situation where they feel very vulnerable, and potential that technology brings, and feel unable or even guilty for taking risks.” identified areas where it could be used to Mind Lab and Tech Futures Lab is trust. enhance teaching and learning in a According to Valintine, this is their number classroom so that the learning experience one ingredient. “When a team member IN THE NEWS

Euroconsult forecasts What will 2020 bring for the satellite Industry? a four-fold increase in IoT will be the most prevailing higher volumes of both 2020. “With a persisting satellite demand over trend in the satcom industry in equipment and services demand for knowing what 2020, predicts the satellite resulting in better quality happens everywhere the next ten years communications waveform at a lower price on both when it happens, data and test tool specialist, the equipment and the relay services will become In its latest analysis of satellite manufacturing and G a t e H o u s e Te l e c o m . service side in the long more important. This is launch services, Satellites to be Built and Significant advancements run,” he explains. b e c a u s e d a t a r e l a y Launched by 2028, Euroconsult projects that the within satellite enabled data “We also expect to see a s e r v i c e s o f f e r t h e satellite market will experience a radical r e l a y, e n v i r o n m e n t a l convergence between opportunity to get fast or transformation in the quantity, value and mass of monitoring, and flight safety terrestrial IoT and satellite even real-time access to the satellites to be built and launched with a four- will also influence satcom in based IoT where the critical data collected by a fold increase in the number of satellites at a yearly the year to come. same equipment can satellite reusing existing average of 990 satellites to be launched, The satcom industry has operate on both terrestrial infrastructure. Efficient compared to a yearly average of 230 satellites in taken quantum leaps the past a n d s a t e l l i t e - b a s e d use of existing satellite the previous decade. The market will reach $292 year in terms of IoT. Looking s y s t e m s a n d o n e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s billion over the next decade. This reflects a 28 at 2020, with the impending s u b s c r i p t i o n w i l l infrastructure will be a percent increase over the previous decade which rollout of the 5G network and a c c o m m o d a t e b o t h b e n e f i t t o b o t h totalled $228 billion in revenues. “Newcomers like scheduled launches of services – driven most environment, users and Oneweb, SpaceX's Starlink or Amazon's Project hundreds of LEO and MEO likely by existing telecom networks,” he says. Kuiper are becoming the largest owners of assets satellites, satcom is expected operators,” he continues. The increasing focus on in orbit, challenging the satellite industry in many to keep its pace in the year to climate changes by ways” said Maxime Puteaux, a Senior Consultant come. Because of the growing companies, governments at Euroconsult. Expanding further into the demand for data, tele and and populations will also Accordingly, LEO and MEO constellations are connectivity market, the satellite communication influence the satcom expected to account for 77 percent of the satcom industry will increase operators are charged industry in 2020. Satellites projected demand in the next decade driven by focus on standardization to with delivering growing are already being used to broadband projects like SpaceX's Starlink, secure speed of deployment data quantities without observe and actively significant delays. That is mitigate climate changes Oneweb, Amazon's Project Kuiper, Telesat LEO of IoT on a global scale, says why several satellite data and threats, and new ways and SES's O3b mPOWER. S v e n d H o l m e S ø r e n s e n , relay systems are coming will be explored in the According to report, Civil government agencies P r o d u c t M a n a g e r a t to light, and still more will years to come: are projected to be the top drivers of satellite G a t e H o u s e Te l e c o m . most likely emerge in demand, accounting for 40 percent of the entire “Standardization will open for market value, ahead of both defense and commercial demand. This is a result of increasing interest in space science, exploration, and Earth WiFi enabled 'Hello Hubs' brings internet observation. On the defense side, a new cycle of orders is beginning with new strategies and to underserved communities in Uganda replacement satellites needed by the U.S., China, Russia, Japan, India and Europe. With a vision of ending the wiring and put in a a b l e t o a p p l y f o r education gap in Uganda, grounding rod. In this way, scholarships,” David said. In its analysis, Euroconsult reviews strategic telecommunications company the community makes an Willis Krinna was abducted issues and trends for four categories of satellite Roke Telkom has announced a investment with Hello by the DRC in 2014. He operators, six types of orbit, six regions of the partnership with Hello World to World and Roke Telekom in escaped to Uganda, and world, and seven distinct satellite application build fourteen solar-powered, their Hello Hub.” recently learned that one of categories. It provides quantitative analysis of outdoor, internet-connected According to Hello World, his sisters is in the U.S. He satellite numbers, mass, and cost with forecasts hubs across Uganda. “With every Hello Hub is WiFi- credited the Hello Hubs based on qualitative top-down and bottom-up sustainable, affordable, world- enabled, and its usage is project with helping him assessments. With separate sections for both the class education technology we free. Ugandan-based Roke keep in touch with his family manufacturing and launch industries, the can end the education deficit in Telekom expressed its overseas.“Communication research covers strategic issues, industry Uganda once and for all,” said enthusiasm for the effort. brings new hope,” Krinna structure, financial performance, innovation and KatrinMcMilliam, Hello World “Hello World is doing said, “so I am thankful to more for each and includes detailed profiles of ten Hubs CEO, in a press release. exciting things with kids in Hello World for their manufacturers and four launch service providers. “We believe at Hello World that Uganda and Roke Telecom initiative.” “While accurate projections can be challenging in w e h a v e t h e p e r f e c t is happy to be their partner For McMilliam, the initial 14 an era of uncertainty, Euroconsult stands behind partnership with Ugandan- in extending the internet to hubs that are in place its numbers as the most realistic and reliable in owned Roke Telkom to reach communities that are a r o u n d U g a n d a n o w the industry” said Maxime Puteaux. “This is the every child who currently goes u n d e r s e r v e d b y t h e r e p r e s e n t j u s t t h e 22nd edition of our research on satellites to be without an education in internet,” said Roger beginning. “For the internet built and launched and, in preparation, we Uganda.” In a YouTube video Sekaziga, CEO of Roke experience to be a success compared past forecasts to the actual numbers. announcing the partnership, Telkom. “Roke Telecom is we need it to be truly world- We confirmed that our depth of experience and McMilliam explained how the one of the local ISPs in wide (only 56% of the global comprehensive insight into the industry resulted nonprofit fully shifts ownership Uganda and we are happy population have internet in highly credible estimates.” of the Hello Hub to the to be associated with Hello access) and Democratic,” Euroconsult compared the number of GEO and community by empowering World in the their work to McMilliam wrote in an email. non-GEO satellites launched from 2009 to 2018 them during the installation help close the digital “Through community-built to its forecast for that period. It showed that, in process. divide." Hello Hubs we can start to 2009, the company predicted 11 percent more “We don't build Hello Hubs,” The effects of the Hello provide a bulwark against non-GEO satellites than actually launched, and it she says. “We partner with the Hubs are already being felt corporate and political underestimated the number of GEOs by only community, and we teach them by the people of Uganda, forces that corrupt the three percent. The 2010 edition was the first how to build their Hello Hub, all including Manzi David. Internet for their own gain, report since 2000 to underestimate the non-GEO of it. From the solar paneling, “What I think will be good and at the expense of its segment and subsequent editions corrected to the server; they put the from the hub is that I will be newest and least-powerful earlier over-estimates. cement in; they learn how to do users.” INDUSTRY INSIGHT

Iridium latest launch and the future of the mobile satellite phone industry

During the Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, the infrastructure to support customers' require roaming fees or present satellite phone services enabled round-the- needs. For example, cell phone compatibility problems across networks. clock television coverage of the battlefield. companies frequently lacked enough Analysts envisioned a world in whichusers Lacking conventional wireless or cable cell sites to provide the bandwidth could use the same handset to telecommunication infrastructures, necessary for providing customers with communicate data whether they were embedded journalists used videophones basic services. As a result, mobile phone climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or laying on a equipped with small satellite antenna to users were frequently unable to make beach in the South Pacific.Seeking a first deliver live reports from the frontline. Through calls or had their connections were mover advantage,Sadeeq investors Omeiza sank billions satellite transmissions, viewers watched live dropped mid-sentence. Also, mobile of dollars into developing and broadcasts of troops in combat and missiles phone companies used different implementing satellite phone systems. striking Baghdad. News coverage of the war communication technologies within and Established in 1991, Iridium was the first illustrated satellite phone services' potential to across countries. active satellite phone network. Many well transform how the news is communicated known companies such as Lockheed, across national boundaries and from conflict When traveling within a country, cell Sprint and Sony, provided financial or torn regions. Despite their potential to phone users would frequently find they technical support to the new firm. transform communication, satellite phone were either unable to make or had to pay companies have struggled to achieve roaming fees for a connection. When During May of 1997, Iridium launched the profitability. traveling abroad, cell phone users had to first satellites of its network. When lease or purchase new equipment to complete, the Iridium system provided Many well-known companies such as access mobile services. Due to the robust voice and data solutions across the Motorola, Sprint, and, Kyocera, have provided limitations of existing mobile phone globe. Without roaming fees or financial and/or technical support to help technologies, satellite phones became compatibility problems, Iridium users develop satellite phone networks. Due to their an attractive alternative wireless phone placed calls from any location including resource rich environment, satellite phone technology. By using satellites to oceans, airways, and mountainous companies developed mature technologies transmit messages, investors believed regions. Even though Iridium offered that allowed customers to transmit voice and they could address the signal quality, superior services, consumers did not flock data messages from anywhere on the globe. roaming and infrastructure problems to purchase satellite phones. When that plagued conventional mobile phone compared to traditional services, Earliest mobile phone services services. When compared to cell consumers found that Iridium's costs (i.e., Though cellular and PCS phones eased phones, satellite phones had access to expensive proprietary equipment and high communication, consumers mobile phone more bandwidth that could enable stable service fees) outweighed satellite phones' companies as providing unreliable services voice and faster data transmission. benefits (i.e., reliability and access). Also, through the mid-1990s. Due to their rapid Because of their globe spanning by the late 1990s, consumers perceived expansion, mobile phone companies lacked infrastructure, satellite phones would not existing mobile phone companies as INDUSTRY INSIGHT

providing adequate access to their data between phones, satellites, and more people use it, which may allow firms to networks. For example, companies such as traditional communication networks. Calls lower costs and eventually acquire more Verizon or AT&T offered phone packages are routed from one beam to the next or customers. By the mid-1990s, mobile phone that included unlimited minutes and no one satellite to another when the satellite companies had acquired a substantial roaming fees. moves out of the range of the user. The customer base in many countries. In service link between phone and satellites countries such as Hong Kong or the United Satellite phone system operates in L-band frequency at1-2 GHz. States, mobile phones had become part of When the user initiates a call on a satellite Iridium relies on circuit and packet daily life for many citizens. Because adding capable handset, the nearest satellite picks switching to manage voice and data additional customers required relatively little up the call and authenticates the users transmissions between phones and additional investment, mobile phone through the nearest gateway on the earth. If satellites. Circuit switching sets up a companies had resources to invest in the destination phone is part of the public dedicated connection for the duration of developing more reliable technologies and switched telephone network (PSTN), the each voice transmission i.e., a phone call. expanding their infrastructure. During the call is routed to the nearest gateway and By using circuit switching for phone calls, 1990s, mobile phone service expanded the consecutive PSTN. If the destination phone Iridium ensures that users will not size of their calling areas through strategic is another satellite handset, the call routing experience transmission interruptions due alliances. By the time Iridium initiated occurs through satellites only, which to dropped or degraded signals. Packet services, mobile cell phone companies had increases transmission efficiency and switching breaks down data into smaller achieved a critical mass of customers quality. units called packets and sends them over necessary to dominate the marketplace. a shared connection. By using packet There are three types of satellite switching, the Iridium system efficiently Third, Iridium underestimated “the threat of communication systems which differ in uses bandwidth to allow more concurrent substitute services” By the time Iridium terms of orbit and signal strength Low earth users to transmit data. initiated services, cell phone companies orbit (LEO) satellites orbit below about had addressed many of consumers' 1,800 miles from the earth's surface. Iridium uses gateways to manage complaints linked to signal quality and Medium earth orbit (MEO) satellites peak at communication between its satellite roaming fees as well as lowered the costs of 9,000 miles and geosynchronous earth orbit network and more conventional services. Consumers felt that mobile phone (GEO) satellite at 22,300 miles. The telecommunications systems. Gateways services' low airtime fees and start-up costs distance of orbit from the earth has an are points that a signal may enter or leave compensated for satellite phone services inverse relationship with signal strength and a network. Iridium currently maintains 12 worldwide coverage and higher reliability. In positive one with a satellites lifespan. gateways, 2 in North America, 7 in Asia, essence, consumers substituted technically Because of their proximity to the Earth, LEO and 1 each in Europe, Africa, and South inferior services for Iridium's satellite phone satellites provide strong signals; however, America. Communication among satellites service. they have a relatively short 5 to 7.5 year and gateways uses Ka band frequency at lifetime. Due to their distance from the a rate of 19.4 – 29.3 Ghz Fourth, Iridium's management failed to Earth, a MEO satellite transmits a weaker target many potential market niches. signal; however, they may orbit the earth for Iridium's advertising strategy focused on Lessons from iridium's large, corporate customers such as oil or 10 to15 years. GEO satellites have the failure greatest lifespan and transmit the weakest aviation companies, however, it did not First, many consumers may not value signals. focus attention on other niche markets such quality as much as cost when purchasing as small businesses orresidents of remote communication services. In order to win LEO and MEO satellites are used most regions. A more effective marketing strategy market share, Iridium focused advertising might have targeted small businesses such frequently by satellite phone services. o n d i ff e r e n t i a t i n g s a t e l l i t e a n d asimporters that require ubiquitous or high Because of signal strength, LEO and conventional mobile phone services. quality access to maintain relationships with MEO enabled systems require phones Advertisements suggested that satellite their global network of suppliers and clients. that use small omni-directional antenna. phone services quality and reach Iridium also failed to market services to Despite this advantage, low orbit satellite distinguished Iridium's service from less residents of lightly populated, inaccessible systems present firms with technical and sophisticated mobile phone services. areas that lack terrestrial phone service. If financial challenges. Technically, firms Even though Iridium effectively Iridium had engaged in a size or had to design LEO and MEO systems that differentiated its services, consumers geographically based marketing strategy, it could constantly switch users' signals were not willing to incur the high start-up might have won customers as well as from one satellite to another. This is and ongoing costs of satellite phone generated good “word of mouth” because LEO and MEO satellites move service. Original US retail prices were advertising. more rapidly than the Earth's orbit and a $3295 for a satellite phone, $695 for handheld device Because of their shorter apager, and airtime fees of up to $7 per Fifth, Iridium failed to acquire the critical distance from the earth, LEO and MEO minute. Given the high price for Iridium's mass needed to surpass entry barriers satellites orbits degrade relatively quickly. service, consumers could not justify the presented by existing services. The additional expense over using other phone Financially, this meant that firms had to expected break-even point for Iridium was services. To address the service versus pay for launching new satellites more estimated to be 600,000 customers around price dichotomy, the world. By the time it filed for bankruptcy, frequently than if they had built GEO Iridium had acquired 55,000 customers. satellite networks. Iridium need to consider using a price Due to its pricing, changes in themobile discrimination strategy that varied prices phone market, and focused marketing Iridium's Network with level of service and type of customer. strategy, Iridium never gathered the critical The Iridium satellite system uses 66 LEO However, due to its billions of dollars in mass to support basic operating costs or to satellites that orbit 780 km, about 485 miles debt, Iridium could not offer consumers lower prices as a means to attract above the earth's surface, to transmit lower rates for voice and data customers. signals. Each satellite cost $62 million, communication services. Second, network weighs about 1500 pounds, and revolves effects of existing technologies placed By Richard Klein around the earth every 100 minutes. The Iridium at a disadvantage when compared satellites cast 48 beams onto the surface of to existing mobile phone services. the earth, covering a circular area with a Network effects refers to a service or diameter of 2700 miles. Iridium transmits technology becoming more valuable as IN THE NEWS Earth Observation innovator, Satellite UK satellites leads fight against climate Vu opens office in change A new government-backed policy makers, government Earth observation satellites UK virtual satellite data centre and industry with the data and collect hundreds of terabytes of Satellite Vu, a pioneering satellite Earth that will help analyse the knowledge they need to better data per day, delivering Observation (EO) company dedicated to impact climate change jas understand the impact of important information about addressing economic activity monitoring been launched in the UK, to climate change and make how fast glaciers flow, the size and climate challenges with an innovative help shape policies on future predictions. of forest fires in the Amazon, high resolution infrared satellite sensor, reducing carbon emissions, This knowledge and data and the quality of the air that we has opened a new office at Geovation, an and contribute to reaching could lead to the adaptation of breathe. Ordnance Survey initiative in association net zero targets. preventative measures for We have a fantastic opportunity with HM Land Registry, dedicated to The new £5 million satellite vulnerable areas such as to grow the community of supporting open innovation and data centre will involve the installing flood defences to researchers with the skills and collaboration using location and property Universities of Edinburgh protect coastal towns, knowledge to measure the how data. and Leeds to use cutting- identifying areas increasingly our environment is changing. Located in the heart of London, the new edge satellite technology to at risk of flooding and office space will place Satellite Vu within help combat climate change, monitoring pollution levels in The Centre for Satellite Data in the UK hub for development of technology including helping lower the towns and cities. E n v i r o n m e n t a l S c i e n c e specifically for location purposes and a risk of people being affected Business Secretary Andrea (SENSE), is a virtual academic focus for like-minded network of by flooding. The data centre Leadsom said: The UK is collaboration and is being customers, partners and investors. will bring together 50 of the leading the world in tackling established with funding from “Backed by industry and government, UK's brightest and best PhD climate change and we have the Natural Environment Geovation offers the ideal place for researchers to help solve set the bar high, as the first Research Council (NERC) and Satellite Vu to flourish, in the heart of a climate change. country to legislate to the UK Space Agency (UKSA). community renowned to be a centre of UK Ministers announced the eliminate our contribution to It will work with 18 businesses innovation by customers and investors for backing for ground-breaking climate change by 2050, and and partners, including Airbus location based services,” said Anthony research analysing satellite the fastest in the G20 to cut and Unilever, who will co-fund, Baker, CEO, Satellite Vu. “Our satellites images that will better predict emissions. co-design and co-supervise 42 will provide users with unprecedented data the future impact of climate This new satellite data centre of the PhD research projects. that will help business make better change in towns and cities will give us instant images Professor Duncan Wingham, decisions based on our new infrared a n d i n f o r m f u t u r e showing us the true impact of Executive Chair of NERC, said: satellite imagery insights and to tackle our government action. climate change and in doing The researchers will support most pressing environmental challenges. I According to the document. so, help us develop innovative c u t t i n g - e d g e s c i e n t i f i c can't think of a better place in which to drive m e a s u r e m e n t s f r o m new ways of tackling it. discovery, new data-based our business forward.” satellites on rising sea levels, Dr Anna Hogg, co-director of products and new Earth To begin the year, the company will also be greenhouse gases and the centre in the School of observation technologies that participating in two key upcoming events: shrinking glaciers and Earth and Environment at the will provide benefits to society. The World Future Energy Summit will take forests will help provide University of Leeds, said: place in Abu Dhabi from 13-16 January. Satellite Vu is a finalist at the Climate Innovations Exchange event and Simon Tucker, VP Business Development, will Intelligent classrooms boost education in Egypt present a pitch on Sustainability in Space. The event, launched in 2018, supports the Global education technology density, increases the number significantly improve the UAE's Ministry of Climate Change and provider, Promethean, has of school buildings and uses quality of education provision, Environment strategy to enable the been appointed by the technology to enhance the which in the modern world sourcing and funding of climate change E g y p t i a n M i n i s t r y o f education process. demands a highly digital solutions and technologies. Satellite Vu Education to digitally enhance Disseminating information approach. We are now in a very technology will be directly applicable to teaching and learning a n d c o m m u n i c a t i o n strong position to achieve our problems of energy efficiency, productivity throughout the country. It will technology-based science objectives and deliver world- monitoring, pollution control and energy s e e t h e P r o m e t h e a n education among young class education.”The African security. ActivPanel upgrade 26,000 students would help them in Union has just approved Egypt Satellite Vu will also be represented at the existing school classrooms acquiring knowledge easily for as the new headquarters of an GeoBuiz event in Monterey, California on a n d i n s t a l l e d i n n e w building a developed digital African Space Agency, after 13-14 January by Anthony Baker, who will 'Intelligent Classrooms', world. adopting a space strategy in present on the Miniaturization and which will be constructed over Following the 'Education for All 2017. Innovation in Sensors panel from 11- the next three years to bolster 2015 National Review', The African Space Agency will 11.45am on 14 January, during the the country's education commissioned and supported then start working with those NewSpace track. He will relay his provision. by UNESCO, the Egyptian countries whose space experience of how Satellite Vu's use of Presented to His Excellency, M i n i s t r y o f E d u c a t i o n programs are most advanced, commercial-off-the-shelf technology has A b d e l F a t t a h e l - S i s i , prioritised the improvement of South Africa and Nigeria," said driven down costs, whilst providing greater President of Egypt, the the quality of education, Islam Abou El-Magd. "The spatial resolution, higher temporal Intelligent Classroom is a leading to the upgrade ultimate goal is how we use this cadence and richer spectral coverage. pioneering new modular strategy for its existing technology to solve our “We are looking forward to a great start to solution that enables the e d u c a t i o n e s t a t e a n d challenges, for example in 2020,” said Simon Tucker. “The opening of efficient construction of fully consultation on how it could infrastructure, agriculture, our new office in an environment where we e q u i p p e d a n d m o d e r n address a shortfall in the environment and disaster can really innovate and push the business learning environments. number of classrooms needed management.”"On the other forward, combined with our participation in Developed by Promethean's to meet the needs of the hand, it can be said that this these global events gives us great p a r e n t c o m p a n y , population. technology is making a fortune momentum as we move into a new year. NetDragonWebsoft Holdings, H.E Dr TarekShawki, Minister for Africa and empowering the We look forward to the continued the Intelligent Classroom is a of Education and Technical c o n t i n e n t t o s o l v e i t s development of a business that has the rapidly deployed solution that E d u c a t i o n , s a i d : “ O u r problems," says Islam Abou El- power to help transform our world through helps to reduce classroom objective is to rapidly and Magd. better business decisions.” INDUSTRY REPORT

Elon Musk’s turning moments

“Fresh out of college, Elon Musk founded a could help him refine any ideas, and there space industry. Musk's 2001 move from company called Zip2, a primitive Google would be plenty of recruits to join his next Silicon Valley to Los Angeles gave him Maps meets Yelp. That first venture ended venture”. One of those people was Robert access to the space industry. Musk joined up a big, quick hit. Compaq bought Zip2 in Zubrin, an aerospace engineer, advocate social networks: he donated to the Mars 1999 for $307 million. Musk made $22 of human exploration of Mars, and co- Society and Mars research, joined the million from the deal and poured almost all founder of The Mars Society. Like Musk, Mars Society board of directors, of it into his next venture, a startup that Zubrin was frustrated by the priorities and announced founding the Life to Mars would morph into PayPal. As the largest slow progress at NASA, saying, “America's Foundation, discussed investing $20m to shareholder in PayPal, Musk became human spaceflight program is now adrift”; $30m in a Mars project, and built fantastically well-to-do when eBay “There is, however, a bright spot on the connections with ambitious engineers. acquired the company for $1.5 billion in horizon in the form of a wave of 2002.” entrepreneurial activity, most particularly Though, space launches required Musk founded SpaceX with US$100m of that of the SpaceX company” describes his specialized launch vehicles such as his own money from the acquisition of impressions of Musk: Russian Soyuz rockets. So, in 2002, PayPal by eBay in 2002. Launching, People “had grown cynical about anything “Musk intended to buy a refurbished growing, and exiting two previous novel happening in space again”. “Musk intercontinental ballistic missile, from the companies provided credibility, and would inspire people to think about Russians and use that as his launch investing his own money provided exploring space again by making it vehicle”. Musk met with Russians twice in autonomy. “With such a massive up-front cheaper”..“He wanted to inspire the Moscow and once in California. He was investment, no one would be able to wrestle masses and reinvigorate their passion for willing to pay $20m for three control of SpaceX away from Musk as they science, conquest, and the promise of intercontinental ballistic missile, but did had done at Zip2 and PayPal”. In a 2013 technology”. Musk writes: “I want to make not reach a deal. email to staff, Musk wrote: “Creating the Mars seem possible–make it seem as After failing to secure a Russian missile in technology needed to establish life on Mars though it is something that we can do in our 2002, Musk declared: “I think we can is and always has been the fundamental lifetime. build this rocket ourselves”. The SpaceX goal of SpaceX. By all close accounts, Musk's ultimate website boldly stated: “SpaceX is Musk moved to Los Angeles in 2001: “While ambition, even before founding SpaceX in privately developing the entire Falcon Musk didn't know exactly what he wanted to 2002, was sustainable human settlement rocket from the ground up, including both do in space, he realized that just by being in on Mars, thus making humans a multi- engines, the turbo-pump, the cryogenic Los Angeles he would be surrounded by the planetary species. tank structure and the guidance system”. world's top aeronautics thinkers. They Prior to 2001, Musk was an outsider to the Initial reactions were tepid: “As word INDUSTRY REPORT

travelled around the space community Again, Musk created the SpaceX Musk had once planned and five hundred about Musk's plans, there was a system as an end-to-end modular people to make this miracle of modern collective ho-hum from people who had engineering platform of launch vehicles, science and business happen”. The fourth seen this situation before, The techies capsules, and engines that were all test launch finally succeeded in 2008, usually ended up spending the rich designed, manufactured, assembled, when “SpaceX simply did not have guy's money for two years, and then the and tested at SpaceX facilities. enough money to try a fifth flight”. “When rich guy gets bored and shuts the thing Components included the Falcon 1, the launch was successful, everyone down”. Musk nonetheless persisted, Falcon 5, Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and burst into tears”. spending his own money. ITS Launch Vehicle, the Dragon and Dragon 2 capsules, and the Merlin, Beyond NASA His new projections Kestrel, Draco, and SuperDraco Musk declared that SpaceX would do Musk felt that the space industry had engines. As of 2019, several things differently, and insisted that not really evolved in about fifty years. components have been renamed, new massive cost reduction was both The aerospace companies had little components have been added, and necessary and possible. Tom Mueller competition and tended to make some components are no longer used. explained: “People thought we were supremely expensive products that However, the principle of a modular crazy. At TRW, I had an army of people achieved maximum performance. They platform architecture remains deeply and government funding. Now we were were building a Ferrari for every entrenched. going to make a low-cost rocket from launch”. When he founded SpaceX in scratch with a small team”. “The whole 2002 with US$100m of his own money, SpaceX sourced key capabilities in- situation was ludicrous. A start-up rocket he brought with him a Silicon Valley house and “increased its internal company had ended up in the middle of way of thinking. welding capabilities so that it could make nowhere trying to pull off one of the most the fuel tanks in a SpaceX facility and difficult feats known to man. Musk Musk had taken much of the Silicon ditch Spincraft, a suppler”. “Musk persevered and succeeded. By 2015, Valley ethic behind moving quickly and doesn't want to handle a few launches “SpaceX spent $2.5 billion to get four running organizations free of per year or to rely on government Dragon capsules to the ISS, nine flights bureaucratic hierarchies and applied it contracts for survival. Musk's goal is to with the Falcon 9, and five flights with the to improving big, fantastic machines use manufacturing breakthroughs and Falcon 1. It's a price-per-launch total that and chasing things that had the launch pad advances to create a drastic the rest of the players in the industry potential to be the real breakthroughs drop in the cost of getting things to cannot comprehend let alone aspire to”. we'd been missing”. Musk set “insanely space”. Musk's ambitions about Mars ambitious timelines”, used open- shaped even the earliest design In2013, Musk wrote a letter to SpaceX concept offices where scientists and decisions about system architecture and employees about the timing of going engineers worked alongside welders components intended for low Earth orbit: public, and made consistent statements and machinists, hired young “NASA researchers studying the Dragon about staying private: “For those who are overachievers fresh from college for design have noticed several features of under the impression that they are so rank-and-file engineers and poached the capsule that appear to have been clever that they can outsmart public top engineers from Boeing, Lockheed purpose built from the get-go to market investors and would sell SpaceX Martin, and Orbital Sciences, accommodate a landing on Mars. It stock at the 'right time,' let me relieve you contracted with suppliers outside of the could be feasible for NASA to fund a of any such notion.” In 2013, Zubrin writes: aerospace sector, and “never relented mission to Mars in which a Dragon “At SpaceX, initially all–and still a in asking his employees to do more and capsule picks up samples and returns significant fraction today–of the funds be better”. them to Earth”. spent have been Musk's. In short, SpaceX spends money as like it is its Musk took ownership by defining new Partnership with NASA own–because much of it is”. arrangements in place of the Prior to SpaceX, NASA contracted only established status quo of the traditional with traditional aerospace and military Musk was frustrated that humans had no space industry. He first became suppliers. In 2006, SpaceX contracted way to travel to Mars, and even more so, embedded in the social communities of with NASA and the U.S. Military to that there were no credible projects to get people in the space industry through develop technology, and in 2008, to humans to Mars at any point in the future. action and investment, then sought to operate missions. In 2012, a Dragon Musk states: “At first I thought NASA just privately obtain unconventional launch capsule became the first private had a badly designed website. Why else vehicles, then launched SpaceX with spacecraft to dock with the International couldn't you find this critical piece of his own personal funds as a Silicon Space Station. In 2019, a Crew Dragon information that would obviously be the Valley space company, utilizing capsule became the first private first thing you'd want to know when you go unconventional launch facilities, s p a c e c r a f t r a t e d f o r h u m a n to NASA.gov? But, it turned out, NASA developing a modular platform of re- transportation to dock with the ISS; it had no plans for Mars. usable components, and securing returned successfully to earth a few Musk also dreamed bigger, not only to commercial contracts, with an ultimate days later for an ocean landing. SpaceX travel to Mars, but to live there: “The thing g o a l o f m a k i n g h u m a n s a n expects to transport a human crew to the that's important in the long run is interplanetary species. Musk's SpaceX ISS later in 2019. establishing a self-sustaining base on status quo operated under different Musk vowed to continue despite three Mars. In order for that to work in order to rules and arrangements than the failed test launches and severe time and have a self-sustaining city on Mars there traditional space industry status quo cost overruns, declaring. He made would need to be millions of tons of that it displaced, and preserved confident statements to employees and equipment and probably millions of emancipatory potential for continued the public after each setback. “It took six people”. change. years about four and a half more than IN THE NEWS

UAE Space Agency SADC countries to implement satellite launches NewSpace sharing system Innovation Programme Angola’s implementation i s t h a t o f a r e g i o n a l Angosat-1 in 2017. George of satellite sharing system community that ensures the Ah-Thew, SADC senior The UAE Space Agency has announced its w o u l d b o o s t t h e e c o n o m i c w e l l - b e i n g , coordinator for science, collaboration with the Abu Dhabi-based sustainable development improvement in the standards technology and information, global innovation hub, Krypto Labs, to of the African continent, of living and quality of life, said SADC countries are launch the UAE NewSpace Innovation according to the Angolan freedom, social justice, peace drafting the policies for the Programme. The programme aims to Secretary of State for and security for the people of satellite sharing system. maximise the growth of space technology Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s , Southern Africa. Consistent SADC is a regional economic start-ups in NewSpace, the rising private according toMario Oliveira. with its vision, SADC's group established in 1992 spaceflight industry. The programme comes He said the system would Mission Statement commits Brigadiermade Michaelup of Ogbonna 16 me Agu,mb rtder as part of the UAE Space Agency's efforts to enable African people to it: states, whose goal is to accelerate the growth of technology start- have quicker access to “To promote sustainable and reduce poverty in and ups in the field of space sciences. information, Oliveira said, The programme falls under the National equitable economic growth develop the economy of the Space Investment Promotion Plan which adding that it would mark a n d s o c i o - e c o n o m i c southern Africa region. aims to heighten the role of the space an important step for development through efficient industry in contributing to the economy of SADC members to enter productive systems, deeper At least, close to 50 satellites the UAE, while encouraging a culture of the space industry. cooperation and integration, covering at least part of Africa interest in the space sector, in efforts to good governance, and with C-band capacity in 2014, establish a knowledge-based competitive SADC is a regional durable peace and security, out of around 72 satellites national economy built on innovation and economic community of 15 so that the region emerges as covering the region. Overall, the latest technologies. Member States: Angola, a competitive and effective satellite operators supply a The NewSpace Innovation Programme is Botswana, DRC, Lesotho, player in international total capacity of ~14 GHz in one of the main and most important Madagascar, Malawi, relations and the world C-band in 2014 in Africa initiatives launched by the National Space Mauritius, Mozambique, economy”. usually 50% of “regular” Investment Promotion Plan, initiated by the Namibia, Seychelles, Oliveira also said Angola capacity supply in the region, UAE Space Agency in the first quarter of South Africa, Swaziland, plans to resend a national excluding HTS proprietary 2019. The programme also falls under a U n i t e d R e p u b l i c o f military satellites. MoU signed between the UAE Space satellite into orbit in the future, Agency and Krypto Labs, which aims to Tanzania, Zambia and despite the failed launch of its increase innovation and investment in the Zimbabwe. SADC's vision first geostationary satellite the space sector, drive a diversified UAE economy, and promote awareness through specialised initiatives that support space Telecoms contribution to Nigeria's GDP surges technology entrepreneurship. Selected applicants will take part in a 3- The Nigerian Communication distribute this capacity to the subscriptions to Mobile Number month incubation programme at Krypto Commission, NCC, has distribution nodes at the Portability (MNP) service Labs' headquarters in Abu Dhabi with disclosed that it witnessed metropolitan areas of all increased from 385, 617 in access to the hub's facilities. They will also impressive growth in the regions in the country that will August 2015 to 1, 206,874 by have access to the innovation hub's local e ff e c t i v e r e g u l a t i o n o f supply sufficient fiber capacity October, 2019. and global network of investors, receive telecommunication under the to the backbone. “Similarly, the total number of mentorship from global space experts, and leadership of its Executive It explained that the feat was telecoms subscribers that have develop their skills in business creation, Vice Chairman, Professor achieved due to effectieeeeve subscribed either partially or marketing, and sales, among others. Umar Danbatta. regulatory environment fully to the Do-Not-Disturb Applicants will have a chance to secure According to the statement created by the commissions' (DND) service introduced by the funds to ensure their start-up investment is released by the commission, helmsman, Umar Dambatta, Commission – to curb cases of ready to enter the market. “telecoms contribution to NCC also revealed that unsolicited text messages – Eligible applicants must present an Nigeria's Gross Domestic telecommunications' from increased from level zero to innovative and original idea with a clear Product (GDP) increased from August 2015 till date recorded 22,356, 919 currently.” technical approach, which generates a 8.50 percent in August 2015 to high growth statistics. The Nigerian Communications feasible and scalable product. Applying 11.39 percent as at October, According to data released by Commission, NCC in its press teams must have at least one Emirati team 2019.” the commission, “Active statement attributed the feat to member. The Federal Government of mobile voice subscribers a n i n c r e a s e d p u b l i c Dr Eng Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Nigeria (FGN) has joined the increased from 151,018,624 e n l i g h t e n m e n t b y t h e Director General of the UAE Space Agency, league of ITU member states to 2015 to 180,386,316 during Commission's head office and said: “We are pleased to be collaborating in recognizing broadband the same period while its zonal offices across geo- with Krypto Labs to inspire young potential for contributions and teledensity increased to 94.50 political zones, especially on the entrepreneurs to present their ground- improvements of socio- percent following its rebasing availability and usage of Mobile breaking start-up ideas and contribute to the economic development of the in early 2019. Number Portability. growth of the space industry in the UAE, n a t i o n a n d t h e r e f o r e “ I n t e r n e t s u b s c r i b e r s N i g e r i a ' s A c t i v e M o b i l e along with promoting a diverse economy in articulated a policy document, increased from 90 million in Broadband Penetration has the country. The UAE NewSpace Innovation - The Nigerian National 2015 to 123.5 million by reached 20.95 % relative to less P r o g r a m m e i n v i t e s s t u d e n t s , Broadband Plan (NBP). O c t o b e r , 2 0 1 9 w h i l e than 10 % a year ago. entrepreneurs, and start-ups to share their Currently in Nigeria, more than b r o a d b a n d p e n e t r a t i o n Furthermore, Percentage of ground-breaking ideas and transform them 1 0 t e r a b y t e s o f jumped from 8 percent to its Broadband Internet Penetration into viable commercial products. This telecommunications capacity current 37.87 percent, has reached a milestone of supports developing space technology as exists at the landing point, but i n d i c a t i n g a t o t a l o f 47.44 % second to South Africa part of the UAE's private spaceflight t h e c h a l l e n g e i s t h e 72,289,389 Nigerian access in Africa. This is strongly NewSpace sector, which aims to make d e p l o y m e n t o f f i b e r data services on 3G and 4G attributed to the robuste space more accessible, affordable and infrastructure across the networks. regulatory framework of the commercial.” country that will effectively “ A l s o , t h e n u m b e r o f Commission. IN THE NEWS

Eutelsat successfully NCC releases list of authorised space launches Konnect stations in Nigeria satellite Nigerian Communications C o m m i s s i o n r e c e n t l y satellites and one of them Commission has developed granted its first landing right which is called HYLAS-4 is The Eutelsat KONNECT satellite has been the Commercial Satellite p e r m i t t o A V A N T I used to extend coverage to successfully launched into Geostationary Communications Guidelines Communications Group Plc, West, Central and Sub- Transfer Orbit by Arianespace using an Ariane for the telecommunications a UK- based satellite Saharan Africa, and it is one 5 rocket that lifted off from the Guiana Space industry in Nigeria. According operator, for hosting of its of these satellites (called Center in Kourou, French Guiana. to Henry Nkemadu, NCC HYLAS 4 Satellite space HYLAS-4) that has been “For the first Ariane 5 launch of the year, our Director, Public Affairs, the segment over Nigerian deployed to extend coverage heavyweight vehicle has once more performed policy came into effect in territory. over Nigerian territory. This flawlessly,” said Arianespace CEO Stéphane November 2018. satellite uses the latest Ka- Israël, who provided his post-flight comments “In line with the provisions of Speaking during the formal band satellite technology and from the Spaceport's mission control center. Section 13 of the Commercial presentation of the permit to has additional capacity to the “Congratulations to all!” The separation of the Satellite Communications AVANTI at the Commission's tune of 2GHz. all-electric satellite occurred after a 27-minute Guidelines, the Commission headquarters yesterday in flight and the spacecraft systems checkout to date, has issued Landing Abuja, the executive vice “This high capacity service was successfully completed over a period of 3 Permits to 55 Space Stations chairman of the NCC, Prof. has come to Nigeria through hours. providing coverage over Umar Danbatta, explained an international gateway that Built by Thales Alenia Space, the EUTELSAT Nigeria's territory”, he said. landing permit implies has been deployed by one of KONNECT communications satellite, features authorisation that allows our local operators. With such all-electric propulsion and operates in Ka- This list of authorised Space operators to beam its signal high capacity facility in place band. It is the first satellite to use Thales Alenia Stations with permit to provide over the territorial integrity of and easily accessible, our Space's all-electric Spacebus NEO platform, coverage over Nigeria is a country, saying the landing local operators can now be developed under the Neosat Partnership a v a i l a b l e o n t h e permit, the first of its kind in more encouraged to deploy Project conducted by the European and Commission's website. NCC satellite communications in services via satellite to serve French space agencies. EUTELSAT u r g e d a l l r e l e v a n t Nigeria, was a direct the underserved/unserved KONNECT was produced by Thales Alenia stakeholders and operators in consequence of one of its areas hence bridging the Space as a new-generation high-throughput Nigerian telecommunications operators employing the digital divide currently satellite that will help bridge the digital divide by market to take note of the services of the satellite experienced by the nation,” bringing broadband Internet across 40 information. operator. he said. countries in Africa and 15 countries across Nigerian Communications “AVANTI has a fleet of Europe. In Africa, EUTELSAT KONNECT also will – through the establishment of public Wi-Fi terminals – share internet access between SpaceX to launch Nilesat-301 in 2022 several users, marketed in the form of coupons that can be paid via mobile phone. SpaceX has announced launch deal, will carry Ku- rockets starting at just $60 plans to launch Egyptian band transponders for million, tens of millions less EUTELSAT KONNECT will assure full or operator NileSat's next television broadcasting, and than other rockets in its class, partial coverage for up to 40 countries across communications satellite on a Ka-band capacity for internet and perfecting technology to Africa and 15 over Europe. Offering total Falcon 9 rocket in 2022. connectivity. Thales Alenia recover the first stage boosters capacity of 75 Gbps, by next autumn this high Nilesat, having launched all Space is building the satellite so they can be refurbished and throughput satellite will allow the operator to three of its past satellites with based on its Spacebus 4000- flown again. provide Internet access services for both Arianespace, is a first-time B2 platform. S p a c e X d e s i g n s , companies and individuals at up to 100 Mbps. customer for SpaceX. manufactures, and launches Featuring all-electric propulsion and The Egyptian Satellite Nilesat-301 has an expected the world's most advanced configured for operation in Ka-band, Company, Nilesat, is a joint- design life of 15 years and rockets and spacecraft. The EUTELSAT KONNECT is the first satellite to stock company operating will cover the Middle East company was founded in 2002 use Thales Alenia Space's Spacebus NEO under the Free Zone Law in and Northern Africa. Thales by Elon Musk to revolutionize platform, developed under the Neosat 6th of October City, and the Alenia Space received a space transportation, with the Partnership Project conducted by the name of a series of Egyptian manufacturing contract for ultimate goal of enabling European and French space agencies (ESA communications satellites. It the satellite in December. people to live on other planets. and CNES). It weighed an estimated 3,619 kg. was established in 1996 to Nilesat broadcasts around Today, SpaceX is advancing at liftoff. operate Egyptian satellites, 700 TV channels, and over the boundaries of space EUTELSAT KONNECT is the 34th Eutelsat associated ground control 100 digital radio channels technology through its Falcon satellite launched by Arianespace since its first stations and uplinking uplinked either from Cairo, launch vehicles and Dragon mission for this operator. It also is the 163rd facilities. Dubai, Amman, Doha, spacecraft Thales Alenia Space-produced satellite orbited It has launched two satellites Riyadh and Beirut and SpaceX has gained worldwide by the company to date. to the 7° West orbital covering North Africa, the attention for a series of historic neighbourhood (Nilesat 101 Middle East and the Gulf milestones. It is the only private Rodolphe Belmer, CEO of Eutelsat: "Our and Nilesat 102), and Region. Nearly 76 percent of company ever to return a congratulations to Arianespace and the l a u n c h e d i t s s e c o n d the TV channels are free to spacecraft from low-Earth orbit, Guiana Space Center teams for successfully generation satellite, Nilesat air, the remaining channels which it first accomplished in launching our EUTELSAT KONNECT satellite 201 in August 2010. are encrypted. December 2010. SpaceX is the towards geostationary orbit. The collaboration SpaceX and Nilesat signed a w o r l d ' s f a s t e s t - g r o w i n g between Eutelsat, Thales Alenia Space and contract in Cairo for the Nilesat viewership in the provider of launch services. Arianespace on this ambitious satellite launch of Nilesat-301, an MENA region has shown Profitable and cash-flow programme has resulted in a world-first a p p r o x i m a t e l y 4 , 0 0 0 - steady growth, from 11 positive, the company has broadband satellite for the African and kilogram satellite that Franco- million households in 2003 to nearly 50 launches on its European continents that demonstrates the Italian manufacturer Thales more than 43 million manifest, representing nearly suitability of satellite infrastructure as a means Alenia Space is building. households. $5 billion in contracts. These to deliver high quality broadband services, Nilesat-301, according to a SpaceX has shaken up the include commercial satellite contributing to bridging the digital divide within statement SpaceX sent to launch industry, undercutting launches as well as NASA rural areas." reporters announcing the the competition with Falcon 9 missions

7 IN THE NEWS

NIGCOMSAT chair, Arc. Kazaure visits ground station

The newly appointed Board Chairman of Nigerian Communications Satellite, NIGCOMSAT Ltd, Arc. Yusuf Kazaure recently paid an official visit to the company. On hand to receive the Board Chairman is the Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Abimbola Alale and the newly appointed Executive Nigerian legislators supports Nigcomsat Directors. The Board Chairman was taken round the commercialization plan critical sectors of the company which include the Satellite Control Center (SCC), The The Chairman, House privatization. s u s t a i n s t h e c u r r e n t Network Control Center (NOC) and the Hub. Committee on Information Hon, Lado regretted that economic direction of the Shortly after the facility tour, the Chairman and a n d C o m m u n i c a t i o n while other countries are country. Management team went into a closed door Technology (ICT), Hon. optimizing the satellite On her part, the Managing meeting. Those present at the meeting Abubakar Lado Suleija, has c o m m u n i c a t i o n s p a c e Director, Chief Executive included, Prof. Bambale Abdul Ja'afaru, ED given his unreserved support resources to advance their Officer, NIGCOMSAT Ltd, Dr. Technical, Mr. Hadi Mohammed, Ed Admin and to the Honourable Minister of economy, MDAs and the Abimbola Alale described the Finance and Dr. Najeem Salam, Executive Communications and Digital private sector in the country O v e r s i g h t f u n c t i o n o f D i r e c t o r, M a r k e t i n g a n d B u s i n e s s Economy Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim have not gainfully taken this Members of the House of Development, Engr. Shehu Kaura, General ( P a n t a m i ) , o n t h e opportunity to grow their Representative Committee Manager, Broadcasting, Hajiya Rakiya commercialization of the businesses here at home on ICT as timely as their Suleiman, General Manager, Admin and Engr. NIGCOMSAT Ltd activities instead they rely more on support would enable the Danjuma Ibrahim Ndhighidha, General towards the realization of its foreign satellite services. company positioned itself Manger, Satellite Control. set objectives as well as 'It is a common knowledge towards better service The Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd. meeting its contributions that portfolio businessmen delivery to Nigerian people. (NIGCOMSAT, www.nigcomsat.gov.ng) was toward the actualization of a prefer to patronize foreign 'We are encouraged by your incorporated on April 4, 2006 as a company sustainable digital economy satellite resources which to visit and mindful of advises under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of in Nigeria. me is not only expensive but given, we want to assure you Communication. With a mission is “to manage Expressing his views shortly a disservice to the nation', He that we shall work very hard to and exploit the commercial viability of the after an on the spot said. meet the expectations of Nigerian Communication Satellite, NigComSat familiarization visit to Expressing his intention to Nigerians and the KPIs set by NIGCOMSAT Ltd along for the social economic benefit of the nation”. It champion the deepening of the HM MoCDE to put the airport road, Abuja, the Hon is charged with the management and operation the use of ICT for the growth company on the pact of better Member believed that with of the first geostationary communications of the economy in the service delivery and greater the full commercialization of satellite in sub-Sahara Africa. country through adequate visibility. It is my belief that the company, the country legislation, Hon. Lado further NIGCOMSAT aims to provide its customers with good legislative support, stands to gain more in a d v i s e d N I G C O M S AT with unsurpassed quality of service. By NIGCOMSATshall reposition revenue generation and Management to urgently combining expertise, it provides, deploys and itself as a key revenue earner m o r e e m p l o y m e n t open more regional offices to implements turnkey solutions ranging from for the government ', the opportunity for the teaming ensure that ICT industry MD/CEO affirmed. Internet infrastructure, Voice over Internet m a s s e s t h a n f r o m protocol (VoIP), satellite communications, Direct-to-home (DTH) services and wireless communications. NigComSat-1R satellite Second space data highway satellite beam covers Nigeria, a huge part of Africa, some parts of Asia & Europe. NIGCOMSAT set to beam also provides a wide array of products to end- The second satellite in the above Earth through five EDRS is a public–private users, while building and servicing networks European Data Relay liquid apogee engine burns partnership between ESA and bench-marked against internationally System has reached its and a few relocation Airbus as part of ESA's efforts recognized best practice technologies. i n t e n d e d o r b i t a n d manoeuvres. It has been to federate industry around NigComSat Ltd was the first satellite company completed its in-orbit tests. thoroughly tested to ensure large-scale programmes, to launch one of the most modern teleport Dubbed the “Space Data that all its components are s t i m u l a t i n g t e c h n o l o g y services in the Sub-Sahara region, using the Highway” by its commercial operating as expected. developments to achieve iDX 3.0 on DVB-S2 technology and the 2D- operator Airbus, EDRS uses Control of the satellite has economic benefits. The first 16state MODCOD technique on the iDirect hub innovative laser technology now been handed over to satellite in the EDRS network, system, as depicted in figure 8, through a 7.6 m to enable Earth-observation Airbus. In the coming EDRS-A, was launched in Ku Band Antenna system with a fully redundant satellites to deliver their months, the performance of January 2016. 100W BUC solution supporting multi-carriers. information to users on the its laser communication Since then it has transmitted NIGCOMSAT Gateways and hubs were ground in near real-time, terminal will be fine-tuned as 1.7 petabytes of data, deployed at the coastal areas of the country to accelerating responses to part of the nominal test equivalent to binge watching gain access to to the huge communication emergency situations and sequence. To do so, several almost 20 000 ultra high potential of the various submarine landing spurring the development of links are scheduled with the definition 4k films 24 hours a cables with terrabytes of capacity. The new services and products. Copernicus programme's day for nearly four-and-a-half strategic deployment and implementation of a EDRS-C is the second f o u r S e n t i n e l E a r t h y e a r s . T h e d a t a w a s teleport hub serves as an African convergence satellite in the system and observation satellites. transmitted via 30 000 optical port, where the terrestrial fiber can connect and was launched last August. The satellite also hosts a inter-satellite links established merge with the Communication Satellite After being delivered into its c o m m e r c i a l p a y l o a d w i t h t h e C o p e r n i c u s Network.The Hub is a gateway for all satellite initial orbit by an Ariane 5 operated by British satellite programme's four Sentinel b a s e d n e t w o r k s i n t o t h e I n t e r n e t launcher, EDRS-C made its operator Avanti that is about Earth observation satellites. Superhighway with 7.6M antenna system co- way to its final geostationary t o s t a r t d e l i v e r i n g located. orbit 36,000 kilometres communications services.

8 IN THE NEWS Kleos, Geollect sign channel partner Eutelsat Communications announces entry agreement into commercial service of EUTELSAT 7C Eutelsat Communications' Eutelsat enables clients Services (FSS) operators Kleos Space S.A has entered into a channel EUTELSAT 7C satellite has across Video, Data, operate geostationary partner and data integrator agreement with entered full commercial Government, Fixed and satellites (GEO) that are UK geospatial intelligence and analysis service and is ready to M o b i l e B r o a d b a n d positioned in an orbit company Geollect. Geollect will procure and s u p p o r t b r o a d c a s t markets to communicate approximately 36,000 integrate data from Kleos' satellites as it customers across Africa, e f f e c t i v e l y t o t h e i r kilometres from the earth becomes a global leader in dark vessel Europe, the Middle East and customers, irrespective of in the equatorial plane. tracking capability whereas Kleos data will be Turkey. Manufactured by their location. Over 6,800 These satellites are used by Geollect to generate analytical Maxar Technologies t e l e v i s i o n c h a n n e l s particularly well-suited to intelligence output and may be resold to third operated by leading media parties. transmitting signals to an EUTELSAT 7C is a 3.4 tonne groups are broadcast by The agreement is the result of Kleos' and unlimited number of fixed Kleos' UK subsidiary efforts to assist the UK high-power all-electric Eutelsat to one billion terrestrial antennae, which Industry and Government to access satellite carrying 49 36-Mhz viewers equipped for DTH are permanently directed e q u i v a l e n t K u - b a n d reception or connected to commercial data from satellites to provide Measat-3b towards the satellite. information as needed. transponders. Successfully terrestrial networks. Kleos' Scouting Mission satellites detect and launched from Kourou, During the night of 27-28 geolocate maritime radio frequency French Guiana, on 20 June Headquartered in Paris, January 2020, the Eutelsat transmissions, and when compared with other 2019, the satellite is co- with offices and teleports teams migrated a number of data sources such as Automatic Identification located with EUTELSAT 7B around the globe, Eutelsat services from EUTELSAT System (AIS) the data can be used to highlight at 7° East, increasing assembles 1,000 men and 7A to EUTELSAT 7C, 'dark' maritime activity. capacity at this dynamic women from 44 countries including Turkish Pay-TV Geollect provides near real-time geospatial n e i g h b o u r h o o d b y 1 9 who are dedicated to platform Digiturk, Turkish maritime intelligence collection and analytics transponders. delivering the highest national broadcaster TRT, for the defence, security, global cruise line and quality of service. As a and Globecast UK for insurance sectors that is used by leading Founded in 1977, Eutelsat core player in the most coverage across Europe maritime organisations. Comprehensive real- Communications is one of r e s i l i e n t s e g m e n t s , and the Middle East. EUTELSAT 7A will be time vessel tracking is central to its extensive the world's leading satellite Eutelsat fixed satellites contracts with the UK's Royal Navy and within transferred to another orbital operators. With a global fleet assets represent one of the Global P&I Maritime insurance sector, location as part of Eutelsat's using its intelligence capabilities to support of satellites and associated the largest and efficient in fleet optimisation strategy. u global maritime operations. ground infrastructure, the industry.Fixed Satellite Kleos Space Chairman, Air Commodore (rtd) Peter Round said, “This is a great example of implementation of a key business strategy for Solstad Offshore renews and expands fleet Kleos. We can provide defence, security and commercial users with access to cost- contract with Marlink effective geolocation intelligence data to provide a value added tipping and cueing Solstad Offshore, a leading Director, Solstad Offshore, increasing the bandwidth capability to their current capability. Kleos' provider of specialised offshore said: “Reliable links with for a vessel in alignment independent maritime intelligence data tonnage to the international oil shore are vital in today's with current on-board complements and enhances Geollect's and gas industry, has renewed i n d u s t r y t o e n s u r e requirements. existing datasets. Using our satellites flown in its connectivity contract with operational efficiency and To avoid unauthorised use clusters of four, our technology geolocates all Marlink, committing 65 offshore vessel safety, as well as of the portal, user accounts RF transmissions without relying on them vessels to Sealink, Marlink's improving quality of life for will be allocated with actively broadcasting their locations. Thus, high-throughput Ku-band VSAT vessel crews by keeping various access rights. Kleos can offer unprecedented situational service. Solstad's vessels will them in touch with families Support tickets, changes awareness at sea with optimised revisit rates be provided with Sealink ashore. Many of our clients and invoices will also be over key regions of maritime interest for the Services and L-band backup to work in the highly demanding handled via a customer UK, including the Straits of Hormuz, the South ensure seamless global oil and energy sector, and by p o r t a l , s p e c i f i c a l l y China Sea and the coast of Africa”. connectivity. p r o v i d i n g t h e m w i t h designed to meet Solstad This agreement with an international leader in To meet the diverse demands of outstanding connectivity Offshore' needs, and geospatial intelligence supports Kleos' long- its OSV fleet, Solstad sought a Solstad will continue to providing transparency for term strategy within the UK defence and highly flexible, customised and deliver value at every level.” both users and managers. security markets, where its commercial future-proof service. Building satellites improve and verify intelligence, on more than 10 years' Marlink's services for To r e M o r t e n O l s e n , surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) data p a r t n e r s h i p , M a r l i n k Solstad Offshore are made P r e s i d e n t M a r i t i m e , to support maritime operations. cooperates closely with Solstad flexible through use of an Marlink said: “Marlink has Geollect co-founder and Chief Operating O ff s h o r e t o m e e t t h e i r innovative Self-Service worked together with Officer Richard Gwilliam, a highly o p e r a t i o n a l a n d I C T portal, on board and on S o l s t a d O ff s h o r e t o experienced ex-Royal Navy intelligence (Information Communications shore. Without needing to produce a service offering officer said, “Our maritime defence and Technology) requirements. A pick up the phone, users will which we believe to be security customers, such as the Royal Navy, tailor-made setup consisting of be able up- or down-grade unmatched in the industry. are increasingly requesting tracking of dark five diverse packages will allow their bandwidth allocation, By enabling our customers activity, facilitating improved detection and Solstad to choose the hardware activate or deactivate t o c o n f i g u r e t h e i r interdiction of illegal activity such as piracy fitted to each vessel, ranging services such as content connectivity to their exact and drug smuggling. Kleos' data will improve from basic 4G connectivity to a filters, and change their requirements, we increase our location of dark vessels, enabling us to fully managed, high-throughput c o v e r a g e a r e a . T h i s the value and service identify anomalous activity and corroborate single or dual antenna VSAT adaptability will allow e x p e r i e n c e f o r o u r reports from disparate sources in near system. Solstad Offshore more customer.” realtime. Christian Nesheim, ICT control, for example by

11 IN THE NEWS

Liquid Telecom rolls STC, Vodafone Group sign MoU in relation out 138 base stations to 55% shareholding in Vodafone Egypt across Kenya S T C , S a u d i Te l e c o m brand, and a range of other they will continue to flourish. Liquid Telecom Kenya has rolled out an Company announces it has Vodafone services. This transaction is consistent nationwide Internet of Things(IOT) network signed a Memorandum of Nasser al Nasser, Chief with our efforts to simplify the covering 78% of the Kenyan population. With Understanding with Vodafone Executive of stc, said: “The Group to two differentiated, an additional 138 IoT base stations across Group Plc2 in relation to the potential acquisition of scaled geographic regions - the country, an tremendous increase from 20 potential acquisition of Vodafone Egypt is in line with Europe and sub-Saharan base stations in 2018, the Liquid Telecom V o d a f o n e ' s 5 5 % our expansion strategy in the Africa. Additionally, it will fibre network aim at delivering guaranteed shareholding in Vodafone M E N A r e g i o n . T h e reduce our net debt and reliability and speed across the country. At Egypt by stc. transaction, which is still u n l o c k v a l u e f o r o u r the 5th Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) subject to detailed due shareholders. We look summit held in Siaya, William Oungo, Head STC and Vodafone (“the diligence, confirms stc's forward to continuing our of Government Business, Liquid Telecom, Parties”) have agreed a cash eagerness to maintain a close relationship with the said that the delivery of the base stations was consideration of US$ 2,392m leadership position not only business through a Partner in line with the regional bloc's resolution on ( S A R 8 , 9 7 0 m 3 ) f o r in the KSA, but also in the Market agreement, and improving ICT infrastructure to enhance V o d a f o n e ' s 5 5 % wider region. Vodafone building on our significant service delivery within the LREB member shareholding in Vodafone Egypt is the leading player in shared service operations in counties. Egypt, equivalent to a total the Egyptian mobile market Egypt, known as _VOIS Enterprise Value of US$ and we look forward to ( Vo d a f o n e I n t e l l i g e n t He said Liquid Telecom has so far connected 4,350m (SAR 16,312m3) forFarhad cont rKhan,ibutin gChief fu rCommercialther to its Of ficerSolutions).”, Yahsat 41 counties and they are trying to make sure Vodafone Egypt. The final continuing success.” Following the completion of that the right environment for innovation, c o n s i d e r a t i o n w i l l b e due diligence on Vodafone fields such as data science, machine learning determined upon signing of Nick Read, Chief Executive Egypt by stc, any binding and gaming can also be carried out in the the definitive agreement. of Vodafone, said: “I am agreement with respect to this rural counties. On completion of the deeply proud of our business transaction will be subject to Liquid Telecom is a leading communications transaction, the Parties in Egypt, being the clear obtaining the approvals of stc services and solutions provider across 13 intend to enter into a Partner number one leader in the and Vodafone boards as well countries in Eastern, Central and Southern Market Agreement, which will market. Under stc, I believe as any relevant regulatory Africa that serves carrier, enterprise and include use of the Vodafone approvals. retail customers with high-speed, reliable connectivity and digital services. With a fibre network, spanning over World Economic Forum and ISPs lay out new 50,000km, Liquid Telkom operates state-of- the-art data centres in Johannesburg, Cape Internet security principles Town and Nairobi. This is in addition to leading cloud-based services, such as Microsoft Office365 and Microsoft Azure, and The World Economic Forum Future of Cybersecurity and and vendors to increase innovative digital content provision, including Centre for Cybersecurity, in Digital Trust, World Economic minimum security levels, as Netflix, NBA, TED and Kwese Play. cooperation with leading Forum, said, “Cybersecurity is well as take action to Liquid Telecom Kenya recently partnered Internet service providers becoming a public safety increase the security of with the Nakuru County Government to (ISPs) and multilateral issue. As more and more signaling and routing to launch high capacity free Wifi in Nakuru. This organizations around the devices are connected and reinforce their defense has seen the residents of Nakuru County world, have developed new p h y s i c a l i n f r a s t r u c t u r e against attacks. enjoy a free, fast and reliable public street Internet security principles to b e c o m e s i n c r e a s i n g l y “By adopting these best Wifi connection, enabling rapid access to help protect up to one billion connected, no one company practice principles and information vital for economic and consumers in 180 countries. c a n d o i t a l o n e . T h e working with governments in educational advancement. According to the World community needs to come a public-private partnership The project was awarded the prestigious Economic Forum's Global together, and these principles to create a supportive policy Changing Lives award at the Africacom Risks Report 2019, the impact can accelerate and scale f r a m e w o r k , w e w i l l Awards, which recognises an inspiring of indiscriminate malicious impact.” collectively boost trust in the initiative that has significantly impacted activity on the Internet can be After a year of development d i g i t a l e c o n o m y a n d African communications in the community significant and will carry an and testing, the partners have s i g n i f i c a n t l y r e d u c e and contributed to economic and social estimated global price tag of identified four effective cybercrime,” said Stefaan development. USD 6 trillion in 2021. principles as being successful De Clerck, Chairman, Liquid Telecom is a leading communications in preventing malicious Proximus Board. solutions provider across 13 countries – The new cybersecurity activities from reaching primarily in Eastern, Central and Southern p r i n c i p l e s h a v e b e e n c o n s u m e r s . I t i s The World Economic Forum Africa – that serves mobile operators, endorsed by BT, Deutsche recommended that ISPs said it will now use its carriers, enterprise, media and content Telekom, du Telecom, Global protect consumers from Platform for Shaping the companies and retail customers with high- C y b e r A l l i a n c e , K o r e a widespread cyber attacks by Future of Cybersecurity and speed, reliable connectivity, hosting and co- Telecom, Proximus, Saudi default, and act collectively Digital Trust to drive the location and digital services. It has built Telecom, Europol, Singtel, with peers to identify and adoption of their stated Africa's largest independent fibre network Telstra, Internet Society, and respond to known threats. The principles. In addition, this (approaching 70,000 kilometres), and the ITU. It is stated that ISPs providers need to take action organization will seek to operates data centres in Johannesburg, are a critical community that t o i n c r e a s e t h e i r initiate a dialogue between Cape Town and Nairobi, with a combined have the ability to protect understanding of threats and p u b l i c a n d p r i v a t e potential 19,000 square metres of rack space c o n s u m e r s a g a i n s t to assist consumers in s t a k e h o l d e r s o n h o w and 80 MW of power. This is in addition to cybersecurity threats and protecting themselves and governments can advance offering cloud-based services, such as therefore have a significantly their networks. The ISPs also the implementation of these Microsoft Office365, Microsoft Azure, and positive impact on their safety. need to work closely with principles, and also establish digital content including Netflix and Kwesé Amy Jordan, Delivery Lead, hardware, software and clearer policy frameworks TV. Platform for Shaping the infrastructure manufacturers and expectations.

12 IN THE NEWS

SpaceX successfully Inmarsat and ITC Global to expand connectivity sends 60 Starlink options for customers satellites to space Inmarsat and ITC Global the Ka-band service – which and flexible broadband SpaceX, the rocketship company owned by have announced a five-year is now installed on over connectivity anywhere in the Elon Musk, launched 60 more Starlink strategic collaboration. The 8,000 vessels – sets a new world to meet their rapidly satellites into orbit, marking the second partnership enables the standard for maritime global growing digitalisation time this month it has sent satellites into organizations to combine communications, with crew needs.” space. SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket took off their highly complementary, welfare, regulatory and ITC Global is a subsidiary of from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station market-leading services to operational drivers at the P a n a s o n i c A v i o n i c s in Flordia. The launch had been delayed o f f e r b r o a d b a n d heart. Corporation, delivering twice in recent days because of strong connectivity, paired with high-speed, high-capacity winds and rough oceans. high-value connectivity Benefits include affordable communications services to solutions to customers in voice calls, multiple voice customers across the oil and The launch is part of SpaceX's efforts to the maritime, yachting and options for crew and gas, mining, merchant blanket the world with high-speed Internet. offshore energy sectors. operations and high-speed maritime and passenger The company now has 240 satellites in its ITC Global will offer broadband for internet vessel markets. constellation. In order to provide minimal Inmarsat's market-leading access, plus 24/7 online coverage it needs about 400 satellites and Fleet Xpress service, s u p p o r t b y c e r t i f i e d “Using our combined for moderate Internet coverage, 800 incorporating the Ka-band engineers. For offshore expertise of Ku-, L- and Ka- satellites, reported Space.com. The report solution into its existing clients, Fleet Xpress bands, we will be well- noted SpaceX could begin offering minimal comprehensive range of provides added subscription positioned to meet the coverage as soon as this year with areas of K u - b a n d c o n n e c t i v i t y flexibility to meet seasonal individual demands of the U.S. and Canada the first to receive it. services. Fleet Xpress for and short-term demand maritime and offshore The idea is to provide Internet coverage to Offshore is powered by the changes. c u s t o m e r s , ” s a i d I a n far-flung corners of the world where it's Global Xpress Ka-band Eric Griffin, Inmarsat Dawkins, CEO at ITC impossible to bring Internet. network, combined with the Maritime, Vice President Global. “The agreement will p r o v e n r e l i a b i l i t y o f Offshore & High End enable us to extract further According to TechCrunch, SpaceX COO I n m a r s a t ' s f l a g s h i p , Fishing, said: “We are value from the synergies and President Gwynne Shotwell said the FleetBroadband L-band pleased to secure the between our organizations company wants to launch a least six more service. support of a key partner in and leverage our mutual batches of satellites into orbit by the end of D e l i v e r i n g h i g h d a t a ITC Global, which reflects technology and product 2020. It had estimated it would take a total s p e e d s , c o n t i n u o u s our own commitment to innovations to fully support of 24 launches to provide internet service c o n n e c t i v i t y a n d providing the offshore and t h e o p e r a t i o n a l globally. The company is now the largest guaranteed performance, wider maritime community requirements of customers.” private satellite company in the world. with uniquely global, reliable SpaceX was able to recover the Falcon 9 booster, continuing its success in that 5G: China and the race ahead department. After separating from the payload, the rocket landed back on its ship to providing high quality and floating in the Atlantic Ocean. SpaceX has Chinese telecom companies, grow and they will upgrade tailor-made solutions and been successful in recovering the rocket's in particular Huawei and ZTE, their service offering to products to its partners, but boosters in previous launches as well. have established a niche include networks as they has also continuously strived A byproduct of SpaceX's satellite launches supplying high-tech telephony have done in other African. to improve its service system is concerns the artificial stars they create suitable for rural and lesser Huawei arrived to Nigeria in and quality so as to better will interfere with astronomers' data developed regions of Africa 1999 in the midst of the serve its customers. ‘’’ calculations and pollute the night sky. To and the rest of the world. democratisation after years These areas prove penetrable of military rule and by 2004 counter that SpaceX and the American Moreover, Huawei actively a s t h e d o m i n a n t was bringing revenues of Astronomical Society have come up with p a r t i c i p a t e s i n t h e t e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s USD $400 million. It has what they hope is a solution: a non- cooperation with local companies operate mostly in since replaced traditional reflective coating on the bottom of the partners and makes efforts to populated urban cities. equipment suppliers like satellites. Alcatel and Siemens in the f o s t e r l o c a l telecommunication talents, Nigeria, one of the strategic Nigerian market, thanks to SpaceX designs, manufactures, and in order to facilitate the partners and the largest their aggressive commercial launches the world's most advanced development of African telecommunications market in approach and low prices. telecommunication industry. rockets and spacecraft. The company was Africa, makes a good case Huawei and ZTE are China's founded in 2002 by Elon Musk to study as China has already Their Code Division Multiple t w o l a r g e s t revolutionize space transportation, with the e n t e r e d i t s Access (CDMA) 450 MHz t e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s ultimate goal of enabling people to live on telecommunications sectors. equipment is apt for long equipment and service other planets. Today, SpaceX is advancing Te n y e a r s a f t e r t h e signal range in rural areas. suppliers. They are capable the boundaries of space technology liberalisation and wholesome Based on the principle of of providing end-to-end through its Falcon launch vehicles and privatisation of the African "invest in Africa, serve s o l u t i o n s t o Dragon spacecraft. SpaceX has gained telecommunications markets, Africa", Huawei has made telecommunications carriers, worldwide attention for a series of historic H u a w e i a n d Z T E a r e significant efforts towards and they have built broad established as important the development of the milestones. It is the only private company product portfolios. Both equipment suppliers in the African communications ever to return a spacecraft from low-Earth companies are based in Nigerian. It is likely that their industry ever since it entered orbit, which it first accomplished in China's Shenzhen region presence in the market will the African market. Huawei December 2010. not only has been dedicated

18 SPECIAL REPORT

Picture source ADB

Picture source: ITU

John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria Courtesy- SpaceX Africa Magic ChannelsAir Vice Marshall Tommy Udoh and the rise of Nollywood Enriching lives” is the guiding motto of Multichoice's corporate social responsibility programme with the promise of “enriching lives” as the primary motivator for many Nollywood industry players doing business with Multichoice. According to the company, the policy states that “as Multichoice expands its business it aims to contribute to the communities in which it operates; develop its own people; contribute to general economic prosperity; and minimize its impact on the environment”. Read more in this report

On December 1, 2003, the establishment of Showcase – DStv channel 151, Africa Movie to Hausa-language and Yoruba-language Africa Magic channel on DSTV created Epic – DStv channel 152, Africa Movie Urban films on Channels 117 and 118 respectively additional revenue generating stream for – DStv channel 153, Africa Movie Family – on march 1, 2010, now on channels 156 and Nigerian film-makers, opening a new DStv channel 154, Africa Movie World, DStv 157. While there was no such channel solely windows of opportunity to vend the TV rights channel 155, Africa Movie Hausa – DStv dedicated to Igbo-language films in the of their films to DSTV in tangible financial channel 156, Africa Movie Yoruba – DStv offing, the dearth of Igbo-language films transactions. To date, it remains a very good channel 157, Africa Movie Igbo – DStv became glaring. alternative or additional revenue generating channel 159. stream for film-makers at all levels.Since its It pays between US$2500 to US$5000 for Multichoice then set funds aside for creation, Africa Magic channels has quickly most films and very few have received collaborations with producers to make Igbo- became the major platform through which between US$6000 and US$10000. These language films. This gesture attracted a lot of Nollywood films were accessed within Africa acquisitions give the channel the entitlement independent film producers who began to and beyond. to air the film for 12 months of which it has the make Igbo-language films either in exclusive rights for 6 months. partnership with DSTV or entirely on their While DSTV started the Africa Magic channel Shortly after its introduction, Africa Movie own, with the confidence that DSTV will in South Africa, the company now has 8 Channel initiative prompted the Multichoice purchase the broadcast rights for the films. African Movie Channels, namely Africa Movie to create two 12/7 channels dedicated solely Charles Novia, an indigene of Edo state in

19 SPECIAL REPORT

the south-south region also premiered an economy. With an estimated figure of filmmaker would desire. The event gives Igbo-language television series Nduka on 90% against 10% cast and crew from Nollywood artistes recognition and prestige, DSTV in 2015. With this and many others, Nigeria and Ghana respectively, the attracts patronage and influences favourable DSTVCourtesy- now SpaceXhas enough content in its production exposes the technical crews consumer behaviours towards the industry. archives and as a result, the 24/7 Igbo- and cast to transnational work relations. language channel known as Africa Magic “Aside being a creative concept to Africa Magic Original Films, Igbo, channel 159, began broadcast entertain fun-loving Nigeria, Tinsel is operation on April 2, 2015. creatively positioned as an economic AMOF agenda to keep hundreds of Nigerians The Africa Magic Original Film, AMOF is a new Few years after launch, Nollywood films gainfully employed while entertaining the project which “supports and lends expertise to makes up over half of Africa Movie Channel viewer” and potentially, it is a practical the creation and broadcasting of original content, primarily due to the size of Nigeria model for Nollywood producers African content produced under the AMOF as the most populous country in Africa and interested in improving their businesses umbrella”. It was established in 2013 to Nollywood's highly impressive global and the industry. showcase stories from Africa for Africans. audience base. According to Multichoice, AMOF is another One of Multichoice popular soap is Tinsel. Africa Magic Viewers' Choice means of enriching the lives of industry Tinsel is an in-house production of M-Net practitioners by supporting the creation of which started in August, 2008 and has Award, AMVCA original African films. It was estimated that a shown more than 1,500 episodes. It runs a One of the key industry platforms is the total of about 136 films will be produced under 5-day a week schedule on the DSTV Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Award, the AMOF project. So far, filmmakers like Obi channels with a 260 episodes shown called AMVCA. The program is the Emelonye, Uzodimma Okpechi, Chris Eneji, annually, as against the 52 days' serials in annual African film industry award Kabat Esosan, all popular and seasoned Nigeria.56The production of Tinsel in ceremony dubbed 'Africa's Oscar.' Within filmmakers have taken part in the project. In Nigeria is significant because it is the first the four years of its existence, the the project, independent film makers were studio-shoot in contemporary Nigerian AMVCA has served as an important given funds to produce films aired on Africa entertainment history, after old generation social event not only for Nigerian stars Magic channels, and Multichoice holds the indigenous soaps like The Village but also for Africa's who-is-who in the film right to these films. Headmaster, TheHonorable, The New industry. The first edition was held on the According to Multichoice, AMOF is a Masquerades among others. Tinsel 9th of March 2013 in Lagos. Usually, it is contribution to the industry and a “means of launched the career of many actors like a live broadcast transmitted on both trying to balance out the content as well as an Gideon Okeke, Linda Ejiofor, Tomi Odunsi, DSTV and the GOtv channels to about 50 opportunity to train talents. Thus, when you Damilola Adegbite, who have become countries in the world. Categories of find an average original film, you have an entertainment industry celebrities in Africa awards given at the event range from upcoming talent, given an opportunity to try due to Multichoice's DSTV's continental best actors, actresses, supporting lead their hands at acting”, the source said. broadcasting outreach. Today, Tinsel's roles to best cinematographers, best actors are recognized actors, presenters, editing, soundtracks, documentaries and Understanding Nollywood- and representatives of several corporate so on. The regional director of M-Net West Multichoice deals brands, and many of the actors have The name Nollywood provides the Nigerian crossed over to Nollywood. Africa said that AMVCA contributes to the development of Nollywood by providing a film industry with a face to operate as a Most significantly, Tinsel's production style “globalizing force, an 'order word' that provides employment to an average of 60 platform for celebrating and promoting Nigerian and African films. captures the filmmaking practices occurring” performing artists, who are paid on monthly in Nigeria, the film industry is firmly rooted in basis. This is a landmark contribution to the Multichoice's global impact provides the needed recognition which any African Nigeria. Multichoice's adventure into the development of the industry and Nigerian industry popularized the films and the actors

20 SPECIAL REPORT

and opened Nollywood up to the world. The young emerging industry and practitioners were filled with expectations, and saw the media as worthy, without the realization that international broadcasting of Nollywood films may constitute an impediment to the patronage of the films in Nigeria.

‘”Nollywood is rooted in Nigerian culture, identified by age-long experiences and traditions which make them Nigerian. On the other hand, Multichoice is a symbol of the changing forces which bring modernization and improvement through technology, and alters the normal interface between people and nations”. Up till today, the modalities for acceptance of a film by DSTV begin with the submission of the preview copy of the film in a hard drive. Once the film has been previewed and accepted, then the cable rights are negotiated between the owner and the representative of DSTV, during which the Investigation, however reveals that most simply video on demand, is the service payment sum is agreed. The film is then of the contracts are mainly uniform among wherein viewers are allowed to select or submitted to DSTV in its broadcast format. the filmmakers, except for a few. watch their choice video content such as in- On the face of it, the contract documents flight entertainment. It started at Idumota, a densely populated given to Nollywood filmmakers and South This clause implies that by signing a area with clustered buildings and stores, African filmmakers appear to be the same, contract with Multichoice, the content located on Lagos Island, which served as except that while the Nollywood contract owner or licensor is authorizing Multichoice the pivot of Nollywood right from its early papers have the M-Net logo, the South to sell the content to third parties such as days in 1992, being the financial backbone African contract bears the logo of the airlines. ADVOD, which means advertising of the industry. It remains a vital part of the consulting agencies which represent or Ad-based, VOD is an online service that Nigerian film industry. It is one of the busiest content suppliers although all the includes advertising as part of the viewing markets in Lagos, which is also popular for contracts acknowledge M-Net as the experience and for which users do not pay the sale of electronics, demonstrating that licensee. such YouTube. FVOD, or simply Free VOD media hardware and software are closely is a system of programming offered by a interrelated in Nollywood. While Idumota in broadcasting operator free of charge to Lagos Island became the marketing hub for users. An example is the Dish channel on Nigerian films, Iweka Road, Onitsha in ”While the Nollywood DSTV where some programmes and eastern Nigeria later became another hub, adverts are made available free of charge Surulere on the mainland became like the contract states that to subscribers. NVOD/PPV formally known Nigerian version of Hollywood, serving as as Near Video on Demand are short the rallying point for film producers, actors, the license period is Iprogrammes slated at regular intervals and and directors. pre-scheduled and used for pay per view 24 months including services, which involves a subscriber In Nigeria today for instance, there are 48 12 months exclusive purchasing events to view through private Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) telecast. stations, national television networks, 37 and 12 months non- Given the overly extensive and virtually state televisions and 12 private television exhaustive scope of rights acquired by the stations outside Multichoice. Yet, the exclusive, the South licensee under the contracts, a Nollywood Geopoll survey reports that Multichoice is insider, complained that Multichoice the second most popular station in Nigeria African contract outsources their contents to other television after NTA. Incidentally, at the inception of stations and channels. Evidence however, Nollywood, NTA was showing Nollywood places the license shown that many do not seem to films and using all their stations to market understand these agreements. Because of the films nationwide. However, with period at 36 months.” the informal nature of the industry, most of Multichoice's emergence into the industry, the filmmakers do not consult intellectual they stopped all forms of partnership with According to one of the contact document, property lawyers for proper interpretation of Nollywood filmmakers. Thus, for a long time the South African contracts stipulates that the contract terms. now, NTA stations do not show Nollywood the rights of the licensee to the licensed films, says a TV analyst. Multichoice, thus, programme(s), covers pay television and In terms of exclusivity, based on the has leverage above all television stations in on-demand rights whether delivered now document available to the media, the Nigeria in terms of viewership because or in the future, to any device and in- Nollywood contract specifies that rights are more than 50 per cent of the private stations between any devices during the Pay granted exclusively to M-Net, explaining which show Nollywood films have their Television License Period. further that exclusivity means that the channels all linked to Multichoice's DSTV Though the Nollywood contracts contain Licensor shall not exhibit nor authorize the platform, according to a Nollywood insider. these clauses, it also expands the basic exhibition of the programme or any pay television service to include SVOD, interactively altered, customized or any While some international players argues VOD, FVOD, ADVOD and NVOD/PPV. other version of the programme, especially that there is a level playing field amongst The SVOD implies Subscription Video on Made for Mobile on any existing or future the players, a Nigerian filmmaker says that Demand) covers services involving Television service/ channels such as Pay their contract documents were up to fifteen subscription agreement such as the Television, Basic Television and on- pages, while others state that their regular Multichoice/DSTV services. VOD Demand, however delivered now or in the documents were about four to five pages. 21 SPECIAL REPORT

says a Nollywood player. Also, the agreements stipulate that the programme will come in original version with English and, in addition, dubbed, subtitled and/or voiced-over in other local language versions. The Nollywood copy ends with the fact that the “Licensee shall have the right to create local language version(s).” However, the South African contract document states that “if created, Licensor may access such local version(s) at 50% cost at the end of the Pay Television License Period.” A critical issue arising from the term is that it is not normal for a licensee to be authorized to exhibit an intellectual property of an original copyright owner, to have the right to create the local language version(s) of the intellectual property, according to an industry source. future to any device receivable in the given that the licencee has no control over Territory, nor via the internet, targeted at the when on-demand patrons would order a “Few years after launch, territory, in any and all languages prior to or programme. during the license period. Nollywood films makes Within the period of exclusivity, as the However, the South African contract document revealed, the licensor is not document authorizes “an average of 15 up over half of Africa authorized to promote or allow the promotion exhibitions per programme or channel but Movie Channel content, of the programme in any media or the no more than 20 runs per channel. This is exhibition of the programme, including any about 100 -150 per cent increase in the primarily due to the size of interactive, altered, or customized or any exploitation of Nollywood productions. Yet, other versions of the programme including for the most part, Nollywood contracts are Nigeria as the most made for Mobile. Depending on the area not as lucrative as those of their South populous country in Africa covered by Multichoice's “territory,” a African counterpart. For example, while an filmmaker does not authorize the exhibition average South African film earns R60,000 and Nollywood's highly of his programme within such area. which is approximately $5,000, an average Nollywood film still earns $1,700. impressive global The area covered by the “territory” outside audience base.” the immediate locality of the industry should According to the Nollywood contract, the . be streamlined, or a filmmaker will expect too content is to be shown on “all existing and Further more, the Nollywood document much from the external broadcaster. So far, future M-Net and DSTV services channels” affirms that “for each programme 100% of standard broadcasting agreements show while the South African contract is the license fee is payable” once M-Net that whereas the territory of “distribution streamlined for the content to be shown on receives the agreement between M-Net and contracts” may cover “universe” or the world, all existing or future Mzansi channels or the licensor, delivery of a technically broadcasting contracts are streamlined to any other successive name(s) by which acceptable master and additional materials nations within a continent unlike the Mzansi channel may be known thereafter. and documents in support of the copyright Multichoice agreement which covers African By broadly classifying the services ownership of the programme. continent and Asia, including a worldwide channels to be all DSTV services Incidentally, the South African document has internet broadcasting right. channels, Multichoice and M-Net officially a clearly defined breakdown of payment legalized decisions to show Nollywood terms and stages of payment as 25%- on While the Nollywood contract states that the films in other channels outside the Africa payment of Pay Television License Period license period is 24 months including 12 Magic channels, while they have properly commencement date, 25% -3 months after months exclusive and 12 months non- limited the broadcasting of South African P a y Te l e v i s i o n L i c e n s e P e r i o d exclusive, the South African contract places films to only Mzansi channels. The broad commencement date, 25%- 6 months after the license period at 36 months. It includes a reservation of all M-Net and DSTV services P a y Te l e v i s i o n L i c e n s e P e r i o d proviso that for this to be annulled, the channels explain why Nollywood films are commencement date and 25% -9 months licensee must notify the licensor of the also shown in their GO-Tv channels after Pay Television License Period commencement date no later than 90 days without any new contract agreement. commencement date. The Nollywood prior to that date. It also points out that the contract provides for a one-off payment, dates can only be changed based on a In the contract with South African licensors, while some of the filmmakers claim to be mutual agreement between the two parties. the 'Multichoice' territory for the use of paid in instalments. In addition, the Multichoice-Nollywood licences content covers the African Although there are advantages and contract approves a total of 40 exhibitions of continent and the adjacent Ocean Islands, disadvantages of being paid in instalment, or the programme per channel with a proviso like the Nollywood contract. However, in bulk, however, stipulating in the contract that “any repeat exhibition within 24 hours of there is an additional clause to Nollywood that it will pay in bulk, but paying in instalment the original exhibition shall not be counted as contract which states that Multichoice demonstrates lack of trust on the part of a separate exhibition.” This explains why territory covers the continent of Africa and Multichoice which Nollywood practitioners Nollywood films are often shown twice in a adjacent Ocean Island in respect of all may condone due to their powerlessness, day perhaps to leverage on this lucrative rights, and the license also covers said a Nollywood source. However, if vacuum. This raises a lot of questions. For worldwide internet distribution of the Multichoice pays the filmmakers in bulk, instance, why would the Nollywood films be Nollywood films. The contract covers more while some are claiming to be paid in authorized to show twice more than South than two continents regardless of the instalments, it means that Multichoice needs African films; and why are they poorly priced worldwide internet access. When to revisit the issue of having middlemen or than South African films? The contract also compared to the fee they pay to the “licenced suppliers” acting as assignees for states that “on-demand,” the exhibition is property right owners, it amounts to copyright owners. unlimited. This seems on the face of it logical erecting a flag and claiming a continent, SPECIAL FEATURE

The Big Picture: UHDTV and Ultra High-Resolution Systems

UHDTV is one of several possible forms for the next generation of home video entertainment; following Black and White TV in the 1940s, color TV in the 1950s, and VCRs in the 1970s and HDTV in the 1990s and promises to deliver pictures to the home as clear as those seen in movie theaters, with sound comparable to compact disk players. Industry experts argues that UHDTVS process huge quantities of information at speeds of today's supercomputers in order to display a real-time, full-color, high-definition video signal, based on this report.

Television technology is now on the SD, but consumed more bandwidth. In principal driver of important aspects of these threshold of a new evolution. While the 2 0 1 3 , t h e I n t e r n a t i o n a l and other technologies. For example, Broadcast industry itself is on the verge of Telecommunication Union (ITU), television has long pushed display combining digital-based computer standardized a new digital video format technology. VCRs, compact disks, and technology with television producing known as Ultra-High Definition (UHD), digital audio tape have driven important data offspring that can deliver movie-quality, having two resolutions. storage technologies. Products such as wide-screen programs to our homes with calculators, watches, and LCD TVs have stereo sound equivalent to the best compact With a wealth of benefits including four been important in the development of disks. Its importance goes well beyond times higher resolution than HD, faster packaging/intercomect technologies such home entertainent, however. frame rate, higher dynamic range and a as tape automated bonding and surface wider colour gamut, television and media mount. UHDTV is one of several possible forms for industry is on the cusp of a revolutionary Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in watches, the next generation of home video transformation in video transmission. calculators, and indicators; and diode lasers entertainment; following Black and White UHD's advanced technology promises to in CD-players are examples of important (B&W) TV in the 1940s, color TV in the surpass consumer's expectations. By optoelectronic technologies driven by the 1950s, and VCRs in the 1970s and HDTV in region, its household penetration will consumer market. Finally, important the 1990s. It promises to deliver pictures to exceed 33% in North America, 22% in manufacturing technologies, such as the home as clear as those seen in movie Western Europe and 18% in Asia Pacific automatic insertion equipment to place theaters, with sound comparable to by 2021. components on printed circuit boards, were compact disk players. But UHDTV is far UHDTVS process huge quantities of d e v e l o p e d f o r t h e h i g h - v o l u m e more than just a pretty picture. It is part of an information at speeds of today's consumerelectronics industry. ongoing evolution in home electronics supercomputers in order to display a real- toward computer-like digital technologies. time, full-color, high-definition video signal. Video entertainment systems may take a UHDTVS are able to do this at relatively This evolution began with such things as variety of forms in the future, including (in low cost through the use of circuitry order of increasing picture quality) automatic electronic tuners on stereos and dedicated to specialized tasks. UHDTV is TVs, compact disk players, and electronic Intermediate Definition TV, Extended driving the state-of-the-art in a number of Definition TV, and High Definition TV; or controls on microwave ovens and many technologies that will be important to future other household appliances. It continues perhaps various forms of interactive video g e n e r a t i o n s o f c o m p u t e r a n d either in conjunction with these Advanced today with the introduction of Improved communications equipment. These Definition TV (IDTV) that uses computer TVs or as separate systems. Of all TV include digital signal processing for real- systems currently under advanced memories and other digital techniques to time video signals; high-performance provide a much better picture even with development, UHDTV may have particular displays; fast, high density magnetic and consumer appeal because of its greater today's broadcasts. optical data storage; technologies for In the past the only video format available to potential for providing viewers the feeling of packaging and interconnecting these 'being there' that one sometimes gets in view programs or movies on our television electronics; and, as with all high-volume screen, was at a resolution of 720 x 576 watching a high quality motion picture up- consumer electronics, processes for close and, having the sense of moving with a pixels, known as Standard Definition. This manufacturing these sophisticated was followed by High-Definition (HD) video stunt plane when it makes a fast turn. products at affordable costs. Video entertainment markets will be worth resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, which had Consumer electronics has long been the a better picture quality and bigger size than billions of dollars, whatever form they take in

26 SPECIAL REPORT

the future. The economies of scale realized in producing for markets this large combined with the technological linkages noted before may aid manufacturers in penetrating other markets using similar products and technologies, particularly the computer and communications sectors. Consumer electronics is characterized by fierce competition, large volume production, and low profit margins. Communications Infrastructure

The communications industry is currently undergoing dramatic, technology-driven change through the increasing use of digital electronics and fiber optics. In the midterm, the continued incorporation of advanced electronics and photonics into the existing public telephone network will make many new and improved making the transition to terrestrial UHDTV broad interactive information services available. Radio low bandwidth broadcasting requirement. not currently heavily used. In the United casting, but digital technologies offer the While, a sports channel showing F1 race, States, the greater importance of the pros frequency communications are also where video graphics change every existing broadcasting system, issues of rapidly pect of more efficient use of the second, requires a higher frame rate and localism and programming diversity, limited changing due to such imovations as higher bandwidth. cellular available spectrum than is possible a n d o t h e r f a c t o r s m a k e t h e with today's telephones and other products. development of a terrestrial UHDTV Some of the UHDTV could accelerate these 4K Resolution broadcasting capability for UHDTV changes in the broadcast spectrum might The human vision is one of the most more important than it is in Japan or thus eventually be communications complex parts of the human body. The eye Europe. infrastructure. The greater infer- freed for perceives movement, senses depth, and other uses. sees a range of colours greater than any Digital Video Broadcast-Satellite Second current existing video technology is able to Generation simply DVB-S2 is an audio For example, it has been mation content of display. UHDTV has a resolution of 3840 x and video broadcast standard for DTH, HDTVS broadcast signal has suggested 2160 pixels, which is four times the HDTV and MPEG-4 related services in that if sufficient spectrum became raised resolution of HDTV. This means that there Fixed Satellite Services and Broadcast the most significant issues for radio is four times more information displayed on Satellite Services bands. It is a successor available, cellular telephones could screen, which is one of the factors to to DVB-S (first generation), and follows a become frequency spectrum allocation in enhance the video quality. The ideal size of QPSK modulation scheme and Forward d e c a d e s . U H D T V m o r e b r o a d l y a UHDTV is supposed to be around 55" to E r r o r C o r r e c t i o n , a l o n g w i t h competitive with today's phone bandwidth 80". Reed–Solomon coding. For professional requirements present problems for system endto-end transmission of audio and for voice communications. Based on the size of television, viewing video signals and Digital Satellite News distance is calculated to maintain the Gathering (DSNG), DVB proposed the At the moment, many of the technical maximum perceived angular resolution next generation standard for video aspects of UHD broadcasting are yet to be because there are limits to what an eye can broadcasting. agreed upon at a global level. To make UHD perceive. If you sit too close to the TV, you broadcasting a reality, we need a complete will be seeing the unwanted individual UHDTV could involve much of the current ecosystem, with content being made that pixels and if you sit too far, you won't be c o m m u n i c a t i o n s i n f r a s t r u c t u r e - the public wants, transmitters, receivers, able to observe all the details in the video. t e r r e s t r i a l , c a b l e , a n d s a t e l l i t e and displays that are readily available. The That means, if you sit too far away from a broadcasting; mobile communications; specification should also consider features UHDTV, the UHD content will look like HD. and potentially even the telephone that the system would need to make it As a result, the viewing distance for a companies. The current terrestrial commercially successful. However, not UHDTV is half of what is required for HDTV. broadcast spectrum allocation and many consumers will buy an expensive transmission standards have been in television of 42 inches, and not every DVB-S2 p l a c e f o r n e a r l y 4 0 y e a r s . broadcaster will have enough bandwidth, to It is difficult to squeeze the greater Accommodating the larger information content of an UHDTV-quality picture air every channel in full resolution, thereby, information content of an UHDTV signal could force changes in the frequency resulting in non-ideal standard adoption. into the charnel bandwidths allocated to UHD has many parameters defining its allocation and more efficient use of the terrestrial broadcasting, especially given video quality and the broadcaster needs to spectrum. These changes would also decide, which set of parameter they need to the inefficiencies of conventional color have conversion costs and create choose for a particular program and TV signals. The Japanese and competitive tensions among the media. channel. Europeans have therefore opted to instead develop UHDTV services A news channel, where the anchor is mostly through Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) sitting in one place, talking to others, is a systems operating at higher frequencies

IN THE NEWS ASIA

China launches new communication backbone network. "The number of global mobile devices is Speedcast and Blue accelerating rapidly, and Norfolk Island communication Telecom is smart to stay ahead of this technology experiment Arcus to power 4G LTE trend by offering leading-edge broadband infrastructure for and mobile services," said ErwanEmilian, satellite EVP Enterprise & Emerging Markets at Australia's Norfolk Speedcast. "Thanks to the partnership China has sent a new communication between Blue Arcus Technologies and technology experiment satellite into Island Telecom Speedcast, two companies with extensive space from Xichang Satellite Launch 4G LTE network deployment experience, Center in Sichuan Province.The satellite Speedcast has been awarded a US$3 we are confident we will complete this has entered its preset orbit. It will be million project to modernize the network project in record time and deliver an used in communication, radio, television infrastructure of Norfolk Island Telecom industry-leading service to Norfolk Island and data transmission, as well as other in Australia. Speedcast has partnered Telecom customers.” technology testing. with Blue Arcus Technologies, a leading The satellite was launched on a Long supplier of turnkey network solutions, to provide Norfolk Island Telecom with a March-3B carrier rocket. It was the 324th SK Telecom forms a U.S. mission for the Long March series carrier cutting-edge 4G LTE mobile network, rockets. The new satellite and the carrier associated support systems, and PSTN broadcasting venture rocket were developed by the Shanghai soft-switch with fibre backhaul and multi- s e r v i c e a c c e s s n o d e s . U s i n g Academy of Spaceflight Technology and SK Telecom established a joint venture S p e e d c a s t ' s 4 G LT E n e t w o r k the China Academy of Launch Vehicle with the Sinclair Broadcast Group to infrastructure and satellite backhaul Technology, under the China Aerospace target the U.S. market. The mobile solutions, the operator is empowered to Science and Technology Corporation. operator on Sunday said Cast.era, the deliver faster broadband speeds and new joint venture, will broadcast over the enhanced mobile services. China's quantum Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) 3.0 digital television system in the "Our customers' data requirements are United States in the first half of the year. satellite links with growing significantly, and to ensure ATSC 3.0 is a version of ATSC standards business continuity it is critical that we world's first mobile for television broadcasting. Used in Korea deliver faster, reliable internet since 2017, it is said to be able to deliver ground station connections and advanced mobile high-quality video at a faster speed. ATSC services at a competitive price," said 2.0 is commonly used in the United Alistair Innes-Walker, Manager China's quantum satellite, Quantum States. Kevin Gage from Hunt Valley, Commercial Services at Norfolk Island Experiments at Space Scale (QUESS) Maryland-based Sinclair has been named Regional Council. "Speedcast and Blue has successfully linked up with the world's chief operating officer of the venture. SK Arcus Technologies were the Council's first mobile quantum ground station and Telecom's Park Kyung-mo has been unanimous choice to provide us with an c o n d u c t e d a n e n c r y p t e d d a t a appointed chief technology officer. transmission in Jinan, Shandong end-to-end turnkey, carrier-grade solution complying with all international Province. Sinclair Broadcast Group is a standards. Leveraging this modernized telecommunications conglomerate that infrastructure, the people who live on According to a source of the Jinan city acquired the Fox regional sports and travel to Norfolk Island can rest government, the mobile ground station networks. Fox Sports Networks has the assured that they have access to a high- linked with QUESS at around 23:31 relay rights for 42 teams, including those speed 4G LTE network." Monday when the satellite was in the MLB, NBA and NHL. SK Telecom approximately 500 km from the ground. plans to merge its telecommunications As a provider of cloud-based 2G, 3G and The test successfully wrapped up after the technologies with Sinclair's broadcasting 4G LTE mobile services and solutions, ground station received encrypted data infrastructure to offer broadcasting cloud Speedcast plays a critical role in helping from the satellite for nearly eight minutes, infrastructure, over-the-top services and operators around the globe address the said the source. personalized ads that could be featured need for increased connectivity. on internet protocol television. The mobile quantum ground station, the SK Telecom will build ATSC 3.0 "Partnering with Speedcast, the world's world's first of the kind, weighs slightly broadcasting cloud infrastructure by largest remote communications and IT over 80 kg. It was jointly developed by the utilizing its cloud infrastructure services provider, we're helping Norfolk University of Science and Technology of management technologies and virtual Island Telecom deliver world-class China, QuantumCTek Co., Ltd. and the network technologies on Sinclair's internet connectivity and mobile service Jinan Institute of Quantum Technology. broadcasting system. Once the to the entire island, including remote and China launched QUESS, nicknamed infrastructure is in place, broadcasting l o w l y p o p u l a t e d a r e a s , " s a i d "Micius" after a 5th Century B.C. Chinese stations in the United States can be NarenYanamadala, President and CEO philosopher and scientist, on Aug. 16, centrally operated, instead of each at Blue Arcus Technologies. "We're 2016. The ground station used at the regional broadcasting station operating proud to offer a full turnkey solution, launch of QUESS weighed more than 10 independently. tonnes. Researchers have been trying to making the switch from 2G to 3G+4G reduce its size. LTE affordable and seamless for our customers." Grameenphone first to The latest mobile version can be installed cross 10 million 4G on a vehicle and the manufacturing cost Blue Arcus Tec! hnologies is a world has been significantly reduced. An leader in 4G LTE deployments and has customers experimental quantum communication developed an EPC (Evolved Packed network in Jinan has been connected to Core) and IMS (IP Multimedia Grameenphone Ltd. becomes the first the Beijing-Shanghai backbone network, Subsystem), with services and features operator in the country to cross the 1 crore the world's first secure quantum that are second to none globally. 4G customer mark within fourteen months 28 IN THE NEWS ASIA of introducing 4G. Since the launch of 4G solutions, the operator is empowered to were easily accessible to the general public, in February 2018, Grameenphone deliver faster broadband speeds and with a further 18% of the UK- 9 million - crossed the threshold of 50 lac 4G e n h a n c e d m o b i l e s e r v i c e s . willing to invest their savings in visiting customers in November 2018 and the space if the opportunity arose. latter 50 lac joined within only the next As a provider of cloud-based 2G, 3G and With such a vast desire to travel space felt five months. 4G LTE mobile services and solutions, by the British public, Asgardia believe that The introduction of 4G last year ushered Speedcast plays a critical role in helping these sentiments would be shared the nation to a new era of digitalisation operators around the globe address the internationally and therefore believe that with a promise to put high-speed internet need for increased connectivity. their offering of democratising space for the in people's reach. Grameenphone was masses is a viable solution. granted an operating license for 4G Blue Arcus Technologies is a world services after it acquired 5 MHz leader in 4G LTE deployments and has "Asgardia already has more than 1 million spectrum in the 1800 MHz frequency developed an Evolved Packed Core people from 200 countries signed up as band, making it the highest holder of the (EPC) and IP Multimedia Subsystem citizens. We clearly have a broad appeal. 1800 MHz frequency, the most suitable (IMS), with services and features that Our research from the UK is of course spectrum for 4G/LTE rollout. are second to none globally. hugely encouraging, and it inspires me to know that there are so many like-minded The intensity of the internet customer "The number of global mobile devices is people who share Asgardia's vision. I have base growth is in direct correlation with accelerating rapidly, and Norfolk Island no doubt that these sentiments are shared the growing role of internet in everyday Telecom is smart to stay ahead of this across the globe. life. 4G growth, which was primarily in the trend by offering leading-edge Each and every Asgardian is important to urban areas, found its way to the semi- broadband and mobile services," said us. No matter your background, being part urban and rural landscape as faster Erwan Emilian, EVP, Enterprise and of the Asgardian community is about unity internet began shaping the lifestyle of the Emerging Markets at Speedcast. and equality. Residents and citizens of people of Bangladesh. Starting from "Thanks to the partnership between Asgardians have their role in growing our seeking knowledge to developing Blue Arcus Technologies and community and taking part in democratic agricultural ecosystem, from grocery Speedcast, two companies with processes, delivering our vision of a shopping to managing transportation, extensive 4G LTE network deployment democratised and accessible space." “ the internet is shifting the thought experience, we are confident we will paradigm and consumer behaviour in the complete this project in record time and country. deliver an industry-leading service to Thailand approves Norfolk Island Telecom customers. merger of state-owned Grameenphone is the first operator in Bangladesh to introduce mobile internet telecoms firms and take it across the country, giving Japanese billionaire, people access to the world of Yusaku Maezawa Thailand has approved the merger of two information. The company also invested state-run telecommunication companies, in building a digital ecosystem in the declares his desire to CAT Telecom and TOT, into the National country in support of a digital lifestyle. travel to space Telecom company (NT), which will compete Grameenphone partnered with different with private operators in the upcoming spectrum auctions, a senior government stakeholders to reduce the price of The eccentric Japanese billionaire, official said. The National Telecom internet-enabled devices, introducing Yusaku Maezawa, has declared that he c o m p a n y w i l l h e l p p r o m o t e t h e digital services and supporting startups is looking for a life partner to join him on government's policy in digital infrastructure to come up with new services. Currently, his trip to the moon with American and provide services to the public, over 3.7 crore customers use the internet enterprise, SpaceX, in a mission g o v e r n m e n t s p o k e s w o m a n , on Grameenphone's network. planned for 2023. This comes as NarumonPinyosinwat told reporters, adding devotees of space travel, such as that the merger should be completed in six Professor Ketty Maisonrouge and some Speedcast and Blue months. other 600 intrepid explorers have Arcus to power 4G LTE committed some $250,000 to book their The Digital Economy and Society Ministry seat on Virgin Galactic's inaugural infrastructure for will oversee the newly formed company, she space flights, due to commence this added. The merged entity will participate in Australia's Norfolk year. the upcoming 5G spectrum auctions on the Island Telecom 700 megahertz (MHz), 800 Mhz, 2600 Mhz One noticeable trend however for the and the 26 gigahertz frequency bands on those looking to explore space is that Speedcast, the world's most trusted Feb. 16, held by the National Broadcasting this is very much an endeavour for the provider of remote communication and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC), most wealthy in society. Whether it may IT solutions, announced that it has been she said. be Virgin Galactic, SpaceX or Blue awarded a U.S. $3 million project to Origin, the customer base for modernize the network infrastructure of The high-band spectrums allow high data forthcoming space exploration Norfolk Island Telecom in Australia. speeds that support applications such as endeavours is still the folly of the uber- Speedcast has partnered with Blue virtual and augmented reality, self-driving rich, making space an exclusive club for Arcus Technologies, a leading supplier of cars, the remote control of industrial robots, those who can afford it. But research turnkey network solutions, to provide and super-fast downloads of movies in high would indicate that this is not Norfolk Island Telecom with a cutting- definition. Thailand's top three mobile representative of those who wish to edge 4G LTE mobile network, operators, Advanced Info Service Pcl travel. associated support systems and PSTN (ADVANC.BK), True Corporation Pcl soft-switch with fibre backhaul and multi- ( T R U E . B K ) a n d To t a l A c c e s s National research conducted by s e r v i c e a c c e s s n o d e s . U s i n g Communication Pcl (DTAC.BK) have Asgardia, the first space nation has S p e e d c a s t ' s 4 G LT E n e t w o r k picked up bidding documents from the unveiled that 29% of Britons - 14.4 infrastructure and satellite backhaul NBTC. million - would pay to go to space if it

29 IN THE NEWS ASIA

CAT Telecom and TOT have also picked portal would enhance collaboration and “The speed is really unimaginable. This up the bid documents. The spectrum c o o p e r a t i o n b e t w e e n P a k i s t a n ' s was so fast and I did not feel any glitches licences all together worth at least 160 information technology industry, local in the VR game,” he added. billion baht ($5.28 billion) based on their universities and IT graduates. Zahidul Islam, a student of Daffodil reserve price. The portal will help enable Pakistani IT International University, came from companies to work directly with academia Mohammadpur with his 11-year-old to solve problems through utilizing the nephew. “My nephew is very fond of 146 educational intellect and knowledge available at robots. I brought him here as it is the first institutions get Wi-Fi in Pakistani universities which is a major time we are seeing such kind of milestone in efforts to boost the growth of IT experience with robots in the country,” he Bangladesh Industry in Pakistan. The IT companies said. would post problems on the Digital Pakistan The demonstration was to make people Portal. aware about the latest technology and its Bangladesh launched Wi-Fi service at The university professors and graduate possible use in productive and 146 public educational institutions in 23 students would be able to study the manufacturing sectors, said SM Nazmul districts, to be availed free of cost for the postings and attempt to solve the problems Hasan, marketing director of Huawei first two years. This is the first such by working directly with the relevant Technologies Bangladesh. government project involving such as companies thereby improving scope and “We are showcasing a humanoid robot large number of colleges, universities breathe of Pakistan's IT ecosystem in the playing a soccer game, but we don't need and polytechnic and vocational training process. The portal would also automate 5G for that. But imagine in a factory institutes. the hiring of interns by IT companies. warehouse if hundreds of robots are Undertaken in 2018, the Tk 45 crore Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui speaking on the working, we will need 5G for smooth project aims to set up WiFi hotspots in occasion that Digital Pakistan Internship operations. The VR technology is not new 587 educational institutions by June. Of portal is a step in the right direction to also, but with 5G experience we can the institutions, 143 are in Dhaka recognize talent and eliminate bottlenecks ensure cloud-based real-time storage,” division, 107 in Chattogram, 85 that potentially slow the growth of he said. Rajshahi, 83 Khulna, 56 Rangpur, 45 Pakistan's IT industry. Barishal, 35 Mymensingh and 33 in He said that the present government is The government is scheduled to launch Sylhet. committed for the uplift of IT industry and 5G internet by early 2021. Bangladesh youth of the country. Youth are the Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n R e g u l a t o r y Students will get unique passwords, resourceful segment of the society and has Commission is planning to hold the 5G allowing one device to connect at a time. great talent to play constructive role in the spectrum auction at the end of 2020. After the first two years, the institutions development of country. Visitors at the fair also queued up in front will have to pay nominal bandwidth of the stall of state-run mobile phone charges. Initially every institution will get He further said that it is vital to engage youth operator Teletalk to avail free SIMs. 1 0 M b p s o f b a n d w i d t h , s a i d with healthy activities, enabling them to At the fair, Bangladeshi broadband RafiqulMotin, managing director of come forward and play role in nation internet service provider (ISP) BDCOM s t a t e - o w n e d B a n g l a d e s h building. He said that Pakistan's IT sector Online offered broadband internet Telecommunication Company Limited has a promising future. connectivity with a community-based (BTCL), which is running the project. On this occasion, PSEB also signed concept at Tk 300 per month. However, SajeebWazed Joy, ICT affairs Memorandum of Understanding with HEC A total of 82 firms, including ISPs, are adviser of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and E-commerce Gateway for promotion of showcasing broadband internet, triple asked to increase it within a short time, Digital Pakistan internship portal in the play technology (land phone, internet and he said. Inaugurating the service at the academia and the industry. cable TV connection in a single cable), Posts and Telecommunications Division mobile apps, parental control and other in Bangladesh Secretariat, Joy said, “We technologies. have taken the project for the betterment 5G turns heads at Dhaka of the students as they have demanded it tech fair Joy said the ICT export earnings would to create a Digital Bangladesh.” “within a short time” exceed that of readymade garments (RMG), currently Only 1.3 percent of the population had Thousands of enthusiastic visitors experienced different digital services using the highest foreign currency earner. internet access when the Awami League “Today on record officially, Bangladesh's government came to office in 2009 and fifth generation (5G) mobile technology in the country's first public demonstration of IT export exceeded $1 billion…I believe now the figure stands at about 60 within a very short time we will cross our percent, he said. “My dream is to ensure the superfast wireless internet. The first day of Digital Bangladesh Mela garments export through technology internet for all, the 16-crore people of the export,” new agency BSS quoted him as country, and we are also working to 2020 saw the gathering of mostly students China launched two satellite for its GPSsystem (Source: China Daily saying. Joy, however, said it was difficult achieve that vision,” he added. at Bangabandhu International Conference Center centring the 5G demonstrations to assess the actual volume of ICT organised by global technology giant exports. Portal launched in Huawei. Pakistan to accelerate People used hand gestures to make a robot AssetLink Global play football, played a virtual reality skiing the growth of IT game and downloaded content at speeds of enhances real-time Industry up to 1.6 Gbps using 5G technology. visibility and safety of Earlier in the morning Prime Minister's ICT Affairs Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy vessels in congested Federal Secretary in the Pakistan's inaugurated the three-day exposition. ministry of Information Technology and South East Asia waters Telecommunication, Shoaib Ahmad Nirab Mahmood, a second-year computer Siddique has inaugurated a new portal to AssetLink Global LLC announced that it is science and engineering student at Shaikh enhance the growth of the ICT industry. deepening ties with Kemilinks, a Burhanuddin Post Graduate College, was The newly developed, state of the art Singapore based telecommunications in wonder with the experience. 30 IN THE NEWS ASIA

Service Based Operator (SBO) buoys -- and is engineered to withstand be used to punish those with low scores by licensed by the Info-communications perpetual maintenance-free operation in limiting their ability to purchase luxury Development Authority of Singapore unforgiving marine environments. goods or barring them from buying tickets (IDA), by supplying marine grade for travel. Volvo notes that China is “widely distributed computing IoT hardware Volvo to test 5G expected to implement its own regional and ubiquitous connectivity services in standards for vehicle-to-everything (V2X) support of regional commercial automotive applications technologies.” This means that vehicle-to- shipping and fishing markets. everything applications developed hand-in- Kemilinks has authorized a large order with China Unicom hand with the state-owned telecom without of AssetLink's AssetPack™ family of individual privacy protections built in could IoT solutions for use in its Vessel Connectivity is central to the future of be the same as handing over the keys to the Monitoring Systems (VMS), for transportation, and if self-driving vehicles car to the government. tracking, emergency alerts, situational are going to enter the mainstream market, awareness in relation to critical they're going to need 5G. Volvo Broadband satellite put maritime borders, and other fishery- announced it has partnered with state- r e l a t e d d a t a a n d s e n s o r owned telecom giant China Unicom to into orbit communications. explore vehicle-to-infrastructure and other AssetLink IoT solutions are purpose automotive applications using next- A broadband communication satellite, built offering real-time track & trace and generation 5G mobile network technology. developed by a Beijing-based company, edge intelligence required by Kemilinks was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite to precisely monitor location and The two companies will research, develop Launch Center in northwest China. The activities of fishing vessels operating in and test ways that 5G connectivity speeds satellite, the first of many from Beijing- territorial waters across South East can be used to help improve safety, based GalaxySpace, was sent into its Asia. Kemilinks' VMS bolsters the sustainability, customer convenience and planned orbit by a Kuaizhou-1A carrier efforts of regional governments and autonomous driving. The upcoming 5G rocket. oceanic agencies to counteract forced technology is many times faster than Deployed in low-Earth orbit, the satellite labor practices and obviate illegal, current 4G speeds, and its low-latency is has a communication capacity of up to unreported, and unauthorized fishing, critical for vehicles using the network to 10Gbps. Relative technological tests will be through a series of commercial fishing communicate real-time information with conducted on the satellite. laws and the issuance of vessel infrastructure, vehicles, and to cloud- GalaxySpace aims to build a LEO operating licenses regulated and based services. Volvo, which is owned by broadband satellite constellation and enforced by individual member the Chinese Geely Auto Group, will explore create a global 5G communication network. countries. The AssetPack™, a key how best to leverage the high-speed KZ-1A is a low-cost solid-fuel carrier rocket component of the Kemilinks VMS, network to improve the driving experience. with high reliability and a short preparation provides critical GPS geofencing and period. The rocket, developed by a panic button capabilities, and is “Volvo has been a leader in realising the company under the China Aerospace currently in use by fishing vessel potential of connecting our cars to enable Science and Industry Corp, is mainly used owners registered with Myanmar's new features and services such as to launch LEO small satellites. Fisheries Department (DOF) and other detecting and sharing locations of slippery regional agencies. roads between vehicles,” said Henrik Green, chief technology officer at Volvo Thaicom migrates "Keeping our crew safe and productive Cars. “With 5G, the network performance Thaicom 5 satellite remains top of mind as we head into the is improving to allow for many more real- new year, and AssetLink IoT time critical services that can help the customers technologies are an integral and cost- driver be safer and get a smoother and effective component of our enterprise more enjoyable ride.” Thaicom Public Company Limited would VMS strategy," said Frankie Neo, CEO like to update progress on the incident of Kemilinks. "AssetPack Hybrid Applications could help the country regarding a technical anomaly on the provides the visibility and situational improve traffic flow by optimizing speed Thaicom 5 satellite resulting in technical awareness required for complex, real- limits to coordinate with timed lights, or limitations to monitoring the status of the time monitoring of our fleet vessels at help drivers find open parking spaces. It satellite, as reported earlier by the sea.” could also be used to help support Volvo's company. “Drive Me” self-driving vehicle pilot AssetPack™ is a next-generation, program. The auto maker originally Thaicom together with the satellite's solar-battery powered IoT device planned to put 100 self-driving vehicles on manufacturer and a team of specialists c a p a b l e o f b i - d i r e c t i o n a l the road in Sweden and China in 2017, but have performed three attempts to recover communications over high-availability paused testing until 2021. The new 5G the satellite system since the anomaly cellular and satellite data networks in connectivity technology will be in the next occurred. However, the system has not unforgiving marine environments, generation of vehicles built on the SPA2 successfully been restored. Thaicom anywhere on the open seas. modular vehicle architecture, which will continues to work with the satellite's AssetPack™ is composed of precision begin production in 2021. manufacturer to recover the satellite GPS and sensor-agnostic interfaces system by using various alternatives for a designed to track the movement of fleet However, the deployment of v2x certain period of time. In order to ensure the assets, gather data on local marine t e c h n o l o g y u s i n g s t a t e - o w n e d continuity of services for customers, it is ecologies, and allow for emergency infrastructure could raise privacy necessary for Thaicom to migrate the communications and geographic concerns. China operates a vast domestic customers from Thaicom 5 to other awareness of vessels in relation to surveillance network that tracks satellites. sensitive borders and fishery individuals, and is rolling out a nation-wide boundaries. The solution may be easily “social credit” system based on data Anant Kaewruamvongs, Chief Executive and cost effectively installed on a wide collected from public and private sources. Officer Thaicom, commented: “During the range of marine assets -- including This credit system can be used to reward attempts to restore the satellite, the fishing vessels, drift trackers, and citizens with high credit scores, and it can Company has cooperated with all relevant 31 IN THE NEWS ASIA

customers in order to migrate to other count – with up to 12 opportunities satellites so that we will be able to identified from Europe's Spaceport in The implementation of a partial cost continue providing telecom and French Guiana using Ariane 5, Soyuz or recovery model comes at a time when the b r o a d c a s t s e r v i c e s w i t h o u t Vega; along with the maiden flights of government has invested $629 million interruption.” Anant added: “We would Ariane 6 and Vega C; plus eight more from since 2018-19 to grow the industry, like to thank the Ministry of Digital the cosmodromes at Baikonur and including: the Space Infrastructure Fund, Economy and Society and the National Vostochny. to fill gaps to help businesses and Broadcasting and Telecommunications researchers to participate in the global Commission for their prudent decision Australia: partial cost space economy the International Space to support and approve of the relevant Investment initiative, providing grants for process.” recovery for launch and projects to enable Australia's participation return applications in international space agency activities Thaicom would like to emphasize that Moon to Mars investment, unlocking all key customers and television opportunities across the supply chain that The government has been reviewing cost broadcast networks on Thaicom 8 and will deliver positive outcomes for industry, recovery arrangements for assessment of Thaicom 6, i.e., True Visions, Distance local and regional economies and boost applications made under the Space Learning Television (DLTV) and Must national GDP. (Launches and Returns) Act 2018 (the Carry Channels of Digital Terrestrial Act); consistent with the government's Television (DTT), have not been Cost Recovery Guidelines. It has agreed to impacted by this incident. Bangladesh to export introduce partial cost recovery arrangements. bandwidth to Nepal Arianespace orbits This updates arrangements for fees as set out in the Space Activities Act 1998 (the Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company GSAT-30 for India 1998 Act), and detailed in the Space (BSCCL) is looking for new markets to telecommunications Activities Regulations 2001. export its huge unused bandwidth and the new destination is Nepal, said officials of the state-owned listed firm. The lone Arianespace has announced the launch Work within the Agency is not expected to submarine cable company of Bangladesh o f G S AT - 3 0 , d e s i g n e d a n d be cost recovered, while work performed is now in talks with Nepal Telecom to manufactured by the Indian Space outside of the Agency is expected to be export about 100 gigabits per second Research Organization (ISRO) using cost recovered. This means that the most (Gbps) of bandwidth. A memorandum of an I-3K platform to provide high-quality frequently assessed applications understanding will be signed within a short television, telecommunications and (Overseas Payload Permits) are not time, Mashiur Rahman, managing director broadcasting services. It had an expected to attract a fee. Assessments of the BSCCL, told The Daily Star recently. estimated mass of 3,357 kg. at liftoff likely to be cost recovered would involve “Discussions have been ongoing for a and will ensure continuity of service for complex applications, requiring long time and now we are ready to ink the India's INSAT 4A, positioned at 83 deg. consideration by a technical expert deal,” said Rahman. As Bangladesh has East longitude. contractor, ensuring activities are as safe access to the landlocked Himalayan “This was an excellent start of 2020 with as reasonably practicable. To support nation only via India, BSCCL and Nepal an excellent launch using Ariane 5 – the these assessments, the Agency is working Telecom have approached an Indian most reliable launcher,” stated P. towards lifting in-house capability, company, which has expressed Kunhikrishnan, the Director of ISRO's including recruitment of staff with specific willingness to establish the connection, he U.R. Rao Satellite Centre, during his expertise. said. “So, before finalising the deal we will speech at the Spaceport. “On behalf of also have to sign a tripartite agreement.” the ISRO Chairman, I want to thank The Act also includes a mechanism for the Arianespace for a wonderful and Minister to waive fees. Arrangements for Nepal now buys bandwidth from Chennai professional job – both in the preflight waivers will be considered during the in India and China to meet its daily preparations and during the launch.” development of the rules for fees, which could include consideration of support for demand for about 250 Gbps, but due to its remote location high-speed internet By operating GSAT-30, ISRO will – innovation in the sector. cannot be ensured, Rahman said. The once again – use space to help bridge BSCCL's second undersea cable lands in the digital divide in the Indian When partial cost recovery will likely be Kuakata of Patuakhali, which is closer to subcontinent as part of its ambitious applied the amount of a fee and/or a way of Nepal. “This is why Nepal has come to us,” space program. These objectives are to working out the fee timing for payment he added. Bangladesh has 2,600 Gbps develop India by focusing on all types of circumstances in which a fee may be bandwidth capacity from two submarine space applications, including wholly or partly waived Consultation is cables, but only 900 Gbps is consumed navigation, Earth observation, expected to be undertaken in March and locally. BSCCL is working to get its third telecommunications and broadcasts of April of this year. undersea cable by 2023, which alone will educational programs, while pursuing The charging of fees for space activities is add another 7,200 Gbps. BSCCL is science research and planetary not new, and was set out in arrangements currently exporting 10 Gbps of bandwidth exploration. under the Space Activities Act 1998 and to India's northeastern state of Tripura GSAT-30 was the 24th ISRO satellite Space Activities Regulations 2001. As though their state-run telecom company orbited by Ariane-series launchers, Australia develops a world-class Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL). tracing the relationship back to India's regulatory system, the Agency remains But BSNL does not afford internet A P P L E s m a l l e x p e r i m e n t a l focused on enabling entrepreneurship bandwidth from Bangladesh anymore and communications spacecraft, lofted in while ensuring national safety and will suspend its deal next month. 1981 by an Ariane 1 version. security. The above arrangements represent a balance of encouraging Bandwidth export to Tripura had begun on To d a y ' s s u c c e s s k i c k s o f f innovation in the sector, while ensuring February 8, 2016. Initially, the price was Arianespace's busy launch schedule in relevant costs are cost recovered from $10 per Mbps and BSCCL earned Tk 9.6 2020, which targets a record mission industry consistent with the Government's Cost Recovery Guidelines. crore in the first year. Later, the price was

32 IN THE NEWS ASIA

revised down twice to bring it to $6 per Mbps. Still, BSNL has been unable to pay JAXA will continue the forest Optus supports dues since September 2018. The Indian observations using our satellites in regrowth of regional company owes Tk 6.39 crore to BSCCL, cooperation with various users around which is no closer to recouping the dues. the world, and will provide satellite data Australia after the Rahman, however, said some other widely as a scientific evidence to support bushfires with new remote Indian states are eager to buy decision-making on forest management bandwidth from them. which is a sink for greenhouse gases. grants program With these efforts, JAXA hopes to Bangladesh earlier had taken an initiative contribute to the achievement of the Paris to export bandwidth to Bhutan, another A g r e e m e n t a n d S u s t a i n a b l e As Australia continues to recover from the landlocked neighbour, but the plan did not Development Goals (SDGs). recent devasting bushfires, Optus is proud come to fruition as India did not join in. Daniel Gustafson, FAO's Deputy to announce a grants program to help re- BSCCL's shares closed at Tk 100 on the Director-General for Programmes: "As establish connectivity within regional Dhaka Stock Exchange , up 7.53 per cent deforestation and land-use changes are Australia particularly through supporting from the previous day. one of the leading sources of global small businesses affected by bushfires. carbon emissions, coordinated satellite- JAXA: Agreement on based information has a critical role to Optus Chief Executive Allen Lew said play in supporting countries implement Optus is supporting impacted businesses Data Utilization of Earth and achieve their pledges in the Paris to get back on their feet through a small Agreement on climate change". business grant program which will be Observation Satellite called 'Green Shoots'. “Many regional towns have been affected by the bushfires with FAO A1 to launch 5G in 129 and it will take significant time and municipalities resources for the affected small Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency has businesses and communities to rebuild agreed to collaborate with Food and and bounce back. Agriculture Organization of the United Telekom Austria's subsidiary A1 is set to roll out 5G on January 25 in 350 locations Nations (FAO) on data utilization of Earth “We are focused on rebuilding and across 129 municipalities in Austria. observation satellites, and Imai Ryoichi, reconnecting the engine room of the T h e c o m p a n y c l a i m s i t s ' A 1 JAXA Vice President and Daniel Australian economy – small business – in 5Giganetwork' will be the largest 5G Gustafson, FAO's Deputy Director- bushfire affected regions.” Mr Lew said network in Austria, spanning 54,000 km in General for Programmes have signed the throughout the bushfires Optus had been length. Sales of 5G-enabled devices Memorandum of Understanding at JAXA working tirelessly to maintain service and alongside 5G tariffs will begin on January Tsukuba Space Center on January 23, quickly restore tower outages, working 27. The launch follows Austria's 2020. collaboratively with local governments and frequency auction in March last year, in Leveraging this cooperation, JAXA and agencies, and supplementing services which A1 acquired spectrum in the 3.5 FAO will be monitoring forests and with satellite and mobile small cells where GHz band for €64.3 million. mangroves around the world by JAXA's sites were damaged by fires. satellites with L-band Synthetic Aperture Optus CEO Designate, Kelly Bayer A1 Telekom Austria Group CEO, Thomas Radar (SAR). Rosmarin said that green shoots were the Arnoldner, said, "5G is the basis of Only JAXA has observed forest using L- first sign of regrowth and Optus would Austria's future digitalisation and will band radar (SAR) technology from 1992. p r o v i d e s m a l l b u s i n e s s e s a n d open up unimagined opportunities for Observation data of global forests that communities a boost by re-establishing new services and applications. As A1, we JAXA has been accumulating for over 25 and supporting their ability to get back were able to ensure that we purchased years will be provided to the System for online and reconnect with their the best frequency equipment at the first Earth Observation Data Access, communities. Processing and Analysis for Land 5G auction in 2019.” Monitoring (SEPAL) that is FAO's toolkit “In combination with our fibre network, this now results in the largest for monitoring forest and land-use. “All of us at Optus want to inspire optimism 5Giganetwork. We see ourselves as Additionally, this cooperation supports in regional Australia and give the impacted drivers and companions of digitalisation, JAXA to improve the accuracy of its communities hope and belief for the future. we set the pace and thus support satellite data. That's why we will be supporting small industry, business and private individuals businesses, the driving forces of growth alike,” he added. SEPAL offers anyone easy-to use access within the rebuilding regional economies.” to satellite data and supercomputing In addition, given the spike in internet Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz power, allowing them to create critical usage, Optus has also provided commented, "Our goal is to make Austria forest and land cover information in their unmetered access to a range of one of the leading digital nations in efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate emergency services websites for Europe. This requires nationwide change, and now is used in 160 countries. customers in bushfire affected areas to broadband coverage across Austria. We Thanks to this cooperation, available data ensure customers can access the want rural areas in particular to benefit on SEPAL will be expanded, and users will information they need, without exceeding from this development.” be able to access JAXA's forest their plan data caps. Optus staff have been observation information and satellite data. providing on-the-ground support in T-Mobile Austria spent €57 million at the Since satellite radar have the capability to bushfire affected zones including visiting Austrian spectrum auction and launched provide information on forest and evacuation centres and enhancing 5G later that month, activating the first 25 mangroves in the areas where optical network experience with charging stations, 5G base stations, primarily in rural satellites are impeded by weather (rain pre-paid SIMs, satellite and mobile phone regions. The company said it planned to and clouds) or lack of sunlight, the access, and other support as needed. use the experience gained through the improvement of capability for forest and Optus is also matching donations dollar- first 5G sites before progressing to land-use management in these areas is for-dollar in our employee bushfire appeal. expected. nationwide deployment.

33 IN THE NEWS ASIA

China's space-tracking client satellites, and grow the finance and human resources departments SK Telecom, Microsoft vessels back from to expand cloud “To address the issue of space debris missions removal and mitigation it is necessary to gaming service over 5G both advance innovative technologies in Korea Space-tracking ship Yuanwang 3 and and cooperate on policy,” said Chris Yuanwang 7 returned to the port of the Blackerby, Chief Operating Officer of SK Telecom and Microsoft announced China Satellite Maritime Tracking and Astroscale. “The support provided by the Controlling Department after completing that they will expand Project xCloud Tokyo Metropolitan Government allows Preview in Korea, inviting more players to three monitoring missions, the Science us to do both in order to further develop and Technology Daily reported recently. participate, adding new games, and the business case for Astroscale delivering the Microsoft Game Streaming So far, all four space-tracking ships in services and build upon the great service, including Yuanwang 5 and app via the One Store. Project xCloud is momentum we have been gaining in Microsoft's game streaming technology Yuanwang 6, have made it back to China. m a t u r i n g t h e m a r k e t . ” Since November 2019, Yuanwang 5, that allows gamers to play Xbox games directly from the cloud on mobile devices Yuanwang 7 and Yuanwang 3 had sailed In addition to preparing for the launch of out in succession to carry out maritime while connected to the internet. its pioneering End-of-Life Services by Supported by SK Telecom's 5G network, monitoring in relays for the Long March-5 Astroscaledemonstration (ELSA-d) Y3 rocket launch in the Pacific Ocean. which is marked by super-fast speed and mission in 2020, Astroscale is also ultra-low latency, Project xCloud can offer working closely with multiple industry Afterward, Yuanwang 5 returned and a more immersive and seamless and government representatives to experience to gamers. Yuanwang 3 went to the next mission area. develop standards and best practices for Yuanwang 7 subsequently spent five days safe and sustainable satellite servicing As an exclusive business operating performing monitoring and control tasks and debris removal. for China's heaviest satellite Shijian-20. partner of Project xCloud, SK Telecom has launched the public preview for Over the past year, vessels of the “As society is increasingly reliant on the Yuanwang fleet have completed 17 Project xCloud in Korea in October 2019 orbital environment for satellite services, for its selected customers. monitoring missions and one rocket it is incumbent on all of us in the space transporting task. sector to create a viable long-term They operated more than 550 days at sea, At present, public previews for Project solution to the space debris problem,” xCloud are being provided in the United sailing over 130,000 nautical miles in Blackerby added. “Astroscale is building 2019, said the newspaper, citing sources States, United Kingdom and Korea. that viable technical solution through the According to Microsoft, Project xCloud from the China satellite maritime tracking development of ELSA-d and future and controlling authorities. preview participants in Korea are on debris removal missions.” average spending 1.75 times more time gaming and revisiting three times more Astroscale close to US compared to the participants in the $4.5m grant from Tokyo Dawn Aerospace United States and United Kingdom. Metropolitan signed MOU with Kareem Choudhry, Corporate VP of Project xCloud, Microsoft said,"Our Government to Waitaki District Council partnership with SK Telecom has played for suborbital flights a valuable role in helping Microsoft reach commercialize active new, mobile-first gamers while also debris removal services out of Oamaru Airport learning more about delivering high- quality game streaming through 5G Dawn Aerospace announced the signing networks." Jeon Jin-soo, VP and Head of Astroscale Holdings Inc. has been of an MOU with the Waitaki District 5GX Service Business Disivion of SK awarded a grant of up to US $4.5 million Council for suborbital flights out of Telecom said,"We are confident that 5G f r o m t h e To k y o M e t r o p o l i t a n Oamaru Airport, New Zealand. The cloud gaming will shift the paradigm in the Government's “Innovation Tokyo Project” signing occurred after a presentation and video game industry.” to build a roadmap for commercializing discussion with other local operators. active debris removal (ADR) services. Further consultation will continue to take NTT DOCOMO aims for place to ensure that all relevant parties The project, which was launched last year, are appropriately and thoroughly 6G in 2030 aims to subsidize up to half of the considered. e x p e n s e s r e q u i r e d f o r t h e NTT DOCOMO published a white paper commercialization and development of Oamaru was chosen because of its outlining its ambition to launch 6G innovative services and products for stable weather, supportive local commercial services by 2030. The white venture companies and small and government and community, and paper summarizes the related technical medium-sized enterprises. Astroscale proximity to Dawn's Christchurch facility. concepts and the expected diverse use received the maximum amount covering Dawn would like to commend the cases of evolving 5G and new 6G half of its US $9 million application and will expediency and efficiency of the Waitaki communication technologies, as well as use the funds over three years to District Council, in particular Mayor Gary the technology components and commercialize its ADR services and Kircher and CEO Fergus Power. Mr performance targets. DOCOMO has 6G develop global sales channels with Power brings with him considerable research and development programs satellite operators, national agencies and experience in NZ launch compliance underway. In 2018, the company the insurance market. The grant will also from his time at Wairoa District Council. conducted successful radio wave be used to continue pursuing joint The company looks forward to propagation experiments at frequencies research and development contracts, progressing this exciting development. of up to 150 GHz, levels which are conduct safety and risk assessments of expected to enable the much faster and

34 IN THE NEWS ASIA

larger-capacity communications that 6G million passengers passing through in more advanced, more secure and more will require. 2018, with future increases expected. cost-effective telecoms infrastructure that DOCOMO said it will continue to enhance Situated in Kathmandu Valley, the airport is fit for the future. It gives the UK access the ultra-high-speed, large-capacity, features a passenger terminal, plus to world-leading technology and ensures ultra-reliable, low-latency and massive extensive outdoor maintenance facilities, a competitive market, according to device-connectivity capabilities of 5G parking areas and other large buildings. Huaweil press release.. technology. It will continue its research into and development of 5G evolution The new TETRA network allows for the We have supplied cutting-edge and 6G technology, aiming to realize smooth movement of passengers technology to telecoms operators in the technological advances including the through the airport by increasing co- UK for more than 15 years. We will build achievement of a combination of operation between different work groups on this strong track record, supporting our advances in connectivity, including ultra- – including maintenance units, cleaning customers as they invest in their 5G high speed, large capacity and low teams, airline staff, airside crews, networks, boosting economic growth and latency, the pioneering of new frequency security and emergency responders. helping the UK continue to compete bands, including terahertz frequencies, Passengers benefit from a smoother globally. We agree a diverse vendor the expansion of communication experience with fewer delays, whilst the market and fair competition are essential coverage in the sky, at sea and in space, airport and airlines both benefit from for network reliability and innovation, as the provision of ultra-low-energy and more efficient working practises whilst well as ensuring consumers have access ultra-low-cost communications and the fines and compensation for late running to the best possible technology.” e n s u r i n g o f h i g h l y r e l i a b l e are minimised. communications. Vodafone Australia Bangladeshi internet Teltronic installs extends 4G coverage in users near 100 million Tasmania Nepal's first TETRA in 2019 system in Kathmandu Vodafone, together with the Minister for airport With addition of 8.08 million new users Regional Services, Mark Coulton, last year, the total number of announced the addition of three new Teltronic has installed Nepal's first Bangladeshi Internet users reached mobile towers in Tasmania to improve T E T R A n e t w o r k i n Tr i b h u v a n about 100 million at the end of last mobile coverage and extend 4G services International Airport, Kathmandu, December, the statistics of the country's to more Vodafone customers. providing users and security teams with a telecom regulator showed Wednesday. The new sites were completed under the comprehensive critical communications Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n R e g u l a t o r y Federal Government's Mobile Black Spot solution Commission (BTRC) data showed that Program and provide a combined total of The Spanish company has deployed its the number of subscribers in the country more than 170 square kilometres of NEBULA TETRA infrastructure, which reached 99.428 million. Of the total additional 4G coverage, including has replaced the airport's existing subscribers, the BTRC data showed that approximately 42 kilometres of coverage analogue radio, meeting the main there were 93.681 million mobile Internet along major transport routes and national requirements defined by airport users and 5.742 million broadband highways. authorities: higher security standards, Internet users in the country while the Vodafone Chief Technology Officer Kevin built in scalability to allow additional users rest of the connections are through Millroy said Vodafone's new mobile sites and the integration of other airport WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for are part of Vodafone's continued technology. The chosen offers flexibility Microwave Access). The country's cell commitment to provide mobile services for varied work groups, with the highest phone companies last year saw over 8 and more choice and competition to level of encryption to ensure security, and million new users to take the total Australians living in regional areas. robust Sepura SC20 radios which can be subscribers base to 165.572 million at “We are excited to be able to deliver connected to the Wi-Fi service, enabling the end of last month. choice to the residents and visitors of integration with existing airport data and Bangladesh currently has four mobile Goshen and Wayatinah. Participating in control systems companies, three of which are foreign- the Federal Government's Mobile Black backed cell phone operators. The Spot Program has allowed Vodafone to In this way, the entire site is covered by number of subscribers of mobile build on its own investment and make a the new TETRA network, ensuring that operators, Grameenphone, Robi Axiata, positive difference in the lives of airport workers and security personnel Banglalink and Teletalk stood at 76.462 Australians across the country,” said Mr are in constant communication with the million, 49.004 million, 35.239 million and Millroy. control rooms 4.868 million respectively at the end of “These towers provide a much-needed Additionally, one of the main advantages last year, BTRC data showed. boost to mobile coverage in Tasmania, of the solution provided by Teltronic and giving locals more opportunity to take Sepura is the fact that radios' high advantage of the economic and social transmitter power extends coverage British Government benefits strong mobile communications where lower power radios struggle. This allows Huawei in its 5G offers.” is a key feature of the security capability Two of the new sites are located in the for the airport, ensuring that users based roll-out north-east of Tasmania, near Goshen and in remote locations, underground Victor Zhang, Vice President at Huawei, Pyengana. Together the new sites will facilities or within large building are kept has said that “Huawei is reassured by the introduce Vodafone services to Goshen in touch with the control room. UK government's confirmation that we and further expand Vodafone's 4G mobile Tribhuvan International Airport serves as can continue working with our customers services to local residents and an international hub for over 30 domestic to keep the 5G roll-out on track. This businesses in the surrounding areas of and international airlines and saw over 7 evidence-based decision will result in a Goulds Country, Lottah and St Helen's. IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

US Special Command micronized Milli SAT LM terminals using terminals are based on the company's Inmarsat's worldwide Global Xpress Ka- patented fully-interlaced InterFLAT awards $100m contract band network. The solution significantly panel technology that transmits and to upgrade Very Small reduces installation costs and efficiently receives signals on the same panel. manages communications-on-the- Meeting the demanding requirements of Aperture Terminals move. full-time usage in harsh environments, Dual SAT provides an antenna diversity these rugged satellite on the move solution for mobility platforms where (SOTM) terminals offer significant U.S. Special Operations Command has o b s t r u c t i o n s s u c h a s s h i p ' s savings in size, weight, and power awarded L3Harris Technologies a five- superstructures would cause blockage usage. year with options, $100 million contract to for a single antenna system. A fully upgrade and extend the service life of its automated software switching system existing fleet of approximately 550 that requires no external components, New Boeing satellite to L3Harris Very Small Aperture Terminals Dual SAT's two terminals operate offer greater coverage, (VSAT). redundantly as a single system to L3Harris will provide software, hardware e n s u r e c o m p l e t e h i g h - s p e e d efficiency than and warranty upgrades that will extend the connectivity. When the primary antenna predecessors life of existing Hawkeye III Lite VSAT is blocked, the alternate antenna is terminals and deliver significant cost switched seamlessly to provide savings. The VSATs originally were Boeing has developed a new variant of services. This solution is ideal for the roll its 702 satellite for the U.S. Air Force's secured through the Satellite Deployable on, roll off requirements of Special Node – Family of Terminals or Satellite Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) Operations and Executive Staff onboard constellation, one that offers both Deployable Node – Medium contracts for Afloat Forward Staging Bases (AFSB). the program. greater bandwidth efficiency and signal Based on the micronized, ruggedized power than previous satellites in the The Hawkeye III Lite auto-acquire VSAT is and portable Milli SAT terminal replacing a light-weight, tri-band flyaway system that fleet. large and bulky alternatives consisting The new WGS-11 will be delivered on a can be deployed in a matter of minutes by of multi-modem and control units, the Special Operations Forces. They provide recently negotiated contract award from solution leverages Get SAT's highly the Air Force. Advances in Boeing digital vital communications reach back efficient flat panel antenna technologies capability to SOCOM headquarters and satellite technology mean WGS-11 will to enable fully autonomous operation for deliver hundreds of coverage beams other government entities. high bandwidth data rates. Following “This agreement extends the service life of and provide a more flexible and efficient certification, the roll on, roll off solution is use of bandwidth. These innovations will our customer's existing terminals and truly a one-person operation. highlights the priority USSOCOM places enable the spacecraft to support more According to Get SAT CEO Kfir users in theater and allow dedicated on ensuring their deployed users are Benjamin, “Get SAT's Dual SAT solution equipped with the latest in VSAT beams to follow aircraft in flight. proves that there is no obstacle that can “WGS-11 incorporates the latest technology,” said Chris Aebli, President, hold back any SATCOM-on-the-move Global Communication Systems, advances in Boeing commercial satellite application. Our miniaturized package technology combined with a resilient L3Harris. enables true, un-blocked, constant, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said, and robust design specifically for military crisp communications. Our solution use in contested environments,” said "Rochester's L3Harris Technologies has drastically cuts back on installation time the best workforce, and the U.S. Special Troy Dawson, Boeing vice president, and costs while easily integrating with Government Satellite Systems. “We Operations Command's $100 million five- pre-existing on-board systems.” year contract will only boost it even further. look forward to delivering this critically “Global Xpress has established itself as important asset to the U.S. Air Force in I've been proud to help L3Harris the de-facto solution for reliable, Technologies secure a level playing field to 2024.” i n t e r o p e r a b l e h i g h - t h r o u g h p u t WGS provides dedicated high capacity compete and grow its business in communications across the government Rochester, so it can continue to boost the b r o a d b a n d c o m m u n i c a t i o n s sector for mobile connectivity nearly connectivity to U.S. and allied forces region's economy, create jobs and provide anywhere. The Get SAT terminals, critical technology to our military.” around the world. Boeing has been the including the Dual SAT solution, are the lead contractor on the program since it lightest and most compact all-in-one 'on- began in 2001. Get SAT deploys Dual the-move' solutions serving the Global Xpress network. We are proud to be part SAT terminal solution of a solution that delivers government Lindsay, Farmers Edge with Inmarsat Global users access to reliable, redundant, expand digital assured wideband capability on Xpress service to terminals that have been proven to partnership to connect multiple U.S. operate in the world's harshest 2m irrigated acres by environmental conditions,” said Steve government agencies Gizinski, Chief Technology Officer, the end of 2021 Inmarsat Government. Global Xpress is the world's first and Get SAT, an innovator in small, lightweight only, globally available, seamless Lindsay Corporation a leading global satellite communication terminals for mobile wideband service. In U.S. manufacturer and distributor of irrigation airborne, ground, and maritime government operation since July 2014, and infrastructure equipment and applications and Inmarsat, a world leader Global Xpress has established itself as technology, and Farmers Edge, a global in global, mobile satellite communications, the gold standard for reliable leader in digital agriculture, announced t o d a y a n n o u n c e d a s u c c e s s f u l communications across land, air and a plan to connect and digitize two million demonstration and deployment of a sea for assured mobile connectivity and irrigated acres by the end of 2021. The unique Dual SAT terminal solution for U.S. interoperability with government companies will integrate their digital government agencies. The innovative satellite systems. platforms to provide their growers and solution employs Get SAT's lightweight Get SAT's micronized communications dealer networks with a first-of-its-kind,

36 IN THE NEWS AMERICAS fully connected crop management farming practices, and we firmly believe with our client's brand. And, the Rocket solution. The expanded partnership will digitization in agriculture is key to that," project is a great example of how also focus on a collaboration in data said Randy Wood, president of global storytelling and visual impact work science, machine learning, and AI-driven agricultural irrigation at Lindsay together. stated Michael Cardwell, CEO analytics to deliver highly precise water- Corporation. "Farmers Edge is very much and Creative Director, Digital Brew.In based insights and predictive models, aligned with that vision, and we're today's world of 'show me, don't tell me', a setting a new standard in agriculture. confident that by connecting our platforms video is the perfect complement to our Lindsay and Farmers Edge announced a through this strategic partnership, we'll branding. added Michal Anne. Rocket's plan to connect and digitize two million reach our goal of two million digitized and CEO added We congratulate Michael and irrigated acres by the end of 2021. The connected irrigated acres by the end of his team on their Emmy win and look companies will integrate their digital 2021.” forward to working together again. platforms to provide their growers and dealer networks with a first-of-its-kind, fully "At Farmers Edge, we're focused on connected crop management solution. creating a digital agricultural ecosystem SpaceX adds to that's centered around a fully connected growing satellite As part of the strategic initiative, Farmers farm. Farmers Edge has thousands of Edge will provide Lindsay access to both connected machines, weather stations, broadband high-resolution satellite imagery and the and in-field sensors across the globe, but constellation most comprehensive field-centric dataset we have yet to bring a crucial available in the industry. Syncing asset—center pivots," said Wade Barnes, Orbital launch firm SpaceX has launched Lindsay's market-leading irrigation CEO and co-founder of Farmers Edge. another 60 broadband satellites to bring management platform—FieldNET "Having access to FieldNET Pivot Watch its total for the Starlink network to 182 Advisor®—with the Farmers Edge fully- is a key component for achieving this goal. satellites. The latest satellites were integrated, AI-driven farm management The ability to add pivot irrigation data into launched on a Falcon-9 rocket from Cape platform—FarmCommand®— creates an our unique field-centric datasets, and then Canaveral in Florida. It comes after exclusive opportunity for growers to move that information into FieldNET SpaceX launched the initial 60 “Starlink” access digital tools that deliver real-time Advisor is extremely exciting. The power satellites for its low earth orbit-based information to control pivots and monitor of the insights and analytics from the broadband project in May last year. crop health, along with advanced partnership will change how farms use The Falcon 9 rocket typically carries 60 predictive models to help identify issues, irrigation, and we're eager to bring this flat-packed satellites, and SpaceX hopes including: seeding or application errors, type of industry changing technology to to begin offering its Starlink broadband tile drainage, weather damage, pests, two million irrigated acres by 2021.” service to US customers on a regional disease, and more. The combination of the basis in mid-2020, providing it can place two digital platforms enables growers to enough satellites into orbit in time. make more informed water management Rocket decisions to optimize applications and Communications SpaceX has said that it intends to launch yield potential. announces Company 24 Starlink missions in 2020, as part of its strategy to place up to 12,000 satellites in Adding another layer of connectivity to its Video wins Emmy® orbit, with approximately 2,000 satellites suite of solutions, Farmers Edge will launched per year. It could eventually provide Lindsay's FieldNET Pivot Award place up to 42,000 satellites into orbit in Watch™—a remote irrigation monitoring the long term. It should be noted that each solution that includes proprietary IoT A prominent UX Design company, Rocket satellite weighs a hefty 227kgs and sensors that connect to any center Communications, has announced that contains a single solar array. Each pivot—and FieldNET Advisor to help their company explainer video won an satellite has its own electric propulsion growers better understand when, where, Emmy. Rocket was honored in the highly system that expels electrically charged and how much to irrigate. coveted creative and animation category atoms of krypton in order to provide thrust. on December 14, 2019, at the 43rd Annual The engine also maintains its correct "This integration of platforms enables Ceremony of the Suncoast Regional position, and to bring the satellite down at growers to use tools like high-resolution Emmy Awards. the end of its service life. satellite imagery to see a visual indication The prestigious Emmy award recognizes of variation in crop health across a field the creative team at Digital Brew This last point is important due to from the convenience of their laptop or (Orlando, FL) who worked in collaboration increasing concerns about space clutter smartphone. The connected farm strategy with Rocket. When Rocket embarked on in orbit. The news of the successful also enables growers to collect all aspects this project, they knew that the complexity deployment of 60 Starlink satellites was of field data and feed that information into of their work required combining announced by the firm on Twitter this FieldNET Advisor and FarmCommand. innovative storytelling and animation. week, along with a video of the actual Once that data is collected, the platforms They selected Digital Brew as the creative deployment of the satellites into orbit. The can provide AI-powered insights to ensure partner to bring Rocket's story to life for Starlink satellites are initially deployed at the most accurate decisions are being their audience. an altitude of 290km, before they made on the farm," said Albert Maurin, Our team worked seamlessly with Digital manoeuvre up to 550km (342 miles) product manager for irrigation software at Brew's creative group. They were able to above the earth. The plan eventually is to Lindsay Corporation. "We are excited to capture our brand and message in a way expand the Starlink network to the rest of bring growers this evolution of our that truly sets us apart in our market stated the world. Elon Musk has made clear that partnership with Farmers Edge, and we Michal Anne Rogondino, CEO, Rocket he sees the Starlink service as a way of will continue to leverage our industry Communications. funding SpaceX's ambition to develop a partners to deliver innovative irrigation spacecraft that can carry passengers to solutions to our customers.” Digital Brew, a previous Emmy award the moon, and eventually colonise Mars. winner, was extremely proud of the award Starlink reportedly is expected to "Our goal at Lindsay is to help growers as it recognized the creativity and generate roughly $3 billion a year in increase water and energy efficiency and animation skills of its team. We love revenue. SpaceX had raised more than profit while exercising more sustainable creating a video that so closely identifies $1 billion (£790m) last year to help fund its

37 IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

broadband satellite ambitions. Macfarlane, President OneWeb But Space X is not the only player in rolling NBC-Sky launch ONE Enterprise, said: “Working with PDI has out satellite-based Internet connectivity. PLATFORM for been a fabulous collaborative The other companies racing to construct experience.Their knowledge, deep satellite-based broadband networks premium video sales customer relationships and prominence include Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin, which in Arctic commercial regions make it a intends to deploy a 3,200-satellite network NBC Universal says its new ONE natural fit to accelerate take-up of known as Project Kuiper. Other players PLATFORM outlet will rebuild the OneWeb's Enterprise propositions. PDI include Kepler, LeoSat and Telesat premium video marketplace and adjust to immediately recognized the potential of Canada. a world already created by viewers. OneWeb's solutions to deliver high But perhaps the most immediate challenge Making its debut at CES in Las Vegas, throughput, low latency services to to SpaceX'sStarlink comes from British ONE PLATFORM will enable advertisers customers in a broad range of markets.” start-up OneWeb, which launched its first to reach audiences through more than Chuck Schumann, CEO Pacific satellites in February 2019. In March 2019 110,000 hours of new original content Dataport Inc., said: “PDI is proud to sign OneWeb raised a total of $3.4 billion across 97% of the US population as well Alaska's first significant LEO service (£2.63bn) in private funding, paving the way as another half a billion people in the UK agreement with OneWeb as a network for a series of monthly launches this autumn and Europe through sister company Sky. service provider. PDI is at the forefront of to build an initial network of 650 satellites “The future of our business is simple: it's the satellite industry, continually looking operating at 1,200km. our audience. People are the centre of ahead and implementing the very latest everything we do. We know that viewers technologies available in the market for Advantech receives over do not differentiate content by network, our customers. We are delighted to be time or screen; instead, our fans see working with OneWeb, who will provide 2m dollars orders of its NBCUniversal as one giant home to the us with high-speed broadband coverage best stories, so that's the mindset we'll go to serve our customers in Alaska and the engage™ class flyaway to market with in 2020,” said Linda Arctic.” Milsatcom terminals Yaccarino, Chairman, Advertising and “PDI now has the advantage of being Partnerships, NBC Universal. one of the first to be able to demo NBC Universal says ONE PLATFORM OneWeb's service in Alaska and in the Advantech Wireless Technologies Inc. has will offer advertisers its best content Arctic region from the end of this year, received over two million dollars in orders of across any screen, helping to simplify the and already the enthusiasm from our its satellite communication Engage™ Class buying process and deliver better results customers to test and trial OneWeb 1.2m and 2.4m FlyAway SATCOM Terminal for brands. The platform is still under services has been significant.” from a NATO member country. construction but NBC says in three years PDI was founded to bring connectivity to The Engage™ Class Flyaway Terminal it will have a single online platform to all of Alaska and it has a strong Solution includes the most advanced optimise, plan, deliver, and measure commitment to local community projects SATCOM technology. This flexible and audiences across all video distribution such as Alaska Seeds of Change, Alaska transportable satellite terminal is a fully points. Healing Hearts, and several other local integrated tri-band system designed for initiatives. OneWeb shares with PDI this strategic applications, easy deployment OneWeb makes strong ethos of local collaboration; Alaska is the and operation under harsh environmental home of one of the six remote schools conditions. progress towards Arctic chosen to enjoy free OneWeb The terminal is based on high efficiency, connectivity. ruggedized tri-band ready 1.2 Meter and connectivity, teaming 2.4 Meter Flyaway Antennas which can up with distributor Rogers officially cover X-Band, Ku-Band, or Ka-Band by Pacific Dataport Inc. replacing the feed only. The antenna is fully activates Canada's first motorized with an integrated satellite finding controller. The RF section includes OneWeb, the global communications 5G network Advantech's Gallium Nitride (GaN) based company whose goal is to connect technology, Solid State Power Amplifiers / everyone everywhere, announces a new It's a red-letter day for Rogers Block-Up Converters (SSPAs/BUCs), X- distributor partnership with Pacific Communications Inc., as the telecom Band from 20W to 100W, Ku-Band from Dataport Inc. (PDI), a company founded provider officially turns on its 5G network 16W to 125W and Ka-Band from 10W to by Microcom – the leading supplier of in downtown areas of Toronto, Ottawa, 40W. satellite communication systems in Vancouver and Montreal. But while The entire Satcom terminal has been tested Alaska. The collaboration will enable Rogers says the next-generation for the highest level of performance and delivery of OneWeb's high speed, low wireless network is now up and running, compliance with military requirements. latency, communications services across nobody will actually be able to use it for a “These advanced satellite terminals include Alaska. This agreement marks a key while, as there aren't any devices state of the art digital and RF technology. milestone in service-readiness for authorized to use the Rogers network Within a completely modular and integrated OneWeb's Network and its commitment yet. solution, the terminals can uplink two to bring high-speed internet to the Arctic Officially lighting up the network is a independent carriers (up to 50 Mbps each) region. signal to device manufacturers that allowing simultaneous communication with PDI's distribution agreement with Rogers is open for business, and ready both upper and lower echelon. These OneWeb ensures that customers in the to work with companies such as Apple systems have been part of a complex Arctic will enjoy OneWeb services as Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd. to modernization program for this active early as Q4 2020. Alaska's unique make sure 5G devices are compatible NATO member and has already been qualities mean that it is a center for with network infrastructure. deployed in the field since 2017,” stated economic growth, and OneWeb's In a news release Wednesday morning, Cristi Damian, VP Business Development seamless global network will be a key Rogers chief executive Joe Natale said at Advantech Wireless Technologies. enabler of regional initiatives such as the that the move toward 5G is as significant collection of climate data, and the growth as when Rogers first went into wireless of a digital economy. Campbell cellular networks.

38 IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

“5G will not only power businesses, it part of Comtech's Government Solutions the eighth satellite built by Lockheed Martin will fuel entire industries and drive segment, received orders in excess of for SJC, beginning with NSAT-110, JCSAT-9 Canada's digital future,” Natale said. $2.6 million for SATCOM antenna feeds through JCSAT-13 and JCSAT-110R. “We were the first with wireless services from Cubic Mission Solutions, a business 35 years ago, and we are once again division of Cubic Corporation. These first to bring this innovative technology orders continue the long-term success of Iridium now formally to consumers and businesses on Comtech's products being used on Canada's only national network.” Cubic's portfolio of SATCOM terminals. authorized to provide The reason that telecom providers are “Comtech is very pleased to have the GMDSS service excited about 5G is, essentially, opportunity to continue our long-standing because it's much faster. In addition to relationship with Cubic in delivering high- Iridium Communications Inc. announced providing much more bandwidth, performance, SATCOM solutions,” said that a Letter of Compliance has been signed allowing faster data transfer, 5G Fred Kornberg, President and Chief by the International Mobile Satellite promises to eventually allow for much E x e c u t i v e O f f i c e r o f C o m t e c h Organization (IMSO), stating it has positively lower latency, reducing the delay from Telecommunications Corp. The Mission- verified the operational and technical when you press a button on your phone Critical Technologies group is focused on requirements as requested by the Maritime to the time when the cell network sends ensuring its customers are able to Safety Committee (MSC) of the International a response. successfully carry out their mission, Maritime Organization (IMO) for Iridium to whether that be communicating in an provide Global Maritime Distress and Safety Rogers has managed to get a jump on austere environment on land or at sea, System (GMDSS) service. The Letter of competitors BCE Inc. and Telus Corp. launching or tracking a satellite, or Compliance was formally presented to with the 5G rollout by partnering with protecting the cyber security posture of Iridium CEO Matt Desch by the Director Swedish equipment manufacturer their network. General of IMSO, Captain Moin Ahmed, Ericsson for its kit. Both Bell and Telus during a ceremony at Iridium's headquarters want to use gear from Chinese Lockheed Martin ships on the morning of January 13, 2020. The manufacturer Huawei Technologies Co. issuance of the letter formally authorizes Ltd, which is considerably cheaper, but mobile communications Iridium to now provide satellite GMDSS national security experts have raised satellite to launch site service, bringing truly global coverage and a concerns that the Huawei equipment choice of both network and equipment to this might create the potential for foreign critical emergency service for the first time. interference in critical communications Lockheed Martin shipped its third satellite systems. based on the modernized LM 2100™ bus GMDSS is a safety of life system that helps There are already a handful of phones to French Guiana for launch aboard an rescue mariners in emergency situations on the market in other parts of the world Ariane V rocket. JCSAT-17 will provide while at sea. IMSO serves as regulator for that offer 5G connectivity, but Rogers flexible mobile communications services the system, which is partially comprised of says that even if somebody brought one to users in Japan and the surrounding satellite networks that transmit distress of those phones to Canada, they won't region. Arianespace will launch JCSAT-17 information to rescue coordination centers be able to use the Rogers 5G network from its spaceport in Kourou. around the world, in addition to the yet. JCSAT-17 is the first Mobile Satellite dissemination of navigational and Service (MSS) communications satellite meteorological data to vessels at sea. Their SIM cards won't be updated until built on the modernized LM 2100™, which "This is a historic moment for public safety in device-makers are ready to sell their includes 26 innovations that make the the maritime community globally. The products here, and they can engage in a satellite more powerful, flexible and addition of new providers, such as Iridium, full-scale marketing push for the next- versatile in orbit. A reprogrammable for GMDSS services can help to create safer generation network. mission processor adds flexibility as seas for all mariners," said Captain Moin Rogers says 5G data plans and a more mission needs change. Lockheed Martin Ahmed, Director General of IMSO. comprehensive rollout will have to wait is currently manufacturing five until business partnerships are modernized LM 2100™-based satellites Captain Ahmed continued, "Since the cemented, and companies start selling for commercial and government inception of GMDSS by the IMO in 1999, a their phones in Canada later this year. customers. new mobile satellite system, the Iridium® For now, the company isn't publishing a network, has now completed a thorough map showing the extent of the coverage "Following two successful launches of LM evaluation to become a recognized mobile until later in the year. Rogers has said by 2100™ commercial communications satellite system in the GMDSS. Recognition the end of 2020 they intend to offer 5G in satellites, Lockheed Martin is proud to of Iridium marks the start of a new era in 20 Canadian markets, but the full rollout deliver JCSAT-17 to SKY Perfect JSAT GMDSS and enhances the integrity and will take years. Corporation (SJC), which will add a global coverage of safety services for tremendous amount of new connectivity seafarers across the world, including in the Comtech for users in Japan," said Guy polar regions. The evaluation of Iridium took Beutelschies, Lockheed Martin's Vice more than four years, and at various stages Telecommunications President for Communication Satellite the Company successfully demonstrated its Corp. receives orders Solutions. "This satellite will help grow capability to comply with the requirements Japan's advanced economy by adding for satellite communication services for in excess of $2.6 new options for mobility, bandwidth where maritime safety.” million for SATCOM it's needed, and reliable connections." The satellite's payload incorporates S- Concluding his remarks, Captain Ahmed antenna feeds band and C-band transponders with a stated, "I am pleased to issue Iridium the \ flexible processor along with 18m mesh 'Letter of Compliance' that officially makes Comtech Telecommunications Corp. r e f l e c t o r , e n a b l i n g a s s u r e d the company the second recognized mobile has announced that during its second communications continuity during high- satellite system in the GMDSS. My quarter of fiscal 2020, its Mission- volume events. The satellite also features organization and I take this opportunity to Critical Technologies group, which is robust Ku-band connectivity. JCSAT-17 is congratulate Iridium management and

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everyone in the company for their addition, it will continue the provision of significantly higher throughput to commitment and contribution to the services to the current HISPASAT designated areas within satellite safety of mariners and their passengers customers that use the capacities of coverage, while continuing to meet all at sea. We look forward to continuing to Amazonas 2. national security concerns. Active areas work with Iridium.” As prime contractor, Thales Alenia Space are dynamically allocated much higher will be responsible for Amazon Nexus capacity than areas that do not require as Iridium's GMDSS service is bringing satellite design, production, testing and in- much bandwidth and are just being many new capabilities to the maritime orbit acceptance tests. scanned to gauge demand. industry, including extending this critical Amazon Nexus features, as main novelty, service to the growing number of ships a new generation Digital Transparent The Beam hopping capability also in the waters of the Arctic and Processor (DTP), a technological enables seamless handover for mobile Antarctica, otherwise known as Sea breakthrough that is essential to increase devices, between beams and satellites. Area A4. The new Iridium GMDSS the geographical flexibility of the mission to An example would be an Aero terminal for terminals will combine the key three respond to eventual evolutions with In-Flight Connectivity, able to operate on GMDSS services - distress alert, respect to the initially envisaged both LEO and GEO simultaneously and distress voice and Maritime Safety commercial scenario. maintaining make-before-break Information – all in one truly global connectivity between the rising and compact terminal. These terminals can Thanks to this element, the satellite setting satellites. Maximum capacity can provide both normal and emergency payload will be digitally processed be directed from multiple sources to hot- communications, including Ship allowing to assign in-orbit the required spots like busy airports. Advanced Security Alert System (SSAS), Anti- capabilities at any time providing the discussions are in progress for Piracy/Citadel Communications, and satellite with great resilience to the collaboration and support from the Long-Range Identification and Tracking evolution of the communications market European Space Agency and the UK (LRIT). All of this will be provided in a both in the field of connectivity and data Space Agency. cost-effective way, making the and in the field of contents transmission. terminals more affordable for all sizes of The advanced design, HTS capacity and “We have designed several chip sets vessels, including those that are not versatility of Amazon Nexus make it the across the full satellite value chain required to be GMDSS equipped, such most efficient satellite in HISPASAT's fleet. including terminals, payloads and as smaller fishing boats and yachts, but The new satellite will have coverage over gateways, creating a full eco-system want to take advantage of this the entire American continent, the North based on our own software”, said Yoel invaluable service. Atlantic corridor (air and maritime traffic Gat CEO of the SatixFy Group. “This new area) and Greenland, and will enable the OneWeb satellite will demonstrate all of "This is a monumental achievement for p r o v i s i o n o f l e a d i n g - e d g e these capabilities.” Iridium, and one that took years of hard telecommunication services in Ku band. “This leading-edge satellite will be fully work and dedication. The maritime Amazon Nexus marks the start of a new operational and is a great opportunity to industry is recognizing that our network generation of satellites in HISPASAT's showcase what can be delivered with our possesses the unique ability to make fleet with an innovative architecture that payload technology”, said Massimiliano GMDSS an even more robust system also features Ka-band capacity to optimize Ladovaz, Chief Technical Officer at and extend its coverage to the entire communications between the gateways OneWeb. “The improved performance, planet," said Iridium CEO, Matt Desch. and the satellite, allowing to multiply the greater efficiency and targeted capacity, "We are dedicated to keep finding total on-board capacity available for together with sophisticated ground innovative new ways to facilitate safer commercial use, thus improving to a great infrastructure, puts us at the forefront of marine travel.” extent the unitary cost with respect to LEO communications network services.” conventional satellites. OneWeb launched its first satellites in Hispasat hired by February 2019 and will shortly start a Amazon Nexus will be launched in the regular launch program to deliver global Thales Alenia to build second half of 2022. commercial broadband services at the Amazonas Nexus Based on the Spacebus NEO platform end of 2021. from Thales Alenia Space, the satellite will satellite feature full electric propulsion, making the IFT publishes satellite lighter and contributing to the HISPASAT, the Spanish satellite lower launch cost. With an estimated infrastructure sharing telecommunications operator, has lifetime of 15 years, 20 kW satellite power guidelines been awarded to Thales Alenia Space, and a mass of 4.5 metric tons at launch, a joint venture between Thales (67%) Amazon Nexus will be launched mid-2022. Amazon Nexus is the 3rd satellite ordered Mexico's Federal Telecommunications and Leonardo (33%), the construction Institute (Instituto Federal de of the Amazon Nexus satellite, which by HISPASAT to Thales Alenia Space, after HISPASAT 1C & 1D, the 7th satellite Telecomunicaciones, IFT) has published will replace and expand the capabilities a new set of guidelines relating to the of Amazonas 2 satellite , in orbit at 61º based on Spacebus NEO platform and the 5th embarking a digital transparent deployment of, access to and shared use West. The contract has been signed in of telecoms and broadcasting Madrid, with Thales Alenia Space processor of 5th generation. . infrastructure. The watchdog's key winning the award against an objectives are: international field of competitors. OneWeb and SatixFy to · To contribute to a more efficient use of The new High Throughput Satellite launch a digital existing infrastructure resources through (HTS) will enable HISPASAT to access the promotion of infrastructure sharing new customers and markets, by technology pathway among concessionaires; delivering high capacity mobility · To establish conditions to resolve services to the air and maritime payload in 2021 disagreements relating to the shared use transport sectors, among others. In o f i n f r a s t r u c t u r e b e t w e e n This combination of features enables IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

concessionaires; and OneWeb, announces a new distributor · To promote infrastructure deployment partnership with Pacific Dataport Inc. Ministry of Defence through incentives to carry out (PDI), a company founded by Microcom, Subscribes to Maxar's coordinated civil works – especially in the leading supplier of satellite areas where there is little or no operator communication systems in Alaska. SecureWatch Platform presence. The collaboration will enable delivery of The IFT notes: 'There are areas where OneWeb's high speed, low latency, Maxar Technologies announced the infrastructure has already been deployed communications services across Alaska. Defence Geographic Agency (DGeo) of t h a t c a n b e u s e d b y m o r e This agreement marks a key milestone in The Netherlands Ministry of Defence concessionaires – or where technically, service-readiness for OneWeb's signed a multi-million dollar, multi-year economically and/or legally it is only Network and its commitment to bring subscription to SecureWatch, the feasible to develop one network. high-speed internet to the Arctic region. company's cloud-based geospatial [Infrastructure sharing] creates PDI's distribution agreement with intelligence (GEOINT) platform. conditions for greater competition at OneWeb ensures that customers in the DGeo will leverage SecureWatch to enrich regional or local level.' Arctic will enjoy OneWeb services as its geospatial foundation data holdings ENENSYS' OneBeam, early as Q4 2020. Alaska's unique and derivative product portfolio that aid qualities mean that it is a center for critical decision-making within The world's first DVB-SIS economic growth, and OneWeb's Netherlands Ministry of Defence (MoD). standard ready for seamless global network will be a key Through SecureWatch, DGeo will have enabler of regional initiatives such as the access to Maxar's 110-petabyte, high- deployment collection of climate data, and the growth resolution satellite imagery library, daily of a digital economy. imagery collections, Vivid and Metro ENENSYS Technologies, a leading imagery mosaics, FirstLook service and provider of media delivery solutions, has Campbell Macfarlane, President synthetic aperture radar data from MDA's announced that the latest release of OneWeb Enterprise, said: “Working with RADARSAT-2 satellite. When the ENENSYS' OneBeam solution brings it PDI has been a fabulous collaborative WorldView Legion constellation imagery is into compliance with the DVB-SIS experience.Their knowledge, deep available after the first satellites launch in standard. With this modification, customer relationships and prominence early 2021, DGeo will also access it via ENENSYS has become the first provider in Arctic commercial regions make it a SecureWatch. The abundance and variety capable in delivering a complete DVB- natural fit to accelerate take-up of of geospatial data available in SIS system. OneWeb's Enterprise propositions. PDI SecureWatch will inform and support the immediately recognized the potential of MoD's information-driven activities such ENENSYS has a long history with the OneWeb's solutions to deliver high as mission planning, disaster response OneBeam solution; the first OneBeam throughput, low latency services to and border security, among other system was deployed in 2012 with the customers in a broad range of markets.” purposes. aim of optimizing the satellite bandwidth Chuck Schumann, CEO Pacific Dataport “Maxar is delighted to bring DGeo and the required to distribute video streams to Inc., said: “PDI is proud to sign Alaska's D u t c h M o D e c o s y s t e m i n t o terrestrial transmission sites drastically first significant LEO service agreement SecureWatch's ever-growing community reducing the deployment costs of DTT with OneWeb as a network service of subscribers,” said Tony Frazier, Maxar's services. Following OneBeam's initial provider. PDI is at the forefront of the Executive Vice President of Global Field launch, ENENSYS has implemented this satellite industry, continually looking Operations. “As one of the largest solution for several network broadcast ahead and implementing the very latest SecureWatch awards to date, this contract operators. With each deployment, the technologies available in the market for is the culmination of a careful consultation solution has been updated, keeping our customers. We are delighted to be process with DGeo, ensuring that Maxar's ahead of market changes and needs. working with OneWeb, who will provide solution has the greatest impact on their us with high-speed broadband coverage work. SecureWatch, with its mission- ENENSYS' OneBeam DVB-SIS solution to serve our customers in Alaska and the centric design and depth of content, fits allows Network Broadcast Operators to Arctic.” DGeo's requirements perfectly.” optimize their TV delivery services using “SecureWatch will facilitate DGeo's ability a single satellite feed for DTH and DTT in “PDI now has the advantage of being one to bring geospatial insights to a broader a Single Frequency Network (SFN). One of the first to be able to demo OneWeb's community within the Dutch MoD,” said satellite distribution serves both DTT service in Alaska and in the Arctic region Lieutenant Colonel Rijk van Hunnik, transmission sites and DTH consumers. from the end of this year, and already the DGeo's Commanding Officer. “Secure, on- At the DTT transmission site, the enthusiasm from our customers to test demand and easy access to very high- ENENSYS TxEdge OneBeam creates and trial OneWeb services has been resolution imagery promises to be a game- the DVB-T or DVB-T2 SFN bouquet significant.” changer for our decision-making process based on the services carried over DTH and operations, allowing us to allocate satellite. TV viewers who cannot receive PDI was founded to bring connectivity to resources in the most effective way DTT signals receive the DTT services all of Alaska and it has a strong possible.” over the same DTH feed. This brings commitment to local community projects Network Broadcast Operators a step such as Alaska Seeds of Change, Alaska Lockheed Martin closer to attaining their goal of 100% TV Healing Hearts, and several other local delivery coverage. initiatives. OneWeb shares with PDI this launches first smart ethos of local collaboration; Alaska is the satellite enabling space home of one of the six remote schools chosen to enjoy free OneWeb mesh networking OneWeb makes strong connectivity. progress towards Arctic A new era of space-based computing is now being tested in-orbit that will enable connectivity The Netherlands artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud IN THE NEWS AMERICAS networking and advanced satellite Gogo, Hispasat sign became the most downloaded app in the communications in a robust new US for the quarter with a total of 31 million software-defined architecture. Recently, capacity deal to meet downloads across Apple's App Store and Lockheed Martin launched the Pony Google Play. The launch is referred to by the Express 1 mission as a hosted payload rising inflight report as 'unprecedented' and was more on Tyvak-0129, a next-generation Tyvak connectivity demand than double the total for the next closest 6U spacecraft. app, TikTok. "Early on-orbit data show Pony Express 1 Gogo and Spanish satellite operator, Worldwide, Disney+ was the ninth most is performing its important pathfinding Hispasat, announced a capacity downloaded app in Q4 2019 in the App mission very well. Lockheed Martin's agreement on Amazonas Nexus Store, with more downloads than Netflix HiveStar™ technology on board will give satellite to meet the growing global and YouTube Music. our customers unparalleled speed, demand for high-speed inflight More impressive is the fact that Disney+ resiliency and flexibility for their changing connectivity services. Gogo has leased only launched on November 12, which is mission needs by unlocking even greater multi-gigahertz of Ku-band capacity well into the measure period of October 1- processing power in space," said Rick onboard Hispasat's new satellite, set to December 31, and is currently only Ambrose, executive vice president of launch in the second half of 2022, to available in five markets. Lockheed Martin Space. "This is the first provide service to its customers in the Since 2014, no SVOD app has seen nearly of several rapid, self-funded experiments Americas and the Atlantic region. as many US downloads as Disney+ did in d e m o n s t r a t i n g o u r a b i l i t y t o Hispasat and Gogo worked closely to November. The app had more than 12 times systematically accelerate our customers' optimize the satellite design to provide as many US downloads in November as speed to mission while reducing risk from superior performance and capacity for HBO Now had for the launch of the final new technologies.” inflight connectivity. season of Game of Thrones in April 2019. Amazonas Nexus is a High Throughput Unsurprisingly, the app failed to break into Pony Express 1, an example of rapid Satellite (HTS) with an innovative the top 20 in Europe, with Disney+ only prototyping, was developed, built and architecture that will replace the being available in the Netherlands – a integrated in nine months, and was Amazonas 2 in the 61º West position. country with a population of only 17.18 funded completely by Lockheed Martin The new satellite will have a payload million people. Research and Development funding. specifically dedicated to aero In spite of this, the report found that Disney+ This orbital proving ground is validating connectivity and will offer additional grossed more than US$50 million in its first payload hardware and software, and is capacities oriented to vertical segments 30 days, which was more than competitors packed with new technology that fits into like mobile connectivity, corporate like HBO Now and Showtime. In its second a satellite the size of a shoebox. Some of communications and cellular network month of availability, the app earned more the key technologies being flight-tested deployment. It will feature an advanced US revenue than HBO Now's best month – include: Digital Transparent Processor (DTP), a which includes revenue spikes that were technological breakthrough that will inspired by Game of Thrones. HiveStar™ software validates advanced substantially increase satellite flexibility The app grabbed 34% of US SVOD adaptive mesh communications between when dealing with changes in demand. downloads in Q4 2019, with Netflix and satellites, shared processing capabilities "Amazonas Nexus will significantly Youtube at 11% each, while Amazon Prime and can take advantage of sensors enhance our Ku network over the Video was only at 7%. aboard other smart satellites to Americas and the Atlantic region, The service generated 16% of total US customize missions in new ways providing Gogo with scaled capacity at SVOD revenues in Q4 through mobile app previously difficult to achieve in space. the right economics," said Oakleigh stores. Netflix mobile revenues consistently A software-defined radio that allows for Thorne, President and CEO of Gogo. decreased through the year, though the high-bandwidth hosting of multiple RF "Through our partnership with Hispasat, report notes that the company has made a applications, store-and-forward RF Gogo 2Ku will continue to meet the concerted effort to push new subscribers to collection, data compression, digital growing demand for high-speed inflight subscribing online rather than through the signal processing and waveform connectivity." app. transmission. "We are excited to support Gogo in providing the best service for their global Globalsat Group, Pony Express 1 is a dual-use payload that airline partners," said Miguel Ángel enables mesh networks in space through Panduro, CEO of Hispasat. "This Inmarsat and Cobham HiveStar™ and a second function that partnership demonstrates the important sign multi-year contract tests space to ground remote sensing. role Hispasat will play in providing Future research missions this year, like capacity for aerial services. The inflight to provide Rumo with Pony Express 2, will further advance connectivity market is a growing cloud networking concepts among segment for satellite capacity, and this is satellite communications satellites, as well as validating Lockheed one of the foundational elements for across Brazilian railway Martin's SmartSat™ software-defined Hispasat's future growth," Panduro satellite architecture which enables concluded. network streamlined hosting of flexible mission apps. This mission consists of two 12U Globalsat Group, through its Brazilian cubesats with faster, more capable ultra- Disney+ exceeded 30 affiliate Globalsat do Brasil, has signed a scale processors that unlock in-orbit data million downloads in multi-year contract with Rumo SA, the analytics and artificial intelligence. largest transport and logistics company in Equipped with miniaturized cross-link Q4 Latin America. In a deal that is set to and precision timing, Pony Express 2 is a significantly improve the running of Rumo's trailblazer for autonomous teaming in Disney+ saw more than 30 million Brazilian rail infrastructure, Globalsat space and true cloud networking. downloads in Q4 2019. According to a Group will provide a solution leveraging new report from mobile app store satellite connectivity from Inmarsat, the marketing firm Sensor Tower, Disney+ world leader in global, mobile satellite IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

communications, and Cobham connectivity may also be used for other vertical and Newtec will ensure that Speedcast terminals. This solution will connect Rumo's market segments with increasing is able to maintain its lead in this high- cargo trains, increasing the speed with which bandwidth requirements, such as value market with a forward-thinking, goods can be transported across the country yachting, oil and gas and the enterprise market-leading technology partner that and improving the safety of trains, vehicles market. This builds upon the long-term will remain dedicated to protecting its and the people operating them. partnership that has been forged investment across its entire VSAT Rumo is responsible for managing 14,000km between ST Engineering iDirect and network. We are proud to support of railway track in Brazil, with the project Speedcast, supporting mission-critical Speedcast, a leading force in the initially focusing on 2000km of the Northern communications in the world's most maritime market, with the network Railway which connects six key states to the remote regions. capabilities that it needs to meet and Port of Santos. As most of the tracks pass The cruise market remains the biggest exceed its customers' requirements, no through remote areas with unreliable or non- u s e r o f m a r i t i m e s a t e l l i t e matter how remote they are or what their existent network coverage, train drivers, communications and is driving the business entails.” railway engineers and transport managers sector with its increasing demand for have no way of communicating effectively. connectivity. Cruise ships are Dialog can be used as a single and multi- As a result, drivers cannot receive live traffic essentially floating cities, and service VSAT platform that allows updates and trains cannot progress until they passengers and crew wish to operators and service providers to build receive updates from the control centre. This experience the same connectivity at and adapt superior infrastructure and causes long delays to trains and creates a sea as at home. This supports the satellite networking according to their variety of logistical challenges as well as multiple devices that they have to keep business or missions. It gives operators increased operational costs. in touch on social media and for their the power to offer a variety of mobile and The first stage of the project will begin in early online entertainment needs. More fixed services on a single platform, all of 2020 and will see Globalsat Group equipping essentially, connectivity brings about a which can be delivered to customers 300 of Rumo's cargo trains, operating on this plethora of operational benefits for operating remotely. section of track, with Cobham EXPLORER operators, enabling them to manage 325 Broadband Global Area Network their fleets and crew more effectively. (BGAN) terminals, EXPLORER Mobile “Our customers are increasingly faced Artel, SES GS and Gateways and the PRISM PTT+ service, with the need to deliver a seamless, delivering uninterrupted connectivity, even in high quality, high-speed connectivity Leidos provide the most isolated of areas without mobile experience, which drives significant mission-critical coverage. This will enable accurate real-time growth in demand for Speedcast tracking of each train as well as reliable voice services,” said PJ Beylier, CEO, connectivity for Palmer and data communication between drivers, Speedcast. “We were looking for a Station, Antarctica maintenance crews and regional control technology platform that could meet our centres. The framework's intent is to see current and future bandwidth Artel, LLC, and SES Government 1,600 locomotives provisioned with highly challenges but also that was versatile Solutions have teamed with Leidos to reliable BGAN connectivity, ensuring an enough to be used across other market deliver vital connectivity solutions to efficient, profitable and safe railway network. segments where we were seeing Palmer Station, Antarctica, operated by Igor Falcao, Head of Globalsat do Brasil and similar demands. the National Science Foundation (NSF). Senior Vice President of Sales of Globalsat The satellite-based service will serve as Group stated: “In Brazil, rail is the most The Dialog platform, with its high the primary backbone for the sharing of important transportation channel for many throughput and efficiency capabilities, leading year-round scientific research i n d u s t r i e s i n c l u d i n g a g r i c u l t u r e , allows us to deploy high-end services from the field to the United States commodities, forestry and consumer goods. and is ultimately a natural extension of Antarctic Program (USAP) data center So, a more efficient network means a our existing Very Small Aperture located over 7,500 miles away in stronger economy. Rumo's rail network is the Terminal (VSAT) network. The Centennial, Co. only one connecting the central state of Mato partnership with ST Engineering iDirect Grosso to the largest port in Latin America – will enable us to deploy a unified Artel engineered the solution leveraging Santos. The connectivity improvements platform for the cruise sector to drive the C-band coverage provided by the being brought by mobile satellite network efficiencies and ultimately SES-14 satellite, with backhaul from the communications will improve Rumo's create a better customer experience. SES Government Solutions Teleport in operations, making rail a more reliable and This world-class global maritime and Bristow, Va. through terrestrial circuits effective transport proposition that the offshore network will leverage the also engineered by Artel. The rapid data Brazilian economy can depend on.” optimal satellite capacity over each connection ensures the reliable transfer region to deliver bandwidth to hundreds of data for the scientific community, but ST Engineering iDirect of cruise ships and yachts. This also provides a glimpse into the far network will give us a competitive reaches of Antarctica for the public enables Speedcast to advantage and enable us to continue to through their station and penguin support the growing connectivity webcam live streams. respond to growing demands of our customers.” bandwidth demand "The Antarctic Treaty provides the “To stay ahead in this highly competitive framework for scientists from all over the ST Engineering iDirect announced that and increasingly digitalized market, fast world to peacefully come together and Speedcast will deploy the Newtec Dialog® and reliable connectivity is essential,” better understand our planet. We're glad platform to provide worldwide satellite said Thomas Van den Driessche, to follow suit and collaborate with our broadband services for its customers. President of the Executive Strategic industry partners to provide crucial and The deployment will enable Speedcast to Board and Chief Commercial Officer, resilient satellite connectivity to Palmer respond to the exponential demand for high- ST Engineering iDirect. “The recent Station," said Pete Hoene, President & speed connectivity on board cruise ships and integration of ST Engineering iDirect IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

CEO of SES Government Solutions. proudly supported the warfighter and Palmer Station's location on the Antarctic military operations with sophisticated Peninsula, due south of Argentina, has communication systems,” said Chief GHGSat to provide free given the USAP a unique perspective to Technology Officer Marqus Hutchinson visualisation of global provide leading research on global issues for Intelligent Waves. “This award such as climate change and the effects on demonstrates our ability to deliver greenhouse gas wildlife and surrounding ecosystems. The mission-critical solutions in support of emissions transmission of this data from the isolated our customers.” environment to the global population has Performance will be at various locations Montreal-based GHGSat announced a become pertinent to the NSF and USAP within the Continental United States new service for visualising greenhouse mission. and Outside the Continental United gas emissions. The interactive, online States. The Defense Information resource will be freely available and will "Artel was involved with the NSF's Palmer Technology Contracting Organization, be formally launched during COP26 in Station Satellite Data Services from the Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the November 2020. beginning of 2002 to 2008 as a solution contracting activity. GHGSat plans to initially provide provider, installing the current 4.9-m C- visualisation for methane on a grid band Palmer earth station and engineering VITEC acquires IPtec averaging 2 km x 2 km anywhere over the original satellite-based connectivity land. Users will be able to zoom into the s o l u t i o n t o p r o v i d e e n d - t o - e n d Inc. to strengthen its grid to explore geographic patterns and communications between the Palmer market position hotspots of methane, an important Station and the USAP data center. We look greenhouse gas. The visualisation will forward to supporting the Leidos team in VITEC, a worldwide leader in advanced be updated on a rolling basis with the continuous delivery of mission-critical latest data. GHGSat will continue to offer satellite-based data connectivity services to video encoding and streaming solutions, announced the strategic higher resolution methane emission Palmer Station," said Ed Spitler, Head of measurements, up to 25 m x 25 m, under SATCOM Programs at Artel. acquisition of IPtec Inc., a developer and manufacturer of industry-leading a paid subscription service. solutions for low-latency transfer of The free visualisation will integrate data Intelligent Waves telemetry and video-over-IP networks. from GHGSat's own satellites, the awarded global satellite This acquisition is the third the company Copernicus Sentinel satellites, as well as has made within this vertical in the last other current and future atmospheric communications 18 months, continuing VITEC's growth monitoring missions. Having three years in broadcast contribution and remote of experience in integrating rich data contract valued at $48m production. sources in GHGSat's commercial services, company President and CEO Intelligent Waves LLC, announced that it "IPtec is highly respected in the military Stephane Germain says, "We decided to was awarded a competitive, single award and broadcast verticals," said Kevin make this core capability openly indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) Ancelin, VP Worldwide Broadcast available to accelerate the impact of our contract with the Defense Information Sales, VITEC. "IPtec introduces the measurements." He adds that, "We plan Systems Agency (DISA). The contract benefits of J2K, MPEG-2, and legacy to launch during COP26 to highlight the called Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services H.264 4:2:2 10-bit codec support, as importance of combining the best of all (EMSS) Global Logistical Services well as a full duplex encoder/decoder satellite capabilities to help solve the Management Contract (ELOG) has a and a telemetry-to-IP gateway that real-world challenges of this decade." lifecycle value of $48 million and a 1-year complement VITEC's portfolio of high- In 2016, GHGSat launched the world's base with 4-year options. quality, low-latency HEVC codecs. first satellite ("Claire") designed to Together, our solutions will provide measure greenhouse gas emissions EMSS provides deployed warfighters and customers with a purpose-built from industrial facilities. Claire has since partnering agencies with global technology platform capable of taken thousands of measurements, communication services through a delivering broadcast-quality media covering over a million square kilometers dedicated, EMSS-controlled satellite streams even under the most extreme of the Earth's surface, identifying gateway that leverages the commercial conditions." previously undetected methane leaks Iridium satellite constellation. EMSS which operators were then able to services and support include the Effective this month, this acquisition will address. Public samples of these Distributed Tactical Communication add IPtec's product families to the measurements are available on System (DTCS), an over-the-horizon, VITEC lineup. This includes the VNP GHGSat's website. Building on the beyond-line-of-sight, “netted” satellite Series video network processors, which success of this first satellite, GHGSat is communication capability that employs support full-duplex encode-decode; launching two more satellites and an cutting-edge devices and corresponding H.264, AVC-I, and MPEG-2 video aircraft sensor in 2020. GHGSat uses its systems allowing users to transmit standards; and AAC and MPEG-1 satellites and aircraft sensors to offer information from unique environments. Layer II audio standards, in a monitoring services for industrial redundantly powered ½ RU package. facilities in sectors such as oil & gas, Intelligent Waves will provide global The current IPtec VNP Series will be power generation, mining, waste logistical service management and field maintained as its product roadmap management, and agriculture to service representatives in support of the merges into VITEC's HEVC portfolio measure, control and ultimately reduce DTCS and the EMSS program. The offering. VITEC will also add the TNP emissions. contract will ensure operational, Telemetry Network Processor Series, engineering and technical requirements are which addresses the need for Capella Space unveils successfully achieved for current and future transmitting timing-sensitive data devices as technologies within the EMSS s i g n a l s o v e r I P n e t w o r k s i n solutions to deliver portfolio rapidly evolve. telemedicine, defense, and industrial high resolution on- “For over a decade, Intelligent Waves has applications. IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

capability for the entire Capella infrastructure.” demand EO Data constellation. Rocket Lab has been launching to orbit The new satellite design cemented since January 2018 and is now the world's Capella Space unveiled its evolved satellite major deals with multiple divisions of the leading dedicated small satellite launch design to enable on-demand observations U.S. government, including a contract provider. Rocket Lab remains the only of anywhere on Earth. Informed by with the United States Air Force and launch provider capable of meeting the extensive customer feedback and findings National Reconnaissance Office rapid-acquisition and launch requirements from the launch of Denali, Capella's testbed ( N R O ) . T h e t e c h n o l o g i c a l of dedicated small satellite missions for the satellite, the re-engineered design features enhancements will be embedded in U.S. government. Rocket Lab has a suite of technological innovations to Capella's next six commercial satellites, delivered 47 satellites to orbit on the deliver timely, flexible and frequent sub-0.5 named the "Whitney" constellation, Electron launch vehicle, enabling meter very high quality images to the starting with the launch of Sequoia operations in space debris mitigation, market. The enhanced technology slated for March of 2020. The Sequoia Earth observation, ship and airplane package will deliver the most advanced satellite is currently completing system tracking, and radio communications offering for small satellite SAR imagery on level tests and will arrive at the launch the market. site in early March. Capella is also licensed by the National BAE Systems "Our customers have explained today's O c e a n i c a n d A t m o s p h e r i c announces proposed industry standard of waiting eight hours to Administration (NOAA) for its 36 small receive data is woefully outdated. They satellite constellation, along with acquisition of Collins want access to imagery that is reliable, approval to sell the highest resolution aerospace's military timely and, most importantly, high-quality," legally allowed SAR commercial said Christian Lenz, vice president of imagery to customers globally. GPS Business and engineering at Capella Space. "The innovations packed into our small satellite Raytheon's airborne make Capella the first and only SAR Rocket Lab to launch tactical radios business provider to provide real-time tasking and capture of sub-0.5m very high-quality National BAE Systems, Inc. has reached definitive imagery anywhere on Earth at any time. Reconnaissance Office agreements for the proposed acquisitions This is a game-changer for a variety of of Collins Aerospace's military Global industries -- from monitoring military mission Positioning System (GPS) business and threats to assessing crop yields in Raytheon's Airborne Tactical Radios (ATR) agriculture to coordinating disaster Rocket Lab has announced that it will business. response." launch a dedicated mission for the These two high-performing businesses The satellite evolution is a direct result of National Reconnaissance Office are being sold in connection with obtaining customer feedback, extensive on-orbit (NRO). The launch window is the required antitrust clearances for the testing with Capella's first testbed satellite scheduled to open on 31 January NZDT previously announced pending merger Denali, as well as ground-based testing. and the mission, called 'Birds of a b e t w e e n R a y t h e o n a n d U n i t e d Enhancements include: Advanced design Feather,' will lift off from Rocket Lab Technologies Corporation (UTC). delivering high contrast, low-noise, sub-0.5 Launch Complex 1. The proposed acquisitions are structured meter imagery: A 3.5 meter deployed mesh- The NRO competitively awarded the as asset transactions with associated tax based reflector antenna combined with a contract under the Rapid Acquisition of benefits, and they remain subject to high power RADAR enable key a Small Rocket (RASR) contract customary closing adjustments. The asset performance improvements including vehicle. RASR allows the NRO to purchase agreement for the Collins quality advances. explore new launch opportunities that military GPS business calls for cash of Extended duty cycle: A deployed 400 W can provide a streamlined, commercial $1.925 billion, with an expected tax benefit solar array increases on-orbit duty cycle to approach for getting small satellites into of approximately $365 million. For 10 minutes per orbit. space. Raytheon's ATR business, the purchase Continuous imaging over long distance: Rocket Lab's Senior Vice President – agreement calls for cash of $275 million, Advanced thermal management systems Global Launch Services, Lars Hoffman, with an expected tax benefit of allow continuous imaging of up to 4000 km says the Electron vehicle is uniquely approximately $50 million. long strip images. placed to deliver the kind of frequent, “As militaries around the world Highly agile platform: Enabled by large rapidly-acquired launch opportunities increasingly operate in contested reaction wheels, the new satellite quickly required by the NRO and other environments, the industry-leading, battle- adjusts pointing to collect images from government agencies to ensure tested products of these two businesses diverse targets. resiliency in space. will complement and extend our existing Staring spotlight image mode: New mode “We are honored the NRO has selected portfolio of solutions we offer our further enhances image quality with the Rocket Lab as the launch provider for customers,” said Jerry DeMuro, CEO of ability to collect the highest commercially this dedicated mission. The Electron BAE Systems, Inc. “This unique available multi-look data. launch vehicle is perfectly positioned to opportunity to acquire critical radio and Enhanced data downlink rate: A high provide the kind of rapid and responsive GPS capabilities strengthens our position average data rate downlink of 1.2 Gbps access to space that puts the NRO in as a leading provider of defense supports the massive image collection rate complete control over their own launch electronics and communications systems, and extended duty cycle, providing more schedule and orbital requirements,” Mr. and further supports our alignment with the data per orbit than any other commercial Hoffman says. “As the industry shifts modernization priorities of the U.S. military SAR system in its class. toward the disaggregation of large, and its partners.” Real-time tasking: A highly secure geostationary spacecraft, Electron These proposed acquisitions are subject encrypted two-way link with Inmarsat enables unprecedented access to to the successful closure of the Raytheon- through an exclusive partnership with space to support a resilient layer of UTC transaction, as well as the Addvalue provides real time tasking g o v e r n m e n t s m a l l s a t e l l i t e satisfaction of other customary closing IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

conditions, including receipt of the required fits with the strong BAE Systems our revolutionary flat panel antenna U.S. regulatory approvals. Upon closure, Electronic Systems sector, and our technology, and we look forward to our both business lines would be integrated into combined capabilities will benefit our continued work with Isotropic to shape the company's Electronic Systems sector. customers and all of our stakeholders. the course of satellite communications in “These are strong businesses with talented the future.” employees who share our focus on quality and technology innovation,” said Tom Arseneault, President and COO of BAE Kymeta and Isotropic ISILAUNCH enters into Systems, Inc. “We are confident of a smooth launch services transition that will accelerate our future Networks collaborate together and look forward to welcoming on next generation agreement with firefly these new employees to the BAE Systems team once the transactions are approved.” flatpanel antenna aerospace services Firefly Aerospace, Inc. announced today Collins' Military GPS Business the execution of a Launch Services Based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Collins' Isotropic and Kymeta have partnered to Agreement with Innovative Space military GPS business is a longstanding conduct over-the-air testing on Kymeta's Logistics BV (ISILAUNCH), a launch provider of mission critical military GPS u7 antenna and next generation services subsidiary of Netherlands receiver solutions and has been a pioneer in antennas. based ISIS - Innovative Solutions in military GPS receiver markets for over 40 Testing took place last week in the Space B.V. (ISISPACE). Under the years. Today, it designs and produces Seattle area on Isotropic's E115 network. agreement, ISILAUNCH will offer to its advanced, hardened and secure GPS Previous testing took place on the AM2 customers multiple dedicated and products to include M-Code, anti-jamming, and G28 satellites on the east coast. The rideshare launch opportunities on the and anti-spoofing technologies. The Kymeta u7 antenna was paired with an Firefly's Alpha launch vehicle, on business has an installed base of over 1.5 iDirect X7 satellite router and iQ 200LTE missions beginning in 2020. million devices on approximately 280 modem, which are optimized for mobility. "We are very pleased to have platform types around the world, including These successful tests demonstrate the ISILAUNCH as a customer for our Alpha ground, airborne, and weapon systems. ability of the antenna to operate across launch vehicle," said Firefly CEO Dr. multiple satellite networks and beams, Tom Markusic. "With our anticipated Given the requirement for ubiquitous, and they mark the first time Isotropic's flight rate and the growth of the demand secure geo-positioning in contested commercial service offering has been for launch services, Firefly will leverage battlefields, this technology offering will delivered immediately following the experience and market presence of continue to be critical to the U.S. military and conception. ISILAUNCH to provide their customers partners worldwide. For example, the with economical, convenient and reliable business is currently developing the next The Kymeta u7 Ku-band satellite flight opportunities." generation of M-Code GPS technologies for terminal addresses the need for "We are very keen to work with Firefly the U.S. military, which will advance our l i g h t w e i g h t , l o w - p r o f i l e , a n d and their Alpha launch vehicle," said collective position to address the priority highthroughput communication systems ISILAUNCH Director Abe Bonnema. growth area of precision guided munitions. on-the-move. The u7 terminal makes "Based on our extensive experience with connecting to nearly any vehicle, vessel, cluster launches, having launched Raytheon's Airborne Tactical or fixed platform easier and more reliable hundreds of small satellites that way Radios Business than ever before. over the past ten years, we believe the Raytheon's ATR business is a leading “The testing we completed with Kymeta Alpha launch vehicle has a very provider of airborne tactical radio solutions. has been a revelation to me,” said Hank interesting capacity to cost ratio, Based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Largo, Zbierski, Chief Catalyst and Co-Founder, enabling the launch configuration Florida, the ATR business designs, Isotropic. “I had been waiting for the flexibility we need to serve our broad manufactures, and supplies a wide array of promises of holographic beamforming customer base, while Alpha is also mission-critical communication systems to and was skeptical about metamaterial interesting for our ambitions to bring the U.S. Department of Defense, allied technology. These tests have proven, swarms of small satellites to lunar orbit. governments, and large defense aircraft beyond any doubt, that metamaterial Moreover, we are pleased to conclude manufacturers. The business has science is not something that's in the that our business philosophy and market leveraged its innovative technologies to future—it's deliverable now.” approach align very well with those of develop secure communications solutions Firefly." that are installed on a broad range of As part of the antenna innovator's Alona Kolisnyk, Firefly Director of military airborne platforms. development and testing of its next International Business Development, generation antenna, Kymeta will be added that, "At Firefly, our team is Coupled with the Electronic Systems sector using bandwidth provided by Isotropic at preparing to quickly ramp flight cadence of BAE Systems, Inc., Raytheon's ATR the Lake Geneva Earth Station and following the maiden launch of our Alpha business will enhance our positions in Isotropic's world class network vehicle. This will allow us to deliver airborne communications with broad operations center. customer payloads to their preferred spectrum, multi-band, multi-channel radios orbits in a responsive and affordable including battle proven, robust, anti-jam, “We are very pleased to have partnered way. The rideshare missions Firefly will and encryption capabilities. The ATR with Isotropic to conduct these tests. execute with ISILAUNCH will further business brings both complementary Isotropic's network is proven to enable enable the global small satellite industry waveform expertise and a long trusted robust service delivery on our u7 and provide flight heritage to disruptive partnership with the U.S. Army. antenna,” said Walter Berger, President, cislunar technologies being developed Chief Operating Officer and Chief by commercial space startups.” These businesses will be excellent strategic Financial Officer, Kymeta. “This exercise has proven the seamless connectivity of IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

ATEME awarded grant synchronization, capability improvement, Networks,” Klein continued. cybersecurity engineering, platform The iDirect iQ 200 modem can deliver for AI video delivery integration and testing, and acquisition aggregate data transmission rates over program management. Specifically, 200Mbps with network configurations innovation Booz Allen's work will aid in the based on DVB-S2/S2X/ACM. ATEME, a leader in video delivery development and modernization of GPS "We are delighted to reinforce our solutions for broadcast, cable, DTH, IPTV systems through major programs such as longstanding partnership with C-COM,” and OTT, has been announced as a Military GPS User Equipment, GPS III, said Hank Zbierski, CEO, Isotropic. "As a recipient of the i-Nov Innovation Contest and Next Generation Operational Control premier iDirect Host Network Operator, it grant for the IA4SEC project, involving its System. is great to see the combination of such state-of-the-art video technologies. “Booz Allen's robust track record of work innovative technology that will enable The project is operated by Bpifrance, the in both systems engineering and customers to go further and to do more public bank for entrepreneurs, and cybersecurity continues to inspire trust than ever before. Isotropic is proud to s u p p o r t e d b y P r o g r a m m e from our clients,” said Vice President enable these advancements with the d'Investissements d'Avenir (PIA), a Brian Zimmermann. “Our deep bench of highly reliable service that we deliver program set up by the French government leaders and technical experts reassures through our network." Zbierski added. to finance innovative and promising our clients that no project is too big or too investments in the territory. complex. It's our privilege to help the The video industry market continues to Navy and Air Force modernize GPS Iridium CloudConnect face a changing landscape with systems that are so vital to the security of goes live, extending increasing complexity of video payload our nation.” standards such as HEVC, AV1, VVC / IoT on Amazon Web H.266 and EVC / MPEG-5 part 1. ATEME's technology offers customers a Services globally path to the latest video techniques by C-Com and Isotropic leveraging artificial intelligence (AI). In partner to complete Iridium CloudConnect is now actively the context of this project, ATEME serving customers. This new service proposed several levels of innovation in AI iDirect iQ 200 combines Iridium® IoT capabilities with for video delivery. This included Integration Amazon Web Services (AWS) IoT and improvements in core encoding to enable cloud services extending customers' IoT bitrate reduction, Content, Adaptive reach to the more than 80 percent of the Encoding for higher video quality, and C-COM Satellite Systems Inc. and reseller partner, Isotropic, have Earth that lacks terrestrial coverage. elastic encoding orchestration to optimize By combining the unique attributes of the media supply chain and cloud usage. collaborated on the integration of the iDirect iQ 200 modem with C-COM's Iridium network with the breadth of AWS ATEME also outlined how AI can help in supporting infrastructure and services, reducing latency for an enhanced OTT iNetVu® antenna controllers. The new modem is now fully compatible on all C- Iridium customers can reduce viewing experience. engineering time, lower fixed operating COM antenna systems using OpenAMIP interface. c o s t s , a n d e x p e r i e n c e f a s t e r U.S. Navy awards Booz C-COM utilized Isotropic's extensive development and deployment of new IoT teleport facilities on Lake Geneva to test products and applications. For existing Allen $178m GPS auto-pointing satellite acquisitions and AWS customers, Iridium CloudConnect contract data transfers. is providing the ability to easily expand The compatibility of the iNetVu® their current service footprint beyond terrestrial coverage, creating the The U.S. Navy's Naval Information Controllers with the iQ 200 satellite router opportunity for additional service Warfare Center (NIWC Pacific), in provides an advantage to C-COM offerings and improved performance partnership with the U.S. Air Force Space partners who are currently using or through the addition of satellite and Missile Systems Center (SMC), has considering to use the latest iDirect connectivity. awarded Booz Allen Hamilton a $178 modem. C-COM's 'Best-in-Class' "There's been great anticipation for this million contract to provide technical a n t e n n a c o n t r o l l e r s n o w o ff e r service since it was first announced, and engineering services toward the interoperability with 14 different modem now our partners and customers can modernization of advanced Global manufacturers and over 35 different easily experience the full power of IoT Positioning System (GPS) systems. modems. using AWS, combined with the only The NIWC Pacific Positioning, Navigation, “Combining good quality hardware network offering truly global coverage," and Timing (PNT) Division is the Navy's products, especially high-performance said Bryan Hartin, executive vice principal research and development products like the iQ series, with the robust president, sales and marketing, Iridium. center for navigation sensors and services offered by Isotropic, should "We've built a direct, private connection systems. SMC is the center of technical create new markets for C-COM between our gateway and AWS, making excellence for developing, acquiring, Driveaway, Flyaway and Manpack it secure and redundant. This is now a fielding, and sustaining resilient and antenna products in many different premier satellite cloud-based IoT affordable military space systems. By verticals,” said Drew Klein, Vice service." executing this contract, Booz Allen will President for C-COM Satellite Systems, The service makes it easier to do continue to serve as a key mission partner Inc. business by translating between for NIWC Pacific and SMC on the C-COM is also developing a Comm-on- industry-standard cloud protocols and important endeavor of modernizing PNT the-Move, electronically steered Ka- Iridium's Short Burst Data® service. systems for U.S. and Allied warfighters. band phased array antenna in This allows virtually any IoT device In order to execute this highly complex conjunction with the University of connected through the Iridium network scope of work, Booz Allen will provide a Waterloo. “Once this flat panel to speak natively with AWS IoT services range of essential services, including technology has been commercialized, as well as other value-added elements system definition, requirements we hope to test it with Isotropic

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