Paul Kagame launches Rwanda into space

VVVolVolVolVol o6 o6 66l l. .No. NoNo. No77 N N 55 oo5.. 816 April 2018 2019

AFRICA

By Marcel Dischinger Prof.(Sir) Martin Sweeting “SSTL transfer know-how, not technology developing countries.”

C O N T E N T S Vol. 7 No. 16

Editor in-chief Aliyu Bello 2018 was another good year Executive Manager Tonia Gerrald NASRDA's chief executive to step down SA to the editor in-Chief Ngozi Okey Head, Application Services M. Yakubu SES posted strong revenue growth in 2018 Editorial/ICT Services John Daniel Nestle using satellites to monitor palm oil plantations Usman Bello for deforestation Alozie Nwankwo How global satellite network convinced Juliet Nnamdi FAA grounding of Boeing's 737 Max Client Relations Sunday Tache Nigeria plans new systems to improve GPS accuracy over Africa Lookman Bello Safiya Thani Ivory Coast begins digital TV switch over with GatesAir Marketing Offy Pat Eutelsat successfully mate KONNECT satellite payload Tunde Nathaniel with its all-electric platform Wasiu Olatunde SSTL transfer know-how not technology to Media Relations Favour Madu developing countries Khadijat Yakubu Paul Kagame launches Rwanda into space Zacheous Felicia Monitoring desertification using integrated Finance Folarin Tunde geospatial technologies APT Satellite releases 2018 annual results Space Watch Magazine is a publication of Communication Science, Inc. All correspondence should be addressed to editor, space Watch Magazine. Abuja office: Plot 2009, Awka Street, UTC Building, GF 11, Area 10, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria Tel: 234 80336471114, 07084706167, email: [email protected]

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1

Editorial

2018 was another good year

In fulfilment of their reporting obligations Company and its subsidiaries for the year Energy division revenue continued to pursuant to the relevant sections of the ended 31 December 2018, representing decline due to ongoing delays in the financial institution. satellite industry players an increase of 2.5% amounting to offshore energy market recovery. are announcing their overall profits, HK$30,272,000 as compared to SpeedCast's major strengths lie in its areas including dividends accrued to outstanding 2017.During the year, the Company stocks, at the close of the period covered. of focus, including radio frequency declared and paid an interim dividend in engineering, high integrity network design, Intelsat, Ltd., the world's leading provider of cash of HK4.00 cents per ordinary share. implementation, integration, operation and fixed satellite services, was the earliest to According to the policy for continuous maintenance of satellite ground systems announce its financial results for the three increase of the investment return of and maritime RF networks around very months and full-year ended December 31, shareholders, the Board has resolved to small aperture terminal technology. 2018 providing details with respect to its declare a final dividend in cash of HK11.50 SpeedCast also supplements very small earnings as well as the types and quantities cents per ordinary share for the financial aperture terminal networks with moblie of satellite capacity utilizations in the media, year ended 31 December 2018. As at 31 satellite service and terrestrial connectivity networking and government customers in December 2018, the Group's financial via its global multiprotocol label switchnig the year. position remains very strong. network.

Intelsat is today the leading provider of fixed In addition, SES announced strong Inmarsat plc has also announced its satellite services worldwide. For more than financial results for the year ended 31 unaudited financial results for the year. In 40 years, Intelsat has been delivering December 2018, beating revenue outlook 2018, Inmarsat delivered good growth in information and entertainment for many of on the back of a standout Networks Revenue and EBITDA, with year-on-year the world's leading media and network performance and posting double-digit increases of 5.3% and 4.2% respectively companies, multinational corporations, growth in Free Cash Flow. Internet service providers and governmental and consistent quarter-on-quarter It was a breakout year for SES networks agencies. Intelsat's satellite, teleport and improvement. This result, building on the fiber infrastructure is unmatched in the business with double-digit underlying return to growth established in 2017, was industry, setting the standard for advanced revenue growth, fuelled by advances in all driven by the strength of its global GX transmissions of video, data and voice three major market verticals and the broadband offering, particularly in Aviation, services. strongest year to date in terms of new Government and Maritime, and by lower business signed. indirect costs. According to the company, According to release, Intelsat reported At the end of 31 December 2018, SES aviation revenues grew by over 40%, within earnings before net interest, gain on early delivered 8,151 total TV channels to which In-Flight Connectivity revenues extinguishment of debt, taxes and viewers around the world. This more than doubled depreciation and amortization, of $408.6 represented an increase of 6% (year-on- million and Adjusted EBITDA1 of $417.9 year) and was driven by the introduction of The report said: Inmarsat, new strategies million, or 77 percent of revenue, for the new High Definition and Ultra High are being implemented in the mid-market, three months ended December 31, 2018. Definition offerings across all three of to help protect market share, as customers For the year-ended December 31, 2018 SES' major regions. 66.5% of total TV migrate to VSAT amidst growing Intelsat reported EBITDA of $1,634.0 million channels are now broadcast in MPEG-4, penetration of the US customer base. and Adjusted EBITDA of $1,668.5 million, or compared with 65.0% a year ago. Rupert Pearce, Chief Executive Officer, 77 percent of revenue. said: “Inmarsat delivered consistent growth For SES, 2018 was an important and Also, Telesat Canada announced its in 2018, building on its return to growth successful year with three Geostationary financial results for the three-month and established in 2017. Earth Orbit (SES-14, GovSat-1 and SES- one-year periods ended December 31, 12) and four O3b Medium Earth Orbit 2018. Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd, a worldwide (satellites 13-16) satellites successfully For the quarter ended December 31, leader in satellite networking technology, launched, adding future growth 2018, Telesat reported consolidated solutions and services, has also reported capabilities for SES Networks. revenues of $232 million, a decrease of its results for the third quarter ended, 2018 8% ($21 million) compared to the same continuing the trend of improvement in profitability as well as continued growth period in 2017. When adjusting for the Speedcast International Limited momentum in its business, as evidenced impact of foreign exchange rate changes, announces preliminary financial results with the following achievements: revenue decreased by 9% ($22 million) for full year 2018 with revenue grew 21% “In its strategic area of LTE cellular compared to the same period in 2017. to US$623 million. SpeedCast is a leading backhaul Gilat have secured several wins, The decrease was primarily due to short- g l o b a l n e t w o r k a n d s a t e l l i t e one with Telstra in Australia and the other term services provided to other satellite communications service provider offering with a major MNO in Latin America. In both operators in the 4th quarter of 2017 that high-quality managed networks services these areas of the globe, Gilat was did not re-occur in 2018, and the end of in over 90 countries; and a global maritime selected for its recognized global service or service reductions for certain network serving customers worldwide. customers, partially offset by the impact of leadership in large, efficient and reliable LTE networks, which is what the the implementation of IFRS 15 and "2018 was a challenging year for businesses and residents in the remote revenue related to the Telstar 19 Speedcast," said Pierre-Jean Beylier, locations of these countries expect and are VANTAGE satellite, which entered Chief Executive Officer of Speedcast. willing to pay for. commercial service in August 2018. "Although we delivered strong organic APT Satellite Holdings Limited released growth across three of our divisions the audited consolidated results of the (Maritime, Government, and EEM), our

5 APOINTMENTS

Irina Petrov appointed Russia on 17 August 2011. as Vice President Marketing and Member Singtel appoints Services of GVF Dominic Barton to Board of Directors The Global VSAT Forum (GVF) has Source: Airbus Defence and Space Singtel has announced the appointment announced the appointment of Irina of Mr Dominic Barton as an independent Petrov to serve as its Vice President for director of the Board with immediate Marketing and Membership with effect on effect. Mr Barton has been Chair of the 5 March 2019. Ms. Petrov brings over Board of Canadian mining company twenty years of experience in the satellite Teck Resources since 1 October 2018. industry serving the last eleven years with Prof Seidu Mohammed “Dominic brings rich expertise and Onlime Group that provides premium insights from across a broad swathe of Libby Barr business communications to customers industries, having advised clients in across the globe, with the last five years as forAdewale proposing Adeyipo and implementing space banking, consumer goods, tech and its Vice President for Marketing. Ms. policy in Nigeria involving several aspects industrials over three decades of Petrov has also worked for several s u c h a s A s t r o n o m y, s c i e n c e s , consulting. The diversity of his satellite operators in marketing and observation, telecommunications, experience will be invaluable as p r o j e c t m a n a g e m e n t p o s i t i o n s . defense through the centers spread Singtel's digital transformation takes the Additionally possessing significant across Nigeria. He has also represented Group into businesses and partnerships experience planning and organizing Nigeria within the continent and at several that cut across multiple industries. I'm conference events and writing articles for other international fora and organizations. delighted to welcome Dominic to the satellite industry media, Singtel board,” said Singtel's Chairman In particular, he has visited numerous Mr Simon Israel. space agencies across the world and as a Ms. Petrov will bring an extensive set of A McKinsey & Company veteran, Mr skills, knowledge, and a network of lucky scientist to wit, he is one of the few Barton was Global Managing Partner of relationships that will enable GVF to ones to have witnessed all the Nigerian McKinsey until July 2018, a role he held significantly increase the services offered Spacecrafts launched in his career span. for nine years. He is currently Global to its membership and grow it to an even So far, five satellites have been launched Managing Partner Emeritus. Before stronger satellite community. by the Nigerian government into outer becoming managing partner, Dominic “Ms. Petrov is extremely well-known and space. The NigeriaSat-1 was the first served as McKinsey's chairman in Asia well-regarded within the satellite industry Nigerian satellite built by a United from 2004 to 2009. He also headed and her mix of skills and experience will Kingdom-based satellite technology McKinsey's office in Korea from 2000 to enable GVF to increase its value to its company, Surrey Satellite Technology 2004. global membership” said David Meltzer, Limited, (SSTL). The satellite was Mr Barton is the Chancellor of the GVF's Secretary General. “Irina will launched by Kosmos-3M rocket from a University of Waterloo, the chairman of diversify the types of benefits provided to Russian spaceport on 27th September the International Integrated Reporting members, deepen our relationships with 2003. NigeriaSat-1 was part of the global Council, Canadian Minister of Finance's m e m b e r s , a n d b r o a d e n G V F ' s Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC) Advisory Council on Economic Growth membership. We are very fortunate to System. The primary objectives of and the Seoul International Business NigeriaSat-1 were to provide early Advisory Council. He is also a trustee of have Ms. Petrov join GVF.” the Brookings Institution, a founding warning signals of environmental disaster, member of non-profit organisation FCLT “I am very excited to be joining GVF after detection and control desertification in the Global (Focusing Capital on the Long two decades of being their keen supporter. northern part of Nigeria, and to assist in Term), a member of the Singapore I have always admired the idea behind it, demographic planning. NigeriaSat-1 Economic Development Board's passion and effort that kept GVF going, provide invaluable support in conflict International Advisory Council, and a with only one goal in mind - to represent resolution and border disputes by member of the boards of Memorial Sloan and support satellite industry. That is a mapping out state and International Kettering in New York City and the Asia very noble mission. I am committed to borders. Pacific Foundation of Canada. contribute to the evolution of this truly NigeriaSat-1 is a satellite of the standard inspiring organization, and support Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC) Among the many accolades Mr Barton members as they grow with us” said Ms. design. It has 100 kg mass and carries an has received are the INSEAD Business Petrov. optical imaging payload to provide 32m Leader for the World Award in 2011, the ground resolution with an exceptionally Korean Order of Civil Merit (Peony NASRDA's chief executive wide swath width of over 640 km. Similarly, Medal) in 2013 and the Singaporean NigeriaSat-2 (N2) and NigeriaSat-X (Nx) Public Service Star in 2014. to step down are Nigeria's third and fourth satellites. In Nigeria, Professor Seidu Onalo They were built as high-resolution earth Mohammed, Director General and chief observation satellites by Surrey Space executive of the Nigeria's National Space Technology Limited (SSTL) for Disaster Research and Development Agency, Monitoring Constellation (DMC) system. NASRDA, will step down this June after N2 has 2.5-metre resolution panchromatic ten years as the chief executive of the (very high resolution), 5-metre Nigeria' space agency and thirty five years multispectral high resolution,(Near in the Nigerian public service. In 2009, the Infrared Radiation NIR red, green and red government appointed him as the Director bands, and 32-metre multispectral General and chief executive of the (medium resolution, NIR red, green and N a t i o n a l S p a c e R e s e a r c h a n d red bands) antennas. These satellites Development Agency, NASRDA. As the were launched into orbit by Ukrainian chief executive, he has been responsible Dnepr rocket from a military base in MARKET REPORT

SES posted strong revenue growth in 2018

Eutelsat.teleport (Source: Eutelsat) According to SES, 2018 was a successful year with three geostationary earth orbit satellites successfully launched, thereby adding future growth capabilities for the satellite company.

SES. has announced strong financial results for growth in the segment that's been most Trading conditions in the International the year ended 31 December 2018, beating impacted by the disruption in our industry, markets are challenging with recently revenue outlook on the back of a standout built on customer examples such as full launched of DTH platforms experiencing Networks performance and posting double-digit year revenues from O3b deployment with slower than expected subscriber growth growth in Free Cash Flow. ETECSA in Cuba, SESr support to the which led to lower revenue, while APEC summit in PNG with DataCo, the competition to establish new DTH Founded in Luxembourg in 1985 as Europe's customer adoption of managed services on platforms remains intense. The business first satellite operator, Today, SES is one of the MEO and GEO assets with Millicom, and continues to focus on building the leading satellite operators with offices in 17 the growth of our business with the likes of commercial pipeline, notably for SES-9 countries and teleports around the world. “We Claro in the Amazonas region in Brazil. (Asia-Pacific) and SES-10 (Latin reach 258 million homes worldwide and America). facilitate the broadcasting of 6,200 TV and radio SES Video, representing two-thirds of the channels including 1,200 in High Definition and company's revenue, also delivered on its Fourth quarter 2018underlying revenue of Ultra High Definition”, says the company. In 2018 revenue outlook and scored important EUR 244.1 million was 6.4% lower than Africa, SES vast satellite footprint has enables wins despite challenging market conditions. the prior period. the operators to deliver thousands of hours of The company signed new customers and Besides, in terms of video services, HD+ the latest digital television content every day and platforms while securing important benefitted from the increase in the annual allows companies to provide broadband renewals in its core neighbourhoods, subscription fee from EUR 60 per annum networks in remote locations and governments including with Viacom, M7, QVC and to EUR 70 per annum that was introduced to connect their sites. Channel 4 in Europe as well as Comcast in at the start of Q2 2017, contributing to North America. Given 30+ year experience growth (year-on-year) in underlying Steve Collar, President and CEO of SES as one of the first providers of Direct-to- revenue. In MX1, the non-renewal of said,“2018 was a good year for SES. We have Home (DTH) services, certain low-margin, 'legacy' services in the delivered top-line growth, exceeding the top end fourth quarter of 2018 contributed to of our revenue outlook on the back of an SES was delighted to signed multi-year overall revenue being slightly lower exceptionally strong year for SES Networks. We agreements to launch and expand new In 2018, significant incremental adoption are transforming our business internally and DTH platforms in the Caribbean with of SES Networks' O3b-based services by externally, retooling the organisation in Kiwisat and in Eastern Europe with Telekom the U.S. Department of Defense was the response to the strong demand for end-to-end Srbija. In MX1, SES video services key driver of strong growth (year-on-year) services, managing operational costs while business, new deals were secured with in U.S. Government revenue. This was expanding competencies and capabilities to Agence France-Press, Discovery and Cell- complemented by solid performance drive growth. The strong focus on cash flow and C, while our HD+ service in Germany across the existing business, as well as cost control that started in 2018 will continue and expanded with the addition of an Ultra High securing important new business on the accelerate in 2019. Definition channel from RTL. “We continue GEO fleet. to carry more HD and UHD channels across It was a breakout year for SES networks our network than any other satellite service However, revenue in the Americas and business with double-digit underlying revenue provider” says the company. Asia grew (year-on-year) benefiting from growth, fuelled by advances in all three major 2018 also saw SES make significant the deployment of managed service market verticals and the strongest year to date in progress with the C-band initiative in the a g r e e m e n t s s u p p o r t i n g terms of new business signed. U.S. and the market-based proposal is well telecommunications companies (Telcos) placed to facilitate a leading position for the and mobile network operators (MNOs) to In Africa, where only one third of the U.S. in 5G while protecting the important extend their 3G and 4G network reach approximate total of 240 million homes have a broadcast and other communities that we where these cannot be delivered TV set and only about 10% of those homes have serve. terrestrially. Fixed Data revenue in access to digital TV, SES is working to turn this Europe, the Middle East and Africa statistics and grow in the coming years as 2019 is going to be another important year decreased (year-on-year) reflecting the younger consumers demand more channels, for SES as the company look to capitalise impact of lower wholesale capacity more technology and more digital connectivity. on a strong 2018. “Our focus for 2019 is to revenue which offset positive momentum SES partnered African broadcasters and deliver exceptional service and experience generated by the expansion of O3b-based manufacturers to maximize television take-up to our customers, driving their success and services. via satellite and grow local audiences, which in so doing creating value for SES.” increases the need for a large network of trained Aeronautical delivered significant growth, and accredited installers to provide local So far, European business benefitted from notably in North America, with the start of support. important long-term renewals, notably in commercial services on SES-15 at the the U.K. and Germany, while the expiration beginning of 2018, while important In the US, SES’ Government business grew in Q3 2018 of certain capacity contracts incremental agreements were also signed substantially with strong adoption of O3b, signed on a short-term basis contributed to in the second half of 2018. Fourth quarter including the signature of a Blanket Purchase overall revenue being slightly lower. 2018underlying revenue of EUR 45.7 Agreement. In Global Government, SES However, North America decreased (year- million was 43.1% higher than the prior expanded its relationship with both the United on-year), due to lower volume resulting period, including the first full three-month Nations and European Space Agency, as well as from the switch-off of Standard Definition contribution from SES-14 which began delivering on important infrastructure projects TV channels which had already been delivering services in September 2018. such as cooperation with the Government of replaced with HD TV channels, as well as Burkina Faso. In Fixed Data, SES returned to on-going fleet optimisation initiatives. IN THE NEWS

Nestle using satellites to monitor palm oil plantations for deforestation

Nestle is currently using satellites to monitor palm oil plantations for signs of deforestation, according to the company report released recently, as it aims to speed up its commitment to more sustainable ingredient sourcing. The maker of KitKat and Aero bars is using technology developed by Airbus and a non-profit group called the Forest Trust. The technology, called Starling, acts as a verification system that uses radar and satellite imagery to monitor forest cover How global satellite network convinced changes in almost real-time. FAA grounding of Boeing's 737 Max Palm oil, a type of vegetable oil used in confectionery and other goods, is Even as nations around the software suspected of ground stations, giving them c o n t r o v e r s i a l b e c a u s e o f t h e world banned the Boeing causing the first crash a real-time picture of their environmental impact of clearing forests 737 Max from their airspace, could also be the culprit in airspace. to make way for plantations. The majority the US Federal Aviation the most recent tragedy. Aireon, however, collects of the world's palm oil comes from Administration held firm. Before the grounding, that t h a t d a t a f r o m a Malaysia and Indonesia, where There were “no systemic software was still being constellation of satellites deforestation has hurt orangutan performance issues” that its used in cockpits carrying that was completed earlier populations. experts could identify linking thousands of passengers. this year, though it is still The Federal Agricultural Organisation, the crash of a 737 Max in certifying its system for FAO predicted that many people will not Indonesia last year and The 737 Max, released in integrated operations with reach their MDG targets particularly in another in Ethiopia on March 2017, was designed to air traffic controllers. Sub-Saharan Africa where a third of the 10, and the flight data upgrade the range and Gathering ADS-B signals population is food insecure and there is an recorders from the latter efficiency of Boeing's from space allows the actual increase in the number of hungry accident had yet to be popular singe-aisle jet company to spot planes people due to rapid population. analyzed. without starting from over the ocean, where there In 2010, Nestle pledged to wipe out Then, the FAA suddenly scratch. The new, larger are no ground stations, and deforestation in its supply chain by 2020 decided to ground the widely engines and other design maintain a record of air and earlier this year pledged to have 100 used aircraft on March 13. features left the aircraft traffic in one database, not percent of its palm oil certified by Daniel Elwell, the acting FAA with a tendency to stall in split by national territory. Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil by administrator, said he made certain situations, a 2023. By the end of the year, all of the land the decision after viewing problem Boeing fixed with The Lion Air crash took supplying Nestle with palm oil will be “refined” flight data provided software that would force place within the coverage covered by Starling. Nestle also plans to by the company Aireon, the nose of the airliner area of Indonesia's ADS-B use it in areas that supply pulp and paper. which uses a network of down. collection system, but satellites to provide the first But this software was not according to captain Miguel Africa is the most vulnerable region with real time monitoring of well explained to pilots, M a r i n , c h i e f o f t h e respect to food security and it will be the aircraft around the world.. and crash investigators International Civil Aviation food insecurity hotspots in 2020. The fear a lack of experience Organization's Operational region's per capita consumption is At the request of the Federal w i t h t h e p r o g r a m , Safety Section, the crash in projected to decline by 0.5 percent per Aviation Administration c o m b i n e d w i t h Ethiopia “happened where year through the next decade. By 2008, (FAA), The U.S. National malfunctioning sensors, g r o u n d - b a s e d A D S - B Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to Transportation Safety Board could force the jetliners provides only limited account for 61 percent of the total gap to (NTSB), Transport Canada into dives their pilots could coverage, and this is why maintain consumption and constitutes 79 and several other aviation not escape. Boeing and the space-based data from percent of the total nutritional gap. Nigeria authorities, Aireon provided the FAA are working on a the pre-operational Aireon is one of the countries, within Sub- the data transmitted from patch to fix the software. network eventually had to be Sahara, with indicators suggesting low Flight 302 to support the The data that Aireon used relied upon.” levels of development. For instance accident investigation,” in its analysis comes from Aireon said it provided the during the 1972-1973 drought, in the Aireon said in a statement. a system called ADS-B raw data, which takes time Savannah zone of Nigeria, about 300,000 “This unfortunate tragedy that air traffic regulators to analyze, to the FAA and animals died and farm yields dropped by further highlights the need began to put in place a the National Transportation up to 60% in Nigeria. This implies that for a global, real-time air decade ago. Planes are Safety Board on March 11. drought may portend adverse effect on traffic surveillance system.” required to use global The aviation regulator did food production, resulting to food Aireon's analysis showed positioning satellites to not respond to questions insecurity. that Lion Air flight 610 and monitor their position, and about how it analyzed the Following the above, the need to be fore Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 b r o a d c a s t o u t t h e d a t a , b u t t h e t w o armed about the devastating effect of shared a similar flight profile details—location, altitude, organizations are partnering drought on food production activities and before they crashed. That speed—each second. Air to test out the monitoring security motivates this program as the offers some confirmation traffic controllers collect service over the Caribbean draught problem persists in the country. that flawed pilot assistance the transmissions at this year. IN THE NEWS

Eutelsat successfully mate KONNECT satellite Es'hail-2 enters commercial service payload with its all- Es'hailSat announced that a l s o e n a b l e and also features multi- electric platform its recently launched t e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n transponder Ka-band payload satellite, Es'hail-2, entered companies and ISPs to with sophisticated anti- commercial service to provide reliable and secure jamming capabilities providing Eutelsat Communications has announced the s e r v e g o v e r n m e n t , telecommunications and business and government successful mating of the platform and payload b r o a d c a s t a n d broadband services. s e c t o r s w i t h s e c u r e of the KONNECT satellite, has been t e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s communications across the conducted at Thales Alenia Space's facilities sectors in Middle East and Ali Al Kuwari, President MENA region. in Cannes. This operation is a major step in North Africa. Es'hailSat is and CEO of Es'hailSat, In addition, it carries the first the construction of the satellite, in preparation the first satellite company said: “I am extremely proud ever payload on geostationary for its launch by the end of this year. of Qatar. that Es'hail-2 has entered satellite to support amateur KONNECT is a next-generation High Es'hail-2, designed with c o m m e r c i a l s e r v i c e radio community across the Throughput satellite offering unprecedented Ka-band spot beams and supporting customers in visible earth from its orbital operational flexibility. With a mass of 3.5 Ku-band wide beams, joins Middle East and North location. The spacecraft has a metric tons, this all-electric satellite, the first to Es'h a i l -1 a n d MEN A Africa, and I thank the design life in excess of 16 use Thales Alenia Space's new Spacebus broadcast hotspot and will diligent and hardworking years. Neo platform, will provide 75 Gbps of capacity augment the capacity teams at Es'hailSat and E s ' h a i l S a t ' s s a t e l l i t e s covering Western Europe and Africa. already available at the MELCO, for this success.” represent a cornerstone of However, Konnect Africa is dedicated to hotspot to support premium Built by Mitsubishi Electric Q a t a r ' s a d v a n c e d satellite broadband on the African continent. services in the region. Company (MELCO) and c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Thanks to the latest satellite technologies, Broadcasters and channel launched by Space X industry—including providing Konnect Africa is now helping to bridge the owners will now leverage aboard Falcon 9 rocket, an independent access to digital divide in Africa by offering its on the reliability of the Es'hail-2 has a proven, satellite capacity for Qatar's broadband Internet offers to individuals and satellite to provide high modular platform with high T V b r o a d c a s t e r s , a n professionals, particularly outside major q u a l i t y s e r v i c e a n d power capability and alternative route for essential cities, where no reliable broadband solution is e n h a n c e d v i e w i n g flexibility for a broad range data connections outside available. The Konnect range includes eight experience to consumers, of applications. Qatar. Es'hailSat 2 will provide Internet access offers, ranging from 5GB to with high definition and independent, high quality, 30GB of data for Konnect Home residential u l t r a - h i g h d e f i n i t i o n It will support the growth of critical capacity that Qatar will offers and adapting to all needs. Konnect Pro content. The satellite will broadcast neighborhood, need for 2022 and beyond. offers which provide superior performance corresponding to the expectations of professionals, offer between 50 and 500GB of data. Inmarsat offers unique 'Fleet Hotspot'

With capabilities for a large-scale service to for seafarers address the demand on both continents, Inmarsat is staying ahead of S p i t h o u t , P r e s i d e n t , vouchers or by making online KONNECT is a major pillar of Eutelsat's fast-changing dynamics in I n m a r s a t M a r i t i m e . payments via a range of strategy of return to growth, enabling the s h i p c o n n e c t i v i t y b y different methods. company to bolster its presence in the fast- launching Crew Xpress, a “There is a group of owners ' N a v i g a t i n g E v e r y d a y growing broadband market. On a wider scale, new service for crew and managers who seek Connectivities at Sea' - was this satellite programme supports the Group's available as part of an ever f u l l y - m a n a g e d W i - F i such that 'the only thing more ambition to contribute to reducing the digital increasing number of connectivity that crew can important than connectivity is divide with a view to building a more inclusive services on Fleet Xpress. use on a self-service basis, food'. “When seafarers need digital society. By leveraging existing satellite but whose business data to connect, it is critical that resources, Eutelsat strives to achieve this Inmarsat is the world's needs do not yet extend to they are not short-changed ambition and sets the stage for the arrival of leading provider of global t h e s e n s o r - d r i v e n on coverage, stability and this satellite through the launch of new m o b i l e s a t e l l i t e equipment maintenance or reliability,” he adds. broadband services in these regions, such as t e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s IoT-based route planning in several African countries in the past enabled by Ka-band. Crew The Crew Xpress 'Fleet months. services and offers a X p r e s s a l l o w s t h o s e Hotspot' portal is an evolution Konnect Africa is targeting rural areas in comprehensive portfolio managers to start offering a of a state of the art service particular by offering an adapted and of services for use on land, managed, high-speed crew first developed by Inmarsat's lightweight solution called Konnect wifi, which at sea and in the air. internet solution, while aviation business unit for provides shared Internet access through a The new service package staying on an allowance pilots and cabin crew. single point of reception. Konnect wifi will includes a managed Wi-Fi plan, with the ability to Inmarsat has already provide Internet access at points of traffic solution 'Fleet Hotspot', a migrate at any time to the full recognised that ship crews such as shops, villages, schools, farms, leased antenna, a business Fleet Xpress package. are likely to need greater hospitals, etc. in rural areas. Access to the u s e d a t a p a c k a g e , variety in payment methods service will be through the purchasing of automated billing and a The Crew Xpress package t h a n t h e i r a i r b o r n e recharge vouchers, valid from a few hours up usage revenue recovery consists of a 60cm Fleet c o u n t e r p a r t s a n d i s to 1 month. scheme to incentivise ship Xpress antenna and a 6GB concluding arrangements Yohann Leroy, Deputy Chief Executive Officer managers to invest in crew business allowance plan with a range of electronic and Chief Technical Officer of Eutelsat, connectivity with an antenna offered on payment services. Spithout commented: "This mating operation . lease terms, with separate, also points out that the 'Fleet represents a key step in this significant “We have seen migration managed crew internet Hotspot' model could be satellite programme; one that will enable to by a significant part of our access through the 'Fleet equally useful for passenger deliver high-speed broadband services at customer base to our full Hotspot’ vessels and superyachts, or affordable prices, with a view to high-speed Fleet Xpress Accessing the internet via a for the contractors on board complementing terrestrial networks in service, but we also unique login, the 'Fleet offshore support vessels, as Western Europe but also in Africa where the recognise crew wellbeing Hotspot' user secures time it will be in the merchant drive to increase Internet penetration is a key as a separate connectivity or data with allocated maritime space. priority.” imperative,” says Ronald SPECIAL FEATURE Nigeria plans new systems to improve GPS accuracy over Africa

Global Positioning Systems, when used alone have a number of limitations; especially for applications with stringent requirements in terms of accuracy, integrity, continuity and availability. In order to overcome this limitation, Dr. Lasisi Salami says Nigeria is evolving satellite based augmentations systems to improve the accuracy of GNSS information to users.

It is a fascinating time in the growth and matter of urgency support a continent- development of air navigation across the wide augmentation systems with world. Obsession with air safety has minimum assets, initially concentrating reached a level where it is no longer a on aviation. novelty, it is now a requirement. In Europe John Ugbe and US, advances in positioning systems CEO,Indeed, MultiChoice Global Nigeria Positioning Systems such as Satellite Base Augmentation have become a very useful tool in Systems is helping to drive safetyy in the aviation, maritime, public safety and aviation industry. and will continue to do disaster relief, rail, roads and highways, so in the future. space activities, military operations and defense, surveying and mapping, timing Despite these, Africa and South America and synchronization. are still the twin regions of the world without any augmentation systems in aid Antoine Bouvier, then CEO of ASTRIUM of continental civil aviation, and are Satellites said, “China, Russia and therefore in need of a global Satellite potentially India are developing their Based Augmentation System with own navigation system with different worldwide monitoring and reference technical solutions. Today, the Russian stations in order to improve the precision Navigation System is called the and accuracy of the aviation systems, G l o b a l n a y a N a v i g a z i o n n a y a says Dr. Lasisi Salami, head of space Sputnikovaya Sistema (GLONASS), a p p l i c a t i o n a t t h e N i g e r i a n the European Union have created a Dr. Lasisi Salami Communications Satellite Limited, navigation system called Galileo managed and operated by civilians, it is NigComSat. Austin Okere,Founder, CWG Plc expected to have full global coverage by He said: “We are now in a position to 2020. Similarly, the Chinese Navigation of roughly twelve hours (at an altitude of proffer new technologies and systems Satellite System is named the Beidou about 20,000 kilometers (12,000 mi). that, in a cost effective way, will ensure Navigation Satellite System, which has that the airlines landing and take off takes started with coverage of China and Asia However, GNSS systems are constantly place with high degree of precision and and is expected to have full global being modernized from legacy systems accuracy like never seen before”. coverage by the year 2020. In 2013, to newer generations with improved This, he said would eliminate dependency only the United States NAVSTAR services and made compatible and on one GNSS constellation for aviation Global Positioning System (GPS) and interoperable with each other so that and the non-aviation sector According to the Russian GLONASS are fully receivers can use two or more Dr. Lasisi defines“Augmentation system globally operational GNSSs. That c o n s t e l l a t i o n s . T h i s i m p r o v e s is any system that aids a Global reality has changed performance and services provided to Navigation Satellite System in providing Navigation Satellite System began receivers that are capable of receiving further accuracy, integrity, availability and providing coverage for China and some the different GNSS signals. other forms of improvement to outlying areas. In 2012, China positioning, navigation, and timing for successfully launched five satellites for According to Dr. Lasisi, Satellite Based professional use and application in survey Beidou and announced that its will Augmentation System, SBAS using or critical sectors that involves safety of develop a 35-satellite constellation by Geostationary Communication Satellite life (SOL) i.e aviation and thus requiring 2020 for GNSS services. A massive are ubiquitous and cover a wide area verified performance with integrity.. number of 100 navigation satellites will c o m p a r e d t o a g r o u n d b a s e d soon be orbiting the Earth within the augumentation system, GBAS. To this GNSS was a purely military application, next decade. end, Global and Regional satellite-based but has now widened to include users in Global coverage for each of these augmentation systems are part of efforts government agencies, industries and national navigation systems generally geared towards GNSS integrity even the consumer markets. achieved by a satellite constellation of enhancement techniques, with 20–30 medium Earth orbit (MEO) enhanced accuracy service guarantee In a latest research published in the satellites spread between several and improved performance, integrity of current edition of International Journal of orbital planes. However, the various information, differential corrections using Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Dr. satellite systems vary, but use orbital geo-satellites and ground-related Lasisi urged African continent to as a inclinations of >50° and orbital periods infrastructure. Satellite Based SPECIAL FEATURE

Augumentation System, SBAS aims to 1759 and tested aboard the ship halted all broadcast, telecommunication improve accuracy and reliability of GNSS Deptford, which set sail on 18th services and strategic navigational plans. information by correcting signal November 1761, and was accurate measurement errors, providing enough to satisfy the set conditions for According to Dr. Lssisi, the system information about the integrity of the the prize. Another model H5 offered functionality is similar to the European same signals and retransmitted over a superb performance in a 1772 trial geostationary Navigation Overlay Service large service area via a geostationary conducted by King George III. However, (EGNOS), where a number of ground satellite capable of covering one-third of progress on global precision systems reference stations monitor the GPS the earth's surface. continued with the establishment of the satellites' signals and provide their Global Positioning System (GPS). The observations to one or more Master Rather than providing a Ground-Based first GPS satellite was sent into orbit in Control stations (MCS). Augmentation System for operations in 1978. While the initial operational every airport, the United States deployed capability was reached in July 1993 with During operation, an augmentation a Wide Area Augmentation System 24 satellites, it became fully operational message is then generated by the MCS (WAAS) on a geostationary satellite that in July, 17th, 1995. The primary goals and two signals, C1 and C5, are is extremely accurate for civil aviation. were military but the U.S Congress transmitted via uplink stations within the Before WAAS, the U.S. National Airspace directed the Department of Defense uplink coverage areas on the C-band. The System (NAS) did not have the potential (DOD) to promote civil use free of navigation payload down converts the C- to provide horizontal and vertical charge. The GPS system is owned and band signals to L-band, L1 and L5, and navigation for approach operations for all operated by the United States Air Force. broadcast these signals globally to users users at all locations but with WAAS, this with messages to improve positioning capability is a reality, it provides service Today, Nigeria is targeting the high accuracy with integrity. for all classes of aircraft in all phases of value technology benefits of satellite flight - including en-route navigation, based augmentation system in aviation Based on new release by Dr. Lasisi airport departures, and airport arrivals, to replicate their apparent economic Salami, the Navigation Overlay Service meteorological conditions and more b e n e f i t s a n d a d v a n c e d h e r augments the GPS standard positioning t e c h n o l o g i c a l s t a t u s . W i t h s ervice by providing three types of Dr Lasisi urged the International Civil advancement and progress in information to users: Ranging information, Aviation Organization (ICAO), a technology, Dr Lasisi reported that Differential GPS corrections and Integrity specialized agency of the United Nations, NigComSat-1R Navigation (L-band) monitoring information. However, the which codifies the principles and payload could provide a Navigation onboard navigation payload has various techniques of international air navigation Overlay Service to augments the Global component redundancies. It is a dual- and fosters the planning and Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) channel bent pipe transponder that down- development of international air transport over Europe and Africa, thereby converts two C-band (C1 and C5) uplink to ensure safe and orderly growth to supporting aviation services across signals from a ground earth station to two spearhead and promote the global SBAS Africa and the continental Europe. downlink signals in the two separate initiative, with industry stakeholders and Accordingly, he said: “The satellites' bands, L1 and L5. A 4.0 MHz-wide C1 band interested entities as a service provider, dual user frequencies, particularly, L1 uplink channel relays in the L1 downlink particularly in Africa. According to him, and L5 frequencies was designed as a channel and allows the transmission of the commercial aircraft are five times more hosted payload on the NIGCOMSAT- L1 signal, while a 20.0 MHz-wide C5 band likely to have an accident flying a non- 1R Communication Satellite with uplink channel relays in the L5 downlink precision approach than flying a potential over the single L1 frequency channel and allows transmission of the L5 precision approach as reiterated by the capabilities of the previous Global signal. Flight Safety Foundation. Navigation Satellite Systems, GNSS and able to integrate with the GPS The beam from the downlink L-band NigComSat-Based SBAS c o n s t e l l a t i o n c u r r e n t l y b e i n g navigation antenna is global, and ensures Human kind's quest for accurate modernization with its additional civil that NigComSat-1R is capable of navigation system dates back to the signal on the L5 frequency and the broadcasting to its coverage area, GEO requirements for maritime power Galileo system. ranging signals and Satellite Based especially by the Europeans. In the The Nigerian Communications Augmentation System signals through the sixteenth century European sailors could Satellite, NigComSat-1R is a hybrid L1 and L5 frequencies. The In-Orbit Test determine their approximate positions geostationary satellite located at an (IOT) was used to validate the functional through longitude and latitude orbital position of 42.50 E with a life capability of the navigation payload and its coordinates, however whilst the latitude span of at least 15 years, a total of 40 readiness for function and purpose. coordinate had a reasonable level of transponders providing optimal and precision, longitude was more of a guess c o s t e f f e c t i v e I n t e r n e t a n d So far, a test bed experimentation has using dead reckoning procedures; a communication satellite services, been conducted in conjunction with costly weakness for sailing ships in solutions and applications. The p a r t n e r s t o v a l i d a t e f u n c t i o n a l oceans, which could cause serious communication Payload is comprised requirements, performance validation of deviations in a ship's course and loss of of 40 transponders; 28 active and 12 units, sub-systems and systems of both ships in uncharted waters. Realizing the redundant includes 4 C-Band active the SBAS payload and ground importance of position determination and transponders 14, Ku-Band active infrastructure including a pilot project as a to reduce the loss of ships, in 1598, King transponders, 8 Ka-Band active demonstration of capabilities and proof-of Philip of Spain offered a fabulous fortune transponders and 2 L-Band active concept.. equivalent to millions of pounds today to transponders any person who could discover a way of NigComSat-1R is a replacement determining longitude. satellite for NigComSat-1 launched th After a period of some thirty years of 19 December, 2011. The predecessor th innovative work on various designs and was de-orbited on 10 November, 2008 constructions, the first ever system so- after suffering an onboard subsystem called timepiece H4 was completed in failure (solar array anomaly) which IN THE NEWS

YahClick showcases e- Ivory Coast begins digital TV switch over solutions at CABSAT with GatesAir 2019 YahClick and its partner Hughes Network Systems, will showcase a portfolio of Ivory Coast state broadcaster contract for phase one studies and development, transformative satellite services at CABSAT IDT is now broadcasting its i n c l u d e s 2 1 S o c i é t é I v o i r i e n n e d e 2019. The service will place a particular first digital TV channels as GatesAirMaxiva UAXTE Télédiffusion (IDT). emphasis on its suite of e-Learning and e- part of the first phase of its air-cooled, high-efficiency Healthsolutions nationwide transition to digital U H F t r a n s m i t t e r s i n The Ivory Coast had worked Visitors will see live demonstrations and have t e r r e s t r i a l t e l e v i s i o n redundant configurations to with Harris, the former name the opportunity to participate in technical transmission. ensure a continuous on-air for GatesAir, to distribute discussions on e-Learning and e-Health Until the 1990s, broadcasting presence. Each of the television programming over solutions throughout the event, held on March was mainly a matter of seven sites includes three a 15 year period, he added. 12-14 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Joining transferring sound or video transmitters along with “GatesAir will bring nearly YahClick during the live demonstrations will be streams through the airwaves D V B - T 2 h e a d e n d 100 years of global over-the- Integrated Technology Group (ITG) and by means of analogue signals. equipment, antennas and air broadcast expertise to Tech4Life, YahClick's e-Learning and e-Health This was a linear process, with towers, and can support support Ivory Coast's ICT partners. each element in the content t h r e e p r o g r a m m i n g national DTV transition, and “CABSAT is an important event for stream taking its turn to multiplexes - the one being deliver exceptional picture demonstrating the life-changing benefits of transmit behind the one that u s e d b y t h e s t a t e quality with reliable service to YahClick's education and healthcare solutions,” went before it. Much of this broadcaster, and two for the population,” said Bruce D commented Farhad Khan, CEO at YahClick. changed with the advent of private broadcasters. Swail, CEO, GatesAir. “We “Access to these services is significantly digital electronics. These will also ensure the lowest beneficial to communities that would otherwise technologies meant that Each multiplex will deliver total cost of ownership to IDT continue to experience a shortage in expertise sound and video, as well as multiple channels of digital through reduced energy in these two sectors that are crucial drivers to text and still images, could TV programming and rich consumption, streamlined socio-economic development. Our work with be stored and transmitted in d a t a s e r v i c e s . maintenance, and local ITG and Tech4Life demonstrates how we're the form of binary digits. “The digital transition is service and support.” beginning to overcome such issues through The national operations very important for the purpose-built digital solutions – powered by centre in Abobo has been Ivorian population as it The Ivory Coast DVB-T2 dependable satellite broadband connectivity. inaugurated and GatesAir has opens the television space network is GatesAir's ninth We're thrilled to be joined by our ICT partners to provided turnkey equipment more than ever before. DTT transition project in explain how together, we're breaking and services for the initial These populations will now Africa, following contracts in boundaries and unlocking human potential seven transmitter sites, which have the option to watch Ethiopia , Malawi, Nigeria, across the global community,” added Khan. cover Abidjan and the seven channels to start, R w a n d a , S e y c h e l l e s , The integration of YahClick's high-performance country's next six largest whereas before there were Tanzania, Togo and Uganda. satellite broadband connectivity and the cities. Together they will o n l y t w o c h a n n e l s GatesAir partners with platforms provided by ITG and Tech4Life provide coverage of around available. This will change A f r i c a n U n i o n provides a one-stop-shop solution for the 80% of the country, with 100% the viewing habits of C o m m u n i c a t i o n s f o r advancement of education and health in the coverage expected by 2020. Ivorians, and is a major headend systems, and with unserved and underserved communities across Initially, IDT is broadcasting s t e p f o r w a r d i n t h e regional partner STA, based Africa, the Middle East, and Central and South six free-to-air channels: Rti 1, l i b e r a l i s a t i o n o f t h e in the Ivory Coast, for towers, West Asia. Rti2, Nci, A+ Ivoire, 7Info and audiovisual space,” said antennas and transmission “Education is a pillar of any community, yet Lite TV. The equipment Bruno N'Doua, director of shelters. many remote areas find themselves facing fewer opportunities for personal and professional development simply because of a Rajant receives ISO 9001:2015 certification lack of education infrastructure,” said Islam Al- Qasrawi, ITG Regional Sales Manager. Rajant Corporation has Alliance (AKA) to assist The funding came through “Thanks to the trusted satellite connectivity b e e n c e r t i f i e d a s participant companies, like SKED as part of our Supplier provided by YahClick, ITG's digital learning International Organization R a j a n t , w i t h t h e Education and Economic tools and resources are now accessible to f o r S t a n d a r d i z a t i o n d e v e l o p m e n t a n d Development program as we isolated schools and education ministries 9001:2015-compliant after implementation of an ISO work with companies in across every market YahClick serves,” added an extensive audit of the 9001 compliant quality Eastern Kentucky to better Al-Qasrawi. c o m p a n y ' s i n t e r n a l management system. AKA position themselves for Meanwhile, working alongside Tech4Life, operations. This ISO provided Rajant with business with the federal YahClick e-Healthcare ecosystem provides 9 0 0 1 : 2 0 1 5 Q u a l i t y training and company- government and large access to crucial healthcare services in remote M a n a g e m e n t S y s t e m centric activities, such as suppliers.” areas of the world by delivering a consistent, (QMS) certification was g r o u p t r a i n i n g , Rajant completed the affordable and stable broadband link between achieved on March 7, 2019. documentation writing, development of their QMS in major hospitals and isolated villages. According It demonstrates Rajant's auditor training, and six months and passed their to a World Economic Forum study, 29 percent of c o m p l i a n c e w i t h t h e auditing to assist them with certification audit to ISO Sub-Saharan Africa's population lives more development, technical the development of a 9001:2015 on their first pass. than two hours from the nearest hospital**, support, and manufacturing q u a l i t y m a n a g e m e n t A d v a n t a g e K e n t u c k y highlighting the scale of the issue in one of of secure network radios at system that met all the Alliance (AKA) considers YahClick's focus regions. its Morehead, Kentucky requirements of the ISO Rajant a collaborative “It's a pleasure to work with YahClick in facility. 9001 standard. success story of what AKA demonstrating our e-Health solution at Rajant joined a consortium According to SKED's strives to do for many CABSAT,” commented Dr. Shariq Khoja, CEO of Kentucky manufacturers Executive Director Brett deserving companies within Tech4Life Enterprises. “Together, Tech4Life p u t t o g e t h e r b y t h e Traver: “Appalachian t h e i r r e g i o n . S c o t t and YahClick are improving access among S o u t h e a s t K e n t u c k y Regional Commission Broughton, AKA's Center remote communities to the basic right of Economic Development contributed funding, which Director, as well as AKA's healthcare by combining our technical expertise Corporation (SKED) who helped lower the cost of the Quality Program Manager towards a shared goal,” added Khoja. p a r t n e r e d w i t h t h e consulting services for Tom Ades worked closely A d v a n t a g e K e n t u c k y Rajant's ISO certification. with Rajant. OPINION

Lessons from Sputnik 1

On October 4, 1957, from their spaceport 1958, the Advanced Research Projects agency's understanding of Soviet Baikonur, Soviet engineers and military Agency (later DARPA) and the National capabilities. officers fired a three stage R-7 Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA) intercontinental ballistic missile affixed were established. In the same year, the Given that the “US intelligence with a 22 inch in diameter aluminum first special assistant to the president for infrastructure was in disarray” sphere weighing 183 pounds. The rocket S&T was appointed and the National immediately following World War II and generated nearly one million pounds of Defense Education Act was passed. the newly formed CIA had little capacity thrust and launched Sputnik I into orbit. Indeed, DARPA is explicit in citing the to gather intelligence regarding Soviet contribution of Sputnik to its creation, rocket and missile programs prior to The satellite, highly polished to increase “DARPA's original mission, established Sputnik's launch, what explains this its visibility and assigned a trajectory to in 1958, was to prevent technological rapid improvement? pass over population centers, orbited the surprise like the launch of Sputnik” earth for three months before burning As early as the fifth century BCE, upon entry into the atmosphere. “More In short, Sputnik's launch is argued to Thucydides describes how the than any other event in U.S. history, the have initiated a flurry of government Boethian's were able to use an early Sputnik crisis focused the attention of the activity to address a perceived shortfall flamethrower during a siege to burn American people and policymakers on in US scientific, technological, and down the Delium fortifications. More the importance of creating government military capacity vis-à-vis the Soviet recently, the swift US victory in the 1990- policies in support of science and of Union. Less well known however, is that 1991 Gulf War is commonly attributed to education, with the aim of maintaining the launch of Sputnik resulted in technological superiority, especially the U.S. scientific, technological, and military significant innovation within the US reliance on air power and of satellite superiority over the rest of the world'. intelligence community. Prior to 1957, communications. the United States' capacity to collect and Sputnik's launch was followed in quick analyze intelligence on Soviet rocket During the 2006 Israel–Hezbollah War, succession by the launch of the 1,120- and missile development was low. Hezbollah forces in Lebanon fired over pound Sputnik II on November 3, 1957. 4,000 rockets into Israel. The rockets Indeed, due to its weight, Sputnik II may “The threat posed killed 43 civilians, twelve Israeli soldiers, have had a greater effect on US leaders' by the Sputniks' and injured thousands of civilians. The perception of the USSR as a potential attack exposed Israel's vulnerability to threat to reaching the continental US with launch had little to rockets and short-range missiles and an intercontinental ballistic missiles, led Israel's Ministry of Defense to ICBM. do with the accelerate the development of the Iron Dome missile defense system. In 2007, The threat posed by the Sputniks' launch satellites and much had little to do with the satellites and much to do with the Rafael Advanced Defense Systems was to do with the rockets that sent them into s e l e c t e d t o l e a d I r o n D o m e orbit. Launching a heavy object into orbit rockets that sent development. The system was required sophisticated, or at least completed in 2011 and quickly powerful, rocketry technology, which them into orbit”. thereafter, demonstrated its military suggested that the newly nuclear USSR utility. During the 2012 conflict in Gaza, was making progress at constructing Examining the declassified intelligence Hamas fired 1,500 rockets into Israel. rockets capable of reaching the US. In a reports during this period reveals that Interceptor missiles fired from Iron 1958 article in International Affairs, Denis the CIA possessed little information Dome batteries shot down roughly 85% Healey, a member of the British regarding the Soviet rocket and missile of the incoming projectiles that were parliament who would later become programs that would, within a four- predicted to land in inhabited areas. Defense Secretary of the UK, describes month span beginning in August 1957, There were only six fatalities associated the security ramifications of Sputnik is launch an inter-continental ballistic with the 2012 rocket attacks. stark terms, stating, “From the military missile (ICBM), launch a 183-pound point of view, the Sputnik means that satellite the Sputnik I, and launch a half- The story of the Iron Dome's Russia has the capacity to produce a ton satellite (Sputnik II). However, the development is not only one of missile which is capable of carrying a US agencies charged with the gathering innovation, but also one of military thermonuclear warhead a distance of and analysis of Soviet capabilities in technology diffusion. Whereas the 2006 some five thousand miles in something these areas responded relatively Israel–Hezbollah War accelerated the like twenty minutes, and of guiding that quickly following Sputnik's launch. project's development, many of the missile with sufficient accuracy to destroy critical technological breakthroughs the Capitol building in Washington”. Within ten years, the CIA had developed contained in the Iron Dome were made significant novel capacity to gather and roughly twenty years earlier under the analyze imagery, electronic, and auspices of the US-led Strategic Besides increasing funding, Sputnik's communications intelligence and had Defense Initiative. launch is also argued to have initiated a issued multiple intelligence documents period of institution and policy genesis. In that demonstrate an improvement in the IN THE NEWS

Study: Televisions BBC expands rural coverage in world-first 5G trial remain the most popular medium for T h e B B C h a s then. For BBC, like every UK.” viewing live commenced the trial of other broadcaster, are It works by sending a single programs live radio broadcasts facing a world in transition. version of a programme out o v e r 5 G m o b i l e At present, most of our over a wide area, which audiences enjoy the BBC's anybody in range can In a recent global survey of consumers of networks. The trial is programmes and services receive. This differs from OTT and live services, conducted on taking place in Stronsay, in a traditional broadcast live-streaming, where the behalf of Nevion, almost three-quarters Orkney and will run for an schedule. That will not end same programme is sent (70%) of respondents said they still initial six weeks. soon. The majority of individually to every person watched the majority of programs on a It's part of the wider 5G people will continue to enjoy that requests it. television, while only one-fifth (20%) RuralFirst initiative, radio and television, as now, For audiences in rural areas regularly view content on their laptop. where several other trials will also explore the over the next decade. But where bandwidth is often increasingly, in a way made low and unstable, this The survey from Nevion, the award- potential of 5G for rural possible by the internet and m e a n s e n j o y i n g l i v e winning provider of virtualized media b u s i n e s s e s a n d mobile devices, people are programmes more reliably production solutions, also found that 65% communities across the enjoying what they want, on-the-go. Broadcasting of viewers favor paid for services and Pay- country. Using a modified Measat-3b whenever they want, over 5G can help reduce TV platforms. When looking at viewing version of the new BBC wherever they are. congestion on the rest of the habits, Nevion discovered that the most Sounds app and a Kieran Clifton, Director of network. popular time for viewing media is in the b r o a d c a s t - r e a d y Distribution and Business Nick Chrissos, Director of evening (71%), with only 8% saying they s m a r t p h o n e , t h o s e Development, BBC, said: Innovation, Europe, Cisco watch TV in the morning and just 3% taking part in the BBC “The internet has changed added: “5G RuralFirst aims saying they do so on their commute. trial will be among the first to receive live radio how people watch and listen to identify practical use to programmes, and we cases of how enhanced More than half of viewers (57%) are being broadcasts over 5G – the want to bring those benefits connectivity will benefit driven to watch content live due to social next step up from 4G to all of our audiences. This b u s i n e s s e s a n d media and word of mouth making it mobile networks we use can be challenging in rural communities in rural areas increasingly difficult to avoid spoilers. today. The BBC's mission was areas, so we're pioneering across the country. It's about new ways of reaching building a business case for “Despite the rise of on-demand services, set nearly a century ago people using the latest 5G roll outs beyond urban live content is still favored by the majority of by its founding father, technology. This cutting- areas and demonstrating people with 73% of our sample deeming Lord Reith. It was to edge trial is a chance for us the value of investing in the live coverage important. With so many still inform, to educate and to to learn all we can, so we digital infrastructure serving using their televisions to view this content entertain. That mission is can continue to provide rural businesses and and with avoiding spoilers being a major enshrined in the BBC's world-class public service communities for the benefit concern, it is clear that TV viewing is still new Charter and is as broadcasting to the entire of the entire country.” often seen as an event. People want to sit relevant today as it was down and watch it on a big screen and dedicate real time to it, rather than watching on their phone while they're on Kampala leads 12 African cities in smart the go,” said Olivier Suard, Vice President city network of Marketing, Nevion. When looking at the most popular live TV Kampala city has been Just last November, KCCA City issues (African Smart events, sports came out top, followed by selected as the lead among signed a collaboration Towns Network – ASToN), the news, reality shows and domestic or the twelve African cities in a g r e e m e n t w i t h t h e following the method set up by global events, such as royal weddings and the Africa Smart Towns Government of Korea to the European URBACT presidential inaugurations. Network (ASToN). This facilitate knowledge sharing programme which promotes follows a competitive and provide a platform to exchanges and cooperation between cities within thematic “We can see that the majority of individuals submission to the call for enhance E-Government (ICT) Systems aimed at networks at the European are willing to pay for good content with free applications organized by the French Development i m p r o v i n g U r b a n level to air TV the first choice for only 10% of A d m i n i s t r a t i o n , . viewers,” added Suard. “All this Agency (AFD) early this year. The other African cities effectiveness and efficiency Through the creation of these emphasizes the importance of producing include; Algiers (Algeria), in Public Service and c o o p e r a t i o n n e t w o r k s ever more compelling live content, but Bamako (Mali), Ben Guerir information delivery. between cities, URBACT more cost effectively. It proves higher- (Morocco), Bizerte (Tunisia), works to strengthen the definition production isn't being wasted on Kampala (Uganda), Kigali This nomination reaffirms capacity of cities to design small screens as most people watch (Rwanda), Kumasi (Ghana) o u r c o m m i t m e n t t o and implement local action content on a TV, where it is best displayed - and Lagos (Nigeria) harnessing the power of plans. regardless of whether the connection is Kampala Capital City digital towards improved The Africa Smart Towns cable, digital TV or OTT. Authority has placed strong service delivery. As the lead Network is following a similar emphasis on automation of City, Kampala will play a key model customized to the As broadcasters and content providers p r o c e s s e s i n s e r v i c e role in sharing experiences needs of African cities. The look to meet the demands of a growth in delivery like the Revenue with other Cities on best project will be launched in content, we are seeing increasing Management System (e- practice across all service June and activities are expected to start in the third adoption of IP in production and Nevion is Citie), Smart Permits, Traffic areas. quarter of 2019 for about 3 pleased to have been at the forefront of Control Centre, Digital AFD proposes to finance the creation of a network of years (until mid-2022). helping broadcasters make that move.” Communication among others African cities around Smart SPECIAL REPORT Professor Sir Martin Sweeting SSTL transfer know-how, not technology to developing countries

Professor Sir Martin Sweeting is the Director of Surrey Space Centre and Chief Executive of Surrey Space Technology Ltd. (SSTL). He pioneered the concept of constructing advanced nano-, micro- and mini-satellites using readily available components to provide affordable access to space. After first constructing two micro- satellites for research purposes at the University of Surrey in the early 1980s, he formed the SSTL company as a University spin-off company in 1985. So far, it has designed, built, launched and operated 24 small satellites that have been used for space science, telecommunications and Earth observation purposes.VSAT at Isiolo Girls Prof High School Sir Martin Sweeting, however said SSTL transfer knowhow rather than technology, as SSTL satellites are based on commercial-off-the-shelf technologies which are widely available

Professor Sir Martin Sweeting, executive series of increasingly advanced chairman of Surrey Satellite Technology He said: “I am a child of the Apollo era and microsatellites, where a combination of Ltd (SSTL) and director of the Surrey watched the Moon landings as a teenager academic and hands-on technical Space Centre, seems always to have done – that inspired me to apply my fascination training was provided to young engineers his own thing, regardless of what people with radio communications to space and and scientists from countries who wanted thought and said. When most young boys satellites”. This then coincided with the to take their first steps into space - but on were playing with action figures, kicking emergence of microelectronics and an affordable budget. Working together about their football or ridding their bikes, a microcomputers that made it possible for as a team with Surrey engineers to build a five year old Sweeting was fascinated by me to propose building a 'microsatellite' – satellite, each of our international t h e w o r l d o f e l e c t r o n i c a n d on a micro-budget. After building two partners were able to master the complex communications. “That somehow really successful microsatellites at the University and diverse skills required to design, caught my imagination,” he says. “it was of Surrey that were launched in 1981 and build, launch, and operate a satellite once the idea of being able to communicate. I 1984 respectively, the cancellation of the in orbit. have no idea why it fascinated me, but it UK national space programme gave me did.” no alternative other than starting a Surrey has since provided 22 highly Born in 1951 to parents whose jobs were a commercial company to fund the successful international programmes and world away from electrical engineering – continuation of small satellites and their has trained over 250 engineers and his mother was an artist and his father a applications. scientists, some of whom are the nucleus writer, poet and estate manager – Sweeting of staff that formed 5 new space was very much alone in his interest, but that Sweeting said: agencies! Importantly, these KHTT didn't stop him pursuing it. And what started with making telephones out of string and “SSTL employs a baked-bean cans gradually developed into an interest in radio and eventually significant number of satellites. EU citizens to meet In later life Sweeting went on to set up universally spin-out firm SSTL, which is its skills needs and now owned by EAD Astrium, and has leaving the EU would become the world's leading small satellite company. With his strong team, which has most likely make this reached 340 people in SSTL and 100 academic researchers in the University of more difficult”. Surrey's Surrey Space centre, he has to In the 1990's, Swereting developed a date designed, manufactured and unique “Know-How Transfer and Training” Professor Sir Martin Sweeting launched 34 satellites. (KHTT) programme, alongside building a

6 AFRICAN REPORT

programmes with SSTL fueled the But in the late 1960s historic events more generic 'nanosatellite' – typically research activity in the Surrey Space changed all that: the Apollo moon the size of a beach ball and weighing Centre (SSC) academic team to develop landings. Sweeting suddenly became between 1-10kg. These tiny satellites are ever more capable yet affordable fascinated with space and his interest in extremely valuable for stimulating m i c r o s a t e l l i t e s . R e c e n t K H T T satellites began. His fascination continued interest in and educating your students programmes have been completed with to grow when he saw the film 2001: A through direct participation and access Nigeria resulting in the launch of space odyssey. to space – what could be more inspiring? NigeriaSat-2 and Nx in August 2011, a He says: This was a very inspiring film. I However the laws of physics remain team from Kazakhstan building an EO think that made the transition from being intact and very small satellites have very satellite launched in 2013 and currently interested in radio- building equipment limited power and aperture for with a second team from Algeria building and talking to people – to going a bit further instruments that restricts their a micro- and nano- satellites for launch in and looking at space. “The whole concept usefulness in meeting many demanding 2016. of space fascinated me. Not so much applications. There are some specific looking at stars, but it was more the applications to which they are well-suited Under the leadership of Sir Martin exploration and the communications in but I fear that there has been a certain Sweeting, the DMCII Ltd, a subsidiary space that caught my imagination.” amount of 'froth' generated in investment company of SSTL was established in Sweeting says his interest in satellites also circles that might find the expectation on 2004 specifically to exploit commercially developed at a time when the idea of the return on their investments rather the image data returned from the 4 (soon communicating around the world was difficult to realise – and this might lead to to be 5) satellites in the DMC. Currently, “exciting” and “exotic”. “I remember in disillusionment that could tarnish the DMCII is wholly-owned by SSTL but the those days space was very exotic, “he whole small (Micro & mini) satellite DMC partners have been offered an says. “You didn't have the internet and business. opportunity to invest in the company if telephones were incredibly expensive , so While, he says, most people thought this they wish. Presently, DMCII co-ordinates the opportunity to talk to a whole range of idea was lunacy, thankfully Surrey all the commercial imaging University was willing to give across the satellites in the him a chance. And, much constellation for all the a g a i n s t e v e r y o n e ' s partners, markets and sells expectations, Sweeting set up a the resulting data, and then lab at the university with a group returns royalty payments of volunteers to build a small from the sales to the satellite, UoSat-1. He then i n d i v i d u a l p a r t n e r s i n persuaded NASA to launch the proportion to the assets used. finished satellite, free of charge, on the back of one of its rockets Quite a number of SSTL's in 1981 – something he thinks of s a t e l l i t e s h a v e b e e n as a highlight in his life. constructed on the basis of “It was a very exciting moment,” transferring the technology h e s a y s . “ Wa t c h i n g a n and know-how to developing e n o r m o u s r o c k e t c a r r y countries wishing to enter the something you've made into field of space science and Nigerian Engineers at SSTL space is pretty exciting. There remote sensing. He said: was an element of space, but it yes, we do expect this activity was more satisfaction and to continue – although to be pedantic, we people all over the world was pretty exotic. excitement, tinged with a bit of transfer knowhow rather than technology, Now we don't think twice of it, but it was a n e r v o u s n e s s . To e v e r y o n e ' s as our satellites are based on different world then. That was really amazement, it got finished, it got commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) excting time. launched, and it actually worked. “ technologies which are widely available. Building on his interest in satellite The satellite would go on to work in orbit We provide the know-how to use COTS communications at Surrey, Sweeting built for eight years before re-entering the parts in space to achieve reliable, low a ground tracking station on the university earth's atmosphere. NASA was so cost yet capable small satellites. campus so that he could listen to the pleased with the success of UoSat-1 that American and Russian weather satellites. it told Sweeting there was a spare slot on With a knighthood now under his belt to This was just around the time that the first one of its rockets scheduled to fly six a c k n o w l e d g e h i s i m p r e s s i v e microcomputers had been made months later. Sweeting and his team achievements, which he says came from available, which meant that for the first then worked day and night to build a ideas that most people thought of as a time it was possible to automate second satellite, UoSat-2 to meet the “form of lunancy”, it is not surprising that something using low power. It was then deadline. Twenty six years on and the he is proud that he has proved people that Sweeting had an idea – an idea that satellite is still working today. wrong. would change his life. This idea was to He says: “It sort of demonstrated that this He says: “When I was given a knighthood build a small satellite. Instead of space wasn't just a one off, it wasn't just a fluke. it wasn't something I was particularly companies building and using expensive We were starting to show that the hankering after, but it was recognition by big satellites, Sweeting thought of using application of modern microelectronics the industry of having achieved the latest microelelctronics to shrink the could actually do something useful” something against all the odds. That was technology and develop small satellites Sweeting says he has a lot to thank a proud moment.” When Sweeting went that could be just as powerful, but built at Surrey University for, including allowing to Surrey University to do BSc and PhD much lower cost. him to work on such projects. At the time degrees in electrical and electronic when Sweeting starting studying there, engineering, the plan was to study the Sweeting said, the so-called 'CubeSats' Surrey was a new university so did not subject to help him get a career in radio. are a particularly effective format of the have a reputation to maintain. This is AFRICAN REPORT

There is now a code of conduct that encourages depletion of unused propellants at the end of service life of a satellite – preferably also being used to reduce the orbit height to increase aerodynamic drag and thus bring the satellite down to burn up in the Earth's atmosphere as early as possible thus reducing the debris population. Many very small satellites (nano-satellites) are launched into low, short-lived orbits, however small satellites launched into orbits above 600km may have lifetimes of many decades and thus mechanisms for reducing this are being proposed and tested in orbit at present

While many launch companies (SpaceX, ULA, Arianespace, Virgin Galactic) are striving to bring down launch costs. Sweeting said: Satellite design techniques and costs are driven by the costs of launch, so reducing the cost to orbit is key. Streamlining production and re-usable stages should reduce launch costs – but probably by only 15-20%: whilst very welcome, this will not dramatically change something that he says worked in his it was fantastic what they could do, but the satellite industry. A new technology for favour. they weren't particularly useful. launch is needed – perhaps something like “I felt on fertile ground,” he says. “The the air-breathing SABRE engine being university to their great credit said is pretty With the upcoming low cost laboratories developed in the UK. wacky but we will give it a go. I think it was in orbit such as Twinkle satellite that because they didn't have any reputation to possess spectrograph telescopes Sweeting said: “We plan to remain lose. They instead had reputation to make. generating exoplanet data, there is a focussed on small satellites – but that Had I tried to do this in a more established possibility of alignment with low cost means different sizes depending on the university I probably wouldn't have been platform in orbit to process the data application! At one end of our product allowed to.” rather than send raw data to earth. range we have a 4kg nanosatellite and at When Margeret Thatcher put an end to the Sweeting says this is a question that the other end a 4000kg geostationary national space programme, Sweeting has been around for the last two satellite that is still small when compared to knew that future space projects at the decades as computing power and the prevailing geo communications university would be difficult and funding storage on-board satellites has industry satellites!” All of these have a would be hard to come by. It was then in increased dramatically! However, largely common suite of avionics housed in 1985 that he decided to take a risk and except for some specific applications, different structures to carry different sized venture into the world of business. SSTL investigators still prefer to download all payloads. We have been steadily moving was born. the 'raw' data to storage on the ground from low Earth orbit for observation to He says: It was clear that we weren't really as they never can predict what new medium Earth orbit for navigation missions going to get any funding and if we were information might be extracted in the and now to geostationary orbit. We plan to going to continue to make any more future from this 'old' data as new keep moving and taking our small satellites satellites we had to do it on a proper basis. p r o c e s s i n g t e c h n i q u e s a n d further out to lunar and Mars orbits to be So that's when we set up the company.” technologies appear. Processing the ready to support commercial services Sweeting says that setting up the company data on the satellite would lose this there in support of sustained human was relatively simple. It was managing ability to re-examine the original data – habitation in future decades. SSTL from inside the university that was unless we stored it all in the cloud in the difficult bit, with the company operating space of course! In recognition of his pioneering work on on just 100 pounds share capital for the first cost-effective spacecraft engineering, Sir 10 years by engaging in positive cash flow He said: “Space debris is a real threat – Martin was appointed OBE in 1996 and contracts. Today, a university spin-out one of our satellites (built for the French awarded a Knighthood in the Queen's New company is something that is accepted government) was hit by rocket debris in Year's Honours list in 2002.. More recently and appreciated in business and 1996 but fortunately survived. With Sir Martin was awarded the Royal Institute academics, but back then this wasn't some 18 operational satellites controlled of Navigation Gold Medal in recognition of the case. or monitored by our ground station in the successful GIOVE-A mission for the Guildford, we receive 'close encounter' European Galileo system, awarded the Sir He says: “These days this is fairly warnings once every couple of weeks Arthur Clarke Lifetime Achievement Award fashionable, but in the early 1980s having where debris or other satellites come and named as one of the 'Top Ten Great an industrial activity in the university was closer that a few hundred metres – and Britons” in 2008. In 2010, Sir Martin was considered pretty grubby. It was going once or twice a year it may be close awarded the Faraday Medal by the somewhat against the grain. Also, for the enough to require us to manoeuvre out Institute of Engineering and Technology, first 15 years of the company's life, of the way”. The greatest danger is from and an Elektra Lifetime Achievement Sweeting says, despite its success, his debris spent rockets debris and Award by the European Electronics satellite were regarded just as interesting satellites that fragment in orbit due to Industry. research projects. People were saying that pressure vessels or hypergolic fuels. In March 2012, he was made an Honorary IN THE NEWS

Speedcast wins New British companies to shine at NAB 2019 contract to deliver VSAT services to top Eleven British companies (Covatic), newsgathering build on the strong are exhibiting at NAB for technology(Krzana), sports relationships they make energy operator's the first time this year. broadcasting (M2A Media), with buyers from around They are part of a group of i n t e r a c t i v e the world.” worker camp in 37 companies who are broadcasting(Never.no), Mozambique exhibiting at the world's digital encoders (RioVideo), The UK Pavilion at NAB biggest media technology I P c o m m u n i c a t i o n s will be highly visible with fair. The UK group is t e c h n o l o g i e s ( Vo r t e x t h e G o v e r n m e n t ' s Speedcast International Limited has been managed by Tradefair on Communications) and Technology is Great awarded a new contract to deliver fully behalf of techUK and is specialist recruitment b r a n d i n g . Tr a d e f a i r managed communications to a worker s u p p o r t e d b y t h e services (Christy Media provides the practical camp in Mozambique providing housing for D e p a r t m e n t f o r Solutions). In central hall organisation for the employees of a top ten global oil and gas International Trade (DIT). you will find (Cleanfeed) v e n t u r e , i n c l u d i n g major operator. This year is the 30th demonstrating live audio in logistics and managing SpeedCast is a global service provider with anniversary of Tradefair high definiton and in north the pavilion, as well as a growing network of over 30 Earth stations managing Government hall see realtimeplayout promoting the group with worldwide. In Australia, SpeedCast owns supported pavilions and and content preparation online video and social and operates its own network infrastructure trade missions. solutions (Coralbay.tv). media. The result is that consisting of three Earth stations; The eleven newcomers the companies on the equipment hosting and co-location in other are receiving a grant from “NAB is of course one of our pavilion can concentrate landmark teleports; country-wide point of the Tradeshow Access biggest groups in the on their business without presence; and an uncontended and Programme (TAP). Nine broadcast and media having to manage stand redundant backbone network connecting can be found on the UK i n d u s t r y, ” s a i d M a r k contractors or show all its teleports to the core data centre Pavilion in the south lower Birchall, Managing Director management. infrastructure. Recently partnering with hall. They represent a of Tradefair. “We provide a “Britain has led the way in Airbus, SpeedCast provides unique secure b r o a d r a n g e o f turnkey solution to help new broadcast technology for satellite communication services primarily specialisations, including and growing businesses close to a hundred years,” to government and Defence on Skynet 5A digital microwave links present themselves on the Birchall concluded. “It is satellite. (Boxx TV), virtualised world stage. They are right that the best of The camp will have 30 rooms for housing playout solutions (Cosmos exhibiting alongside other British continues to take a employees working in the region on nearby Technology Broadcast UK companies who are leading role at NAB.” offshore LNG drilling and production Systems), consumer apps returning to NAB, looking to assets, set to begin operations over the next four years. Speedcast's solution will leverage C-band VSAT to provide reliable internet communications across the camp, Avanti inks new deal with Aberdeen Ltd allowing those on base to communicate with colleagues, friends and family in addition to maintaining critical operational Avanti Communications further establishes Avanti supply a new high-speed a n d e m e r g e n c y c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Group has announced its within the mobility market. VSAT service on the ferries connectivity. first maritime contract, In 2017, serving the Northern Isles. “Mozambique is a booming market for valued at over $750,000, The new service, using energy exploration and production, and we w i t h W o o d s o n s o f Avanti announced its first Avanti's Ka-band high are proud to have the global reach and A b e r d e e n L t d , a mobility contract valued at throughput satellite (HTS), regulatory capabilities to be one of the first specialised supplier of $4.5m and has since provides a significant providers of reliable communications in the Marine Electronics to the proven its capabilities for increase in capacity for the region for our top customers," said Keith Fishing, Commercial Oil the defence and security ferries with fully scalable Johnson, Speedcast's EVP of Energy. "This and Gas and Renewables markets by providing and dedicated bandwidth new project in Mozambique instills sectors. Satellite on the Move (BW) for both corporate confidence that a strong return in the The service uses Avanti's (“SOTM”) communications. o p e r a t i o n s a n d industry is upon us as our Energy dedicated Ka-band satellite Avanti Chief Sales Officer, passengers”. customers begin to build upon their capacity via HYLAS 4 and Belinda Silous, said “This Avanti is the first mover in operations in new locations. We look the iDirect X7 platform, p a r t n e r s h i p f u r t h e r high throughput satellite forward to the opportunity to support all of enabling Woodsons to demonstrates Avanti's data communications in our customers as they activate new sites d e l i v e r c o n n e c t i v i t y capability within the EMEA. It has rights to and revitalize previously active assets in solutions to Scottish mobility sector. We are orbital slots and Ka-band remote locations onshore and offshore.” passenger ferries. delighted to partner with spectrum that cover an end SpeedCast's major strengths lie in its areas Woodsons, to provide fast market of over 1.5bn of focus, including radio frequency The partnership will and reliable satellite people. engineering, high integrity network design, s u p p o r t m a r i t i m e connectivity for maritime The Group has invested implementation, integration, operation and communications such as communications.” $1.2bn in a network that maintenance of satellite ground systems high-speed onboard Wi-Fi incorporates satellites, and maritime RF networks around very for passengers, as well as Woodsons of Aberdeen g r o u n d s t a t i o n s , small aperture terminal technology. e n a b l i n g s t a f f Managing Director, Steven datacenters and a fibre SpeedCast also supplements very small c o m m u n i c a t i o n s a n d Wood, said “We are excited ring. Avanti has a unique aperture terminal networks with moblie accepting card and mobile about the partnership with Cloud based flexible satellite service and terrestrial connectivity payments. Avanti Communications customer interface that is via its global multiprotocol label switchnig The contract win for Group plc. In the last year protected by patented network. maritime communications this has enabled us to technology.

7 Greening of Africa Paul Kagame launches Rwanda into space SPECIAL REPORT Greening of Africa Paul Kagame launches Rwanda into space

From the ashes of Tutsi genocide in 1994, Rwanda miraculously rebounded with a sense of forgiveness and optimism, and has successfully turned the tragedy into an opportunity for a new beginning. The launch of a new satellite, "Icyerekezo," to improve internet connection in Rwanda implies that Rwanda wants to be among the leaders in Africa in this area. Read more in this report.

Rwanda has successfully launched its first-ever countries go online, they realize efficiencies known for the horrific genocide that took satellite into space, according to the Rwandan in the delivery of public services and the place in the 1990s, when an estimated Ministry of ICT and Innovation. The successful operations of large businesses as well as account of 800,000 to 1,000,000 Tutsis and deployment of Rwanda's first ever satellite Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) moderate Hutus were killed. Since the end "Icyerekezo," which means "vision" in English, alike. In Rwanda, the benefits of internet- of the genocide and the war in 1994, is an exciting milestone, said Rwandan official. driven productivity gains are not limited to Rwanda has rebuild its economy in a The satellite will enable the Rwandan web-based companies: among SMEs, 75% remarkable way according to many. government to connect internet to more remote of the economic impact of the internet has Walking through its capital Kigali will give a schools across the country, providing better risen to companies that are not pure internet slightly non-African feel, compared to other education and creating new opportunities for players. The internet has generated African capital cities; most streets are innovators. economic growth and social transformation paved, swept and tidy, the traffic obeys the in some key sectors: financial services, traffic lights and crossing a street is not a Joining South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, education, health, retail, agriculture and matter of life and death. Paul Collier, Algeria, Kenya, Morocco and Angola in space, government. . Another important element in Director for the Centre for the Study of According to official, Rwanda has began work the transformation to a middle-income African Economies at the University of to train aerospace engineers and launch a nation is the modification of the agricultural nano-satellite in the next few years. economy to a knowledge-based economy by developing Rwanda into an information Not satisfied with this impressive success, top and communication technology (ICT-) hub officials from the Rwandan government have for central Africa. also announced that they are working on building a Rwandan satellite to monitor progress in sustainable development goals. Rwanda and ICT In order to operationalise this plan, Rwanda In Rwanda, investment in technology field is signed a Space Inclusion in Africa agreement improving, and continues to improve day by with Japanese government to start training day. One of the most developed and more Rwandan engineers in fabricating local interested field nowadays is wireless satellites in big data, weather and space communication. Thanks to wireless technology. This agreement is part of Japanese communications, iphone, ipad, android and African program to train satellite engineers, to different kind of cellular phones are the provide required information and date in success products in today's market and different areas, but the program starts with facilitate the way to communicate. To send Rwanda.Six Rwandan engineers will benefit and receive an electronic mail doesn't need from the training this year. Oxford, says that “Rwanda is the nearest to be behind computers, with wireless it can The Agreement was signed at the sideline of that Africa gets to an East Asian-style be done irrespective of location and time. the Transform Africa Summit between Rwanda 'developmental state', where the Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) and, on government gets serious about trying to The ability to go online via one's mobile Japanese side, Takayoshi Fukuyo, grow the economy and where the president device or at home is one currently enjoyed Representative of Director of Space Edge Lab. runs a tight ship within government built on by less than half of the global population, (SEL), Professor Shinichi Nakasuka and Dr. performance rather than patronage” . Out and getting online where and when Ryosuke Shibasaki, Professors of Laboratories of a completely devastated situation, convenient is not an easy task for many in of the University of Tokyo. Already, the Rwanda has built itself up again. u n d e r - s e r v e d o r i m p o v e r i s h e d milestone stage of this project was already communities. For this to change, Rwandan reached. Almost 20 years ago, Rwanda's economy governments is complementing other was mostly based on agriculture, industry broadband initiatives with a push to ensure This central African country, characterized by its sector had a low level and ICT services public access is an imperative in national mountainous landscape, counts more than 12 were nearly absent. policies and regulations. million people that live on a surface two-thirds Back in 2000, the government of Rwanda Rwanda has witnessed economic the size of the Netherlands. It is located in the challenged itself by implementing an stimulations by the growth of ICT sector that Great Lakes region in Africa, landlocked in ambitious policy; Vision 2020, which aimed boosts rapid changes in Rwanda's between Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the to transform Rwanda from a low-income economy and transforming Rwanda into a east, Burundi to the south and Democratic country into a middle-income country, “in regional high-tech hub. To keep on growing Republic Congo to the west. Rwanda is mostly which Rwandans are healthier,Garki educated Village integrationthe ICT scheme sector ,quickbird the Government satellite image initiated 2003 the and generally more prosperous” .As SPECIAL REPORT

five-years “National Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plans” transport via smart and known as NICI plans, where each “five-years fast service. plan” aims to accomplish its goal. In this speed The ICT industry in era of technology, wireless system is playing Rwanda is a growing an important role in the way people and things field since last 10 years. communicate. Policies which have been put in place give it The wireless technology plays a big role while a major target by the using internet permitting computer laptops or Rwandan government PDAs, phones to get connected and perform as a channel to drive different jobs as desired. In Rwanda, the use other key sectors which of internet through electronic portable devices are being implemented. permit users to check and send e-mails The contribution of ICT wherever they are, to buy train tickets using to the overall country their mobile phones and many other development is as well applications. It can also be noted that using remarkable factor which must be taken into McKinsey report, more than 2 billion people wireless system we can make free call consideration. In Rwanda, the difference in now use internet in every country, in every through skype, voip and so on... as well as access to and use of information and sector, in most companies, and almost 8 keeping in touch with friend using charts. New communication technologies (ICTs) - the trillion USD exchange hands each year wireless technology improves audio digital divide- has long been a significant though e-commerce and these numbers are communication to people with hearing loss concern of governments. Over time, its still growing. Three e-commerce websites allowing the use of hearing aids in both ears nature has changed. The gap in access to such as Amazon, iTunes, and Google rather than just one. The wireless technology basic telephone services, once very Checkout have transformed the global will also allow people in museums, galleries or substantial, is now significantly diminished business transactions. conference centers to receive audio and expected to shrink in the next few years In 2010, 40 Broadband VSAT companies descriptions and requesting descriptions in to come. In its place has come a gap in were operational in Rwanda. In 2010, their specific language. access to the internet and particularly, in internet penetration in Rwanda was 5.3% access to broadband services. The digital compared to the African average of 10.9%. With the transformation to a ICT-hub as one of divide in broadband capacity and quality From 2008 to 2010, Rwanda registered one the policies of the Rwandan government leads in turn to a divide between rural and of the highest internet user growth rates with outlined in Vision 2020, it is important to see to urban areas in the extent to which 8900% compared to the continent growth which extent ICT is already present in the individuals, businesses, economies and rate of 2450% and the world average rate of country. The number of ATMs per 100,000 societies are able to take advantage of new 444%. In 2010, more than 38.9% of adults went up from only 1 in 2009 to 5 in 2012, ICT innovations and applications. Rwanda's public sector (ministries, according to the World Bank and Rwanda is agencies, provinces and districts) and 34.5% connected to international sea cables by the of the private sector had web presence. deployment of a national fibre-optic network. ICT trends in Rwanda The government of Rwanda views ICTs as a This network functions as the ICT backbone Mobile applications: there is an major means of lifting the country out of by connecting Rwandan people to global increase in demand of mobile applications poverty and has developed a National networks through the increasing access to the for all startup and already existing Information and Communication (NICI) plan. internet. In 2009 the number of internet companies. This is because of a big as part of the nation's Vision 2020. The goal subscribers was 147,837 for the whole movement of using mobile phones, investors is to transform a mainly agricultural economy country and this has increased to over 2.5 also want reach clients from whatever into a predominantly information-rich, million internet subscribers in 2014, with the possible devices preferably portable ones, knowledge-based economy. Some of its key internet penetration rate being defined at 25% that it is why the demand is going higher and ICT focus is itemized below: while this was only 1.6% in 2009. higher. The access to internet has increased Mobile Money: Telecommunication furthermore by a project of South Korea's companies ease money transfers and have Outsourcing: like so many countries largest telecom company that developed a 4G changed the way of doing business by which are trying to make a step forward, it is broadband network across Rwanda, which is creating a cashless environment, using important to find skilled people who are able very advanced, even for western standards. mobile money payments. Most of common to imagine new project and initiatives which Data from the World Bank shows that in 2013 services such subscriptions and money will help their respective companies. Reports almost 57 per 100 people have mobile cellular transfers can be done automatically from have shown that most of university telephone subscriptions in Rwanda. everyone's gadgets without necessarily graduates don't find easily jobs after finishing going to banks. Though the country has their studies. Outsourcing of help-desk Internet in Africa good internet, everyone is not able to buy a services, desktop management, data-center computer but they are able to have a services, and on-the-spot support services As the Internet expands across Africa, it has cellphone, which can be as cheap as are on the rise. It is creating new job become a launching pad for a new generation 15USD. This low price influences that opportunities in the IT industry, stimulating of digital entrepreneurs. So many examples everyone is connected to at least GSM. This the need for progressive and innovative can be given in this field as well: in Nigeria last provides push and bulk messages with strategies to connect employees from alone, Konga and Jumia have become major operators' servers and enable different continent to continent. online retailers, Paga is emerging as a key users on the same network to transfer and player in mobile payments, and Jobberman receive money to each other. Nelson Hall, a global outsourcing research has created a digital marketplace for firm, estimates global demand for Business employers and job seekers. In Mozambique, a Processing Outsourcing (BPO) services at Internet: In just a few decades, internet is startup called moWoza has created a more 250 USD billion annually and it is projected to transforming the way we live, work, socialize efficient supply chain by using text messaging 750 increase to USDbillion by 2020. Demand and the way countries develop. The and a smartphone application to deploy for BPO services in Rwanda is estimated at UnitedNations, in its Millennium available taxi drivers to deliver parcels from 50 USD million, which will increase to almost Development Goals (MDGs) lists internet wholesalers to informal traders. In Rwanda, 200 USD million by 2020 with regional penetration as a key metric in efforts to the use of SafeBoda, an android app that let market potential predictedAbimbola Alale, to be 1900 USD reduce poverty and encourage rational taxi-motors connect with customers is million in 2020. Managing Director, NigComSat chaning the whole experience of urban development. According to the 2011

8 SPECIAL REPORT

the hackathon and are being promoted to other parts of the world facing the same challenges.

Education: In the education, the distribution of XO Laptops, a MIT project by Professor Negroponte has reached 203,763 units, covering 407 schools in different .locations across the country. Digital contents were also deployed in these schools, allowing primary school students to access courses in a digital format and then improving the quality of education and their learning experience. In Africa, Rwanda remains the country with the largest deployment of laptops under the One Laptop per Child initiative (OLPC).

In a bid to address the current demand of smart devices in education sector, the Government of Rwanda and Samsung completed and launched a pilot Solar Tele-centers: Tele-centers are small ICT Health: The health sector, kept its Powered Internet School (SPIS). This centers in remote areas equipped with about leadership in the use of ICT for the initiative, which is part of the larger goal of 5-15 computers. Due to a lack of connection delivery of health services across the Rwanda of using ICT to enhance learning and to electricity, they use solar panels and country, using ICT. The percentage of teaching in the classroom will be expanded to neighboring citizens can get cheap use of health facilities connected to the internet the secondary education segment. them since not everyone is able to buy their reached 93.8%. This continued development brings health information own for home use. They generally access Finance and business: This sector them for checking news, sending emails or systems and medical records systems closer to health facilities and continue to has perhaps the most remarkable general information as free library or get free development in terms of utilization of ICTs basic IT training for beginners. help them provide better timely reporting. Furthermore, the medical assistance call and value creation, which made it the choice center supported better delivery of health of this of ICT sector profile. In 2013, Rwanda Social Networks: social networks are services at the community level with had a total of 2,538,651 mobile payments used by different organs of the public and more than 25000 calls for ambulances, subscribers. Compared to 2012 there was a private sectors as a way to transmit cheaper based on a recent report. net increase of 1,098,110 new subscribers in and faster information. Citizens are no longer As a supplement to traditional patterns of just a period of 12 months. As a direct effect, interested in long articles, but prefer regularly health care delivery, telemedicine and e- the volume of transactions increased more updated headlines. As a matter of fact, the diagnosis in all university teaching than doubled, reaching 57,147,777 recent 2015 Forbes researches, showed that hospitals improved the way medical transactions during last year alone. This the president of Rwanda, Paul Kagame professionals share medical expertise. remarkable sustained growth was also seen (@PaulKagame), is the most followed Numerous benefits resulted from usage in the utilization of Point of Sales (POS). president of Africa with around 900,000 of telemedicine and e-diagnosis, ranging Statistics show that the value of POS followers on Twitter. Most ministers. from creation of a network of specialists; transactions grew exponentially, have improving access by health care exceeded 20.4 million Euros. Data show that the consumers' behavior is changing with Green ICT: A host of trends, including practitioners to specialists, to improving the quality of diagnostics and treatment . time, with people preferring to use payment rising stakeholder awareness, increasing instruments such as debit and credit cards in environmental regulations and rising energy lieu of cash. This is the result of the costs stimulated many executives to “green” Agriculture: The utilization of the collaboration between the Government of their companies. Through reduction in CO2 flagship eSoko system (electronic Rwanda, local banks and Visa Rwanda. emissions, the IT industry can save billions of Market in Kinyarwanda15) has been on dollars and gain more money in electric the increase, continuing to empower They jointly stepped up their efforts to utilities rebates. Benefits and incentives are more farmers with timely crops market increase financial literacy, increase payment being offered to businesses in countries like price information. eSoko supported more systems quality, reduce and prevent fraud the United States as reducing carbon than 11,000 farmers to make informed and increase interoperability of the mobile emissions has become a pressing issue. market pricing decisions. financial services ecosystem that addresses Governments in countries like Canada and the financial needs of all Rwandans. The South Africa are refurbishing ICT equipment. Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture in value transactions taking place using mobile partnership with the Centre for payments also followed the same trends. In Cloud Computing: There is a shift in the Agriculture and Rural Cooperation (CTA) December 2013 alone, more than 37.4 million global service model in which service organized the ICT for Agriculture Euros were transacted through Mobile providers are leveraging cloud computing (ICT4Ag) conference, which brought Telecommunication Networks (Tigo, Airtel technologies to offer “everything-as-a- over 500 delegates in Kigali the capital and MTN Rwanda). Using mobile service”. This is a new and swiftly growing city of Rwanda, to discuss ways to payments, subscribers were able to approach to service provision. Gartner, a promote the application of information purchase prepaid services such as phone leading cloud computing research firm and communication technology in the credit, electricity and conduct other types estimates that the global market for cloud agriculture sector with particular of transactions. computing will reach USD 200 Billion by emphasis on the value chain, advocacy 2020. Today, Rwanda has constructed a and policy development. In parallel, a national data center that is fully capable of hackathon was organized with IT maximizing the potential incloud computing, developers challenged to create paving the way for increased services applications to address a specific development. agricultural issue. Several mobile applications were awarded at the end of IN THE NEWS

Satcube Ku portable Insight TV launches in the Middle East satellite terminal on Jawwy TV captures prestigious

Red Dot design award Insight TV is launching its IntigralInternatinal FZ a d r e n a l i n e - f u e l l e d linear HD channel in the LLC, provides subscribers content featuring action Satcube announced its Satcube Ku mobile Middle East on Intigral's with a wide range of heroes, content creators, satellite terminal has received the esteemed n e w O T T s t r e a m i n g entertainment from live TV trending communities Red Dot Award in product design, service, Jawwy TV. and the latest on-demand and inspirational topics.” Communication Technology. The product's The deal was managed by premium content to digital Ali Ajouz CEO of SRM look and feel, including its highly intuitive GUI, S A W A R i g h t s sports. Subscribers will adds, “Insight TV is an was designed in close cooperation with Management (SRM), a now be able to watch exciting prospect for Swedish design partner, SHIFT Design and content provider and Insight HD TV via the viewers across the MENA Strategy. “Continually inspired by our producer and new Insight Jawwy set-top box or the region as its content is cooperation with design partner, SHIFT TV channel distribution Jawwy TV app starting this t o t a l l y u n i q u e a n d Design & Strategy, we are very excited to partner in the region. SRM April. compelling. We're looking receive international recognition for our o f f e r s a l i n e - u p o f “WMeasat-3be're delighted to make forward to working on Satcube Ku portable satellite terminal,” says broadcast TV channels this double whammy future projects and Jakob Kallmér, CEO and Founder of Satcube. and third-party titles to announcement,” says m a k i n g f u r t h e r platforms throughout the Graeme Stanley, COO, announcements over the In addition to producing a product with the Middle East and North Insight TV. coming months.” highest standard of quality and performance, Africa. This is the first time “The launch of Insight TV the overall design including the user interface that viewers in the region in the MENA region and and look of our unique, light weight satellite will have access to Insight our new, non-exclusive terminal is of the utmost importance to attract TV's full line up of authentic distribution partnership the high-end customer group we are serving. and topical content, 24/7. with SRM will enable us to Jawwy TV, a wholly owned reach more viewers who “Co-creating with a such a committed and O T T p l a t f o r m b y a r e h u n g r y f o r o u r talented team as the team at Satcube, makes the entire design process synergetic, it elevates the output quality in every aspect. Liquid Telecom strengthens partnership Which shows in the attention to details and the i n t u i t i v e u s e r e x p e r i e n c e , “ with Microsoft confirmsPärBergström, Director of Design, SHIFT Design & Strategy. Satcube provides Liquid Telecom is the first African continent. ExpressRoute, together seamless broadband connectivity over African telecoms operator “We offer customers a with Liquid Telecom's satellite through easy to use, lightweight to attain a Microsoft Gold single, unified solution for expert cloud enablement terminals. The innovative Satcube Ku Partnership deal, making it their Microsoft Azure services, also enable portable satellite terminal is a highly compact, the biggest and most s t r a t e g y . T h i s i s customers to accelerate user-friendly device that delivers quick diversified Internet Service u n d e r p i n n e d b y a n their cloud deployment and connectivity empowering people at work, Provider with integrated unrivalled fibre network, achieve faster time to businesses and global organizations, to Wholesale Carrier Network strategically located data value. communicate and deliver critical services at services. centres, a hybrid cloud “ T h i s a v a i l a b i l i t y o f any time. “We are delighted by the architecture covering Azure Microsoft Azure, delivered Comparable to a large laptop, the lightweight launch of Microsoft's cloud and the Azure Stack and an from cloud regions in Satcube Ku provides the ease of an iPhone regions in Africa, and by ExpressRoute connection South Africa, answers the and deployment of broadband in less than a extending the reach of to maximise the benefits of call from customers across minute. Targeting industry verticals and work Microsoft Azure to an t h e c l o u d . To g e t h e r, Africa for a truly modern increasing number of places requiring broadband connectivity Microsoft and Liquid and hybrid cloud,” said countries and customers, where limited or no 3G/4G connectivity is Telecom are creating a Dean Erasmus, Azure Liquid Telecom is helping m o d e r n b u s i n e s s available. The Satcube solution is designed Business Lead for Africa, Africa realise its digital foundation for customers in for broadcast media companies, emergency Microsoft. future,” said Nic Rudnick, Africa – one that inspires Th e L i q u i d Te l e c o m response, law enforcement, public safety G r o u p C E O , L i q u i d innovation, cloud-paced ecosystem brings cloud organizations, tele-medicine, NGO´s, industry Telecom. change, compliance and services in Africa together, and those with remote work locations and high Liquid Telecom brings business growth.” added offering customers a one- capacity communications needs - without any c l o u d - o p t i m i s e d Nic Rudnick. stop solution for cloud need for engineering expertise. connectivity offering the Liquid Telecom customers computing, connectivity, benefits of low latency, high will be benefit from the and professional services capacity and resiliency to company's forward-thinking through Microsoft Azure businesses across Africa. ecosystem: world-class and Azure Stack. Liquid With the availability of data centres, connected via Telecom now provides this Microsoft's Azure regions in a pan-African fibre network modern hybrid cloud South Africa and using local approaching 70,000km; services in five countries – Microsoft Azure Stack offering the Microsoft Azure South Africa, Zimbabwe, deployments in Liquid Stack hybrid cloud in five Tanzania, Kenya, and Telecom's African data countries in Africa; and the Rwanda – with more centres connected via company's position as a regions scheduled to go Microsoft ExpressRoute, Microsoft Tier I and Tier II live later including the customers are able to Cloud Solution Provider. Middle East, North and access a hybrid cloud A private, high performance West Africa. solution residing within the CloudConnect via Microsoft

11 IN THE NEWS

RSCC joins the unmanned Navigation project

Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCC) has joined the pilot project of Maritime Unmanned Navigation (MUNIN). In this project, the company intends to provide communication services on mobile platforms using the maritime VSAT technology. The MUNIN pilot project provides the development and testing of technologies for automated navigation and remote control of vessels. The project is Mobility for the Masses implemented with the assistance of the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade as C o m m u n i c a t i o n s a r e r i s e i n d e m a n d f o r transform and shape those part of the National Technological Initiative undergoing a complete Communications on the c o m m u n i c a t i o n s , to support high technologies in the most transition from what we Move (COTM) services. As positioning satellite as the promising areas of the maritime industry. In know as the norm, towards a whole populations shift autumn 2018, MARINET Industry key player in the field of somewhat unknown reality, consumption habits, a Association announced the launch of an COTM. unmanned navigation project to be w h e r e a n y t h i n g a n d strategic infrastructure of When it comes to COTM, implemented by leading Russian shipping everything will eventually be the right kind of connection satellite communications companies and developers of marine connected. Of course, this is and the most suitable are ideally positioned to navigation solutions and control systems. no easy feat for established equipment to carry the achieve the best possible “We appreciate the invitation to take part in networks built on fixed, tried service is now required. results for users – whether the Unmanned Navigation Project and and tested infrastructure on land, out at sea or in the believe that our company's competencies and as new applications Satellite Evolution air. This is as true for an and experience in the provision of such as the Internet of In the past, VSAT networks inpidual passenger on a innovative communication services at sea Things (IoT), continues to were small and they were cruise as it is for a military will be in great demand. advance and connected used solely to provide aeroplane seeking the best Thanks to RSCC's marine VSAT network o b j e c t s b e c o m e broadband connectivity to position to land in a coverage, we are ready to test the Marine commonplace, universal predominantly rural areas warzone, using on-board Unmanned Vehicle technologies in the high-capacity, high-speed that were beyond the reach communications as part of waters of all the seas around our country connectivity will become a its navigation system. For taking into account the requirements of o f t r a d i t i o n a l necessity, anywhere and infrastructures. This has the latter, it is not only a reliability and cyber-security information everywhere. Consequently, exchange between offshore facilities”, said now changed and there has robust connection that is the role of satellite will play a RSCC General Director Yuri Prokhorov. been a sizable shift in needed, but a completely Currently, the global industry is embracing growing role, delivering where satellite can deliver, secure, reliable one that can all new areas of development: territories seamless, high-bandwidth due to the strategic and be relied upon at any critical with severe geographical and climatic broadband services to once increased use of teleports moment, regardless of the conditions (arctic and desert regions) and unimaginable locations, to open up new services in path of the aircraft. For the entire World Ocean. According to including out at sea and in new locations around the offshore and maritime experts, the most promising area for the sky. world. markets, increased demand development is the maritime industry, Today's satellites are not for higher data throughputs where revolutionary changes are expected Digital only able to deliver that can support bandwidth in the next 10–20 years. In particular, it Transformation connectivity but in fact intensive services in those includes exponential growth in mining and remote locations is rising at When it comes to the ways revolutionise what was food production output (fisheries and an unprecedented rate. The i n w h i c h c o n s u m e r s once possible, bringing aquaculture production) as well as significant new capabilities kinds of services that are digitalization of shipping with an increase in demand data, their usage is at the same time. One of now required include video the number of vessels of the maritime now not only confined to a conferencing, and media commercial fleet from the current 50 physical location. The huge the factors that has made s t r e a m i n g – a n o t h e r thousand vessels to 70-80 thousand draw to Over-the-top this all possible is the example of the rapid spread vessels by 2035. VSAT satellite Services (OTT), has led to d i f f e r e n t t y p e s o f of desire for OTT services, communication technology with GEO people demanding data for equipment now being even out at sea. satellites and special motorized stabilized streaming, whenever and deployed are of immense In terms of COTM, land satellite dishes on vessels is used to wherever they are. For capabilities. From the communications in these transmit larger volumes of information example, more people in smaller satellite footprints areas are crucial and between offshore facilities and the shore. I n d i a t h a n e v e r a r e of the past, made of a An innovative solution using modern satellite technologies are consuming content on their limited number of beams Russian satellites of the Express-AM series being deployed to this more phones as their primary and terminals, to the based on maritime VSAT technology allows and more, connecting means of viewing. This is networks of today, where a RSCC to provide a wide range of digital vehicles reliably as they just one example of how much larger area is communication and broadcasting services pass through any terrain expectations for 'always on' covered, using thousands on vessels of various classes and either through a direct connectivity has increased of terminals with hundreds purposes. RSCC's VSAT network covers connection or by enabling in recent years. This shift in of beams. This, combined the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, the with the powers of High cost-effective extension of Mediterranean, Baltic, Northern, Black, expectations has also taken T h r o u g h p u t S a t e l l i t e the terrestrial network to Caspian seas, the seas of Japan and the hunger for services to remote areas that could not Okhotsk as well as all northern seas twork. new realms in the form of the (HTS), creates a winning c o m b i n a t i o n a b l e t o be connected otherwise. 18 IN THE NEWS

New platform will Marlink, Mahd Group expand connectivity treble vessel VSAT services in Oman throughput

Telenor Satellite is launching a new platform M a r l i n k ' s e n d u r i n g to-end VSAT connectivity gas, security, telecoms and over its Ka-band coverage to almost treble partnership with Mahd solution which features 24/7 IT, construction and utilities. bandwidth capabilities to vessels. This will Satellite has been further Level 2 monitoring and boost capacity from 35 Mbps at present to 100 c e m e n t e d w i t h t h e control plus full marketing “The installation of our Mbps to a single ship. The Norway- installation of a new and engineering support, versatile Terralink Hub on headquartered satellite owner has been Terralink Hub and RF w i t h v a l u e - a d d e d I P Mahd Satellite's premises in ploughing its own technology route in uplink station at its services including internet Oman signifies a very maritime VSAT. It operates a regional Ka- headquarters in Muscat, backbone access, routing, promising development in band service from the Thor 7 satellite over firewalling and a customer the continuing alliance Europe and the north Atlantic that stretches in the Sultanate of Oman. portal b e t w e e n o u r t w o from the Mediterranean to the Arctic. The flexibility of this fully- For Mahd Satellite, the companies,” says Kevin Telenor Satellite director of data services Jan m a n a g e d n e t w o r k breadth and adaptability of Thorley, Head of Sales Hetland explains to Maritime Digitalisation & operator service from t h e Te r r a l i n k H u b ' s Middle East, Marlink. Communicationswhy the company is Marlink enables Mahd managedSES’s Operations service room translates at its headquarters in Luxembourg upgrading its VSAT platform to deliver more S a t e l l i t e t o o ff e r a into a highly efficient and “Not only is it an affirmation bandwidth to seafarers and guests on cruise comprehensive range of ships and ferries. “Our highest profile on Ka- cost-effective means of of the satisfaction which our VSAT communications meeting network capacity connectivity services have band is with 35 Mbps downlink and 6 Mbps Farhad Khan, Chief Commercial Officer, Yahsat uplink,” he explains. “We are pushing the c a p a b i l i t i e s f o r i t s requirements and providing a l r e a d y d e l i v e r e d , boundaries of the current platform and will c u s t o m e r s w h i l e internet access for end- complying to a set of launch a Newtec Dialog platform early Q3 this c o n t r o l l i n g t h e users to access diverse e x t r e m e l y s p e c i f i c year to keep up with rising requirements from infrastructure to function applications from business- parameters, but it also offshore vessels, ferries and yachts.” within the country's critical email and video a c c e n t u a t e s o u r This new platform will “be able to achieve regulatory framework. streaming to web browsing commitment to facilitating more than 100 Mbps using selected beams and support of internet business development for on Thor 7”. This will increase capacity for M a r l i n k ' s m a n a g e d apps. The service is our partners in the Middle v o i c e , d a t a , e m a i l a n d i n t e r n e t Terralink Hub service specially adapted to sectors East communications. “Our current customers supplies a complete end- including defence, oil and . have a mix of requirements. There is increasing demand on our network for social media applications such as Facebook and YouTube. It can represent more than 50% of the traffic,” he says, adding that voice over IP C-band Alliance appoints Peter Pitsch to lead is also an important application over Ka-band VSAT. Advocacy and Government Affairs Thor 7 provides broadband communications coverage primarily for maritime from The C-Band Alliance (CBA) Congress. Positions of Alliance Chief Executive Svalbard, Norway and over the Barents, h a s a n n o u n c e d t h e note prior to his career at Officer said, Norwegian and Kara seas. Coverage appointment of Peter Pitsch as Intel included serving as “The appointment of Peter stretches over the north Atlantic, west of Head of Advocacy and Chief of the Office of Plans Pitsch, who is already well- Iceland to south Greenland and to Government Affairs. The CBA and Policy and Chief of Newfoundland after Telenor Satellite versed in this complex is the entity that proposes to Staff to the Chairman of the proceeding at the FCC, switched beams from the Middle East. “We implement a safe and efficient FCC during the Reagan also have excellent coverage in the allows the CBA to further clearing and repurposing of Administration. Mediterranean and Black Sea,” says Mr amplify its advocacy efforts mid-band 'C-band' downlink at the FCC and on Capitol Hetland. spectrum to accelerate the The passenger vessel sector is the biggest The CBA is advocating a Hill as we explain how our deployment of 5G services in market for Thor 7 in terms of data usage, while breakthrough, market- proposal best balances the the fishing sector has the largest number of the U.S. The CBA was formed based proposal to the FCC n e e d s o f C - b a n d connected vessels. Telenor Satellite is a by Intelsat, SES, Eutelsat and to allow satellite operators incumbents with the need leading provider of communications on ferries Telesat, the band's incumbents to clear frequencies to for speed when it comes to sailing north European routes and delivers and the leading continental enable terrestrial mobile supplying spectrum for 5G Ka-band VSAT connectivity to several ferry U . S . s a t e l l i t e s e r v i c e s operators to access 200 in the United States. Given lines in the Mediterranean as well. operators. MHz of C-band spectrum. his long experience with “We expect to add more ferries to Ka-band in Mr. Pitsch previously served The CBA approach and telecom policy and intimate the months ahead,” says Mr Hetland. as Associate General Counsel detailed transition plan knowledge of our proposal “Passengers need more bandwidth and wifi is for Intel Corporation, where he would accelerate the and the FCC proceeding, being rolled out on ferries. These vessels also was responsible for global d e p l o y m e n t o f n e x t we are confident Peter will need VSAT for their own office requirements. telecommunications policy, a generation 5G services in Passenger traffic is driving growth and for that be a valuable leader in our position from which he retired the U.S. while also efforts to build consensus reason, Telenor Satellite needed to invest in in 2018. Since October 2017, protecting the wide array of the new platform. ” on our proposal. Mr. Pitsch advocated in e s t a b l i s h e d C - b a n d Thor 7 also delivers VSAT to a growing support of the CBA's market- satellite services and the number of offshore support vessels (OSVs) based proposal on behalf of with around 70 using the Ka-band service, U.S. consumers that rely Intel. Mr. Pitsch has over three and at least another 30 expected to sign up. on them, such as the U.S. Telenor Satellite initially encountered barriers decades of experience television and radio to entering the OSV market as owners were advocating for public policy b r o a d c a s t e r s a n d reluctant to replace existing Ku-band VSAT issues in front of the Federal programmers. hardware. C o m m u n i c a t i o n s Bill Tolpegin, C-Band Commission(“FCC”) and U.S.

12 SPECIAL FEATURE Monitoring dry land in Africa

Satellite imagery has proven of great value in monitoring various environmental conditions, including those related to desertification. To this end, scientist are of the view that recent advances in geo-spatial technologies, including remote sensing, aerial photography, GPS and GIS, remotely sensed indicators of desertification can be merged with in-situ data to monitor and evaluate physical and socioeconomic operators over large areas.

The United Nations says dryland imagery, such as Landsat MSS, are as a means of integrating and environments extend over one-third the widely available for environmental manipulating in situ surface observations, earth's surface, affecting more than 1 monitoring and hold advantages over satellite-based environmental indicators, billion residents whose livelihoods traditional in situ data. For instance, aerial photography, and other available depends on land. Roughly 70% of these remote sensing and air photography spatial information in support of effective areas have experienced some degree of have permited observation of land areas dryland planning, decision making, and degradation, resulting in a wide range of over multiple scales, facilitating analysis research. environmental, cultural, economic and by consideration of both large, regional, political ramifications both locally and and smaller, more detailed spatial GPS technologiPicturees fa csourceilitate ADB that globally. extents. In addition, remotely sensed integration of information by providing The report said: “Political instability, observations are repeated regularly over exact locational coordinates of land poverty, poor irrigation methods, specific areas, often using different observations and repeated samples for deforestation, and overgrazing have all ranges of wavelengths to highlight meshing the various sources of data. Land combined to undermine the productive various phenomena of interest. Daily, observations gathered for study sites no capability of land, making a large swath of multi-year observations of global extent longer require markers, and are easily theCourtesy- earth receiving SpaceX under 600 mm/year of are available free of charge. Some evaluated even for remote locations. precipitation leading to reduced vegetation sensors are rapidly available after Evaluation of individual and composite cover and soil organic matter, soil observation, and are indispensable in GIS data layers permits assessment of compaction, decreased infiltration, areas where in situ monitoring is desertification risk in a manner and timely increased runoff, and increased wind and impossible due harsh environment or fashion that was not possible before. water erosion”. In addition, salinization, political or military conflicts. alkalinization, leaching, and acidification ŸIn addition, the digital GIS data can be have also contributed to soil degradation transmitted from one use to another using by reducing vegetation cover and Ÿ”However, good various digital media, including the triggering these physical mechanisms. internet. The resultant growth of digital information on the databases and information exchanges Despite the severity of its impacts, would enhance research of underlying desertification is to a significant extent extent and severity causes and means of addressing unmeasured or poorly documented, with desertification. the result that it does not receive the of desertification is attention it deserved in national planning lacking, and many The vast spatial extent of drylands and our efforts anin terms of spending priority. inability to effectively measure land estimates are largely degradation in these areas has Furthermore, sufficient detail on local traditionally limited our ability to environmental conditions is lacking in most based on opinion”. understand, address and prevent cases,undermining land management desertification. Using recent advances in efforts at specific sites. Satellite imagery has proven of great geospatial technologies, including remote v a l u e i n m o n i t o r i n g v a r i o u s sensing, aerial photography, GPS and So fsr, geospatial technologies, including environmental conditions, including GIS, remotely sensed environmental global positioning systems (GPS), satellite those related to desertification. Land indicators of desertification can be imagery, aerial photography, and use, rainfall, dustiness, vegetation merged with in situ data to monitor and geographic information systems (GIS) density and stress, soil moisture, and soil evaluate physical and socioeconomic hold great promise for improving the e r o s i o n a n d s a l i n i z a t i o n a r e operators over large areas. Current quality and quantity of information on environmental indicators readily developments in satellite technology, degradation trends over large areas as detected by high resolution satellite computer speed and capacity, and well as provide for more effective imagery that may point to growing resolution of imagery hold exciting management of that information. desertification of an area. These prospects for the development of measures, integrated and managed in informational products that allow both Roles of geospatial data GIS, can provide a solid foundation for effective monitoring and protection of the High-resolution satellite imagery, such as effective decision making in drylands drylands that support a significant portion Landsat Thematic Mapper and SPOT, management. of the world's population. combined with medium-resolution satellite Geographic Information Systems serve

19 Courtesy- SpaceX

N T A i s b r o a d c a s t i n g t o U S A , C a n a d a a n d E u r o p e . V i e w e r s i n Washington DC, USA, can receive NTA signals on MHz TV and COMCAST Cable and in addition via Satellite on INTELSAT America- 5 (1. A-5). Viewer in other parts of USA and Canada can receive NTA via satellite on INTELSAT America -22 5 (1.A-5). In Europe NTA can be received via Satellite INTELSAT 95. 26 IN THE NEWS ASIA

Hughes businesses get a head start on new asymmetric digital subscriber line services such as holographic streaming broadband, which uses phone lines to Communications India a n d t e c h n o l o g i e s l e a d i n g t o deliver internet access, but is thought to breakthroughs in manufacturing be behind Japan and other countries in Ltd receives Flight and productivity. Mobile carriers KT, SK faster fiber-optic communications. Maritime Connectivity Telecom, and LG Uplus will begin 5G South Korea currently ranks fourth in the service for compatible smartphones world for 5G-related technologies, License from Samsung Electronics as soon as according to the Korea Institute of S&T late March. That will beat the U.S., Evaluation and Planning. The country is Hughes Communications India Ltd (HCIL) where limited coverage for certain about two years behind the U.S., which has received a Flight and Maritime indoor locations is available but leads the world, in terms of technical Connectivity (FMC) license from the standard service accessible in fast- skills. Department of Telecommunications, moving vehicles has yet to launch. South Korean experts point out, however, Government of India. The first company to The 5G standard will be up to 100 times that while their technology for high- be granted the FMC license in India, HCIL faster than 4G at 20 gigabits per second frequency waves used to deliver 5G is is now authorized to provide in-flight with almost no lag, opening up new inferior to American counterparts, they connectivity and high-quality broadband possibilities for businesses. The lead the world in security technologies. services to Indian and foreign airlines and standard will serve as the foundation of The country hopes that 5G can also help shipping companies operating within Industry 4.0 technologies -- the "Fourth turn the tide against China, whose rising Indian territory. HCIL has already set up a Industrial Revolution" entailing smart companies threaten South Korean base mobility platform and is in discussion and autonomous manufacturing -- which c h i p m a k e r s , a u t o m a k e r s a n d to enhance the services in India. are expected to bring about $540 billion shipbuilders with lower costs. “HCIL is proud to be the first company to in economic benefits by 2030. SK Group and KT began some corporate receive the Flight and Maritime SK Telecom is developing a service that 5G service late last year, ahead of the Connectivity license in India, which is a uses a special device to stream launch for consumers. At SK's natural extension of having been at the holographic video of pop duo TVXQ and semiconductor factories, the group forefront of offering breakthrough other South Korean stars in partnership doubled efficiency by building a system technologies and services over the past with SM Entertainment, said Lee Jae- that records components from several two decades," said Partho Banerjee, kwang, head of business strategy. The angles on its production line to detect President & Managing Director at Hughes company is also exploring new services faulty items. Communications India Ltd. "We stand involving concerts and fan interactions KT is creating a system that reduces ready operationally to initiate high quality that will boost exports of South Korean danger for workers at shipbuilder Hyundai broadband services for both airlines and content. Heavy Industries. Cameras will monitor maritime operators, including having the Holograms require about 1 gigabyte of the movement of machines to warn availability of ubiquitous satellite data per square centimeter, more than a nearby workers if there is a risk of coverage across Indian airspace and two-hour movie. SK tested the collision. The company wants to use such territorial waters. We would also like to technology last year when South Korean smart factory products to increase compliment the regulatory authorities for soccer player Son Heung-min, who competitiveness. a speedy grant of license and a positive plays in London, appeared as a live intent towards the entire policy hologram to talk with some elementary framework, which promises to herald a school fans back home. The realistic Himalaya HD bolsters new era of communications for India.” three-dimensional rendering brought MEASAT's HD video Since the policy was first published by some of the boys to tears. The company regulatory authorities in mid-December is also developing virtual reality content. neighbourhood 2018, it has generated a lot of interest KT is teaming up with Japanese, from India's maritime and airline American, South Korean and European MEASAT Satellite Systems has industries. HCIL looks forward to automakers to develop telematics announced the launch of Himalaya TV HD supporting them in the rapidly growing technology with 5G that will improve the (“HTV”) for distribution across Nepal and opportunity for inflight and maritime safety and convenience of cars. It has Asia Pacific via the MEASAT-3 satellite. connectivity services, which Hughes is apparently partnered with Hyundai HTV, founded in 2010 is a Kathmandu- powering globally with its advanced aero Motor and Nissan Motor. Onboard based private television company of and maritime broadband solutions. devices will warn drivers several Nepal. HTV produces news and seconds before traffic lights change, for entertainment programs that raises The FMC license has been granted for a example. Cars and traffic signals will be awareness of human issues and period of 10 years, and HCIL will pay able to exchange data, which will be embraces the diverse needs of a spectrum charges based on revenue helpful for preventing accidents in multicultural society. earned from providing these services, rainstorms with low visibility, according which can be delivered using both to KT. It is also developing car navigation “We are pleased to collaborate with HTV satellites and telecom networks on the systems that find shorter, more accurate to distribute Himalaya HD to audience ground. HCIL will provide FMC services in routes by reflecting traffic data on maps across Nepal and Asia Pacific,” said Yau India operating over domestic and foreign in real time. Chyong Lim, Chief Operating Officer, satellites permitted by the Department of SK controls 48% of the country's mobile MEASAT. “The addition of Himalaya HD, Space. communications market by users, the latest HD and widely embraced South Korea to seize on ahead of KT at 30% and LG Uplus at infotainment channel in Nepal, greatly 22%. The trio have not disclosed pricing enhances the line-up of high quality HD world's first full 5G for 5G plans, but their investment in the genres on our key video slot at 91.5°E.” new communications standard is “It gives me immense pleasure that network thought to be up to 25 trillion won ($22.3 Himalaya HD are on the MEASAT South Korea intends to capitalize on billion), more than 30% more than for platform”, said Dharma Raj Bhusal, becoming the first nation with a full- 4G. South Korea is known as a leader in Chairman, HTV. “MEASAT-3 was fledged 5G mobile network next month as selected for distribution because of its 28 IN THE NEWS ASIA

excellent coverage, reliability and Contract, SAS and CTN will fast-track said Wang Jianru, chief designer of the expanding presence in the region's HD work to incorporate SAS's nano- booster. video neighbourhood.” satellites into CTN's network. It will also The addition of Himalaya HD regional authorise CTN on a non-exclusive basis China's Long March feed increases MEASAT's video to resell, market, distribute and support neighbourhood in Nepal to 8 channels SAS services and products. rockets complete 300 featuring news, general entertainment and factual programming. The contract could lead to multiple launches The 91.5°E prime video hot slot is home opportunities for SAS to service a to the MEASAT-3, MEASAT-3a and market that have more than 260 million With a Long March-3B rocket putting a new MEASAT3b satellites, forming the people and provide residents more communication satellite into orbit recently, region's strongest video neighbourhood. affordable and reliable connectivity China's Long March carrier rocket series From 91.5°E, MEASAT supports networks. It also provides SAS with the completed 300 launches, having sent more broadcasters and DTH operators to ability to expand its existing connectivity than 500 spacecraft into space since 1970. distribute UHD, HD and SD channels to offering across the entire Asia Pacific "This is a milestone for China's space audiences across Asia, Australia, East region. CTN have already approached industry development," said Wu Yansheng, Africa and South-Eastern Europe. some of their existing clients within the board chairman of the China Aerospace mining, oil & gas and plantation sectors Science and Technology Corporation and a number have since expressed (CASC). China to open Chang'e- interest in the SAS technology. Use The Long March carrier rocket series, 4 lunar probe data to the cases for their clients include telemetry developed by CASC, is responsible for about and also for replacing VSAT for data text 96.4 percent of all the launch missions in global community only, for use of phones in shipping and China. It took 37 years for the Long March rockets to complete the first 100 launches, marine areas, or while out at sea. 7.5 years to complete the second 100 China will gradually open data collected launches, and only about four years to by the Chang'e-4 lunar probe to the Commenting on the Reseller Contract, accomplish the final 100, with the average world, the country's lunar program chief Meir Moalem, Managing Director and number of launches per year increasing from designer said. Wu Weiren, an CEO of SAS said: “We are delighted to 2.7 to 13.3 and then to 23.5. "Intensive academician of the Chinese Academy of continue our collaboration with CTN by launches have become normal in China, Engineering, made the statement in his signing a reseller contract. CTN is a indicating the rapid development of the capacity as a member of the 13th newly established company that shares space industry, the progress of science and National Committee of the Chinese the same end goal as Sky and Space technology and the enhancement of national strength," said Shang Zhi, director of the People's Political Consultative Global, to provide better connectivity in Space Department of the CASC. Conference, the country's top political areas with unreliable networks at a lower cost. For this reason, we complement China joined the space club on April 24, advisory body, on the sidelines of its 1970, when the Long March-1 carrier rocket annual session. The Chang'e-4 probe each other very well and we look forward to working with CTN to provide better launched the country's first satellite, made the first-ever soft landing on the Dongfanghong-1, into orbit. At that time, the Von Karman Crater in the South Pole- access to communication throughout Indonesia.” carrying capacity of the Long March rocket Aitken Basin on the far side of the moon was only 300 kg. on Jan. 3. On November 3, 2016, China's current Wu said both the lander and the rover China's new huge solid largest carrier rocket, the Long March-5, have been woken up from a "sleep made its maiden flight, with its carrying mode" and are now collecting new data. rocket booster capacity reaching 25 tonnes for low-Earth Wu added that China plans to launch the completes testing orbit and 14 tonnes for geosynchronous Chang'e-5 probe later this year to collect orbit. The success rate of the 300 launches samples from the moon and bring them phase of the Long March rockets stood at 96 back to the earth and to launch a probe in China announced that the country's new percent, according to CASC. 2020 to orbit, land and rove on Mars. solid rocket booster, with 200-tonne During the third 100 launches, the Long thrust engine, completed hot firing tests, March rockets sent a total of 225 spacecraft, proving its readiness for commercial weighing about 240 tonnes, into space, with SAS Network Signed launches. With a diameter of 2.65 a success rate of 97 percent, reaching a high reseller contract with meters, the booster engine is expected level in the world, said Shang. From October to be used on the modified version of the 1996 to August 2011, the Long March rockets set a world record for 15 years of Indonesian telco Long March-11 rocket. The rocket is the successful consecutive launches. In 2018, service provider, CTN only series in the Long March family that the Long March rockets completed 37 uses solid propellants, and it can be consecutive successful launches, ranking a launched within 24 hours. global first for the highest number of Sky and Space Global Ltd has Developed by the Academy of successful launches. announced that it has signed a Reseller Aerospace Solid Propulsion Technology A total of 17 types of Long March carrier MoU with the Indonesian Cendrawasih under the China Aerospace Science and rockets have been developed and put into Teknologi Nusantara. (CTN) Technology Corporation, it will be u s e s i n c e 1 9 7 0 , e n s u r i n g t h e CTN was established in 2018 and is China's most powerful rocket booster implementation of a series of key space based in Jakarta, Indonesia. It is a engine, delivering a maximum thrust of projects including manned space program, hardware and software communications 200 tonnes and carrying an explosive lunar exploration, BeiDou Navigation provider, supplying data connectivity payload of 71 tonnes. To increase its Satellite System (BDS) and the Gaofen services via satellite for its customers carrying capacity and market Earth observation project. across multiple sectors. CTN's goal is to competitiveness, the new booster is In addition, the Long March carrier rockets provide comprehensive solutions to covered with filament winding also launched a large number of customer needs through speed, composite shell, which is better and can meteorological satellites, resource satellites availability, robust and cost optimisation. be applied more widely than metal shell, and oceanographic satellites, as well as Under the terms of the new Reseller several innovative science satellites

29 IN THE NEWS ASIA

including DAMPE to search for dark matter, from rocket technology," said Zhu Yuying, vice hydropower and other value-added the world's first quantum satellite, and an general manager of the Changzheng services, along with the provisions of electromagnetic satellite to study Engineering Co., Ltd., a company affiliated Direct-to-Home television and mobile earthquakes, playing an important role in with the China Academy of Launch Vehicle phone backhauling. promoting the economic, social and Technology. T h e u b i q u i t o u s a n d v e r s a t i l e scientific development in China. The gasifiers produced by the company can communication services provided by the increase the utilization rate of coal from 30 Since the 1990s, the Long March rockets satellite are primarily targeted at reducing have been designed to be compatible with percent to more than 90 percent. And one such gasifier can deal with over 3,000 tonnes the digital divide, especially in the satellites manufactured in the United underserved rural areas. States, Europe and other countries and of coal every day. Currently, China is regions. So far, Chinese rockets have developing new generation medium launch launched 56 international commercial vehicles including the Long March-6A, Long “It is a privilege for Thales Alenia Space to satellites and carried more than 20 small March-7A and Long March-8. A test version of have been selected by Nepal satellites or payloads into space for the Long March-5B, which has the largest Telecommunications Authority for international customers. The Long March carrying capacity to low-Earth orbit, has been providing its national satellite. We believe carrier rockets helped provide launch produced and will be used to launch the the project will be a key asset to bridge the services for countries participating in the modules of China's space station, according digital divide and a strong vector of Belt and Road Initiative, including Algeria, to CASC. economic growth. We are also thrilled to Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The services China's heavy-lift carrier rocket, the Long embark into this long term cooperation have been extended from launching March-9, is expected to make its maiden flight with Nepal and support the country satellites to the construction of ground around 2030 and will support manned lunar develop its space capabilities and facilities, and management and application exploration, deep space exploration and services for the benefit of all its citizens” of the satellites. construction of a space-based solar power declared Eric Imbert, Sales Vice- From 2015 to 2016, four types of new plant. The diameter of the body of the Long President for Thales Alenia Space. generation Long March carrier rockets, March-9 rocket will be nearly 10 meters. And the manufacturing of the rocket will also push using non-toxic and non-polluting T h e H o n o r a b l e M i n i s t e r o f propellants, were put into use, greatly forward the development of new materials, technologies, devices and equipment. The Communication and Information improving China's capacity of entering Technology, Mr Gokul Prasad Baskota, outer space. New technologies such as 3D new generation launch vehicles will gradually printing and intelligent manufacturing have replace the old generation carrier rockets, and added : “To successfully compete with been introduced in the development of space transport vehicles will transition from other countries, to give high speed China's new generation carrier rockets. one-time use to reusable in the future, said internet to all our citizens and to be For instance, the Long March-7 is China's Shang. recognized regionally, we want Nepal to first carrier rocket completely designed accelerate its pace on the way to using digital and virtual reality technology -- digitization. No one must be left behind on no paper blueprint was used throughout Nepal this path. Our National Satellite will help the design and production process. The telecommunications us jump into a better future. We found in management and production efficiency of Thales Alenia Space an impressive the launching vehicles have also been satellite project expertise and a strong partnership spirit improved. China is now capable of that match our ambition to be self- manufacturing more than 40 carrier underway dependent, make selfidentity in space rockets every year. technology and to pace towards The new generation rocket Long March-6 The Nepal Telecommunications Authority prosperity of digital Nepal” does not require a fixed launch pad and and Thales Alenia Space, a Joint Venture can be ready for takeoff within seven days. between Thales (67 %) and Leonardo (33 The preparation time to launch a Long %), have signed an agreement under which March-11 rocket can be as short as several Thales Alenia Space will build the national Indonesia launches first hours. satellite telecommunication system for internet-only satellite China's achievements in the space Nepal. industry have benefited from the with SpaceX rocket enhancement of the comprehensive This agreement follows the Letter of Intent national strength and the upgrading of its previously signed on March 5 in Paris by the Over 300 people crowded the lobby of basic industrial capacity. On the other t e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s c o m p a n y hand, the development of the space Honorable Minister of Communication & industry also helps promote the progress of Information Technology of Nepal, Mr Gokul PasifikSatelit Nusantara (PSN) in South other industries. For instance, the Prasad Baskota, and the Honorable Jakartato watch live the launch of the development of the Long March-5 rocket, Secretary of State to the Minister for Europe country's first internet satellite by which has a diameter of fiveChina meters, launched and two satelliteForeign for itsAf GPSsystemfairs of France, (Source: ChinaMr Jean-Daily SpaceX. They stared intently at a giant involved several Chinese industrial Baptiste Lemoyne. LED screen showing a live broadcast of a enterprises who helped manufacture the This very high-performance C/Ku Band SpaceX Falcon 9 space rocket located propellant tank. satellite, yet to be named by Nepal, is to be over 17,400 kilometers away at the Cape China has made many technological launched by 2022 and to be positioned at Canaveral in Florida, the United States. breakthroughs in the development of the the 123.3° E orbital slot reserved for Nepal This was a make-or-break moment for the Long March-5 rocket, which has also by ITU. It will be based on the SpaceBus PSN as the rocket was carrying its sixth promoted the country's industrial National Satellite System solution and the country's highest capacity manufacturing capacity. Technologies developed by Thales Alenia Space. satellite to date – the Nusantara Satu gained from developing the "heart" of satellite – that promises to help bridge rockets are helping China, one of the The main mission is to make high-speed Indonesia's digital gap and thus boost world's major coal consumers, use coal internet available throughout Nepal, economic activity in the regions outside of more cleanly and efficiently. s p e a r h e a d i n g s e r v i c e s s u c h a s Java. "In China, a large proportion of the grain PSN finance director Ravi Talwar was you eat every day is grown with chemical telemedicine, e-learning, e-government, fertilizers made of materials produced by disaster management, information among the viewers in Jakarta. “I was coal gasification technology transformed technologies, agriculture, tourism, anxious. It had to work. We had hundreds

30 IN THE NEWS ASIA of people working on this for four 29% of Indonesian revenues from the provision of illegally re- years," he said. transmitted TV channels and the sale of His anxiety was justified as the consumers use pirated such ISDs. Consumers who buy ISDs are Nusantara Satu project cost US$230 not only funding crime groups, but also million, financed by the PSN's internal TV boxes, survey says wasting their money when the channels funds at 30 percent and state-owned stop working. ISDs do not come with a e x p o r t c r e d i t a g e n c y E x p o r t In a recent study of the online content 'service guarantee', no matter what the Development Canada at 70 percent. viewing behaviour of Indonesian seller may claim.” His hopes were not in vain. Elon Musk's consumers, it was revealed that 29% of SpaceX launched the rocket, which consumers use a TV box which can be Roy Soetanto, Chief Marketing Officer of also carried two other payloads: a US used to stream pirated television and video CATCHPLAY Indonesia stated: “Putting a Air Force experimental spacecraft and content. These TV boxes, also known as stop to piracy will need the cooperation of an Israeli moon lander that, if it Illicit Streaming Devices (ISDs), allow the whole industry. It has been a pleasure successfully lands in eight weeks, will users to access hundreds of pirated for CATCHPLAY to have the opportunity to become the world's first privately television channels and video-on-demand work with AVIA and be a part of this funded moon landing. content. Such illicit streaming devices important initiative to support the anti-piracy This form of “ride-sharing” halved the often come pre-loaded with pirated movement”. cost of launching the Nusantara Satu, applications which are either free or which used four tons out of the Falcon charge low subscription fees, which then The damage that content theft does to the 9's maximum seven-ton capacity. provide 'plug-and-play' access to pirated creative industries is without dispute. Once reaching its geostationary orbit content. The survey found that IndoXXI However, the damage done to consumers above Papua within two weeks, the Lite, LiveStream TV and LK 21 Reborn are themselves, because of the nexus between Nusantara Satu, which has a capacity among the most popular pirate content piracy and malware, is only of 15,000 megabits per second (Mbps), applications amongst Indonesian beginning to be recognised. In late 2018, is expected to provide internet consumers. More alarmingly, 55% of the European Union Intellectual Property connectivity of up to 3Mbps for 10,000 respondents admitted to using free Office released a report on malware found Indonesian villages this year. PSN streaming services, with the IndoXXI Lite on suspected piracy websites and president director AdiRahmanAdiwoso app (29%) in particular representing a concluded that such websites “commonly told reporters during a press larger userbase than all local legitimate distribute various kinds of malware luring conference that his company was very online video platforms combined (19%). users into downloading and launching such optimistic on growth because poor files”. The research, which worked closely telecommunications infrastructure The survey, commissioned by the Asia with the European Cybercrime Centre at outside of Java meant that many Video Industry Association's (AVIA) Europol, concluded that “the threat people had to rely on the satellite- Coalition Against Piracy (CAP), and landscape for malware distributed via facilitated internet. conducted by YouGov, also highlights the copyright-infringing websites is more “We cannot enter Java because it has detrimental effects of streaming piracy on sophisticated than it might appear at first enough internet connectivity, either legitimate subscription video services. Of glance”. through 4G or fiber optic. So our the 29% of consumers who purchased an service, which is more expensive, illicit streaming device for free streaming, Cancelling legitimate subscription services cannot compete there,” he said. two in three (66%) stated that they and paying less for access to pirated Instead, PSN directly sells its satellite cancelled all or some of their subscription content is fraught with risks, as Neil Gane, internet to remote villages at a pricy rate to legal pay TV services. Specifically, 33% the General Manager of AVIA's Coalition of Rp 100,000 (US$7.13) per gigabyte asserted that they cancelled their Against Piracy (CAP), comments, “Piracy (GB), whereas other providers sell 30 subscriptions to an Indonesian-based websites and ISDs typically have a click- GB for Rp 30,000 in Java. Furthermore, online video service as a direct happy user base, and are being used more PSN's promised 3 Mbps internet speed consequence of owning an ISD. and more as clickbait to distribute malware. is slower than the last recorded International subscription services, which Unfortunately the appetite for free or cheap average speed of 7.2 Mbps in include pan-Asia online offerings, were subscription pirated content blinkers users Indonesia, according to Akamai also impacted – more than one in three from the very real risks of malware Technologies. (31%) Indonesian users abandoned infection.” subscriptions in favour of ISD purchases. Nevertheless, PSN calculated that Of those consumers who own an ISD, more there were at least 25 million The surge in popularity of ISDs is not than two in five of respondents (44%) claim Indonesians, mostly in eastern unique to Indonesia. Similar YouGov to have purchased their ISD from one of the Indonesia, who could not access consumer research has been undertaken largest Southeast Asia-based ecommerce conventional internet facilities and thus in other South East Asian countries where stores. Also, one in three (31%) of ISD would have to buy satellite internet. high levels of ISD usage was also found: owners say they acquired their devices via “We also noticed 40 to 50 percent of 15% of Singapore consumers, 20% of one of the world's most popular social Indonesians use video call, which Hong Kong consumers, 25% of Malaysian media platforms. usually consumes above 1 GB of data,” consumers, 28% of Filipino consumers said PSN commerce director Agus Budi and 34% consumers of Taiwanese In addition to the short-term problem of Tjahjono. consumers use a TV box which can be cancelled subscriptions is a longer term used to stream pirated television and video problem – namely, many of the cord-cutters Talwar said his company expected to content. are young. The survey found that free record $55 million in revenue each year streaming apps are particularly favoured from Nusantara Satu's operations. The “The illicit streaming device (ISD) among 18-24 year-olds, with almost two in company is so optimistic over its market ecosystem is impacting all businesses three (58%) cancelling legitimate potential that it has already begun involved in the production and distribution subscription services as a result of owning working on two more satellites named of legitimate content”, said Louis Boswell, ISDs, especially international online the Nusantara Dua and Nusantara CEO of AVIA. “ISD piracy is also organised subscriptions (34%). Tiga, which are slated for launch in crime, pure and simple, with crime 2020 and 2022 respectively. syndicates making substantial illicit 31 IN THE NEWS ASIA

Hughes, PSN Launch JUPITER System enables PSN to service worldwide by seamlessly achieve the highest possible capacity and establishing Ka-band communication Community Wi-Fi efficiency while preventing fraud and links with the Global Xpress Network of Service Throughout misuse with the built-in ability to lock the the International Maritime Satellite Wi-Fi access point to the VSAT modem. Organization (Inmarsat Aviation) and Indonesia, Bridging the satellite ChinaSat 16 and ChinaSat 18. Digital Divide and Tailored to benefit both passengers and CANAL+ Myanmar airlines, the cooperation is devoted to Empowering deploys multiscreen increasing the availability of fast, consistent, KA-band connectivity for Communities OTT solution with passengers traveling with airlines Conax GO Live originated in China and generating new Hughes Network Systems, LLC and PT revenues for airlines. Pasifik Satelit Nusantara (PSN), the oldest private telecommunication and information In what marks the first cloud deployment "China plays a significant role in our service provider in Indonesia, announced of the solution in the Asia Pacific region, global growth and we are committed to the deployment of their 2,000th Canal+ International's Myanmar working with local partners to help Community Wi-Fi Hotspot in the country. subsidiary has deployed the Conax GO advance the country's aviation industry," With an average of 500 people having Live turnkey OTT solution in its new said Steven Lien, president, Asia Pacific, access to each hotspot, Hughes and PSN multiscreen Android/iOS-based TV Honeywell Aerospace. "This exciting now enable Internet access for over one service. cooperation with ARE gives Chinese million Indonesians, helping to bridge the Canal+ Myanmar FG's new pay-TV airlines a competitive edge in a globalized digital divide in this nation where the service combines both local and market – providing them with hardware Internet penetration rate is 36%. international live TV channels, with start- and connectivity that delivers in-flight Wi- over and catch-up TV capabilities and Fi with in-office speed.” Hughes Community Wi-Fi employs combines linear pay-TV channels on iOS satellite backhaul to extend Internet or Android devices, with support for Apple "ARE is the leading provider of in-flight service to users beyond the reach of AirPlay and Google Cast. It is available in entertainment and connectivity in the terrestrial broadband, without requiring packages of either 47 channels or 90 region. We are pleased to establish costly infrastructure. Installed at a local channels and includes nine Canal+ cooperation with Honeywell to provide our shop or community center, the solution original channels customers with proven solutions to high- includes a compact VSAT (Very Small . speed, in-flight connectivity to meet an Aperture Terminal) and Wi-Fi equipment, The pay-TV offering is enabled by Conax increasing demand of passengers," Mr. which delivers industry standard 802.11 GO Live and runs on the AWS cloud and Grant Zhou, COO of AirMedia, signals across a 30-50 meter radius for operates on the Conax Contego unified commented. "This cooperation will further customer use. The local merchant sells content security platform with multi-DRM. advance our ability to provide customized access to consumers on a cost-per-use GO Live also offers advanced features solutions to meet the growth of high- basis, supporting affordable digital such as start-over and catch-up TV with speed connectivity in aviation industry in inclusion through a new service revenue full electronic programme guide (EPG) China." stream. functionality Mr. Herman Guo, CEO of AirMedia "Before we began providing Community “We wanted to propose to Myanmar commented, "As the leading provider of Wi-Fi service, many rural towns throughout market with an OTT solution that is in-flight connectivity, the Company's Indonesia did not have reliable broadband simple, ready-to-deploy and cost-efficient strategic cooperation with Honeywell will Internet service," said Adi Rahman yet meets consumer demand for empower Chinese airlines with high- Adiwoso, Chief Executive Officer at PSN. advanced pay-TV services in this very speed in-flight Internet services to deliver "We are proud to report that, today, we dynamic and growing region,” said passengers the same experience as it have connected 2,000 villages to the Maxime Woimant, chief technology and would've been otherwise on the ground." Internet, and we plan to reach even more information officer at Canal+ Myanmar Mr. Guo continues, "With extended as we continue to bridge the digital divide FG. “Conax GO Live delivers all that and experiences and strategic alignments in and spur community development with the more. We are pleased with the initial take- both in-flight entertainment and in-flight Hughes model of satellite-enabled up of the service and look forward to its connectivity, the Company, while Community Wi-Fi." continued success.” providing high-speed in-flight Internet "Our partnership with PSN exemplifies the connectivity, is capable of maintaining vital role of High-Throughput Satellite AirMedia announces and operating an in-flight mobile platform (HTS) technology in connecting the and interactive products benefiting from unconnected," said Ramesh Ramaswamy, strategic cooperation the platform." Mr. Guo believes that while senior vice president and general with Honeywell enhancing the compatibility of Chinese manager, International Division at Hughes. airlines worldwide, the high-speed in- "The Community Wi-Fi solution and flight connectivity will present new and business model is an ideal way to promote AirMedia Group Inc. announced that one innovative opportunities to both Chinese expansion of affordable Internet access in of its subsidiaries, Air Esurfing Co. Ltd. airlines and AirMedia. towns and communities everywhere, has been selected as the sole distributor especially in areas with lower per capita of Honeywell's next-generation JetWave income." TM satellite communications hardware in Australia's The Hughes Community Wi-Fi solution for China, enabling Chinese airlines to have Communications PSN combines the Hughes JUPITER™ access to an all-in-one solution that System, the next generation VSAT provides high-speed, in-flight Wi-Fi Alliance proposes platform designed and optimized for service. Honeywell's JetWave TM upgraded Consumer broadband services, with capacity from the satellite communications hardware PSN VI High-Throughput Satellite. The provides high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi Protections Code

32 IN THE NEWS ASIA

Australia's Communications Alliance has effective delivery of advanced digital APP's pulpwood suppliers to respond proposed stronger, enforceable services to rural un/underserved rapidly to detected forest changes. protections for telecom services population of Pakistan would be carried Monitoring land cover changes in customers. The proposals have been out. Information and Communication production areas is essential for efficient submitted to industry regulator Australian Technologies (ICT) are considered the operational planning and minimizes Communications and Media Authority utmost essential for achieving illegal encroachment, further protecting ( A C M A ) f o r r e g i s t r a t i o n . T h e Sustainable Development Goals (SGD). high-value forests. Communications Alliance has submitted The three pillars of sustainable Employing MDA's RADARSAT-2 to the ACMA a revised draft version of the development – economic development, satellite, FAS provides near real-time Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s C o n s u m e r social inclusion and environmental space-borne services to deliver critical Protections (TCP) Code, following a protection require ICT and Telecom as a and timely information to APP, typically review of the Code by industry, consumers catalyst. within two days of data collection. Every and other stakeholders. Sources said that digital services play a 24 days, the system monitors The TCP Code is a code of conduct for the key role in the adoption of ICT services. approximately 3.8 million hectares, which telecommunications industry in Australia, ICT with enabling digital platforms to also comprises APP's pulpwood designed to provide community deliver social and economic benefits to suppliers and the GiamSiak Kecil safeguards in the areas of sales, service the masses, thus break the poverty cycle Biosphere Reserve. RADARSAT-2 and contracts, billing, credit and debt and eliminate social divide. Digital penetrates clouds and precipitation to management, financial hardship, and Platforms facilitate communities, detect subtle forest disturbances, in an changing suppliers. Compliance with the businesses, and governments to achieve area as small as 0.5 hectares. C o d e i s m a n d a t o r y f o r a l l economic and social growth. To realize telecommunications providers servicing these benefits, governments around the "Conserving and protecting the residential and small business world are implementing comprehensive Indonesian rainforest is the ultimate goal consumers, and is enforceable by the national plans and highly focused of the Forest Conservation Policy we ACMA. Broadband Programs and projects announced in 2013," said ElimSritaba, The proposed changes are designed to coupled with strategies that ensure D i r e c t o r o f S u s t a i n a b i l i t y a n d strengthen consumer protections across a availability and affordability of Digital Stakeholder Engagement, APP. "By range of areas, with a focus on selling Platforms and Services. partnering with MDA, we're able to practices, credit assessment and greater USF has invited international and national monitor the condition of the forests we transparency around the customer service consulting firms/companies for manage and quickly investigate and performance of individual service submission of proposals for consulting resolve disturbance and preserve our providers. The changes seek to address services to conduct a study for digital precious natural resources." concerns raised by consumer advocates inclusion in Pakistan. The firm should "We're proud to use our satellite and to make the code more adaptable to have the experience to conduct a technology in detecting quickly and new and future technologies. comprehensive study for digital inclusion accurately when damage has occurred Proposed changes also include in remote and rural areas on the adoption and aid in the preservation of the expanding Code protections to more small of digital services including e-Services Indonesian rainforest," said Mike businesses. The current Code applies to such as e-Commerce, e-Finance, e- Greenley, group president of MDA. small businesses with an annual Health, e-Learning, e-Agriculture etc. telecommunications spend limit of AUD The RADARSAT-2 satellite has global 20,000. The proposed Code expands this high-resolution surveillance capabilities to small businesses with an annual spend that allow it to acquire data regardless of of up to AUD 40,000. There are also Maxar Technologies' to light or weather conditions, and to additional rules to support consumers with aid preservation of provide frequent re-visit imaging options. a disability or vulnerable consumers, The information provided is ideally suited including mandatory training for all staff Indonesian rainforest to markets that require either broad-area who interact with consumers. with its RADARSAT-2- monitoring or targeted surveillance, such as maritime surveillance, defence and USF conducts a study powered forest alert security, land use management, Service agriculture, disaster management and for enhancing digital natural resources. inclusion in Pakistan MDA announced that its Forest Alert Service space-based capabilities have Telstra awarded 131 cell The government has decided to review enabled Asia Pulp & Paper's (APP) sites under Black Spot the need and modalities of Universal pulpwood suppliers to more strategically program Service Fund (USF) intervention in the monitor forest cover loss in conservation smart handset market place, besides areas and meet their commitment to identifying hurdles & impediments stakeholders that conservation forest Australia's Telstra has announced it has hampering the digital inclusion in areas were not cleared in connection with been awarded 131 sites as part of the Pakistan, it is learnt. the production of their products. In less fourth round of the government's Mobile Official sources revealed that government than three years since MDA began Black Spot program. The operator will has decided to determine the need and providing the monitoring service, APP deploy a mixture of new mobile base feasibility of USF subsidy program for reports the losses of natural forest cover stations and small cells at the 131 handset–whether such subsidy should be in their suppliers' forest concessions has locations, and will contribute $23.3 given directly to an operator or in the form dropped from between 5-6 percent1 to million of the $55.6 million co-investment of an assembling subsidy to the local just 0.062 percent in the conservation required to fund the new sites, with the industry. area of more than 600,000 hectares, remainder coming from the federal and As per the plan, a comprehensive study of demonstrating APP's commitment to state governments. The new sites will existing digital landscape in Pakistan and responsible forest management. include 49 in New South Wales, 23 in globally that promise innovative and cost- The strategic partnership between APP Western Australia, 22 in Victoria, 19 in and MDA launched in 2016, enabling 33 IN THE NEWS ASIA

South Australia, and 18 in Queensland. Petter-Borre Furberg, will become CEO hybrid network for global distribution to Telstra said it has so far deployed more of Telenor Norway, stepping out of the multiple platforms. Speedcast Media than 550 new mobile base stations group's executive management team. Network also provides cloud-based across regional and rural Australia as part In Asia, Telenor has operations in content management for OTT streaming of the Mobile Black Spot program. Pakistan, Thailand, Bangladesh, and video analytics. Myanmar and Malaysia. It announced Meanwhile the operator expects to have last week the operations had a With ubiquitous access to more than 80 spent a total of around A$8 billion ($5.66 significant impact on the local satellites via the company's 40 teleports, billion) in total mobile investment over the economies of the countries. Speedcast Media Network provides the five years ending in June, with nearly A$3 most extensive satellite capacity globally billion of this spent in rural areas. “Our Our industry, and the world, are moving and connects to an integrated fiber, investments will help towns and faster and are more unpredictable than cellular, MPLS backbone spanning 50 communities relying on mobile ever. We see and expect new challenges points of presence (POPS), with links to connected devices more than ever to emerge in and outside of our markets, the AWS cloud. Speedcast Media before,” Telstra CEO Andy Penn said. from small and big players. We need to Network also offers Global IP Transport, a “The partnerships we have formed with continuously explore and adapt across fully-managed IP transport service for Governments at all levels are providing our global footprint. As a group, however, secure delivery of low-latency broadcast- connectivity and services to many areas we believe in internet access as the quality content. The IP transport service of Australia where it was otherwise foundation of our business. We believe provides guaranteed bandwidth with no uneconomical to do so.” personalisation, based on responsible congestion and 99.99 percent availability application of customer data, will b a c k e d b y i n t e l l i g e n t n e t w o r k He said Telstra's mobile network now stimulate customer engagement and management. spans nearly 10,000 base stations capture value. We know that efficient covering more than 2.5 million square operations will be a prerequisite for "As consumer demand for high-quality kilometers. The announcement came s u s t a i n a b l e g r o w t h a n d video content continues to grow, shortly after the government revealed it competitiveness. And we believe we can broadcasters and media companies need has allocated a further A$160 million for take leading digital positions in selected more efficient and cost-effective content the Mobile Black Spot program, which markets. delivery methods," said Senior Vice has now been extended to a further two President of Media Barrie Woolston at rounds. Speedcast Media Speedcast. "The Speedcast Media Network combines years of experience Telenor Pakistan CEO Network expands transporting secure content over a highly available infrastructure at a global scale to lead Emerging Asia global connectivity and with deep-rooted expertise in broadcast Cluster media service offerings and IT system-integration engineering. The result is a fully managed, robust, Telenor Group named Irfan Khan, CEO of agile, and flexible solution, with a massive Speedcast International Limited has network footprint that allows media its Pakistan unit, as its new EVP and expanded its Speedcast Media cluster head for its Emerging Asia companies to unlock new business Network™ global infrastructure by models and expand their current service division, effective 1 April 2019. In a integrating satellite, fiber, and cellular statement, the operator said Khan will offerings with the utmost efficiency and networks from Globecomm, the affordability.” join Telenor's executive management company's recent acquisition. team as a result of being named as head Speedcast Media Network provides of Emerging Asia, reporting directly to secure point-to-point and point-to- Singapore Technologies CEO and president Sigve Brekke. multipoint live and linear digital video Engineering (Europe) Connecting people, business and delivery anywhere in the world, with low societies have been the core of our latency and high availability. Speedcast Ltd, to acquire 100% business for more than 160 years. Today, has also added multiplatform processing ownership in Newtec we do so with more relevance and and content management capabilities personalisation than ever. Delivering with from Globecomm to Speedcast Media Group efficiency requires continually exploring Network's portfolio of cloud video smarter and simpler ways of working, and processing services, enabling increased this transformation remains our top efficiency and agility for any size media Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd priority. We're making sure that our organization. announced that its subsidiary Singapore customers are connected to what matters The combined hybrid network backbone Technologies Engineering (Europe) Ltd, most in their everyday lives. To us, it's and cloud video processing services has entered into a conditional share more than good business. It's offering from Speedcast Media Network purchase agreement to acquire a 100% empowering societies. He will also is ideal for transporting video and data ownership in Newtec Group NV (Newtec), continue as CEO of Telenor Pakistan, a content from any origination source to an established Belgium-based company role he assumed in August 2016 following any destination — in any format for in the satellite communications (satcom) a three-year stint as deputy CEO and multiple platforms — and for everything industry. The consideration of €250m CMO of the business. from aggregation and contribution to ( a p p r o x i m a t e l y S $ 3 8 3 m ) ( t h e Khan has been with Telenor for 14 years, integrated channel playout, OTT “Consideration”) on a cash-free and debt- occupying a number of different roles at streaming, and distribution. free basis for the Proposed Acquisition, the Norway-based operator in both Asia Speedcast Media Network's cloud video subject to closing adjustments, is payable and Europe. Brekke said he was processing services include Speedcast in cash. confident Khan would be successful in Vector?, a virtualized integrated playout Satcom is a fast-growing industry with an his additional role, with its Asia business solution and digital headend that expected CAGR of 8%[1] over the next 10 covering more than 130 million supports multiplatform processing for years. The surge of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) customers. As a result of the move, master control playout, encoding, and constellations will increase bandwidth current EVP and head of Emerging Asia, packaging, and takes advantage of the capacity and reduce operating cost,

34 IN THE NEWS thereby creating new demand. New use devices and telematic sensor points are (approximately S$44m) as at 30 cases, especially to support Smart City expected to be connected for September 2018. applications such as IoT and connected surveillance, data gathering and big data Subject to regulatory approvals and cars, will drive demand for satcom analytics. Provide end-to-end solutions conditions that include receipt of services. for the mobility segment, enabling clearance from the Committee on seamless internet connectivity and Foreign Investment in the United States, ST Engineering has been growing its remote monitoring for the aeronautical, Foreign Investment Review in France, satcom business through its U.S.-based maritime and connected car segments. and anti-trust approvals in Austria, the iDirect and Singapore-based satcom Proposed Acquisition is expected to product and solution business. The “This proposed acquisition expands our complete in 2H2019. Group's satcom business is an industry satcom business in a meaningful way in leader in the Aeronautical and Maritime an attractive industry that is high-tech segments and has led the industry's and high-growth, driving connectivity Axelspace, ODYSSEUS transition to high-throughput satellite advances in a world where 5G and SPACE announces (HTS) managed services. It is also the satcom converge,” said Vincent Chong, technology provider for leading global President & CEO, ST Engineering. “It partnership to provide satellite operators such as Inmarsat, aligns with our strategy to invest in Earth Observation Data Intelsat and SES. In 2018, ST Engineering businesses that help accelerate our formed a JV company named Jet-Talk growth trajectory, especially in Smart from AxelGlobe Limited, with SatixFy UK Limited to develop City, to deliver long-term shareholder Constellation to Taiwan cost-effective, high-performance flat panel value.” antenna to address the growing demand “We are pleased to be able to acquire for in-flight connectivity. The Group offers a Newtec, an established satcom player Axelspace Corporation, a Japanese suite of satcom solutions to provide with strong technology foundations. The company with extensive experience in seamless global network and bandwidth differentiated yet complementary small satellite platforms development, management with end-to-end integration technologies, combined with our track and ODYSSEUS SPACE, a Taiwanese that addresses the growing needs of record and established satcom company developing innovative space enterprise, government, mobility and experience, will enable us to innovate technologies for small satellites, today defence market globally. and deliver more value-added, advanced announced a partnership to provide On the other hand, Newtec is a key satellite products and capabilities to our Earth Observation data in Taiwan from technology provider in the satellite customers, at a more rapid pace,” said the new AxelGlobe constellation. broadcast segment with unique ultra-high Ravinder Singh, President, Electronics AxelGlobe is the Earth observation throughput capabilities and a strong sector, ST Engineering. infrastructure for a new era. It will have presence in the European satcom market. “This coming together of two companies the ability to image the whole civilized It has a proven range of cost-effective will enable us to move forward together, world with a resolution of 2.5 consumer satellite terminals, and industry- using our deep-rooted passion for m—enough to distinguish large leading bandwidth efficiency technology. innovation to address our rapidly cars—every day. Recently, Newtec was among the first changing world of connectivity,” said “This is a great opportunity for Taiwan to companies to successfully test over-the-air Roald Borré, Chairman of Newtec Board gain large access to such fast revisit communication via LEO satellites. LEO of Directors. “This is an exciting and time high-quality imagery,” said Jordan satellites are expected to take off with the hugely significant step that simply makes Vannitsen, Chief Executive Officer and launch of more than 5,000 satellites in the sense for our customers and our staff.” co-founder of ODYSSEUS Space. coming years. The company is also well The Consideration was arrived at after “There is a real hunger for consistent placed to leverage the advent of IP-based negotiations between the parties taking Earth Imagery data with high revisit time, satellite broadcast which is critical for real- into account, among other factors, and Taiwan is the perfect place to reach time content distribution. Newtec's current financial performance to startups who want to develop The proposed acquisition of Newtec will and future growth prospects. The innovative applications for Smart Cities, add intellectual property, products and Consideration translates into a multiple of Green Energy or Disaster Management. market access. ST Engineering will 14.6 times Newtec's EBITDA and 2.7 There is a huge burgeoning and continue to invest in Newtec in Belgium to times revenue for the financial year enthusiastic entrepreneur community position it to be the Group's European ended 30 September 2018. The with great novel ideas here, and with this centre for the satcom business. The businesses when combined, is expected agreement, we want to help them to complementary and synergistic effect of to produce about S$200m in value change how Earth Imagery is part of this proposed acquisition will enable ST creation arising from revenue and cost everybody's life. With a partner like Engineering to meet demand across the synergies. Axelspace, who has a reputation of high full spectrum of the satcom market. quality and high performance platforms, With enhanced satcom capabilities, ST The proposed acquisition is not expected we are very confident that this will be Engineering can better participate and lead to have any material impact on the reflected on the quality of the data and of the advancement of the satcom industry to earnings per share of ST Engineering for the service. Developing an ecosystem in enable Smart Cities globally. Capitalising the current financial year but is expected Taiwan where ODYSSEUS could have on an enlarged IP and product portfolio, the to be earnings accretive from the second access to visual data processing Group will be able to: year post acquisition. The proposed expertise will be key for our own future acquisition is expected to reduce ST space resources prospection activities”. Accelerate the deployment of satcom- Engineering's audited consolidated net enabled 5G telco network, bringing high tangible assets by approximately ODYSSEUS SPACE was created in bandwidth connectivity to remote regions. S$0.11[2] per share from S$0.41 per April 2016 in Taiwan by international This will help bridge the digital divide and share to S$0.30 per share, assuming the space experts with complementary enable the development of new Proposed Transaction has been effected backgrounds from space agencies, applications such as tele-medicine and at the end of FY2018. Newtec has space industry and space research tele-education. consolidated net tangible assets (NTA) of laboratories. Address the growing needs for IoT and €5.1m (approximately S$8m) and M2M connectivity, where millions of consolidated net assets of €28.4m IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

FCC streamlines technology for special purposes such as capabilities and best practices like rapid this one,” said Scott Landis, a director at integration of new services and secure reauthorization process Lockheed Martin. DevOps to the Department of Defense," for TV satellite stations said Steve Smith, vice president and “Sequans engineers modified their general manager, Systems Engineering existing LTE chips to enable a new LTE- T h e F e d e r a l C o m m u n i c a t i o n s Solutions, Ball Aerospace. "We look to-satellite communication specification Commission has announced it has begin forward to continuing the successful developed by Lockheed Martin. LTE to the elimination of unnecessary regulatory demonstration of our enterprise satellite represents an important expense and delay by streamlining the software architecture's capabilities b r e a k t h r o u g h i n m o b i l i t y a n d process for reauthorizing television during the second phase of the Hallmark connectivity.” satellite stations when they are assigned program.” or transferred. As a result of the vote According to industry analysts, satellite adopting this item, the proposal will be i s a c r i t i c a l c o m p o n e n t o f Speedcast provides removed from the agenda of the FCC's communications networks, including IoT March Open Meeting. connectivity services and M2M networks, as the industry evolves to 4G, 5G and beyond. Northern for Nabors in North Television satellite stations are full-power Sky Research predicts that by 2023 terrestrial broadcast stations that and South America there will be 5.8 million machine-to- generally retransmit some or all of the machine (M2M) and IoT connections via programming of a parent station. Stations Nabors Industries Ltd. has renewed satellite worldwide. that the Commission has authorized as contracts with Speedcast to provide “The work we are doing with Lockheed satellites are excepted from the broadcast three years of onshore and offshore Martin to integrate LTE with satellite ownership limits, most notably the local connectivity services at Nabors' sites represents a significant evolution as we television ownership rule. If a satellite throughout North and South America. modify our LTE chips to take advantage station is assigned or transferred to Nabors owns and operates one of the of the huge satellite opportunity now another owner and the new owner wishes world's largest land-based drilling rig d e v e l o p i n g f o r M 2 M a n d I o T to continue operating the station as a fleets and provides offshore drilling rigs applications,” Georges Karam, Sequans satellite, the new owner must seek globally. CEO. “Enabling the LTE modem to reauthorization, a process that until today Speedcast's services enable data and speak to satellite networks as simply required the same evidentiary showing voice connectivity globally, providing and as easily as possible will have a necessary for an initial authorization. cost effective and dependable links to major impact on handling the huge onshore and offshore remote sites. potential volume of broadband and IoT Today's action reduces the costs and Speedcast also augments land-based applications that require space-based, burdens of this reauthorization process by VSAT links with L-Band backup, ubiquitous communications, such as permitting assignment and transfer providing VSAT connectivity to deliver connected cars, shipping, and applicants to use streamlined procedures communications to remote, land-based navigation.” when there has been no material change sites. in the underlying circumstances The connectivity services are supported supporting the satellite station's existing Ball Aerospace by Speedcast's 24/7/365 global authorization. To make a streamlined customer support centers, with local showing, applicants must: (1) certify that selected for second field engineers in the region to provide the underlying circumstances supporting phase of DARPA fast, reliable support. Speedcast has the satellite's existing authorization have supported Nabors with similar networks not materially changed, and (2) provide a hallmark program and services, both onshore and copy of the most recent written offshore, in multiple locations around the Commission decision granting the existing Ball Aerospace has been selected to world. satellite authorization. Any parties that continue work on the Space Evaluation "Speedcast's VSAT network footprint object to a reauthorization request will and Analysis Capability (SEAC) testbed covers our North and South American have the same opportunities as before to for the second phase of the Air Force operations well," said Nabors file a petition to deny or informal Research Laboratory (AFRL) and Technology Support Services Sr. comments. Defense Advanced Research Projects Manager Christian Reading. "We are Agency's (DARPA) Hallmark program. very pleased with the quality delivered The Hallmark program is advancing by Speedcast's highly qualified Sequans collaborates technologies that deliver real-time engineers and support personnel." space-domain awareness informing the "More remote environments require with Lockheed Martin on command and control and protection of s o p h i s t i c a t e d c o m m u n i c a t i o n s world-first LTE over space assets. technologies," said Speedcast's EVP of As part of the Hallmark program's Energy, Keith Johnson. "Speedcast has satellite solution second phase, Ball will collaborate with been servicing major energy operators a set of independent software for many years and has built a solid local S e q u a n s C o m m u n i c a t i o n s S . A . development teams and conduct three presence in the diverse regions that they announced that Lockheed Martin is additional evaluation events in which the operate in. We are delighted that Nabors working with Sequans to develop new 4G company will run mock space values our services and ongoing support LTE for satellite technologies for operations exercises to evaluate of its critical communications networks." worldwide deployment. The two software tool performance. During the companies are enabling LTE end user first phase of the Hallmark program, Ball d e vi ce s to co n n e ct d i re ctl y to completed five successful evaluations of geostationary satellites in a world-first the testbed. achievement with wide application. "Our revolutionary open architecture “Sequans has expertise adapting LTE a p p r o a c h b r i n g s c o m m e r c i a l

36 IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

localised HTS payloads or Non-GEO automatically switches between support military missions. assets. Focus on increasing demand frequencies to provide coverage “The new WGS certification validates through price elasticity remains regardless of where they sail, also to our 9-Series Defense line and paramount to growth, and enabling new provide compliance with local authorities Evolution 3.4 as the 'go to' sub-verticals in aero, broadband and when close to shore. communications solutions for military Gov/Mil could give operators an upper communications requirements hand to differentiate premium vs volume The onboard system will be reinforced in worldwide, and we are committed to offerings. turn by an L-band out-of-band back-up play a part in keeping the military enabling remote access to Marlink's connected as they defend our nation,” Marlink signs multi-year Maritime Network Operations Centre said John Ratigan, president of iDirect (MNOC). This VSAT support service Government. “The WGS certification agreement to supply allows experienced network and antenna confirms what our customers engineers to proactively monitor onboard know—that we are dedicated to global connectivity connectivity performance and manage delivering high-quality military satellite services for O.A.T. a n y b a n d w i d t h a n d c o v e r a g e communications solutions to ensure amendments during the contract life cycle. that those deployed in the field have Small Ships “At O.A.T., we pride ourselves on making critical clear lines of communication the comfort, welfare and satisfaction of our needed for mission success and Marlink has just entered into an customers and crew a primary system reliability. This newest agreement with Overseas Adventure consideration,” says Simon Laxton, certification highlights the effort of our Travel (O.A.T.) to supply its market- President GCCL & OAT WW Fleet engineers who have worked to bring leading satellite voice and data Operation, “so it's only natural that we the latest technology to the market, connectivity services for use on five should draw upon Marlink's pioneering earning this recognition.” adventure cruise ships in the O.A.T. fleet. expertise in end-to-end managed c o n n e c t i v i t y t o m a k e f l a w l e s s The new WGS certification builds upon Under the terms of the arrangement, communications to and from more remote iDirectGov's existing high-quality Marlink will provide the O.A.T. Small Ships destinations a reality.” certifications that include TL 9000 and with a sophisticated suite of solutions; ISO 9001:2008 quality certifications. equipment, bandwidth and operations to “O.A.T's Small Ship Adventures remind us These recognitions validate its reliably meet and exceed guest voice and that there is still a great deal of the world demonstrated ability to provide the data requirements; uninterrupted voice for us to admire and explore,” says Tore highest quality levels of design, and corporate connectivity to facilitate Morten Olsen, President Maritime, development, production, delivery, ship management tasks; and flexible Marlink, “but our connectivity solutions installation, and maintenance of connectivity services to support the bring even the most remote areas within information and communications integration of a third-party GSM operator. real-time reach of everyone, wherever technology products including The growing popularity of the adventure they are, via social media video and photo hardware, software and services. cruise sector presented O.A.T. with a uploads, phone calls, SMS texts and The WGS supports the Department of series of unique challenges, not least of emails. We're excited to be such an Defense by providing military SATCOM which was the correlated need to integral part of this journey with O.A.T.” worldwide at no additional cost to the consistently provide an optimal services. It provides beyond-line-of- passenger experience, enhance safety iDirect Government sight reach-back and in-theater and promote crew satisfaction, however communications capabilities to the remote the destinations on its itineraries Receives Wideband military's operations worldwide. might be. The ability to offer and maintain a robust communications link in Global SATCOM previously inaccessible regions was a Certification GateHouse Telecom pivotal concern. introduces multi- iDirect Government has received service connectivity Marlink's global connectivity services hold Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) the key. Starting in 2019, when O.A.T.'s certification for the company's 9-Series for satcom terminals small ships set sail for destinations Defense portfolio of satellite routers and beyond the scope of larger, mainstream line cards operating on Evolution 3.4 cruise ships, they will benefit from the software. The new Army certification (18- The satcom waveform and test tool dependability and versatility of Marlink's 004), along with certification 18-001, specialists, GateHouse Telecom, is global C-band, Ku-band and L-band confirms that all Evolution 3.4 hardware currently working on a new Software coverage, which crucially encompasses and software will operate on the WGS Defined Radio based technology that Antarctic and Arctic operational capability. constellation with no performance will make it possible to use multiple Marlink's bespoke satellite service will certification restrictions, enabling satellite systems on the same physical enable bandwidth to be dynamically enhanced military communications. The satcom terminal. For decades, users of shared between each of the O.A.T. Small certification includes the 900 Satellite satcom terminals have had to operate Ship travelers, depending on current Router board, 9350 Satellite Router, the with a separate satcom terminal for d e m a n d f o r e a c h v e s s e l . 950mp, 9050 OM, Tactical Hub and DLC-T each satellite service. But soon, and DLC-R line cards. GateHouse Telecom will introduce a The first O.A.T. vessel connected by brand-new interface allowing users to Marlink'sSealink maritime VSAT service The 9-Series Defense products run the same satcom terminal was MV Corinthian, in January 2019. The underwent stringent evaluation and hardware and interface on different remaining vessels – MV Clio, MV Athena, testing as part of the Army's certification satellite services. MV Arethusa and MV Artemis – will follow process. The WGS certification ensures “We believe there is a need for a simple suit later in the year. The ships will be fitted that iDirectGov's 9-Series Defense RESTful interface for applications to with Marlink's newly-developed dual- products work effectively with WGS to connect via satellite services – A band antenna system: this solution Universal Satcom Application IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

I n t e r f a c e , ” s a y s Peruvian interprovincial bus line Tepsa. Networks. “We value Orbit's ease of SvendHolmeSørensen, Product The trial saw Kymeta and its partners integration and reliability as enablers for Manager at GateHouse Telecom. Intelsat, Cubic Telecom and Cradlepoint our customers to leverage the benefits of “To stay connected, user terminals work with Airbus to create SmartBus a the market's only integrated multi-orbit have to adapt to changes in data project undertaken with the support of data services. The new multi-band routing and frequent changes of the World Bank and Peru's Ministry of terminal will enable an even broader satellites. Our new software platform, Transport and Communications (MTC). range of services via our GEO and MEO when based on Software Defined The ultimate aim was to gather data on satellite system.” Radio hardware, combined with the road safety and other statistics to About Orbit's OceanTRx 7 Multiband increasing availability of multi-service improve Peru's transportation while Terminal Orbit's 2.2m (87”) OceanTRx 7 antenna systems opens the possibility c o n n e c t i n g p e o p l e i n d i ff i c u l t Multiband C/Ka- and Ku/Ka-band of operating terminals on several geographical areas of the country. stabilized maritime satcom terminals satellite systems.” During the trial, Tepsa's buses were provide high-speed, cost-effective outfitted with Kymeta satellite terminals connectivity to Cruise vessels, offshore According to SvendHolmeSørensen, that leveraged satellite capacity from platforms, and Navy vessels, in even the the satcom industry is currently Intelsat, mobile coverage from Cubic most severe offshore conditions. This undergoing rapid change, and Telecom and a software-defined wireless rugged and compact maritime terminal emerging technologies like GateHouse WAN solution from Cradlepoint. This offers outstanding performance for its Telecom's new software platform can enabled information to be gathered and size, with the equivalent performance of potentially open for a much more transmitted in real time across a 742 km a 2.4m dish contained within a small practical and cost-efficient use of route through urban and rural parts of 2.7m radome footprint – significantly multiple satellite systems. Peru. The project will not only collect smaller and lighter than alternative “The satcom business is hopefully on information about the state of the road systems. The OceanTRx terminal is fully t h e s a m e p a t h a s t h e network between Lima and several cities tested and continues to set the standard telecommunication industry 10 to 15 at the edge of the jungle, it will also for ease of integration in half a day. It is years ago. At that time, new enable communications in rural areas also small enough to come fully technologies within telecoms were that are easily isolated during natural assembled in a standard 20-foot increasingly introduced through disasters, said Kymeta. shipping container. standardization – and this is what we would like to see in the near future of the Orbit's OceanTRx 7 s a t c o m i n d u s t r y , ” s a y s Hughes JUPITER SvendHolmeSørensen, “Because of multi-band Ku/Ka the development in the satcom market, System Selected by terminal extends its user terminals can soon be used Speedcast to power globally and access a network of the maritime product range individual user's choice,“ he continues. Cellular Backhaul and The future of satellite-based broadband solutions was also a hot Orbit Communication Systems has Enterprise Services topic at this year's SmallSat unveiled its latest dual-band Ku/Ka across Central America Symposium in Silicon Valley. Here, the terminal extending Orbit's multi-band satcom industry discussed the biggest maritime satellite communications trends and latest technologies on the solutions. Developed in close Hughes Network Systems, LLC market and how they will pave the way cooperation with SES Networks, Orbit's announced that Speedcast, a trusted for future development: dual-band Ku/Ka terminal augments the provider of remote communications and “There seems to be a general wish to existing dual-band C/Ka terminal, IT solutions, has chosen the Hughes run satellite constellations using supporting a multi-band terminal product JUPITER™ System to power cellular network management functions, for range. The expansion of the frequency backhaul over satellite and enterprise example, Software Defined Networks. ranges and flexibility of the OceanTRx VPN services for a leading mobile However, this kind of functionality goes terminal enables ease of switching network operator in Managua, beyond the existing protocol between SES's multi-orbit Geostationary Nicaragua. The operator will employ a specifications used today,” says (GEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) JUPITER Ku-Band hub and nearly 100 SvendHolmeSørensen. satellites. satellite terminals to expand its cellular “Developers and engineers want to “Orbit is a long-term technology partner 3G and 4G services in Nicaragua and bring down user terminal costs by for SES. Over the last 4 years we have throughout Central America, along with increasing volumes to improve become the leading provider of high- providing VPN services for enterprises to business cases. This could be speed satellite terminals to large class increase speed and security of critical achieved by using the same user cruise vessels, and have enabled SES business networks and grow new terminal for several satellite systems. Networks to deliver high-speed markets. And this is the solution we are currently broadband services to its customers' "Our JUPITER System is the ideal working on,” he concludes. passengers and crew,” said Ben solution for cost-effective satellite Weinberger, CEO of Orbit. “This newest backhaul of cellular networks across compact terminal can be easily installed difficult terrain such as in Central Kymeta brings hybrid and will be able to offer outstanding America," said Dan Losada, vice performance that is equivalent to a 2.4- president, sales, International Division, connectivity to meter dish.” Hughes. "It enables the Nicaragua Peruvian buses “Orbit has been a creative and operator to improve their offerings and Mobile connectivity provider Kymeta responsive partner as we expand our expand service in support of economic has conducted a successful pilot of its maritime managed services,” noted Eric and social development in the region. We hybrid, one-source connectivity Watko, Executive Vice President, are proud of the confidence in Hughes platform on vehicles owned by Product, Marketing& Strategy of SES and our JUPITER System by Speedcast, IN THE NEWS A MAERMERICASICAS

one of the world's leading providers of Of the agreement with ASTG, provide support to victims and remote communications and IT solutions, DataPath's Chief Executive Officer, businesses in need. and look forward to working with them in Sherin Kamal, stated "The ASTG "In the wake of an unprecedented level delivering high reliability systems that help maritime solution is a significant of natural disasters over the past few close the digital divide." addition to our portfolio, allowing years, we feel it is critical to extend our ErwanEmilian, executive vice president, DataPath to serve our customers with support for emergency relief Enterprise & Emerging Markets, even broader satcom and wireless organizations such as TSF," said Erwan Speedcast, said "We continue to see solutions. The market has been asking Emilian, EVP of Enterprise and strong demand for connectivity in us for a maritime solution with the same Emerging Markets for Speedcast. emerging markets, and through our innovative, modular and robust design "Speedcast has a long history of partnership with Hughes, the local carrier as our current VSAT offering and I am responding quickly in times of in Nicaragua will be able to expand very excited to now be able to satisfy humanitarian crises, helping those services to people and businesses either our customers request. Not only will we affected by providing reliable unconnected or unsatisfied with current offer a Maritime solution that meets all communications solutions. It is our communications options. We are proud of the standards required for military use, privilege to support those organizations the trust our customers in new and but with the innovative and creative that provide resources and supplies at emerging markets have in Speedcast and design from ASTG, we now offer a high- the most crucial times." Hughes to provide best-in-class critical end solution at a very attractive price Speedcast has provided a variety of communications services that will enable point." mission-critical disaster preparedness them to grow their businesses." The CEO of ASTG, David Svenn, a n d r e c o v e r y s o l u t i o n s f o r Supporting a wide range of applications commented "We are glad to announce governments and enterprises, such as across all market sectors—consumer, deeper cooperation with DataPath for quick-deploy satellite terminals and enterprise, government and mobility—the the distribution of our high-end maritime satellite communications services, industry-leading Hughes JUPITER VSAT antennas. ASTG has put great most recently for urgent relief efforts System is the world's most widely effort into adapting the new product during the recent hurricane and deployed satellite broadband platform, portfolio for the high-end users to whom earthquake disasters in the Caribbean. currently serving more than 1.3 million the products are intended. We feel "Our mission is to connect the subscribers in the Americas. With DVB- confident that the partnership with unconnected, including governments, S2X technology built-in, JUPITER DataPath is the right platform to United Nations agencies, fellow NGOs, delivers more than 200 Mbps of TCP approach the market and are excited to and families that have survived throughput per terminal and has been have immediate access to an devastating humanitarian crises of all deployed by leading operators on both established and successful global sales kind," said Jean-François Cazenave, conventional and High-Throughput network." president of Télécoms Sans Frontières. Satellites (HTS). For cellular backhaul The DataPath Maritime Antenna "We are grateful that Speedcast has applications, it includes 4G/LTE System joins an already wide range of offered to generously sponsor our optimization that yields 30 to 60 percent portable satcom solutions from the emergency response and disaster bandwidth savings over conventional company, including the extremely rapid recovery efforts around the globe.” backhaul solutions. deployment Q-Series antenna systems and the quick deployment C-series terminals. These portable satellite Sinclair Technologies DataPath announces systems can be configured with announces Transeon new Maritime Satcom DataPath's line of fixed and transportable (Hub) satcom systems. Series of Mobile Solution Antennas for DataPath, Inc., announced its entrance Speedcast to Support Transportation into the maritime satcom market today Télécoms Sans with the signing of an exclusive reseller Sinclair Technologies announced the agreement with Advanced Stabilized Frontières' Mission to launch of the TRANSeonTM series of Technologies Group (ASTG) of Aid Global Disaster mobile antennas for highly demanding Stockholm, Sweden. DataPath will market transportation applications. The and sell the maritime antenna system Relief Efforts TRANSeon series are rugged, high- under the brand name DataPath Maritime performance vehicle/transit antennas Antenna System. Speedcast International Limited will providing superior reception and Maritime Satcom Solution – DataPath's donate funds to support Télécoms Sans clearer voice. This series covers all the new Maritime Antenna Systems are built Frontières (TSF), the world's first frequency bands for VHF, UHF, with a unique 4-Axes gimbal technology to e m e r g e n c y t e c h n o l o g y n o n - 2 G / 2 . 5 G / 3 G / 4 G , a n d W I F I provide reliable satellite communications governmental organization (NGO). TSF communications between 100MHz and for naval vessels operating in harsh responds to humanitarian needs 6GHz depending on the model e n v i r o n m e n t s w i t h n o l o s s o f around the world by leveraging the selected. electromagnetic compatibility, radio l a t e s t t e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s The optional embedded GNSS performance or reliability. technologies. The NGO intervenes in antenna utilizes a high-performance The antennas are built with a unique 4- humanitarian crises, conflict zones and LNA and supports all global navigation axes gimbal technology, which is ideal for areas hit by natural disasters to set up satellite systems, including GPS, vessels operating in harsh and unfriendly satellite communication for the affected Galileo, GLONASS, and BeiDou. environments needing no loss of populations and humanitarian Rugged design with UV resistant electromagnetic compatibility, radio organizations. In a crisis, satellite radome and IP67 rating enables high performance or reliability. The solution communication networks are essential reliability and durability. The compact features proven technology, is fast, robust for first responders and humanitarian and low-profile form factors allow the and boasts no dead angles – all organizations on the ground to carry out antenna to blend easily with any imperative in a maritime satcom solution. mission critical operations and to environment and make it ideal for

37 IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

vehicle roof-top mounting. based surveillance system to market this a e r o s p a c e p l u g - a n d - p l a y “Providing high quality products to ensure year, and has signed its first US channel communications systems. consistent and reliable communications is partner. The company inked the Built on a system of scalable and part of Sinclair's DNA,” stated Wee Er, agreement with newly-created US modular “LEGO®-like” software defined General Manager of Sinclair. “The new defence company Victoria Falls architecture, Cesium products turn TRANSeon series of high-performance Technology. According to Kleos, the deal digital bits into steerable, shapeable mobile antennas is a great addition to our will allow the procurement and radio frequency beams and provide existing and popular EXCALIBER and integration of Kleos' radio frequency complete communications systems in an EXCELSIOR families of leading r e c o n n a i s s a n c e d a t a i n t o U S easily customizable plug and play kit. transportation antennas.” defenceprogrammes, including those Cesium's fully-integrated systems proposed to the US Air Force Small require only a single power cable and NSR reports satellite Business Innovation and Research digital connection to make a high-speed (SBIR) program. communication link. The result is a low- capacity pricing plunges Under the non-exclusive agreement, the cost, highly reliable, rugged and US defence company will be able to seamlessly-integrated communications 18% on average from procure and incorporate Kleos' scouting system for satellites, UAVs, launch 2018-2019 mission data into its defence offering and vehicles and other aerospace platforms. as part of innovation and research NSR's Satellite Capacity Pricing Index, 5th project proposals. The SBIR program is “Secure, reliable and high-throughput Edition, finds accelerated pricing decline designed to accelerate development and software-defined data links are the across operator segments, with a global production of promising technologies backbone of next-generation space and average decline of 18% over the past 12 that can be utilised by the US Air Force. a i r b o r n e s y s t e m s , ” e x p l a i n s months. NSR's Global Mean Price Index for Kleos said that if its channel partner's SheySabripour, Cesium Founder and video declined by 7.1%, mobility by 13%, proposal is selected, the development CEO. “This Series A round – together with the data segments declining by as work would commence in 2020 and be with the tremendous support of our new much as 24%. The key driver for such a carried out over a one-to-two-year period partners – accelerates the way we bring large market correction is attributed to with a revenue generation opportunity of state-of-the-art technology to the core of cheap and bulk supply of HTS capacity that between US$750,000 and US$3 n e x t g e n e r a t i o n a e r o s p a c e has rendered legacy satellites increasingly million.Kleos is aiming to provide a multi- communications. Our patent-pending obsolete. Increasing backhaul, cruise, and satellite system to deliver a global picture hardware and software system broadband deployments have given a of hidden maritime activity, enhancing architecture for the first time brings full- boost to the capacity demand, albeit the intelligence capability of government stack functionality of agile-beam underscoring the topline through price and commercial entities. Its irst satellites communications payloads, at an order of elasticity are on track to be launched on a Rocket magnitude lower cost.” Lab Electron rocket from New Zealand in NSR projects video will continue to decline the second quarter of 2019. Meanwhile, The Cesium components can be at a faster rate of 11% in 2019-2020 on the company has announced initiatives modified for any aerospace application account of increased compression rates to help it raise funds in the European and are platform agnostic. Built with and high market saturation. Mobility is also market. It is planning to add a listing on commercial off-the-shelf technology, expected to decline faster with developing the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in addition Cesium products combine traditional country opportunity and increase of cruise to its listing on the ASX. The company aerospace reliability with modern bandwidth demand in the total maritime said it has engaged an equity research technology on an industrial scale. The market share. “These drivers mark a key irm to prepare and publish “initiating plug-and-play communication systems shift in satcom dynamics and represent not coverage” with comprehensive analysis bring phased array technology directly to only a commoditized market but also a of the market and competitive system designers, replacing a major higher rate of capacity commoditization environment over the next 12 months. R&D effort with a single product that than anticipated in 2018. Operators have Kleos Space CEO Andy Bowyer said the works right out of the box. been slow in transitioning to service move would bolster its existing efforts in business lines, keeping hinged on legacy the Australian market, where it expects “Mega constellations of low-Earth orbit lean organizational structures, while strong interest from government (LEO) satellites are launching now, and service providers look to ramp up growth in agencies. the skies will soon be filled with aero-backhaul-consumer segments for a thousands of high-tech spacecraft; 4th straight year,” states GaganAgrawal, CesiumAstro raises Cesium's unique abilities to intelligently NSR Senior Analyst and report author optimize their power and bandwidth at $12.4 million in series low cost, literally steering significantly While prices are falling, regions of of funding led by improved connectivity to where it's significant demand still exist across Airbus Ventures critically needed, will accelerate the developing countries for backhaul and impact of these constellations' systems,” village Wi-Fi that may support marginal said Thomas d'Halluin, Managing revenue increase via volume deals, CesiumAstro, Inc., has announced the Partner, Airbus Ventures, Silicon Valley. whereas Aero and Gov/Mil segments will closing of a $12.4 million Series A “With their leap in improved performance continue to grow in under-served regions funding round led by Airbus Ventures. and lower costs over applications and drive profitability – but only for the right Additional investors in the round include ranging from global communications and asset match. Operators will need to Kleiner Perkins, Franklin Templeton tactical awareness to formation-flight strengthen tiered pricing and improve Venture Fund, Lavrock Ventures, small satellites in deep space, Cesium efficiency via inclined orbit, Honeywell Ventures, and Analog becomes a key partner for us at Airbus Devices Ventures. Funds will be used to Ventures, accelerating humanity's scale the team and expand the ascent of the vertical axis, from the Kleos Space signs up first development of a wide range of ground to deep space.” US channel partner frequency offerings and system “Spectrum is a limited natural resource configurations to meet the growing Kleos Space is aiming to bring a satellite- that must be better shared to enable the demand for affordable, high-throughput 38 IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

plethora of mobile devices that require floods or volcanoes. New hotspots division, along with Elma's southeast wireless connectivity. Over the next ten connect existing phones to satellites for regional offices, with considerable room for years, market demand for spectrum will reliable 4G connections. "When disaster growth. The company's US headquarters in grow exponentially,” said Wen Hsieh, strikes, cell phone networks often go Fremont, CA as well as the Horsham, PA General Partner, Kleiner Perkins. down – whether because of the event or office remain unchanged. “Cesium provides small form factor, because of the sheer volume of traffic," smart antennas and phased arrays to said Maria Demaree, vice president and The new location will provide a total area of dynamically re-use frequencies, general manager of Mission Solutions at 150,000 sq. ft. It will allow Elma the space enabling rapidly-scalable and Lockheed Martin Space. "So, it's and organizational structure to support the customizable wireless platforms at high important to have new ways to connect unique needs of both the industrial and bandwidth and substantially lower cost.” families and first responders with people defense market segments, with a focused who would be otherwise cut off from approach on each. The additional space, contact." combined with new capital equipment Ball Aerospace Typically, during an emergency that investments, is expected to increase selected for second knocks out cellular networks, specialized efficiency, enabling Elma's further growth in satellite phones are the only option for industrial markets. phase of DARPA mobile connectivity. While satellite “This new facility will allow us to streamline hallmark program phones will still play a key role in disaster our manufacturing and production lines,” recovery, Lockheed Martin's LTE-over- said BadriRajan, vice president of Satellite solution lets people complement operations. “It will enable us to be even more Ball Aerospace has been selected to satellite phones with their existing agile and efficient in meeting our customers' continue work on the Space Evaluation commercial phones to connect to a pop- rigorous requirements.” and Analysis Capability (SEAC) testbed up cellular network that is connected for the second phase of the Air Force directly to a satellite. The system takes Georgia's Department of Economic Research Laboratory (AFRL) and advantage of the fact that 4G devices are Development (GDEcD) and Partnership Defense Advanced Research Projects now widespread across the world. Gwinnett were instrumental in providing Agency's (DARPA) Hallmark program. According to a 2018 Global mobile additional resources to not only remain in The Hallmark program is advancing Suppliers Association (GSA) report, LTE Georgia, but enable future expansion. technologies that deliver real-time now accounts for more than a third of all space-domain awareness informing the mobile subscriptions globally (35.7%). Shan Morgan, president of Elma Electronic command and control and protection of LTE offers broadband data rates in Inc., noted, “It was very important that we space assets. addition to voice and SMS, so important find a site close to our existing location to As part of the Hallmark program's photos, files and commerce can still take minimize any quality of life impact on our second phase, Ball will collaborate with place even if traditional communications current employees. Located only minutes a set of independent software infrastructure is disrupted. away means an almost zero-time impact on development teams and conduct three the commute for all, while offering generous additional evaluation events in which The new mobility system isn't limited to expansion space. We are proud to be part of the company will run mock space use during natural disaster or terrorist Gwinnett county's dramatic growth.” operations exercises to evaluate attacks, it can be potentially used by software tool performance. During the offshore fisherman located far from cell first phase of the Hallmark program, Ball towers, remote mineral production OneWeb raises US$1.25 completed five successful evaluations outposts, scientific and research stations, billion for global satellite of the testbed. and in agriculture operations. "Our revolutionary open architecture Hotspots can be mounted to vehicles, network a p p r o a c h b r i n g s c o m m e r c i a l trucks, or ships to provide additional capabilities and best practices like rapid connectivity. For example, with a integration of new services and secure OneWeb, a space startup that recently vehicular-mounted device, LTE-over- launched its first “constellation” of micro- DevOps to the Department of Defense," satellite connectivity follows a first said Steve Smith, vice president and satellites to deliver broadband access responder straight to the scene without a across the globe, has raised $1.25 billion to general manager, Systems Engineering separate device. It can be used on cargo Solutions, Ball Aerospace. "We look begin mass-producing its satellites and trucks to transmit locational data, capitalize on what it calls “first mover forward to continuing the successful shipment information and allow vital voice demonstration of our enterprise advantage.” The gargantuan cash injection communication to connect with a central was led by SoftBank, Qualcomm, Grupo software architecture's capabilities dispatcher. during the second phase of the Hallmark Salinas, and the Rwandan government and program." takes the company's total money raised to Elma Electronic $3.4 billion, including its previous $1.2 billion investment more than two years ago. Lockheed Martin expands operations in Founded out of London in 2012, OneWeb is develops world-first Georgia with the one of a number of startups planning to bring affordable, high-speed internet access to LTE-over-satellite purchase of a new more people around the world by deploying system manufacturing facility hundreds of low-orbit satellites. The infrastructure will not only help mobile operators and internet service providers Lockheed Martin has developed a new To support and sustain long-term growth, (ISPs) extend their coverage to hitherto LTE-over-Satellite system designed to Elma Electronic Inc. finalized the hard-to-reach areas, it will also ensure provide connectivity to remote regions, purchase of a new campus of buildings to always-on coverage during natural including areas without cellphone replace the current Atlanta-area facility. disasters and help power new technologies coverage, boats off-shore, or during Located just a short distance away, it will that are coming to the fore. natural disasters like hurricanes, serve as the new home for Optima Other players in the field include wildfires, earthquakes, catastrophic Stantron, Elma's cabinet enclosure Luxembourg-based LeoSat and Elon

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Musk's well-funded SpaceX, which has have previously been impossible to on quality, size, power or weight. Working been focused on developing rocket connect.” This is part of a growing trend, with Hispasat augments our business technologybut is also known to be with the likes of Facebook recently development and expands our geographic working on a satellite internet business announcing a partnership with Viasat to reach and potential client base.” similar to OneWeb's. But after launching bring satellite Wi-Fi hotspots to rural an inaugural six satellites last month, communities, starting in Mexico. GetSAT's MicroSAT terminals are OneWeb hopes that having its constructed in a light and compact operational network in place first will HISPASAT and GetSAT installation. The L/M family of products are enable it to gain traction in a time of micronized, fully integrated, on-the-move, growing demand for low-latency reach agreement to ruggedized solutions. All L/M terminals are network capacity, which will support 5G, offer mobile satellite easy to deploy and integrate, and can be the internet of things (IoT), and self- outfitted with various antenna sizes in driving cars. services for security accordance with bandwidth requirements of and emergency markets ground, air and marine applications. A “OneWeb has extended its first-mover unique all-in-one design including BUC and advantage and is on track to become the modem is optimized for harsh environments HISPASAT and GetSAT have signed an world's largest and first truly global specs and its ultra-low power-consuming agreement to offer Satellite on The Move communications network,” said platform is compatible with KA and KU-Band (SoTM) Services. By pairing GetSAT's SoftBank Group chief operating officer applications. (COO) Marcelo Claure. “At SoftBank, ruggedized terminals and HISPASAT's our aim is to invest in transformative powerful satellite fleet, both companies companies at the leading edge of strengthen their business opportunities in Venezuelans Turning to technology disruption. OneWeb's aerial, drone, maritime, and land-based Satellite Communications potential is undeniable as the growth in emergency services for security and data from 5G, IoT, autonomous driving, emergency applications in Latin America, During Power Outages and other new technologies drives Europe and North Africa. This joint and Sanctions demand for capacity above and beyond solution ensures safe communications the limits of the existing infrastructure.” when natural disasters occur for urgently activated rescue teams and for security The Satellite Phone Store is helping many people and businesses stay connected while Launching satellites is an expensive agencies using UAVs, helicopters, Venezuela continues to experience country- endeavor, which is why OneWeb's planes, or terrestrial vehicles. wide blackouts that are leaving 98 percent of funding rounds have been so the population without internet connectivity. substantial. The company develops its The companies reached this strategic The Venezuelan economy is rapidly satellites through a partnership with partnership after the successful deteriorating for a variety of reasons relating Airbus, which is also an investor, and demonstration of GetSAT's MicroSAT L/M to politics and corruption. In March of 2019, over the next few months OneWeb Land and Maritime mobile terminal, which Venezuela experienced its largest and most expects to begin doubling down on its reached data traffic speeds of three Mbps, widespread power outage in recent history, p r o d u c t i o n e f f o r t s a t a n e w during both upload and download, while six to eight days without power. What was manufacturing plant in Florida. The remaining connected to HISPASAT's once an oil-rich country is now a country on company said that in Q4 2019 it plans to fleet. GetSAT's terminals are based on its the verge of rolling power outages and kickstart monthly launches of around 30 patented InterFLAT technology, which famine. satellites at a time, which will lead to its allows signals to be transmitted and A c c o r d i n g t o P o s t N e t B l o c k s , a first constellation of 650 satellites received in the same panel, thus reducing nongovernmental organization that tracks covering the globe by 2021. It plans to the size, weight and energy consumption internet disruptions around the globe, "the add more satellites to the mix as to provide advantages essential for the Internet outage was massive … at one point, demand grows. “We are committed to success of critical missions. only 2 percent of the country had bridging the digital divide, and this connectivity." funding helps ensure our globally The agreement reduces the barriers to Banks, stores and restaurants were closed shared dream will soon become a entry of this type of service for potential and very few people came out into the public. reality,” added OneWeb founder and clients, thereby minimising the impact of Refineries and oil plants stalled production chair Greg Wyler. “We look forward to user's investment and operating costs. and many sea vessels were docked longer continuing our work with the many than scheduled. Even more concerning, supportive and forward-looking Ignacio Sanchis, Business Director of government agencies and hospitals were governments, ISPs, and telecom HISPASAT, said, "We want to address the closed, resulting in 52 reports of death. operators to help them broaden the Emergency and Security services market, Daniela Ruiz, who was 39 weeks pregnant, reach of connectivity to connect people which is rapidly growing and requires sat uncertainly on a couch in the reception everywhere.” robust, consistent connections in which satellites play a key role. Together with area. Doctors had planned to induce labor because of a lack of fluid in her womb, the 32- OneWeb's roster of investors reveals GetSAT, HISPASAT will be able to take year-old communications consultant said. that beyond bringing additional capacity advantage of the capacity of its entire "Because of the lack of electricity, nothing is to developed markets, a core focus will network to offer broadband solutions in working," she said. "We can't communicate be bringing internet coverage to places the Ka and Ku bands for projects that with the doctor; the phones don't work." Her that have yet to come online. Grupo require rapid response times combined husband, Daniel Cisneros, 33, said he had Salinas is a conglomerate of a number with extensive broadband use to transmit never seen anything like the outage. of Mexican companies, including ISP data". Going without power and losing connection Telecosmo. “I have worked for over 20 Kfir Benjamin, GetSAT Chief Executive with the rest of the world is serious business. years to bring network access to people Officer, reported, “Our demonstration Both families and large corporations should throughout Mexico and Latin America showed GetSAT's high technological have the necessary backup to ensure they and have seen first-hand the power of proficiency in reaching constant high data stay connected during any crisis. connectivity to change and improve speeds in on-the-move applications. The Tina Blanco, owner of the Florida-based lives,” added Grupo Salinas chair and unique advantage of GetSAT's compact, Satellite Phone Store stated, "Power is out in founder Ricardo Salinas. “OneWeb will lightweight, ultra-low power consuming Venezuela, so we are seeing lots of have the ability to reach places that systems is that no user ever compromises IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

customers from all over the world getting Airbus's investment in leading edge weight and power (SWaP) requirements satellite phones and satellite internet to satellite mass production capabilities. We n e e d e d t o s u p p o r t a s s u r e d take to Venezuela.” look forward to working closely with Airbus communications across a variety of to bring economical launch solutions to Canadian Armed Forces platforms." For example, families that own a satellite their customers. This initial MOU covering "This award is yet another example of the phone or a small portable satellite modem several launches is the first step of a long- growing partnership between Viasat and can still use the internet the next time the term relationship which will provide Airbus MDA, which leverages a dedicated and power goes out. Large companies and customers the highest level of flexibility for skilled Canadian workforce to meet the organizations can set up backup satellite their small satellite launches." critical communications needs of the terminals to keep the company connected F r e d e r i c S o t e n b e r g , H e a d o f Canadian Armed Forces," said Mike and running properly, despite whatever is Constellations Launch Solutions at Airbus Greenley, group president, MDA. going on around them. Space Systems, said, "Our partnership Viasat is an industry leader in Link 16 A few satellite terminals many businesses with Firefly will provide launch options with tactical data links with today's most around the world are using to stay direct access to specific orbits, flexibility, extensive portfolio of terminal connected: and short notice. The Alpha vehicle configurations and form factors and addresses an unmet need in small satellite thousands of systems fielded to allied The Cobham Explorer 710 BGAN launch and will provide a further option for countries around the globe. Viasat's Link Terminal offers ultra-portable BGAN our customers in addition to legacy 16 radio communications systems communication. It delivers an expected medium and large launchers in Europe." provide U.S. and international allied streaming rate of about 650 kbps, sends Les Kovacs, Firefly Vice President of warfighters with greater situational up to 492kbps over a shared channel and Business Development, added that, "This awareness by exchanging digital data has streaming capabilities that make it flexibility will enable rapid deployment of over a common communication link that ideal for live video broadcasting from any and replenishment of Airbus customer is continuously and automatically location on the globe. It also has a built-in constellations. We look forward to working updated in real-time, reducing the SIP server. closely with Airbus to develop integrated chance of fratricide or duplicate The Kymeta KyWay U7 is capable of solutions that accelerate the global small assignments, while significantly transmitting and receiving data while on s a t e l l i t e r e v o l u t i o n a n d t h e enhancing mission effectiveness even in the move at speeds up to 4Mbps down commercialization of cis-lunar space.” harsh and severely contested and 1 Mbps up. It uses a revolutionary environments. Metamaterials-based holographic beam for easy satellite signal and is extremely Viasat, MDA win United Launch Alliance easy to set up. The KyWay is great for live competitive award for streaming and Wi-Fi integration. successfully launches Canadian Army's The Intellian GX60 Maritime Terminal for WGS-10 mission Inmarsat Fleet Xpress (FX) Ka band Airspace Coordination satellite network offers download speeds Centre Modernization A United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket up to 50Mbps. It's built with an integrated Project carrying the tenth Wideband Global GX modem and is an All-in-One Below SATCOM (WGS) satellite for the U.S. Air Deck Terminal. Viasat Inc. in partnership with MDA, a Force lifted off from Space Launch A good backup satellite phone for families Complex-37 on March 15 at 8:26 p.m. and businesses is the Inmarsat IsatPhone Maxar Technologies company announced Viasat's KOR-24A Small Tactical Terminal EDT. ULA has been the exclusive launch 2. It has global coverage, Bluetooth, SMS, provider for all ten WGS satellites. "We SOS Emergency button and GPS. It also (STT) was selected by the Canadian Department of National Defence in are very proud to deliver this critical asset comes with 24/7 support and a rugged to orbit in support of the U.S. and Allied water- and shock-resistant design. September 2018 to support its ASCCM project. Viasat's STT is the world's only warfighters deployed around the world multi-channel, software-upgradable radio defending our national security," said Airbus Defence and capable of performing Link 16 Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Space signs MoU with communications in a small form factor and Government and Commercial Programs. includes interoperable functionality to "Thank you to the entire ULA team and Firefly Aerospace to improve communications between U.S. mission partners for their outstanding Launch Solutions for and international military agencies teamwork and dedication to mission requiring information from multiple success." Constellations networks. The WGS-10 satellite, built by the Boeing Through the award, Viasat and MDA will Company, is an important element of the support the Canadian Armed Forces' n e w h i g h - c a p a c i t y s a t e l l i t e Firefly Aerospace, Inc. announced the efforts to modernize computer suite and communications system. Each WGS execution of a Memorandum of data link radios. Viasat's STT will be a key satellite provides more wideband Understanding (MOU) with Airbus enabler of improved interoperable network communications capacity than the entire Defence and Space (Airbus) to develop communications by significantly Defense Satellite Communications new space launch solutions for Airbus enhancing voice and data capabilities System. This mission launched aboard a customers. across air, land and sea platforms. Delta IV Medium+ (5,4) configuration "Firefly is pleased to enter into an MOU "This award once again validates the field- vehicle, built in Decatur, Alabama, with Airbus to formulate an integrated proven interoperability and performance including a 5-meter Payload Fairing and market offering that will provide Airbus capabilities of Viasat's STT," said Ken standing at 218 feet. The common customers rapid deployment of Airbus Peterman, president, Government booster core for Delta IV was powered by manufactured satellites," said Firefly CEO Systems, Viasat. "Viasat and MDA remain the RS-68A engine, and the Delta Dr. Tom Markusic. "We are very committed to delivering today's most Cryogenic Second Stage was powered impressed by the versatility and low cost comprehensive portfolio of Link 16 tactical by the RL10B-2 engine, both supplied by of the Airbus ARROW platform and data link solutions that meet the size, Aerojet Rocketdyne. Northrop Grumman IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

provided the four solid rocket motors. At make a smooth transition to an all-IP obtain the maximum possible value from liftoff, the main engine and four solid infrastructure. Specifically, the company the VB440. A unique tool in the industry, it rocket motors comined to produce will focus on how it delivers state of the provides an innovative way of viewing the approximately 1.7 million pounds of art hardware and software tools that behavior of uncompressed real time thrust. enable IP networks to be monitored and media. While other solutions are aimed at To date ULA has a track record of 100 analysed, providing information in real those who are technically highly percent mission success with 133 time that supports broadcasters in proficient, Instrument View brings deep, successful launches. With more than a ensuring optimum quality of service and intuitive understanding to non-experts. century of combined heritage, ULA is the consumer satisfaction. world's most experienced and reliable Also on show on the Bridge Technologies launch service provider. ULA has At NAB 2019, Bridge Technologies' stand is the VB330 IP Probe. The VB330 successfully delivered more than 130 solutions address all aspects of the is uniquely able to support for Remote satellites to orbit that provide Earth broadcast process - from initial content PHY/L2TP, making it suitable for observation capabilities, enable global production through to remote unpacking and monitoring the multicasts communications, unlock the mysteries of distribution. Studios, OB vans, remote targeted towards Remote PHY CCAP our solar system, and support life-saving production facilities, broadcasters nodes. For cable operators, this allows technology. operating via OTT or the cloud as well as their network to have higher performance satellite, terrestrial and cable operators with lower OpEx, lower CapEx, and an The Dynamic Spectrum are all able to benefit from the evolutionary path for FTTH. Developed sophisticated, flexible yet easy-to-use to for high-traffic monitoring in core Alliance commends use tools that the company has broadband and media networks, the Federal developed throughout its 15 year VB330 offers telcos, cable- and network history. operators and digital media organizations Communications a monitoring solution scalable for any “Ever since the company was founded, level of traffic. Commission's TV White we have been constant in our belief in Spaces orders the many benefits of IP technology for The Bridge Technologies range of broadcasters, with the interoperability it capabilities even encompasses portable The Dynamic Spectrum Alliance brings - and everything that means in solutions for network monitoring and welcomes the Federal Communications terms of lower cost, greater flexibility analysis in remote locations or for Commission's (FCC's) unanimous and improved scalability,” said Simen K. t e m p o r a r y d e p l o y m e n t . B e i n g decision to clarify its TV White Space F r o s t a d , C h a i r m a n , B r i d g e demonstrated on the company's stand is (TVWS) rules. Technologies. “Our understanding of IP NOMAD. Weighing around two pounds packet behaviors is unparalleled in the and measuring just 9” x 7” x 1”, it is a “With tens of millions of Americans still industry. Based on that understanding, highly portable, rugged, self-contained lacking access to broadband, the we deliver solutions that give deep tool for on-the-go media professionals Dynamic Spectrum Alliance is pleased to insight into network performance, who need to be able to troubleshoot see that the Commission is clarifying its enabling problems to be identified and hybrid IP multicast, OTT and RF rules to provide internet service providers rectified before they impact services – networks. It is the ultimate all-in-one additional flexibility to leverage TV white throughout the entire chain.” monitoring and analysis solution for the spaces when deploying broadband technician on the move. networks in rural areas,” said Mark Being demonstrated on the Bridge Rotter, Treasurer of the DSA. “This Technologies stand are the VB440 IP In addition to the VB440, Instrument positive step is long overdue and we urge Probe (also featured in the IP View, VB330 and NOMAD, Bridge the Commission to expeditiously take Showcase) and the Instrument View Technologies will be showcasing its further steps to provide internet service GUI. Both are essential tools for the VB288 Content Extractor for objective providers additional access to TV white increasingly distributed nature of a n d s u b j e c t i v e v i d e o q u a l i t y spaces.” broadcasting, providing insight easily measurement; and the award-winning “Specifically, the Commission should and instantaneously from any location, Remote Data Wall, which allows those issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking giving complete flexibility in, for responsible for network monitoring and on proposals in the record to allow example, remote production scenarios. management to quickly and easily create access to additional TV white space a visual representation of network channels and provide internet service The VB440 supports uncompressed activity. providers more flexibility to deploy media flows over IP with both ST2110 narrowband Internet of Things (IoT) and ST2022-6 transports, providing Orbit Communication networks and install fixed TV white space network operators and digital media radios on school buses and tractors organisations with an analytics solution Systems and Inmarsat within geographically defined areas,” for numerous streams and multiple Government announce added Rotter. technologies in real-time and in parallel. With support for interface speeds Airborne Satcom including 10, 25, 40, 50 and, uniquely, Bridge Technologies to up to 100 Gigabit on dual interfaces, Terminal agreement highlight breadth and even the largest of media networks can Orbit Communication Systems and SSTL be accommodated with analysis of SD, Inmarsat Government, the leading depth of solutions that HD i and p, HD HDR, 4K and 4K HDR provider of global mobile satellite will ease industry and above. ST2022-7 redundancy is communications and managed network also monitored and analysed with ports services to the US government, have transition to IP connected to both primary and announced a long-term agreement to Bridge Technologies has showcased the secondary networks. offer end-users a new modular, multi- broad and deep range of solutions it role aviation terminal, optimized for use offers that will help the broadcast industry Instrument View enables users to over Inmarsat's Global Xpress (GX) IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

network. The new terminal will operate initialize from an external EEPROM. using internal research and development over Inmarsat's GX constellation, the The Nano-ACE® BC/RT/MT utilizes a funding, ready for 2019 launches on the world's first and only globally available, fast 50MHz Serial Peripheral Interface first LM 50 nanosatellite buses: high-throughput wideband network. It will (SPI) to reduce pin count and package The Linus project delivers two 12U deliver Inmarsat's 'SATCOM as a size, enabling users to benefit from cubesats performing a technology Service', featuring commercial Ka-band D D C ' s m a r k e t l e a d i n g 1 5 5 3 demonstration mission, validating and military Ka-band capabilities, which functionality and reliability, in an ultra- SmartSat capabilities as well as 3D-printed are fully interoperable with the Wideband small package that provides the ability spacecraft components. Global Satcom (WGS) system. to create more compact and higher density boards. The BU-67833LC Pony Express builds multiple 6U satellites The new compact Orbit terminal, GX46, Nano-ACE's highly efficient +3.3V destined for a low earth orbit and will space features a 46cm (18”) antenna and will be transceivers minimize power qualify state-of-the-art networking delivered fully integrated with modems, consumption and heat dissipation, technologies. Pony Express 1 is a electronics and related software. The enabling further board miniaturization pathfinder for a software-defined payload lightweight, small-foot print terminal through the use of smaller power and that will test cloud computing infrastructure couples high performance and Orbit's heat sinking components. and was developed in nine months. Follow- industry-leading reliability, which will open “The Nano-ACE® BC/RT/MT on Pony Express missions will prove out new communication opportunities for continues DDC's commitment to RF-enabled swarming formations and business jets, military mission aircraft and provide increased functionality in space-to-space networking. unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). smaller packaging, while preserving Following completion of the Inmarsat backwards compatibility, enabling "SmartSat is a major step forward in our certification process, volume production designers to create more compact and journey to completely transform the way we of the terminal is planned at Orbit's U.S.- higher density boards”, stated Mike design, build and deliver satellites," said based facilities. Hegarty, Product Line Manager, Data Ambrose. "The LM 50 bus is the perfect Bus Components. p l a t f o r m f o r t e s t i n g t h i s n e w, “We are very pleased to unveil our new groundbreaking technology. We're self- multi-role terminal, which has been Lockheed Martin's funding these missions to demonstrate a several years in the making with number of new capabilities that can plug Inmarsat,” said Stav Gizunterman, Vice first smart satellites into any satellite in our fleet, from the LM 50 President of Research and Development nanosat to our flagship LM 2100. And the at Orbit. “This flexible, integrated terminal are tiny with big same technology not only plugs into is uniquely capable of supporting both missions ground stations, improving space-ground Global Xpress and WGS services, and integration, it will one day connect directly represents a truly innovative way to help with planes, ships and ground vehicles, expand their airborne services.” Lockheed Martin has announced a connecting front-line users to the power of new generation of space technology space like never before.” “The implementation of the GX46 benefits launching this year that will allow from Orbit's years of experience satellites to change their missions in Cyber security is at the core of this new developing airborne satcom systems,” orbit. Satellites that launched one, ten technology. SmartSat-enabled satellites said Steve Gizinski, Chief Technology or even fifteen years ago largely have can reset themselves faster, diagnose Officer of Inmarsat Government. “The the same capability they had when issues with greater precision and back GX46 will expand our airborne they lifted off. That's changing with new each other up when needed, significantly connectivity solutions with an Inmarsat architecture that will let users add enhancing resiliency. Satellites can also type-approved terminal that is suitable for capability and assign new missions better detect and defend against cyber an important market segment. This with a software push, just like adding threats autonomously, and on-board cyber terminal will support operations in mil an app on a smartphone. This new defenses can be updated regularly to band (Inmarsat-5 and WGS) and will tech, called SmartSat, is a software- address new threats. operate seamlessly on Inmarsat's global defined satellite architecture that will Global Xpress network.” boost capability for payloads on SmartSat uses a hypervisor to securely several pioneering nanosats ready for containerize virtual machines. It's a DDC introduces the launch this year. technology that lets a single computer "Imagine a new type of satellite that operate multiple servers virtually to world's fastest SPI to acts more like a smartphone. Add a maximize memory, on-board processing SmartSat app to your satellite in-orbit, and network bandwidth. It takes advantage MIL-STD-1553 interface and you've changed the mission," said of multi-core processing, something new to Rick Ambrose, executive vice space. That lets satellites process more Data Device Corporation (DDC) president of Lockheed Martin Space. data in orbit so they can beam down just the introduces the Nano-ACE® BC/RT/MT "We are the first to deploy this m o s t c r i t i c a l a n d r e l e v a n t MIL-STD-1553 terminal, the latest groundbreaking technology on information—saving bandwidth costs and evolution in the highly successful multiple missions. SmartSat will give reducing the burden on ground station Enhanced Mini-ACE® series, which has our customers unparalleled resiliency analysts, and ultimately opening the door been in operation since 1999 with more and flexibility for changing mission for tomorrow's data centers in space. than 800 million hours of in-service history. needs and technology, and it unlocks SmartSat uses a high-power, radiation- This new Nano-ACE® (BU-67833LC), even greater processing power in hardened computer developed by the which is an upgraded version of the BU- space." National Science Foundation's Center for 67743LC Nano-ACE RT, offers complete This year Lockheed Martin is Space, High-performance, and Resilient BC/RT/MT functionality, along with integrating SmartSat technology on Computing, or SHREC. Lockheed Martin increased 32K x 17 RAM including parity ten programs and counting, including helps fund SHREC research, and in turn capability, comprehensive autonomous the Linus and Pony Express nanosats, gains access to world-class technologies built-in self-test, and the option to auto- which will be the first to launch. These and student researchers. are rapid-prototype, testbed satellites IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

NSR report forecasts industry, with focus on opportunities in announce we will be continuing our both GEO and non-GEO orbits. partnership with Arianespace to launch $4.5 billion in cumulative additional satellites for our constellation revenues from in-orbit Ariane 6 maiden flight on Ariane 6. Our first launch represented the start of our mission to provide satellite services by 2028 will deploy satellites connectivity for everyone, everywhere and we are grateful to Arianespace for for the OneWeb their professionalism and fundamental NSR's In-Orbit Servicing Markets, 2nd role in making our launch a success. With Edition (IoSM2) report, released today, constellation our first six satellites in orbit, first forecasts $4.5 billion in cumulative customer contracts signed, OneWeb has revenues from In-Orbit Satellite Services OneWeb is the developer of a new entered its commercialization phase and by 2028. While growth is anticipated across global, high-speed, low latency is one step closer to reaching our dreams all applications in all orbits, GEO satellite satellite-based network designed to of providing global connectivity. “ life extension will yield the largest share of address the most demanding global revenues. As more LEO constellations connectivity challenges worldwide. start to launch, NGEO players represent an Ariane 6 will be available to OneWeb Nevion enhances emerging target market, with de-orbiting from the second half of 2020 to provide VideoIPath system with services expected to dominate this launch capacity that supports the full segment. However, despite the abundance deployment and replenishment of the NMOS discovery, of opportunities for In- Orbit services, O n e W e b c o n s t e l l a t i o n . registration and systems will be most constrained by the The launch service agreement need for government and legal specifies the use of the qualification connection administration support launch of the Ariane 62 version, . scheduled for the second half of 2020; management the two Ariane 6 options (either in its 62 “In-Orbit servicing is a gateway to new version, accommodating up to 36 Nevion has announced that its flagship opportunities and revenue streams in OneWeb satellites, or in the 64 version, orchestration and SDN control software space,” notes NSR Senior Analyst and up to 78 OneWeb satellites) will be VideoIPath now supports the NMOS report co-author, Shagun Sachdeva. utilized starting in 2023. (Network Media Open Specifications) IS- “Options like life extension, robotics, and The OneWeb satellites will be launched 04 and IS-05 standards. This new salvage not only offer immediate cost by the first Ariane 62 into a near-polar VideoIPath feature is already being benefits, but open environmentally positive orbit at an altitude of 500 kilometers deployed by Swiss broadcast service possibilities, such as debris removal in the before raising themselves to their provider, Technology and Production near term to recycling components from operational orbit. OneWeb's mission is Center Switzerland AG. defunct, de-orbited satellites in the long to deliver global communications Defined by the Advanced Media term.” Over the next decade, In Orbit through a next-generation satellite Workflow Association, Inc. (AMWA), the servicing is expected to be dominated by constellation that will bring seamless NMOS standards are designed to enable GEO services– making up 78% of the total connectivity to everyone, everywhere. open, multi-vendor interoperability in revenues according to NSR's IoSM2. To this end, OneWeb is building a professional media networks, such as network of low-Earth orbit satellites that those used by broadcasters. NMOS IS- The lack of strict regulations remains one of will provide high-speed, low latency 04 offers a way to register, discover and the biggest constraints for the In-Orbit services to a range of markets – find broadcast resources (typically Servicing market. Investors are cautious including aeronautics, maritime, e q u i p m e n t a n d f u n c t i o n a l i t y ) about these services, considering the backhaul services, community automatically in a network. NMOS IS-05 novelty of the technology and the Wi-Fi, emergency response services allows a management system to accompanying lack of policy. NSR Analyst and more. Central to its mission, establish connections between senders and report co-author, Leena Pivovarova OneWeb also will be focused on (such as cameras) and receivers (such as adds, “Long-term growth will depend on connecting schools and working to video mixers), and also supports a way to government support, as well as, legal and bridge the digital divide for people establish ad-hoc connections directly regulatory requirements coming together everywhere. between devices without the presence of to facilitate market expansion.” The small With its system deployed, the OneWeb a management solution. Support for satellite business model is capable of constellation will enable user terminals these standards is beginning to appear challenging the status quo by bringing in capable of offering 3G, LTE, 5G and on various suppliers' equipment and new ideas to derive more performance Wi-Fi coverage, giving high-speed by roadmaps. from existing assets. While early years will air, sea and land. access around the NevionVideoIPath is now able to act as face challenges common to any new world an IS-04 registry for compliant technology, such as sensitive stakeholders The Ariane 6 launch vehicle has two equipment, meaning it can detect when and the need for new regulations to be variants – Ariane 62 and Ariane 64 – new devices are connected to the IP d e p l o y e d a r o u n d l i a b i l i t y a n d which allows Arianespace to offer a media network, and understand their communication, once the first in-orbit wide new range of launch services and capabilities. VideoIPath can also use that demonstration is successfully completed, it solutions to customers. OneWeb information to control these devices will raise the confidence level amongst already has entrusted Arianespace through IS-05, to establish media flows weary shareholders with 21 Soyuz launches to ensure the between senders and receivers. timely deployment of its constellation, NevionVideoIPath can also handle mixed With a wide array of options and an even whose first successful launch occurred environments, enabling NMOS senders wider assortment of potential benefits, In on February 27, 2019, from the Guiana or receivers to connect with non- Orbit Servicing is well positioned for growth Space Center (CSG), French Guiana, compliant devices. over the next decade. NSR's In-Orbit South America. In addition, Nevion is committed to Servicing Markets, 2nd Edition report Adrian Steckel, OneWeb Chief following the JT-NM TR1001-1 discusses the potential for the entire Executive Officer, said: “I am happy to recommendation, which describes the IN THE NEWS AMERICAS expected registration and connection operating results was not meaningful. exchange losses in 2018, arising from the management behaviour of systems and On January 1, 2018, Telesat adopted translation of Telesat's U.S. dollar devices in a SMPTE ST 2110 media IFRS 9, Financial Instruments, and IFRS denominated debt into Canadian dollars network. 15, Revenue from Contracts with compared to foreign exchange gains in Johnny Dolvik, Chief Product and Customers. For the three-month period 2017, and losses on financial instruments Development Officer, Nevion, said: ended December 31, 2018, the adoption in 2018, compared to gains in 2017. “From the beginning, we have designed of IFRS 15 had a net positive impact of VideoIPath to handle a multi-vendor approximately $7 million on revenues, “2018 was a busy year and I am pleased environment. We have developed large an approximately $5 million reduction in with both our financial and operational number of drivers to control a variety of operating expenses and a positive performance,” commented Dan Goldberg, equipment, including IP gateways, impact of approximately $12 million on Telesat's President and CEO. “As a result multi-viewers, measuring equipment, Adjusted EBITDA1. The adoption of of our continued operating discipline, we intercom systems, and graphics IFRS 9 had no impact on revenues, maintained our favorable Adjusted systems. We have also adopted operating expenses and Adjusted EBITDA1 margin, achieved strong free standard interfaces where they exist, EBITDA1. cash flow generation, and meaningfully such as OpenFlow and OpenConfig for Telesat's net income for the quarter was increased our cash balances year over IP network equipment control. Adding a loss of $187 million compared to net year. We also launched and brought into the NMOS standards was therefore a income of $72 million for the quarter service two new geostationary satellites – logical move for us, and of course we ended December 31, 2017. The $259 Telstar 18 VANTAGE and Telstar 19 are really pleased this feature is already million difference was the result of a VANTAGE – and launched our first Low being deployed in the tpc project.” higher non-cash loss on foreign Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite, an important exchange arising principally from the step in moving forward with our planned Telesat reports results translation of Telesat's U.S. dollar revolutionary global LEO broadband denominated debt into Canadian dollars, satellite constellation. Looking ahead we for the Quarter and losses on financial instruments, and remain heavily focused on increasing the Year ended December lower operating income in the fourth utilization of our in-orbit satellites and quarter of 2018. executing on our key growth initiatives, 31, 2018 For the year ended December 31, 2018, particularly our LEO program.” revenue was $903 million, a decrease of Telesat Canada has announced its 3% ($24 million) compared to the same Inmarsat plc reports financial results for the three-month and period in 2017. When adjusted for one-year periods ended December 31, changes in foreign exchange rates, preliminary full year 2018. All amounts are in Canadian revenues declined 2% ($16 million) results for 2018 dollars and reported under International compared to 2017. The decrease was Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) primarily due to lower short-term services provided to other satellite Inmarsat plc announces unaudited unless otherwise noted. financial results for the year ended 31 For the quarter ended December 31, operators and the end-of-service or service reductions for certain North December 2018. In 2018, Inmarsat 2018, Telesat reported consolidated delivered good growth in Revenue and revenues of $232 million, a decrease of American customers, partially offset by the impact of the implementation of IFRS EBITDA, with year-on-year increases of 8% ($21 million) compared to the same 5.3% and 4.2% respectively and period in 2017. When adjusting for the 15 and revenue related to the Telstar 19 VANTAGE satellite. Operating expenses c o n s i s t e n t q u a r t e r - o n - q u a r t e r impact of foreign exchange rate improvement. This result, building on the changes, revenue decreased by 9% were $186 million, a decrease of 1% ($2 million) from 2017. In 2018, the impacts return to growth established in 2017, was ($22 million) compared to the same driven by the strength of our global GX period in 2017. The decrease was of IFRS 15 implementation and lower compensation expense associated with broadband offering, particularly in primarily due to short-term services Aviation, Government and Maritime, and provided to other satellite operators in certain payments to stock option holders made in connection with the cash by lower indirect costs. Aviation revenues the 4th quarter of 2017 that did not re- grew by over 40%, within which In-Flight occur in 2018, and the end of service or distribution to shareholders in the first quarter of 2017 were offset by higher Connectivity revenues more than doubled. service reductions for certain Group Revenue increased by $71.6m, or customers, partially offset by the impact share-based compensation expense and higher cost of equipment sales. 5.7%, to $1,334.5m, including $26.6m of the implementation of IFRS 15 and increase in Q4: o Maritime: consistent revenue related to the Telstar 19 Adjusted EBITDA1 was $752 million, a decrease of 1% ($5 million) or, when double-digit growth in revenues and VANTAGE satellite, which entered further market share capture in the commercial service in August 2018. adjusted for foreign exchange rates, an increase of $3 million. The Adjusted fastgrowing VSAT segment. New Operating expenses of $71 million for strategies are being implemented in the the quarter were 52% ($24 million) EBITDA margin1 for 2018 was 83.3%, compared to 81.6% in 2017. mid-market, to help protect market share, higher than the same period in 2017, as customers migrate to VSAT o primarily because of non-cash The adoption of IFRS 15 had a net Government: sustained and growing compensation expenses of $26 million penetration of the US customer base. recognized for the 2018 year associated positive impact of approximately $19 million on revenues, approximately $21 Revenues little changed in other markets with restricted share units and stock such as Aviation: In-Flight Connectivity options granted during the fourth million reduction in operating expenses and a positive impact of approximately (“IFC”) revenues more than doubled to quarter. Adjusted EBITDA1 for the $101.3m, including first GX IFC airtime quarter was $190 million; a decrease of $40 million on Adjusted EBITDA1 for the year ended December 31, 2018. revenues and with materially improved 8% ($17 million) compared to the same cash flow. Improved IFC market position period in 2017. The Adjusted EBITDA For the year ended December 31, 2018, the net loss was $91 million, compared with growing order book and strategic margin1 for the fourth quarter of 2018 Panasonic agreement. Core business was 82.2%, compared to 82.0% in the to net income of $505 million for 2017. The decrease in net income for the year continues to deliver high margin double- same period in 2017. The impact of digit revenue growth. foreign exchange rate changes on was principally the result of foreign IN THE NEWS

Rupert Pearce, Chief Executive Officer, intensity data, like video, will see an GPS III satellites under contract and in commented on the results: “Inmarsat improvement in throughput of around full production at Lockheed Martin. GPS delivered consistent growth in 2018, 37%. The free of charge software III SV03-08 are now in various stages of building on our return to growth update will allow a helicopter operating assembly and test. The Air Force established in 2017. I am particularly from a remote location to transmit a declared the second GPS III “Available pleased by the 85% revenue growth in significantly improved video or data for Launch” in August and, in November, GX services and a doubling of our IFC stream. This capability is crucial for called GPS III SV02 up for its 2019 revenues, both of which augur well for organisations operating rotary wing launch. the future. “We remain focused on aircraft in specialised roles such as In September 2018, the Air Force building and defending substantial search and rescue, medical evacuation selected Lockheed Martin for the GPS market share in our target markets, and military forces. III Follow On (GPS IIIF) program, an supported by our diversified product estimated $7.2 billion opportunity to portfolio and leading-edge networks. Second Lockheed build up to 22 additional GPS IIIF This will ensure we are able to fully satellites with additional capabilities. capitalise on both the immediate and Martin-built GPS III GPS IIIF builds off Lockheed Martin's longer-term growth opportunities in existing modular GPS III, which was these markets. satellite for the US Air designed to evolve with new technology “Supported by a tightly controlled cost Force and changing mission needs. On base and an infrastructure capital September 26, the Air Force awarded investment programme which we are The US Air Force's second new GPS III Lockheed Martin a $1.4 billion contract confident will meaningfully and satellite, bringing higher-power, more for support to start up the program and sustainably moderate from 2021, we accurate and harder-to-jam signals to to contract the 11th and 12th GPS III expect to generate sustained free cash the GPS constellation, has arrived in satellite. flow growth over the medium to long Florida for launch. Designed and built at Once declared operational, GPS III term.” Lockheed Martin's GPS III Processing SV01 and SV02 are expected to take The Group manages a diverse growth Facility near Denver, the satellite their place in today's 31 satellite strong portfolio of businesses and products that traveled from Buckley Air Force Base, GPS constellation, which provides in aggregate are expected to deliver the Colorado, to the Cape on a massive Air positioning, navigation and timing guidance above, with the portfolio mix Force C-17 aircraft. The Air Force services to more than four billion civil, expected to continue to evolve as nicknamed the GPS III SV02 commercial and military users. individual markets develop over the “Magellan” after Portuguese explorer medium term. Ferdinand Magellan. The Coalition for Deep GPS III is the most powerful and Cobham, Inmarsat resilient GPS satellite ever put on orbit. Space Exploration's Developed with an entirely new design, comments on National Launch SB-Helo X- for U.S. and allied forces, it will have Stream Helicopter three times greater accuracy and up to Space Council Meeting eight times improved anti-jamming Satcom capabilities over the previous GPS II The Coalition for Deep Space Exploration satellite design block, which makes up applauds Vice President Pence and Cobham Aerospace Communications today's GPS constellation. members of the National Space Council and Inmarsat announce the launch of GPS III also will be the first GPS for their leadership in calling for the return SB-Helo X-Stream™ helicopter satcom satellite to broadcast the new L1C civil of humans to the surface of the Moon at solution for Cobham AVIATOR SP signal. Shared by other international the South Pole by 2024. We welcome the systems. The new system will improve global navigation satellite systems, like intention of this White House to communications through rotor blades by Galileo, the L1C signal will improve accomplish these objectives “by any reducing packet loss by up to 40%. future connectivity worldwide for means necessary” and join with it and with Few solutions exist in the market to Congress in our support of a robust commercial and civilian users. program in deep space exploration. transmit data such as video imagery to a The Air Force began modernizing the satellite network in the same way as is GPS constellation with new technology Though we support the focus of this White possible from fixed wing aircraft. This is and capabilities with the December 23, House on deep space exploration and the due to the interference caused by the 2018 launch of its first GPS III satellite. sense of urgency instilled by aggressive rotors, which leads to intermittent, jittery GPS III SV01 is now receiving and timelines and goals, we also are cognizant data streams and distorted video at the responding to commands from of the resources that will be required to receiving station. Lockheed Martin's Launch and meet these objectives. Bold plans must be After extensive testing, Inmarsat and Checkout Center at the company's matched by bold resources made Cobham have developed a protocol in Denver facility. available in a consistent manner in order network Quality of Service (QoS) “After orbit raising and antenna to assure successful execution. Similarly, selection, as an enhancement of the deployments, we switched on GPS III the contracting mechanisms by which Swiftbroadband X-Stream™ service; SV01's powerful signal-generating spacecraft, facilities, systems and one of Inmarsat's streaming services navigation payload and on Jan. 8 supporting equipment are incorporated offering guaranteed on-demand high- began broadcasting signals,” into a robust Moon-to-Mars architecture streaming data rates over its L-band Johnathon Caldwell, Lockheed Martin's must be applied in a rapid and flexible network. Vice President for Navigation Systems. manner with only the absolute minimum of This allows data from rotary wing aircraft bureaucratic process and oversight “Our on orbit testing continues, but the necessary to succeed. This is especially to be transmitted to the Inmarsat satellite navigation payload's capabilities have true for technologies that have long been network, via dedicated modulation exceeded expectations and the in use but continue to labor under schemes. The increased resilience of the satellite is operating completely excessive oversight during development – data pipeline passing through the rotors healthy.” a burden that exacerbates cost, schedule, means that the transmission of high GPS III SV02 is the second of ten new and program risks.