5G: Operators plan off-grid solar powered VSAT solutions

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

AFRICA

SPECIAL REPORT ByHow Marcel Dischinger petroleum companies are using satellite services

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

The triumph of market policy Editor in-chief Aliyu Bello Finally, NCC grants Avanti Communications landing right permit Executive Manager Tonia Gerrald Satellite operators to generate $13.7 billion in data revenues by SA to the editor in-Chief Ngozi Okey 2028, says NSR Head, Application Services M. Yakubu ABS, INTERSAT host customers to a seminar on empowering Editorial/ICT Services John Daniel satellites in Africa Usman Bello Pay-TV Versus OTT- It's not yet 'play' time Alozie Nwankwo Hispasat's renouned female scientists and professionals Juliet Nnamdi engaged 50 girls on space technology Client Relations Sunday Tache Eutelsat announces successful 8-year bond issuance Lookman Bello Safiya Thani NSR reports smallsat dedicated launch vehicles Marketing Offy Pat to generate $2.2B by 2028 Tunde Nathaniel NCC officially ends CDMA in Nigeria Wasiu Olatunde 5G: Operators plan off-grid solar powered VSAT solutions Media Relations Favour Madu How petroleum companies are using satellite services Khadijat Yakubu Zacheous Felicia South Africa: Going Digital and Doing it quickly Finance Folarin Tunde

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]

LEGAL CONSULTANTS Idowu Oriola & Co. Garki, Abuja

DISTRIBUTION CONTACTS Ade Adejo

ABIJAN INTERNATIONAL Suleija, Abuja

AYO DISTRIBUTION AGENCY Emir Road, Ilorin Olumayowa Ojo

NEWSROUND INTERNATIONAL Area 10, Garki, Abuja Magazine Circulation Nigeria Limited 90, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja Magazine Subscription Nigeria Limited Ikeja, Lagos.

DELALI OTCHI Ridge Church, Tudu Branch, Accra, Ghana.

AL AHRAM NEWPAPERS LIMITED Al Galaa Street -11511 Cairo-Egypt Ayo Olu

MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTION AGENCY Jos, Plateau State.

1

Editorial

The triumph of market policy

It is a fascinating times in the growth and financial support from the British National Nigeria (IXPN), has requested Maindata development of satellite connectivity in Space Centre (BNSC) and the European Nigeria (MDXi), a MainOne subsidiary, to Nigeria. In 2007, at the stakeholders' Space Agency (ESA), in the amount of 34 help improve national transit traffic, hosting conference and exhibition on the million EUR, with the total cost of the a Point of Presence in the Maindata facility. NIGCOMSAT 1R launch organized by the project estimated at 120 million EUR. Its For Main One, there is bandwidth capacity m a n a g e m e n t o f t h e N i g e r i a n first satellite, named Hylas-1 was and glut in Lagos. Main one Cable has 4 Communications Satellite Limited in launched successfully on 26 November terabits of capacity, but coming from where Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, the 2010 and became operational in March the country used to be at 120 gigabits from then Executive Vice Chairman of the 2011, with all of the subscribers on IS-903 SAT-3. Nigerian Communications Commission, switched over to the new satellite. Well, there is bandwidth capacity NCC, Dr Eugene Juwah stated that there somewhere around Apapa, in Lagos, will be no room for monopoly in the For Avanti Communications, the future is South West Nigeria, but the end users are satellite industry as operators wherever forever bright, The company represents not getting value for it because of they are, whenever they are located will Europe’s first Ka band satellite operator connectivity challenges. be allowed to offer cross border services with oneof the highest fill ratio in the world over Nigeria's landscape. in terms of transponder utilisation. According to Main One, the company do not have last mile infrastructure, this could According to him, since a satellite However, in Africa, stiff market conditions be satellites, could be wireless technology launched in Moscow is capable of offering combined with a highly fragmented base stations or could be optic fiber services to Brazil in South America or any market have resulted in the poorest fill deployed by the mobile operators already parts of the world where the satellite has ratio in the world with an average 53 per in business. The reality is that even in footprint, NIGCOMSAT 1R being the only cent, below Middle East and Latin Lagos, where bandwidth are supposedly Nigerian or African telecommunications America. adequate, people still don't have bandwidth satellite will not be shielded from access as they ordinarily should. Prices of competitors from other parts of the world. A survey to evaluate the minimum international capacity is lower, N250 per Stating further, Dr. Juwah observed that transponder prices that the various types MEG, people don't buy less than N1000 or NIGCOMSAT Limited will have to face of operators can offer without putting their N1200 as end users in Nigeria. The reality other competitors who may even possess business at risk, ie assuming an EBIT is that prices for existing last mile a handsome experience in the market in margin close to zero indicates that the infrastructure are still high. terms of innovation and affordable lowest prices that operators can afford services to end users. while remaining sustainable reach USD In 2018, MainOne announced new 0.75 million for large satellite operators, partnership with Avanti Communications In US, the captive market contributes over USD 1.19 million for small emerging Group Plc to host and manage the satellite 60 per cent of the entire satellite operators and USD 1 million for medium operator's in-country Gateway Earth revenues, while in Europe, it is even size established operators. Station bringing Avanti's HYLAS 4 satellite more, estimated to be over 70 per cent. into MDXI's satellite farm in Lagos. The However, in India, the regulator protects With this, global operators are in a project has seen Avanti invest up to USD 20 the captive market to the detriment of the position to enter a price war that no million in the Nigerian Gateway, ensuring foreign satellite operators. A foreign regional or local player is able to sustain. that data from the HYLAS 4 Ka-band satellite service provider, irrespective of This situation has been further worsened satellite is delivered efficiently in-country the extent of its satellite footprint over by the surging need of operators owned and interconnected with other networks. India will not be allowed to deployed by private equity forms to rapidly The HYLAS 4 Ka-band satellite at present services on transponders of any other improved their fill ratios. delivers High Throughput Satellite (HTS) satellite in so much as there are connectivity to complement the country's redundant capacity on the INSAT satellite Africa is expected to be the fastest existing fibre-optic networks, ensuring series. China has even more stringent growing data market in the world and with access is available to enable high-speed regulations. the majority of its capacity dedicated to internet everywhere, even to the most Africa. Before the current license, Avanti remote and rural locations. L a s t m o n t h , t h e N i g e r i a n has developed strong partnerships with Communications Commission granted its the largest telcoms operators in our core This move, according to the company will first landing right permit to AVANTI markets. guarantee partner organizations of the Communications Group Plc, a UK- based “In 2017, Avanti solicits partnership with Nigerian Internet Exchange with improved satellite operator, for hosting of its HYLAS MainOne and MDXI, to rollout satellite peering services, and enables data 4 Satellite space segment over Nigerian broadband services across Nigeria and proliferation for content providers hosted in territory. West Africa. Avanti's products will greatly MainOne's Data Center through to complement MainOne's existing network Nigerian Internet users. After having supplied broadband services and provide reliable broadband by leasing satellite capacity on the Intelsat connectivity to places within the region IS-903 for a number of years, reporting a without terrestrial fibre connectivity. base of 7 000 customers at the end of 2010, Avanti ordered the construction of Main One has got its challenges. For its first satellite baptized HYLAS, financed instatce, the Internet Exchange Point of by both public and private funds: it enjoys 5 APOINTMENTS

consultancy with more than 250 divestiture of NewSkies to SES S.A. Steve Collar becomes professionals. Prior to Blackstone, he was a Vice honorary chair of World President at Morgan Stanley in the Investment Banking Division, where he Space Week 2020 Khalid Balkheyour provided banking and advisory services elected chair of EMEA to established and emerging companies in the broader communications sector. One of the biggest Space event on Earth, Satellite Operators the world Space Week, has appointed Steve Collar, the President and Chief Executive AssociationSource: Airbus Defence and Space Officer of SES as its honourary chair. World KVH appoints Ken Space Week is a United Nations-declared Khalid Balkheyour, President and CEO of event held each year between 4-10 October. the Arab Satellite Communications Loke as Vice In 2018, World Space Week included 5,400 Organization (ARABSAT) has been elected President events in 86 nations. In 2019, World Space as Chair of the EMEAProf Satellite Seidu Mohammed Operators Week will feature the Moon, with astronomy Association (ESOA) and will lead the KVH Industries has announced that Ken groups globally focusing telescopes on our association for the next two years.Libby Barr Loke has been named Vice President – nearest neighbor. In 2020, World Space Khalid graduated with a Masters degree in Asia Pacific, to direct all initiatives for Week will focus on satellite technology and Adewale Adeyipo Electrical Engineering from California State KVH in this important region. Loke has the key role of satellites in today's world. Polytechnic University Pomona in 1981. extensive experience in satellite and “I'm excited to chair World Space Week, the Before joining Arabsat, he held the post of managed services with top companies biggest space event on Earth, as it focuses Executive Vice President for Marketing and active in the telecommunications and global attention on the broad benefits of Sales at Lucent Technologies and before maritime industries. KVH provides satellite technology to humankind,” said that, Vice-President of Operations and connectivity solutions for the maritime Collar. “At SES, we always say that we do the Maintenance in the Saudi Ministry of PTT, market, including global mini-VSAT extraordinary in space so that our customers later known as the Saudi Telecommunication Broadband services used by thousands can do amazing things on Earth. We believe Company (STC). of vessels worldwide. Prior to joining passionately in the need for content and Khalid takes the helm of ESOA at a time of KVH, he held the positions of chief connectivity everywhere and this belief opportunity, when the Association is commercial officer and chief executive aligns perfectly with the focus of World mobilizing the global satellite industry to officer for Eutelsat – Asia Pacific, and Space Week. Space touches the human unite ahead of the World Radio Conference senior vice president for General Electric experience in so many ways and I am proud 2019 to defend its spectrum and ensure a Satellite for North Asia, Southeast Asia, to help highlight the impact that we, as an solid basis for the future development of the and the Oceania region. industry, have today and will continue to satellite industry. ESOA is also driving have in the future.” forward cooperation with the mobile Every year, teachers use space during World terrestrial industry, working on 5G standards Pascal Homsy named Space Week to inspire students and a through 3GPP and exploring synergies and myriad of space events to educate the public avenues of cooperation to overcome the EVP of Thales Alenia about space activities. Collar will encourage obstacles that stand in the way of enabling Space's Telecoms the space and satellite industries to the integration and interworking of satellite participate in World Space Week and will and terrestrial technologies required to Business line keynote an awards event to recognize top deliver sustainable 5G services to a supporters. maximum number of people. Pascal Homsy, 54, has been appointed Today, nearly 2,000 satellites support crucial Executive Vice President of Thales David M. Tolley to Join Alenia Space's Telecommunications Aitech Group appoints Business Line, effective May 13, 2019. Intelsat as Executive He succeeds Bertrand Maureau, who new CEO for future takes on new responsibilities within the Vice President and Chief Thales Group. From 1994 to 1998, growth Homsy served as Area Sales Manager, Financial Officer Asia-Pacific, at Lucent Technologies. Global leading manufacturer of technology systemsfor defense, and space industry Intelsat, S.A. announced the appointment of He subsequently moved up the ranks applications has appointed a business David M. Tolley as Executive Vice President within the Alcatel-Lucent Group, where veteran Yaron Mund as its CEO. By his and Chief Financial Officer, effective June 3, he held positions as Consultant, appointment, according to the company, 2019. Tolley will report to Intelsat's Chief Customer Strategies; Asia Sales Aitech Group is positioned to provide Executive Officer, Stephen Spengler, and Director; Vice President, Local enhanced engineering and technical support oversee Intelsat's global finance Multipoint Distribution Systems to its worldwide customer base. With Mund organization. He will serve on Intelsat's Business Unit; Vice President, Voice and at the helm, Aitech will continue to be a Management Committee and be based in Services Business Unit, Fixed Switching leading global manufacturer of embedded the company's U.S. administrative Systems; Vice President Sales, France systems for military, defense, space and headquarters in McLean, Virginia. Tolley Telecom/Orange global account; and industrial applications. He replaces Moshe brings over 20 years of financial experience CEO of Alcatel-Lucent France for more Tal, who successfully served as CEO since to Intelsat. He most recently served as the than three years. 2009 and will retire by the end of 2019. Chief Financial Officer of OneWeb where he He was also Vice President Sales, West Over the past two decades, Mund has led the global finance organization and and South Europe, in charge of France effectively managed and governed a variety served on the company's Executive and the FT/Orange account; and of business organizations. Most recently, he Committee. Prior to OneWeb, President of the Strategic Industries was COO of Caesarstone Ltd., a publicly- Segment. In April 2015, he was traded entity, where he was tasked with Tolley served as a Senior Managing Director appointed President of the Europe and rebuilding the company's operations and in the Private Equity Group at Blackstone MEA Regional Business Centre, positioning it for future growth. In addition, where he led satellite services strategy and S o f t w a r e a n d S e r v i c e s , f o r he served as CEO of Rotex, a textile investing and served on the Private Equity Nokia/Alcatel-Lucent. From 2017 until company renowned as a technology leader Investment Committee. During that period, this latest appointment, Pascal Homsy throughout Europe, Israel, the US and he was Chairman of the Board of Directors of served as Global Head of Sales, Big Australia, and as the Managing Director of NewSkies Satellites N.V. and led the public- Data and Security Division for ATOS Aviv AMCG, a global international to-private acquisition, re-IPO and ultimate (Bull SAS). MARKET REPORT Nigeria Finally, NCC grants Avanti Communications landing right permit

The Nigerian Communications Commission pursuant to its powers under Section 2 and Section 70(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 has granted its first ever landing right permit to AVANTI Communications Group Plc. Spacewatch reports.

The Nigerian Communications Commission properly coordinated at international levels data centres in Africa. (NCC) has granted its first landing right permit to through the ITU. However, the chief regulatory officer, AVANTI Communications Group Plc, a UK- AVANTI, Ann Vandenbroucke, said the based satellite operator, for hosting of its HYLAS After supplying broadband services by deployment of the satellite would enable 4 Satellite space segment over Nigerian leasing satellite capacity on the Intelsat IS- immediate broadband access and faster territory. The HYLAS 4 Ka-band satellite will 903 for a number of years, in 2006 Avanti internet services to Nigerians, saying the deliver High Throughput Satellite (HTS) Communications ordered the design of its permit was a big step forward to Nigeria connectivity to complement the country's first satellite named HYLAS, financed by and its economy. existing networks, ensuring access to enable both public and private funds: it enjoys Ann Vandenbroucke, noted that the high-speed internet everywhere, to the most financial support from the British National landing permit is one of a kind as it would remote and rural locations. Applications that will Space Centre (BNSC) and the European deploy the Hylas 4 satellite in providing be supported by this Avanti's fourth Ka-band Space Agency (ESA), Hylas-1 was better alternative services to subscribers satellite include satellite broadband services for launched successfully on 26 November anywhere in Nigeria the way it has in other homes and Small and Medium Enterprises 2010 and became operational in March parts of the world. She explained further (SMEs), rural schools, large enterprises and 2011, with all of the subscribers formerly on that the emphasis laid by Avanti in government agencies and cellular backhaul for IS-903 switched over in the first few weeks. infrastructure technology would further 2G, 3G and 4G mobile networks. Avanti has an A second satellite, the Hylas-2, was ordered enhance the productivity of technology established track record deploying such from Orbital Sciences Corp. in late 2009. companies, create employment, and services via existing satellites across East and Equipped with 24 Ka-band repeaters and propel facilities through a web of telecoms Southern Africa as well across Europe and the based on its Star 2.4 platform, the satellite echo system. Middle East have three times the capacity of the Hylas 1 Accordingly, open skies policies require Already, MDXI a subsidiary of MainOne has and serve markets in the Middle East and satellite operators to compete for partnered Avanti Communications Group Plc to Africa. Avanti finally raised 95 million EUR customers interested in obtaining C-band, host and manage the satellite operator's in- to fund a third satellite, Hylas-3 to serve the Ku-band and Ka-band satellite bandwidth. country Gateway Earth Station (GES). The African continent, boosting Avanti's It has been proven that this competition partnership delivered the commissioning of presence in emerging markets to 80%. can result in more options for local Avanti's first GES in West Africa, hosted at customers with a significant boost in MDXI's satellite farm in Lagos. The project has quality and lower prices. seen Avanti invest up to USD 20 million in the “The Nigerian The footprint of a satellite, implying the Nigerian Gateway, to ensure that data from the region of the Earth served by a satellite HYLAS 4 Ka-band satellite is delivered Communications does not match national borders, making it efficiently in-country and interconnected with necessary to regulate service delivery in other networks. Commission, NCC, another country. The Nigerian Communications Commission Over past years, Avanti's Project iMlango pursuant to its powers under Section 2 and has adopt policies has been providing improved education Section 70(2) of the Nigerian Communications that permit open and outcomes to over 50,000 marginalised Act 2003 regulates the provision and use of all girls across 195 Kenyan primary schools, satellite communications services and direct access to all supporting 150,000 pupils in total. networks, in whole or in part within Nigeria or on Combining a fully integrated e-learning a ship or aircraft registered in Nigeria. According wireless resources platform with robust measurement, the to the commission, all satellite space segment project demonstrated the benefits of providers must obtain landing rights from the after they have been broadband enablement by satellite to rural Commission before being allowed to provide schools, with exciting application for services to users within the Nigerian properly coordinated government private sector spending in geographical territory, including air space and connecting African schools to the internet. territorial waters. at international The programme has clear applications A satellite operator like Avanti can request on its across the education sector in Sub- own initiative, the authorization of the levels through the Saharan Africa. Commission to provide services in Nigeria. Avanti's efforts in Nigeria will also include Once the approval of the Commission is ITU”. the deployment of its Every Community obtained, such a non-Nigerian space station is According to the Executive Vice Chairman Online (ECO) initiative, with built-in Wi-Fi eligible to serve Nigeria and the name of that of the Nigerian Communications hotpots in schools, communities and satellite shall be included in the list of Commission, NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, government agencies, especially in the "Authorized Space Stations", according to the the landing permit implies authorisation that underserved and remote parts of the NCC. allows operators to beam its signal over the country where power availability and Given the increasing demand for Internet, data, territorial integrity of Nigeria, saying the connectivity services remain a challenge. voice, video and other essential services and landing permit is the first of its kind in In addition, the satellite operator will take increasing need for competition, the Nigerian satellite communications in Nigeria. advantage of MainOne's extensive Communications Commission, NCC, has adopt According to the commission, AVANTI was coverage to extend its market reach policies that permit open and direct access to all the only operator that has invested in the across nine countries in West Africa. wireless resources after they have been installation of international gateways and IN THE NEWS

ABS, INTERSAT host Satellite operators to generate $13.7 billion customers to a in data revenues by 2028, says NSR seminar on NSR's latest Global Satellite 2028 signifies a dire need to for operators' financial health empowering C a p a c i t y S u p p l y a n d transition the satellite “HTS is undoubtedly the key Demand, 16th Edition report, business into a more data- enabler for long term data satellites in Africa has confirms despite a centric model where large growth; however, there is challenging current climate for volumes and low prices divergence in fleet strategies. capacity sales, long-term ignite growth. This new HTS Some invest in large VHTS ABS, a global satellite operator and its projections are promising with partner INTERSAT, held a Customer capacity also expands the p a y l o a d s t o m i n i m i z e revenues doubling over the total addressable market CAPEX/Mbps hoping demand Seminar last Month in Nairobi to forge closer next 10 years. partnerships with its customers and re- (TAM) for satcom where will fill them rapidly. Others While video demand faces satellite solutions are follow a step by step sellers in Africa. The full day workshop hurdles in all markets, data provided an opportunity to exchange views increasingly more cost approach, launching smaller applications will drive the competitive HTS payloads, anticipating on satellite-enabled services to customers industry forward at a 6.8% and communities across the continent. The "Although capacity pricing rapid technology evolution to CAGR as HTS capacity in h a s d e c l i n e d a c r o s s minimize cost per Mbps sold. forum included presentations of technologies both GEO and LEO/MEO as well as issues and challenges from segments, applications like W h i l e , o p e r a t o r s w h o orbits unlocks demand via backhaul and maritime currently have significant operating in Africa, along with customer case exponentially more bandwidth studies. Vendor demonstrations were showcase the opening up of exposure to FSS try to and lower prices. Many areas low pricing demand via balance profitable legacy showcased as to how to best serve are still in the early days of customers. Customers from Kenya, elasticity, spurring growth customers, like video, with HTS adoption, but it will across several regions in the growth coming from data on Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia, Ethiopia, DRC, progressively capture a larger South Africa and other African countries world,” comments Gagan hybrid FSS-HTS satellites”, portion of revenue. By 2028, 2 Agrawal, states Lluc Palerm, attended this event. of every 3 capacity dollars will “We were pleased to collaborate with be generated on HTS vs. FSS NSR Senior Analyst and NSR Senior Analyst and INTERSAT as our premium partner and were capacity overwhelmed with the responses from our report co-author. As the report co-author. Business industry shifts to services; models need to adapt. From clients at the conference. It was interesting to Video continues to be the see the success stories from some of our video, especially C-band investing in ground segment industry cash cow. Even with distribution, continues to to offering managed services, resellers who have ingeniously carved out continued declines due to the localized solutions for their respective decline quickly, due to to co-investing with MNOs for impact of compression and spectrum issues and a c c e l e r a t e d r u r a l markets,” said Flavien Bachabi, ABS - price degradation, video Managing Director of Africa. “We thank all our c h a n g i n g p r i o r i t i e s . deployments or participating revenues are still critical for Stabilizing profitability via in subscriber acquisition; customers, resellers and vendor partners for the health of the industry. joining us at this summit”. i m p r o v i n g f l e e t s a n d operators need to take bigger However, a decline of $1.8 unlocking low-price demand responsibilities stimulating CEO, INTERSAT, Hanif Kassam mentioned billion in video revenue by that “It was a good event from our remains absolutely critical demand. perspective, and I thank all attendees for their patronage. The delegate turnout exceeded our expectations and they represented a The maritime VSAT connectivity market wide variety of market segments that we serve. Customer have shown a very strong exceeds $1b revenue projection interest in what we had to talk and showcase, and I am excited to see their responses. My According to Euroconsult's Increasing demand from 65,000 in 2028,” said Xavier sales-team is already overwhelmed with latest report, Prospects for passengers, as well as Lansel, Senior Consultant at follow-up meetings, queries and demos, M a r i t i m e S a t e l l i t e regulatory pressure on Euroconsult. working closely with our partners and Communications, the maritime communications and crew “As a consequence, VSAT resellers. I also thank ABS team for their connectivity market continues welfare are major factors solutions will generate more support and cooperation in making this event to be vibrant, as shipowners pushing maritime operators than 90% of the maritime a great success.” With the growing trend to transition to the next level of to install new generation satellite communications localize content, ABS has partnered with broadband connectivity. satellite systems on their revenue in 2028. VSAT INTERSAT to set up teleport infrastructure in The merchant, passenger and v e s s e l s . I n a d d i t i o n , revenue is anticipated to Nairobi to offer data and video services on leisure segments have all been d e c r e a s i n g p r i c e s f o r increase to $2.7 billion by the ABS-3A satellite over both Ku and C-band supporting growth in revenues capacity and terminals end of the decade.” beams across Sub Saharan Africa. and capacity usage, while a encourage more customers For the maritime market, if all Resellers and enterprises across Africa can rebound on oil pricing would to adopt VSAT services, while satellites are launched as subscribe for SVNO services without accelerate the offshore existing clients transit to planned, the total available investing on a physical hub (no CAPEX). segment. In addition to higher data packages. GEO HTS capacity over They can also manage their remote sites by capacity, an increasing focus is HTS capacity is rising fast oceanic regions will grow from subscribing to a pool of bandwidth and have on the supply of value-added and is expected to grow even about 100 Gbps in 2018 to the option for a SVNO license. Clients can s e r v i c e s a n d o n t h e faster in the next five years, around 680 Gbps in 2023. By create their own bandwidth portfolio and outsourcing of daily operations as new operators enter the then, Ka-band systems will manage use with various contention levels. by shipping companies. market. Hardware, such as stand for over 90% of GEO INTERSAT has set up a DTH platform on The maritime satellite VSAT receiving antennas and HTS satellite capacity over ABS-3A (Ku) which is to facilitate small communications market modems, is also evolving oceans. Capacity leased for channel operators, churches and online experienced extensive growth rapidly; smaller, lighter, and maritime applications is gaming companies to uplink their channels in 2018, with the number of more efficient antenna a n t i c i p a t e d t o g r o w terminals increasing by almost over DTH on a free-to-view platform. systems are gaining traction tremendously from 27 Gbps in 18% YOY and reaching 26,000 Customers need not incur any CAPEX to as the industry constantly 2018 to almost 370 Gbps in at year-end 2018. build the headend as they can simply send evolves. 2 0 2 8 , a t 3 0 % C A G R . VSAT services revenue their content over IP to INTERSAT's teleport “ T h e V S AT m a r k e t i s Capacity consumed per exceeded $1 billion, resulting anticipated to grow quickly; which gets uplinked onto the DTH platform at vessel should peak, driven by in growth of almost 11% as the number of terminals a nominal monthly fee. c r e w a n d p a s s e n g e r compared to the previous year. should increase to more than applications. IN THE NEWS

NSR report assesses Avanti, MGI partner to enable satellite access viability of satellite across South Sudan, Chad and Angola constellations Avanti Communications has speed satellite broadband band satellite technology. s i g n e d a f i v e - y e a r to connect governments, We're excited to partner with worldwide agreement with MGI Global enterprises, schools, Avanti to further expand our Services which enables MGI clinics and communities in service portfolio and to NSR's industry standard report on the market to provide high-speed South Sudan, Chad and continue supporting the digital for and viability of satellite constellations satellite broadband services Angola, especially in rural transformation in Africa.” worldwide: Satellite Constellations: A Critical across South Sudan, Chad and other locations where Avanti has rights to orbital Assessment, 2nd Edition was released and Angola. terrestrial networks are slots and Ka-band spectrum recently. NSR's report provides a complete For ywaes, Avanti connects limited or unreliable. that cover an end market of assessment of key satellite constellations set people wherever they are - Avanti CEO, Kyle Whitehill, over 1.5bn people. The Group to disrupt the satcom market in the next in their homes, businesses, said “HYLAS 4, the latest has invested $1.2bn in a decade. Through a bottom-up assessment of in government and on addition to our satellite network that incorporates non-GEO demand across core applications, mobiles. Through the fleet, was launched to satellites, ground stations, matched against the cost, project specifics and HYLAS satellite fleet and complete our coverage of datacenters and a fibre ring. launch likelihood for each key constellation, more than 150 partners in Sub-Saharan Africa.” Avanti has a unique Cloud NSR provides its foresight into this critical 118 countries, the network MGI Managing Partner, based flexible customer market provides ubiquitous internet Ilija Reymond, added “We interface that is protected by NSR forecasts a mixed outcome for operators service to 27 per cent of the are committed to providing patented technology. planning projects involving satellite fleets. world's population. governments, NGOs, Avanti's first satellite, called High-throughput constellations come with very The partnership will improve b u s i n e s s e s a n d HYLAS 1, launched in high costs for satellite manufacturing and the penetration of reliable communities across Sub- November 2010 and was the launch, as well as ground infrastructure. satellite broadband in these Saharan Africa with first superfast Ka-band However, IoT constellations have a more countries, and significantly reliable and top tier satellite launched in Europe. favorable CAPEX-to-revenues ratio, driven by increase access to the t e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Avanti's second satellite, much cheaper satellites and diversification of internet. services. Avanti's HYLAS 4 c a l l e d H Y L A S 2 , w a s demand for M2M/IoT services. Through Avanti's latest enables us to provide launched in August 2012 and state-of-the-art Ka-band customers with affordable extends Avanti's coverage to Satellite manufacturing and launch costs are satellite HYLAS 4, MGI will high speed and quality Africa, the Caucasus and the quite a significant hurdle to overcome for provide affordable high- broadband flexible Ka- Middle East. constellations, with the added challenge of replenishment, or the cost of a long-term, ongoing system,” notes Dallas Kasaboski, Senior Analyst and report co-author. “While Momentum builds for One Sea as players join mass production of satellites has been shown to significantly reduce cost, supply chain autonomous shipping alliance management becomes increasingly more challenging. Then, the trade-off often comes at Three of the leading coasts at the end of 2018. voice on interoperability and the price of a more expensive ground network i n f l u e n c e r s i n t h e Finnish regulators have standards that the wider infrastructure.” NSR's latest report further international maritime authorized One Sea to industry is listening to. As examines the development of ground systems sector have joined One oversee future trials in Inmarsat continues to roll out for HTS constellations, finding that next- Sea, the industry alliance Jaakonmeri off western the high-speed maritime generation terminals are a vital piece of the that brings together leading Finland - the first dedicated broadband service that will viability picture. exponents of autonomous test zone worldwide. enable and protect shipping's ship technology. “Members have complete digital future, it is critical we Demand for non-GEO HTS capacity and Global satellite group freedom to innovate and s u p p o r t t h e a l l i a n c e s service is growing in all verticals, but it remains Inmarsat and NYK Group develop their own cost- enabling integration.” smaller than GEO at least until 2028. research subsidiary MTI efficient autonomous ship Haikkola said that the full “Constellations aim to offer higher throughput, (Monohakobi Technology solutions inside an alliance research program being lower latency, and global connectivity. And Institute) have joined One which is nonetheless developed by One Sea while the Total Addressable Market (TAM) for Sea as full members, while committed to harmonizing continued to expand, with its these services is substantial, the challenges of the Royal Institution of technical standards,” said most recent initiative competition with terrestrial and 5G services, as Naval Architects (RINA) has Haikkola. “Our expectation focusing on autonomous well as price-sensitive addressable markets, signed a Memorandum of is that, as member numbers ship piloting arrangements limit the captured market”, adds Shagun Understanding to become a grow, operating solutions will between ports and ships. Sachdeva, Senior Analyst and report co- O n e S e a a s s o c i a t e multiply but members will author. “However, new players like Amazon member. a l s o w o r k t o w a r d s “As an area where public and show growing interest in integrating terrestrial “We are delighted to integration.” private interests converge, and satellite businesses, creating new welcome the largest global The new members would One Sea can play a special opportunities, competition, and changing provider of ship-to-shore bring different perspectives role in the different strands of market dynamics.” As such, NSR expects connectivity, the R&D arm and insights to the One Sea research, funding, test greater pressure on capacity pricing going of one of the largest ecosystem, she added. coordination and results forward, with an aggressive industry focus on shipowners in the world and Inmarsat VP Business dissemination,” she said. addressing consumer broadband customers the industry's leading Development, Stefano Poli, She added that One Sea was later in the forecast professional body for naval commented: “Inmarsat is ”honoured” to sign the MoU The case for non-GEO constellations remains architects as members,” j o i n i n g O n e S e a i n with RINA covering associate challenging, given high CAPEX considerations said Päivi Haikkola, One recognition of the special member status. “We look and long development times. However, interest Sea Lead. value it sees in initiatives that forward to working with RINA and investment remain high, with more funding One Sea members ABB, adopt a targeted and goal- and to the opportunity of and value chain collaboration shown in recent Kongsberg Maritime and b a s e d a p p r o a c h t o drawing on the unique years. Ground terminals remain a significant Wärtsilä ran separate autonomous shipping and its knowledgebase represented challenge, but technology is developing autonomous ship trials off beneficial technologies. One by its membership.” quickly. Bottom Line: the Finnish and Norwegian Sea is emerging as a strong SPECIAL FEATURE

Pay-TV Versus OTT It's not yet 'play' time

John Ugbe CEO, MultiChoice Nigeria

Today, video consumption is fast shifting from offline to online, from larger to smaller screens and fromAustin linear Okere, Founderto on-demand,, CWG Plc new direct to consumer OTT business models, enabled by rising internet penetration and faster internet speeds. While these trends are key for all industry players and continue to shape the future of TV, they are at different stages of evolution in different markets and Africa is still in the very early stages of development and here is why. Based on this report released by the delta perspective

Media consumption in Africa is still very which is expected to continue for the will need to leapfrog fixed which, in terms much linear, offline (DTH/ DTT) and on near foreseeable future. Pay-TV of market penetration, seems fairly the TV screen. Global consumption ARPUs though have come under imminent. One key challenge though will trends are not yet Africa's reality and pressure in recent years, but more as a still remain – LTE/ Mobile Data pricing. At probably won't be until fixed broadband result of the low-end segments hitting current pricing levels of ~$2/ GB, even if penetration reaches critical mass and/ or the market as opposed to any evidence one were to consume 2 hours of video LTE and mobile data leapfrog fixed. of cord shaving. per day in 'low' quality average Pay-TV Unlike in developed markets such as the viewership in many African markets is USA, where consumers are increasingly Connectivity – Telcos hold the currently in excess of 4-5 hours per day), turning to on-demand service providers key the monthly mobile bill could rack up such as Amazon and Netflix and Fixed broadband is a key enabler for close to $36/ month. This, in sub $5 terminating Pay-TV services, cord cutting OTT adoption. However, in most African mobile ARPU markets, will be is still not a real threat in most African markets Fixed broadband penetration is undoubtedly cost prohibitive. markets. Pay-TV subscriptions in Africa expected to remain at sub 5% levels Telcos will thus hold the key if OTT continue to demonstrate robust growth even by 2022. In such a scenario, LTE viewership is to gain critical mass – either SPECIAL FEATURE

through significant cuts in mobile data MultiChoice are able to spread the cost own exclusive content. pricing, the launch of affordable unlimited of expensive sports rights, global bundles, or zero-rating partnerships with blockbusters and local productions over Another key development which could OTT providers – the ball seems to be in multiple African markets. Their content soon make its way into Africa and break in the court of mobile operators. cost per sub of $75 (based on $870 to the Premium Pay-TV segments is million of programming and production Sports via OTT platforms. The most well- Content is king costs in the 2016 financial year spread known examples include Twitter, Amazon, In Africa, long form content still over a base of 11.6m subs) is more in Facebook and YouTube in the USA dominates consumer viewership across line with the likes of Netflix, Amazon and competing over rights to stream NFL device types. Even though short form Hulu as opposed to more traditional football games, with Facebook also content is beginning to show signs of Pay-TV players such as DirectTV, Sky making a significant yet losing bid ($610m initial adoption particularly on smaller and Dish whose content costs per sub for 5 years of streaming rights) for the screens, until smartphones and tablets are closer to the $200-$400 range. Indian Premier League (IPL) for Cricket; become more prolific and data becomes Despite all the above, there is one trend Hotstar and Iflix streaming the IPL in India more affordable, this space will continue which is fast making its way to Africa and top flight and second division football to serve a niche segment of the youth which traditional Pay-TV providers leagues in Indonesia respectively; DAZN population and not translate into a major need to start watching out for. in Europe capturing rugby, football and the revenue driver for industry players. NFL; Sportflix in Mexico slated to offer OTT's producing own exclusive premium third-party sports content from Content preferences also vary content and acquiring sports the NFL, NBA, Formula One, NHL, UFC, significantly compared with more rights Golf and Soccer for subscription plans western markets such as the USA . Local ranging from $19.99 a month to $29.99 a content can account for over 90% of month. More recently, Kwese TV in Africa While leading Pay-TV providers in viewership for the mass market has announced a video streaming service Africa still hold exclusive rights to segments. While global blockbusters are with access to over 100 channels including premium local and sports content, they still critical to tap into the premium base, sports such as the NBA and Baseball. need to keep a close eye on such content alone cannot be the recipe developments in the OTT space. For for success for any player operating in In conclusion, while the OTT space in example, ShowMax in Kenya is Africa. As such, besides traditional Pay- Africa is relatively nascent and linear producing exclusive Kenyan shows to TV operators, most OTT players are also television still dominates, consumption cater to the strong appetite for local including local content as a core trends are bound to change and the battle content. component of their content portfolios. between industry players is set to intensify. Telcos will start to march decisively iRoko has cited its large own exclusive It's not only the OTTs who can towards content, either through catalogue of Nigerian and Ghanaian partnerships or own content plays, and this play the scale game in Africa content, playing a key role in targeting will only increase the pressure on the emerging middle class. Global traditional PayTV providers. One When it comes to acquiring and players such as iflix are latching on to significant advantage though for the Pay- monetising blockbuster content, the the popularity of Nigeria's Nollywood TV industry is time on hand, which their media space is all about scale, which industry, purchasing up to 1,000 hours more developed market counterparts lack, leading OTTs have plenty of and of exclusive Nollywood content and but the time to act is now! traditional Pay-TV providers typically already commissioning two local titles. lack. In Africa though, the situation is In summary, it's not only the large Pay- slightly different – players such as TV providers who will have the rights to IN THE NEWS

Hispasat's renouned Eutelsat announces successful 8-year female scientists and bond issuance professionals engaged Eutelsat Communications has The Bonds will be issued at €10 million on an annualized announced the successful 99.822 per cent and will be basis from FY 2020-21, 50 girls on space issue by Eutelsat S.A., of 8- redeemed at 100 per cent of following the €24 million year senior unsecured bonds their principal amount at reduction of this item technology for a total of €600 million. maturity. They will have a generated by the previous Eutelsat Communications, coupon of 2.250 per cent bond issue in September The Inspiring Girls Foundation and HISPASAT, one of the world's leading per annum and will be 2018. Furthermore, this the Spanish satellite communications operator, satellite operators has taken cleared through Euroclear transaction will allow Eutelsat hosted the event entitled “Girls and the Space advantage of the current France, Clearstream and to extend its debt maturity Sector" in the Space Centre of the National c o m p e t i t i v e m a r k e t Euroclear. An application profile. Aerospace Technical Institute (INTA) in environment to raise long-term will be made for the Bonds As a result of this operation Maspalomas, the Canary Islands, with 50 girls financing with a 8-year to be listed on the Official Eutelsat will extend its debt attending from the Guanarteme de Las Palmas maturity on attractive terms. List, and admitted to trading maturity profile and will high school. The transaction was well on the regulated market, of reduce its financial charges The president of HISPASAT, Elena Pisonero, the received by a diversified the Luxembourg Stock before tax on an annualised Director of Communications, Cristina Perez investor base, demonstrating Exchange. The Bonds will basis onwards. Cantó, and the engineers NuriaCandelaria the market's confidence in mature on 13 July 2027. Headquartered in Paris, with Trujillo, Herenia Barrera and Andrea Peña Eutelsat's long-term business Delivery and settlement are offices and teleports around participated as volunteers in a speed networking model.Together with other expected on or around 13 t h e g l o b e , E u t e l s a t event with the young girls, sharing personal and sources of cash on its balance June 2019. represents a workforce of professional experiences in order to show them sheet the Bonds will enable Together with other sources 1,000 men and women from that the space sector can be an interesting choice Eutelsat to redeem at maturity of cash on its balance 37 countries who are experts for them and a sector with many professional the outstanding Bonds. sheet, the Bonds will enable in their fields and work with opportunities for women. The women also spoke With a global fleet of satellites Eutelsat S.A. to redeem the clients to deliver the highest with the girls about the obstacles they have faced and associated ground outstanding bonds issued quality of service. throughout their careers and how they have infrastructure, Eutelsat on 13 December 2013 for a overcome them. The women also answered all enables clients across Video, total principal amount of Over 50% of the 1,250 the questions the girls asked, spending a unique Data, Government, Fixed and €930 million, bearing s a t e l l i t e T V c h a n n e l s and inspiring morning in the Space Centre's Mobile Broadband markets to interest on its principal currently broadcasting in installations, where HISPASAT has one of its communicate effectively to amount at a fixed rate of Africa and Indian Ocean control and monitoring centres. During the highly their customers, irrespective 2.625 per cent per annum islands use one of Eutelsat's innovative event, the volunteers rotated in 10 of their location. Over 6,800 and due January 2020. m a r k e t - l e a d i n g v i d e o minute-rounds throughout all the girls' tables. television channels operated This operation is expected neighbourhoods. This means The visitors were also allowed to see the by leading media groups are to contribute to maximize that 15% of the more than installations. broadcast by Eutelsat to one Discretionary Free Cash- 4 , 0 0 0 T V c h a n n e l s For Elena Pisonero, the president of the operator billion viewers equipped for Flow and will generate a broadcasting via Eutelsat are “this has been a very worthwhile experience. Our DTH reception or connected to further pre-tax cash interest addressing these fast- sector is highly technical and specialised and terrestrial networks. saving of approximately d e v e l o p i n g m a r k e t s . there are not so many women. Therefore, it is essential for us to promote technical professions for women and we here in HISPASAT work along these lines so that our sector can be sustainable. Russian firm selects Orange Business We have to motivate these girls while they're young, as some of them will be future engineers Services for maritime satellite connectivity that will operate our fleet or will develop new, innovative satellite projects.” Russian energy shipping of the globe. supporting crew welfare and company Sovcomflot has “Digital connectivity at sea The event finished with an activity which safety in a remote region chosen Orange Business has been one of the major such as the Arctic. featured, in addition to HISPASAT's president, Services (OBS) to deliver talking points of the decade colonel Rafael Sahagún, director of the Similarly, remote use of satellite connectivity for in the maritime industry, Maspalomas Space Centre, and Marta Pérez business applications will eight of its ships operating in which has been slow to Dorao, president of the Inspiring Girls open the sea to the large the Arctic, including two of adopt technology enabling Foundation. For Marta Perez Dorao, “the space b u s i n e s s c o n f e r e n c e the country's largest oil i m p r o v e m e n t s i n sector is a field with enormous opportunities for markets. On-board IT can our young girls: from Aeronautics Engineering to tankers. connectivity across the also provide all status and Telecommunications, Systems Engineering, world's commercial fleet,” monitoring data required for logistics or experts in different technologies With a fleet of 146 vessels, said Dr Rikke Bjerg Jenson, efficient operation and related to the sector, there are opportunities the state-owned company a principal researchers support crew welfare with which our young girls do not know about. said that this initial roll-out from Royal Holloway, a d e q u a t e a f f o r d a b l e Therefore we need leading companies and the will enable the transmission University of London broadband capacity. women in them to become more visible so that of telemetry data from on- the girls can think: If Elena, Nuria or Andrea can board cameras and sensors This will help monitor the The development of VSAT do it, I can too: that's why being here today is truly to its operations centre, condition of the ships in real antennas for ships has led to motivating for us, showing the girls that STEM located in Saint Petersburg. time and choose the best a shift away from traditional careers can open many professional possibilities route, based on factors L-band connections and to for them and that these careers are also a The advent of global high- such as weather and sea higher-throughput Ku- and professional alternative for them” t h r o u g h p u t s a t e l l i t e ice movements. Ka-band satellite services. . platforms have had a The closing ceremony for the event was led by transformative effect on the OBS said that the maritime According to a report, 57 Maria Teresa MáyansVázquez, Vice Delegate of maritime industry, delivering VSAT service provided to p e r c e n t o f s h i p p i n g the Government in Las Palmas who said “We are the kind of connectivity to Sovcomflot offers the companies have VSAT breaking molds. What we dream can be reality remote locations that advantage of automatically solutions fitted on their and we should not put limits on our professional currently is only experienced connecting to the highest vessels. paths. There is nothing that can stop us“. in highly populated regions quality network available, REPORT Raising the bar in e-governance

Galaxy Backbone Limited, the technology provider to Ministries, Department and Agencies across Nigeria has recently unveiled a new E-government Master Plan to transform the state of service delivery in Nigeria, according to its chief executive, Yusuf Kazaure

Galaxy Backbone is a leading Information services is delivered to our target clients. and Communications Technology service provider in Nigeria has announced the The company provides a dedicated carrier launch its E-government master plan. The class broadband connectivity to clients from company was set up by the Federal our Data centre using Wireless, Fiber, Government in recognition of the need to Satellite(VSAT) or a combination of these harmonise the approach to ICT in the public technologies, ensuring excellent service to sector, to help derive more value from its the customers Local Area Networks(LAN), i n v e s t m e n t s i n I n f o r m a t i o n a n d which we also manage for them. Communications Technology by eliminating duplication, establishing economies of scale, enhancing interoperability of systems and improving government's capacity to “Galaxy Backbone is deliver electronic services has continued to scale up the infrastructural needs of the Nigeria's digital public sector in Nigeria. infrastructure and Yusuf Kazaure According its chief executive, Yusuf Kazaure, Galalxy Backbone have come a shared services In ensuring that the E-government master long way, leveraging our directive from the plan is fully functional across the country for Federal Government to build a common provider to a fully digitized for interactions between services platform consisting of in-country government and all government agencies across the country, and offshore VSAT hubs, a datacenter, government and citizen and government Federal Capital metro fiber backbone and its agencies.” and businesses, Galaxy Backbone has also multiple redundant internet gateways. From invested in laying fibre optics infrastructure this platform, GBB is growing its coverage of across the country. public institutions nationwide and currently Managing Director and Chief Executive connects about 4,000 locations spread Officer, Mr, Yusuf Kazaure says that 'The e- So far, Galaxy Backbone is poised to create across various parts of Nigeria representing government master plan heralds the a digital nation and the launch of the e- over 350 Ministries Departments and platform that will help ministries and government master plan remains an integral Agencies of the Federal Government. agencies perform better and become more part of its plan to ensure that the company effective in providing services to other achieved this goal for the entire country. In Following the launch, government will begin government institutions, businesses and addition, the organisation is looking to the full implementation of the E-government the citizenry in a fast, reliable and efficient collaborate with ICT companies across the master plan, which is designed to set Nigeria manner. This will achieved through a country to leverage on the huge its apart in the league of nations effectively shared platform'. infrastructure. In addition to the Tier III delivering government services using digital Datacentre located in the Federal Capital technologies and Infrastructure, in earnest. The vision of the plan is to develop a Territory Abuja, Galaxy Backbone also has According to the Director E-government platform to access government services the only in country Disaster Recovery Centre within the Ministry of Communications, Mr. online with ease and that's where Galaxy located in Enugu. Tope Fashedemi, 'Galaxy Backbone Backbone plays a huge role in actualizing provides the Infrastructure that will enable this. Mr. Kazaure has assured all that Beside the goal of technology delivery to the full implementation of the e-government Galaxy Backbone will perform its government, the company view peoples’ master plan'. responsibilities to ensure the full development as a crucial part of its implementation of the plan. organizational goal. Therefore, it has gone 24/7 State Of The Art & deeper beyond implementing the In emphasizing the company's role in technology in government to providing Secure Datacentre attaining the goal set in the E-government consulting services to its numerous master plan, Mr. Frank Ugbodaga, Group customers via technical advisory services, Within the Abuja Central Business District, Head Customer Operations and Services training And capacity building services, which is Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory, explained that government has invested in operation support services and project is situated a world class and indeed as a state of the art Infrastructure, which management services. The goal is to help attested by some of our customers, a state includes a world class Tier III Integrated customers better align technology with what of the art government invested Datacentre. National Datacentre to ensure that the full they do and understand how technology can This technology infrastructure has been built weight of this plan is actualized. According lead to the achievement of corporate and with the highest detail in quality and cutting to Mr. Ugbodaga, “Galaxy Backbone has an statutory goals. edge technology and with help of our global active state of the art Tier III Datacentre with partners and service providers, it's been the latest infrastructure, computers, designed with the capability of hosting over storage and the largest dedicated tech 300 Terabytes(TB) of Data. Through our structure and network suitable for public Datacentre, an unmatched range of and private consumption in Nigeria”. IN THE NEWS

Satellite data NSR reports smallsat dedicated launch vehicles analytics saving to generate $2.2B by 2028 dairy farmers valuable time NSR's Smallsat Launch enables operators to keep the w i t h b i g g e r p a y l o a d Vehicle Markets, 2nd latest technology in orbit for a capabilities will be utilized. Grass SAT, an innovative, new grass Edition report, released fraction of the cost of H o w e v e r, w i t h r i s i n g management service has been launched by recently, reports the launching larger satellites. popularity and success Rezatec, the geospatial data analytics dedicated commercial garnered by companies like company, to provide dairy farmers with small satellite launch W h i l e f u n d i n g a n d Rocket Lab, emerging small automated daily updates of grass cover per market will see a rapid enthusiasm continues to launchers will continue to paddock, and other features, to optimise ramp-up period resulting in steadily increase, with twelve demand the spotlight. grazing management decisions throughout over $2.2B in revenue over new dedicated smallsat These small dedicated the year. Increasingly, dairy farmers are t h e n e x t 1 0 y e a r s , launchers anticipating their rockets will be utilized for looking for new ways to save time, cuts costs overcoming supply chain first orbital launches by the m e g a - c o n s t e l l a t i o n and improve grass management activities. c o n s t r a i n t s , n e w end of 2020, the additional replenishments in smaller Currently, many farmers rely on manual technology risks, and competition and market i n c r e m e n t s , c u b e s a t methods, for example visual assessment or solidifying its place in the constraints will cause constellation deployments (or using a plate meter, which can be time market as a proven consolidation by no later than deployments of smaller class intensive and require frequent manual competitor. the mid-2020s. “NSR expects of satellite constellations), as updates to provide current and accurate The development of small to see consolidation in the w e l l a s t e Measat-3bc h n o l o g y estimates of grass cover. Grass SAT, is an satellites represents a shift market in the form of M&As, developments, science, Earth online grass management service for dairy in the traditional space or companies pivoting to Observation and other farmers to optimise rotational grazing across industry model. Compared other services or exclusive v e r t i c a l s . their farms. Using a comprehensive grass to conventional large markets such as Military and This market's challenge and growth model fed with regular analytics satellites, small satellites Defense, or face shutdown,” opportunity still remains derived from satellite imagery, farmers are are manufactured at a writes Leena Pivovarova, focused on schedule. As the presented with a daily update of grass cover lower cost and within a NSR Analyst and report industry trend towards rapid per paddock. shorter time period. author. and more flexible launch The metrics are visualised in a secure portal Shifting mindsets also impact capabilities gains momentum, supported with a grazing wedge, sorting They provide not only how the industry perceives all actors must respond in grass cover from highest to lowest, as well as comparable services but small launch vehicle utility. their own unique ways to valuable decision support information such also new functions that Although, the larger mass remain competitive in the as number of grazing days per paddock and larger satellites cannot category of dedicated market. “With more players a colour-coded map of the farm presenting perform. They carry less smallsat launchers is ideal for m a t u r i n g a n d o ff e r i n g volumes and distribution of grass available. risk per launch and can be smallsats being developed competitive value-added The service is very easy to use and allows updated and replaced at a for mega-constellations, most services and incentives to farmers to initially draw their paddocks in a much quicker rate. Small of these satellites will not be distinguish themselves from digital map and add herd information before satellites also offer the launched on dedicated small their competition, launch they are presented with their wedge and daily opportunity to test new launchers. For large scale prices will increase,” says grass cover measurements. Farmers then technologies. Their rapid m e g a - c o n s t e l l a t i o n Pivovarova. update the portal with paddock activities, d e v e l o p m e n t c y c l e deployments, heavier rockets such as grazing or a cutting, and these feed into the model and revaluate the grass cover analytics. Arabsat welcomes Tribunal’s ruling on Qatar's John Brocklehurst, Dairy Farmer, Hilltop Farm, commented, “Utilising as much grazed beIN SPORTS and its France-based affiliate grass as possible is a top priority KPI for our business and I hope by using Grass SAT it Arabsat greatly values and proven beyond a shadow international federations will will provide me with more frequent grass respects the integrity of the o f a d o u b t o u r not drift behind defamation measurements of the whole farm without French judiciary, which has o r g a n i z a t i o n ' s v a l i d attempts and misleading having to walk it. The data is already skilfully and professionally position from day one, campaigns led by the beIN informing my day to day grazing addressed the allegations despite beIN SPORTS' o r g a n i z a t i o n , w h o s e management and moving forward I hope to of Qatar's Al Jazeera attempts to cast doubt on r e p u t a t i o n h a s b e e n identify areas of the farm that are less subsidiary, beIN SPORTS that position; its media tarnished by criminal productive and improve them as well as smear campaign; and its investigations in France and allocating grass to the cows more efficiently.” The judiciary's ruling relentless attempts to push Switzerland on charges of Farmers can also pull out paddocks for rejected all allegations bogus and misleading corruption and bribery. silage production as well as run multiple claims. wedges if required and new features, made by beIN against A r a b s a t , c o n f i r m i n g T h e F r e n c h c o u r t s ' By constantly lying and including an App, will be available over the distorting facts, beIN has coming months. Arabsat's valid position conviction of beIN and its leaked false information Philip Briscoe, Chief Operating Officer, r e g a r d i n g a l l t h e r u l i n g t h a t i t p a y s Rezatec explained, “We have been a c c u s a t i o n s a n d unprecedented fines, as regarding the French court's developing this product for a few years now defamation attempts led by w e l l a s p a y i n g t h e r u l i n g , p r o v i n g i t s and are confident it will make farmers lives Qatar's media group, p r o s e c u t i o n c o s t s dishonesty and lack of much easier. With an initial discounted trial which sought to link our represents justice and credibility. While welcoming period of two months, farmers can also be organization to the dubious r e f u t e s a l l f a l s e the ruling in favor of Arabsat, confident of the time the service can save beoutQ piracy. accusations that Qatar's we reserve the right to take them simply by providing an automated daily beIN SPORTS group tried legal action against beIN, its update of grass cover.” Grass SAT will also The French judiciary's to pin on Arabsat to cover executives, and all parties soon be available for beef and sheep farmers ruling, rejecting beIN's its technical failure to involved in spreading false as well as general forage producers. For lawsuit and allegations address media piracy. news regarding the Arabsat more information about Grass SAT visit the against Arabsat, has Arabsat hopes that the ruling website: www.grass-sat.com. SPECIAL REPORT

5G: Operators plan off-grid solar powered VSAT solutions

With around 40% of the population without access to electricity but also a high penetration of solar home systems in the off grid areas, the case of Africa is a very strong reference for the applicability of the satellite technology as 5G take off.

VSAT at Isiolo Girls High School

In today's age of global instant ownership mobile network coverage has or off-grid and these areas are mainly communication it is necessary to provide increased tremendously since 2011, located in developing countries. everybody with access to information 65.2% of households in urban areas and technology. As Telecommunication 25.8% of households in ruralb areas. In Leading mobile company, Ericsson has network have changed the way people live, contrast rural household electricity designed a Managed Rural Coverage work and play. Since many people around connection was only 4.8% in 2011. Mobile solution that bundles a managed service the world are connected by mobile phone owning households in rural areas with a cost-efficient Global System for networks, the challenge to provide reliable had already reached 11.75 million. Rural Mobile communication mini-site solution. and cost effective power solutions to these mobile ownership can be expected to The service enables profitable expansion expanding and remote networks has reach 45% (this is the planned mobile in rural areas with no network coverage. become indispensable for telecom network coverage for 2015) or 6.8 million The solution consists of a unique operators. households by 2015. Since the technology that reduces the cost for The mobile Industry in Africa faces many electrification rate is going much slowly power and transmission capacity and a challenges to operate the mobile networks than mobile phone network coverage business model that provides incentives in a cost effective manner. Africa has one of more than two third of rural mobile phone for subscriber growth and service the lowest electrification rates in the world owners would not be connected to maintenance for the local community, for with only 43% of the population having e l e c t r i c i t y. T h e e l e c t r i c p o w e r the operator, as well as for Ericsson. This access to grid electricity. Wherever there is infrastructure is playing a negative role in new business model is based on an access to grid electricity, the supply of the growth of mobile telecommunications operational lease; it lowers the financial electricity is highly unreliable with frequent in terms of network coverage and great and operational risks and provides a and long outage a result countless impact on the operation cost of running the pioneering project for the operator. broadcasting and telecommunications system due to non-availability of grid towers worldwide are powered by grid power supply. Currently Ericsson has on-going projects connections that are expensive to maintain in several African countries to deploy or diesel generators in regions with no Due to this there is very limited or no solar power based base station sites connection to the energy grid. coverage of mobile network for the rural under the theme 'Managed Rural Africa is a land of renewable energy population. In the conventional diesel Coverage'. The project unites managed source's opportunity. However, currently generators with backup battery were used services with cost-efficient GSM mini-site only less than 2% of the renewable for powering these mobile tower sites solutions and enables profitable resources are exploited for electricity (BTS). These off-grid systems, usually expansion into rural regions with no generation across Africa. This presents a l o c a t e d i n a r e a s w i t h d i ff i c u l t network coverage. This is a combination huge untapped potential for large scale a c c e s s i b i l i t i e s r e q u i r e r e g u l a r of unique technologies providing lower renewable power projects as well as small maintenance and are characterized by power consumption as well as scale mini-grids and off-grid power their high fuel consumption and high transmission costs. It supports systems. In addition, Africa has one of the transportation and operational cost. deployment of mobile telephony services lowest electrification rates in the world with for the next billion subscribers. The only 43% of the population having access Today, the number of base station sites targeted market region is defined as small to grid electricity. Wherever there is access has exceeded 25 million within the whole villages in countries with low penetration to grid electricity, the supply of electricity is telecommunication industry and it is of mobile subscriptions. highly unreliable with frequent and long expanding as the demand for connectivity However, the traditional off-grid radio outage. is growing. Most of the growth is in rural base station sites use generators and In Ethiopia, the households mobile phone areas where no electricity grid is available they are connected to the battery bank,

6 AFRICAN REPORT

which acts as a back-up system. These mobile operators need a solution that not only work for business owners, but systems use diesel as fuel, has high offers bandwidth efficiency. also for end-users, who can receive operational costs and higher CO2 VSAT networks are the best solution for Internet access with no up-front emissions that grid sites. Like Ericsson, bringing cellular service to remote and investment and no recurring service many companies have searched for rural areas because they offer ubiquitous procurement obligation. solutions to adopt renewable energy and highly reliable coverage, easy and Services like this can also bring great usage in base station sites located in off- quick installation, and bandwidth benefits in education. For example, grid rural areas. Ericsson has developed allocation technology that ensures Newtec was honored to be selected by a battery diesel hybrid power solution. In mobile operators are not wasting Avanti Communications as the High this solution, one of the diesel generators bandwidth. In implementing satellite Throughput Satellite ground segment is replaced with battery bank so that the solutions, mobile operators are able to technology platform for its Every Child amount of diesel consumed is decreased. grow their networks and bring reliable Online project, which will provide After this change in the system mobile connectivity to rural customers. As affordable and reliable satellite architecture, photovoltaic (PV) cells have a result, mobile subscribers in remote broadband connectivity to thousands of been added to the solution. Some of the areas are better able to stay connected schools and community sites across local suppliers employed wind turbines to with friends and relatives in urban areas Sub-Saharan Africa over the next two Ericsson's base station sites as well. and are able to access information on years The Ericsson managed rural coverage demand via the Internet, thus improving Although the satellite Wi-Fi hotspot solution is providing cost efficient GSM their quality of life. solution is slightly more expensive from coverage in rural areas with low capital In addition, enterprise demand for remote an initial investment perspective, the fact cost (CAPEX) and the lowest OPEX connectivity is rising, especially among that the investment is generating possible by the most optimized use of financial institutions and small to medium revenues from a large number of end- solar satellite connectivity. The main sub- enterprises. The reason for this rising users means the Total Cost of Ownership systems, assessed in this study which demand is that enterprises require per user represents just a fraction of the include the mini-site, Pico base station constant connectivity between all of their cost when compared to a traditional- RBS2409, base station controller, sites to plan for strategic and profitable single user VSAT terminal. antenna, complete solar system with PV growth. Enterprises based in urban Cellular backhaul for 2G is also an cells and solar batteries, mini-site pole centres need to connect remote branches important technology in Africa. With with tower, antenna pole and foundation. of their business to their headquarters more than 672 million people in Africa Others include remote site, hub side location to share information and relying on 2G services, it is vital that equipment and spare parts for satellite collaborate efficiently. these networks are upgraded and communication were not included in the expanded to meet growing connectivity system. Often, this collaboration occurs over voice demands throughout the continent. and data applications, which require Newtec has recently worked alongside Extending 3G and 4G cellular reliable bandwidth connectivity. In remote Intelsat to deliver managed services service destinations, achieving this reliability can solution that will provide 2G services in In Africa, satellite technology has been be difficult, particularly with terrestrial remote locations using the Newtec helping mobile operators to extend their technology, which often cannot reach Dialog® platform across sub-Saharan networks to support rural subscribers. In certain remote destinations. Africa. rural Africa, as in other parts of the In South Africa, Newtec was chosen by developing world, mobile technology is Connecting communities state-owned broadcasting signal the primary means by which individuals In Africa, lack of cellular network coverage distributor SENTECH to upgrade 800 of access the Internet. is one of the big challenges ICT industry its sites across the nation and provide a Mobile operators are upgrading all faces today. In many areas with difficult solution that matches its needs both now e x i s t i n g B a s e S t a t i o n s w i t h terrain, scarce population, lack of and in the future, cementing a long- standalone/hybrid renewable energy, electricity grid, telecom network standing relationship that we have built new installations in areas with human deployments are hard to realize. Hence, on the cornerstones of reliability, population for enhanced coverage, there is a big opportunity in enhancing c u s t o m e r s u p p o r t a n d c o s t - performance, and support 3G, 4G, and mobile network coverage in far-flung and effectiveness. SENTECH is making use IoT and in desolate areas without human remote areas by means solar/wind of the Newtec Dialog's multiservice p o p u l a t i o n . To d a y, t h e r e a r e powered base stations. capabilities, monitoring radio towers, approximately 1 million off-grid Base Globally, the total number of mobile Point of Sales and ATMs as well as using Station. subscriptions has been announced to it as a multicast solution and for radio Because mobile technology represents reach 6 billion in the market, of which 4 backhaul. the most affordable way, and sometimes billion are individual users. The rest of the With the Internet becoming more and the only way, for rural subscribers to people on earth are potential subscribers more ubiquitous, thanks in part to access high-speed Internet connectivity, that mainly live in rural areas lacking satellite connectivity, individuals living in extending cellular networks to remote mobile connectivity today. Many of these rural communities are gaining more locations is an obvious area of growth users do not have access to electricity and exposure to new ideas and information for mobile operators. However, tapping have 6 U.S. dollar per month (USD/month) than ever before. Seizing on the into this emerging market has been of average revenue per person. phenomenal growth of Internet difficult because of the complexity of 3G- However, one key change has been the technology, non-profit organisations and and 4G- capable devices. Whereas increase in the viability of community Wi-Fi educational institutions have sought to previous mobile technology was focused solutions that deliver connectivity to a formalise distance education programs only on voice, modern mobile devices single hub within a small town or village. using the Web as a means to connect use up much more data for applications This could then distribute Internet with students in rural and remote areas. like photo- and video- sharing and provision on an access voucher basis or general Internet access. In order to sold by local shops as a service, creating backhaul all of this data cost-effectively, new business models, Innovations like this IN THE NEWS

Egypt selects ATEME NCC officially ends CDMA in Nigeria for Africa Cup of An end has officially come to s u b s c r i p t i o n . T h a t numbers withdrawn, which Nations Code Division Multiple a u t o m a t i c a l l y b r o u g h t are both fixed and mobile, Access (CDMA) segment of CDMA's share of the were those of Starcomms, ATEME, the emerging leader in video Nigerian telecoms, as data telecoms market to zero. Zoom Mobile (formerly delivery solutions for broadcast, cable, DTH, f r o m N i g e r i a n Reltel), Multi-links, MTS IPTV and OTT, announced that Egyptian C o m m u n i c a t i o n s Recall that Visafone was First Wireless, Mobitel National Media Authority (ENMA) has C o m m i s s i o n ( N C C ) acquired by the dominant L i m i t e d , R a i n b o w n e t selected ATEME's converged video headend indicated there are no more GSM operator, MTN, in 2016. Limited, Odu'a Telecoms to cover the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, s u b s c r i b e r s o n t h e T h e d e a l , w h i c h w a s Limited, M-Tel and NITEL. scheduled to take place from 21st June to technology. Although, sanctioned by NCC, allows Before the licensing of 19th July. operators in the segment MTN to utilize Visafone's GSM operators in 2001, the ATEME has provided ENMA with a complete had gone under years ago, 800MHz spectrum to launch CDMA operators had been video headend solution based on its Kyrion there were still some fourth generation Long Term the saving grace for 123,547 active CDMA Nigerians who had been at encoders/decoders and TITAN pure Evolution (4GLTE) services. s u b s c r i p t i o n s o n t h e H o w e v e r, t r a n s f e r o f the mercy of the Nigerian software multiplexer. The system is installed regulator's database until Visafone's spectrum and Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n at 12 sites across Egypt to feed ASI signals to last February. license did not take place (NITEL). It was the days the DTT television transmitters and the G.703 E3 CDMA, a digital wireless until early this year. Other likes of Multi-links and standard to the existing networks. technology, uses spread mobile operators had kicked Intercellular were holding spectrum techniques and is against the transfer of the t h e a c e . P o s t - G S M During the event, ENMA will use BISS-CA, globally acknowledged as spectrum to MTN, arguing licensing, the CDMA the EBU Tech's new standard for encryption - the better technology that it would give MTN undue segment also enjoyed a EBU Tech 3292-s1. The standard developed compared to GSM, given its advantage as the dominant booming market between by EBU, in close collaboration with key inherent quality in terms of player, but the regulator 2005 and 2006 when industry players including ATEME, has been data speed and capacity. prevailed. Starcomms and Visafone integrated into ATEME's solutions to ensure Hitherto, Visafone and Industry analysts said the entered into the telecoms secured transmission of ENMA's feeds to the Multilinks were featuring in migration of Visafone to GSM market in a big way, with 12 sites. the segment as the only two segment became necessary roll-out plans across Utilizing ATEME's best of breed technology, operators with vestiges of because it no longer operate several cities in Nigeria. But Kyrion's compression capabilities and the CDMA in Nigeria. However, based on CDMA since MTN this only lasted for a while, efficient software-based TITAN solution, has in March, NCC moved bought it over. as the boom reached its Visafone and its 119,087 peak in 2007 and a allowed ENMA to install a high-quality video In what came as the final subscriptions to the GSM death knell on CDMA, NCC downward trend set in. platform which provides exceptional TV segment, leaving only had, last year, withdrawn Since then, many CDMA channel encoding from SDI to ASI with Multilinks in that segment over 41 million numbers o p e r a t o r s b e g a n video/audio synchronization. ATEME's with 4,460 subscriptions. assigned to the operators in experiencing hard times in solution provides ENMA with premium But, latest industry data for the segment. The withdrawal m a i n t a i n i n g t h e i r remuxing capabilities and other benefits the month of April, however, was part of regulatory efforts subscriber base, not to including delivery of high-fidelity video showed that Multilinks no to put the country's National mention expanding the quality to transmitters across the country and l o n g e r h a s a s i n g l e Numbering Plan in order. The existing number. reduction of OPEX and CAPEX costs thanks to bandwidth efficiency. ATMER will also deliver the highest levels of Globalstar receives MSS and terrestrial service and quality to our customers is authorizations across Africa essential,” said Eng. Mervat Hassan Chairman of Broadcast Engineering, ENMA. Globalstar, an American knowledge of their local partners. Globalstar and its “Integrating ATEME's Kyrion and TITAN satellite communications and markets and are poised for technology partners have family will allow us to not only provide IoT company, announced that success domestically and already entered the first Mo U outstanding video quality to our customers it has received MSS and regionally with both MSS and w i t h a c u s t o m e r i n for the Africa Cup of Nations, but also expand terrestrial authorizations in terrestrial LTE service Mozambique for a Band 53 the range of our services in the future.” South Africa, Mozambique, o ff e r i n g s . G l o b a l s t a r ' s private LTE network solution “We are happy to provide ENMA with a Gabon, and Rwanda. These satellite services combined and look forward to providing with these flexible new complete video headend,” added countries join Botswana in additional information on this representing over 1.1 million terrestrial authorizations opportunity once definitive RazikZaghlouli, EMEA Sales Director, square miles of territory, a enable it to offer unique agreements are executed. ATEME. “The implemented solution is population greater than 100 communications solutions in Mozambique is blessed with flexible and future-proof. It is the ideal million people, annual GDP of regions that have historically t r e m e n d o u s n a t u r a l combination of performance and cost, over a half a trillion USD and presented complex network resources and garnering allowing ENMA to meet its ambitious goals more than 1.7 billion MHz- d e p l o y m e n t p r o b l e m s . significant international for high quality coverage of an event like the POPs of licensed coverage Globalstar's team is now investment. Africa Cup of Nations.” across Africa. pursuing multiple private LTE Furthermore, Globalstar's According to CAF, Broadcasting and In these countries, Globalstar opportunities across these licensing in Rwanda and publicity rights at home, during the qualifying has obtained terrestrial LTE licensed markets that are Gabon include C-Band phase are the property of CAF. It may cede authority over its entire 16.5 home to thousands of major authorizations at 5.1 and 7 them free of charge to the associations. In MHz of S-band spectrum oil & gas, mining, agricultural, G H z f o r t h e p o s s i b l e industrial, and conservation this case, the associations will pay the share (2483.5-2500 MHz), most establishment of satellite with permissible power limits operations. gateway earth stations that of CAF as fixed by the present regulations. suitable for both macro and The Company looks forward would work in concert with The television and broadcasting rights, the small cell deployments. to working with local in- e x i s t i n g g a t e w a y s i n r e v e n u e s f r o m a d v e r t i s i n g , t h e Globalstar has established country partners to deploy its Botswana, France and merchandising rights and the exploitation of domestic subsidiaries with satellite and terrestrial Turkey, to augment and symbols belong exclusively to CAF. experienced and qualified network solutions as well as solidify its coverage across partners who bring extensive directly with industrial the entire continent.

7 SPECIAL REPORT How petroleum companies are using satellite services

At a time when crude oil prices stay above $50 a barrel, satellite communications technology is helping oil and gas companies address key operational challenges and drive cost savings in order to stay competitive in a global, data-driven mobile marketplace. Spacewatch reports

For companies operating in the oil and gas industry, harnessing the power of satellite technology is helping to open up new avenues for operational productivity and profitability. At a time when crude oil prices struggle to stay above $50 a barrel, and companies are trying to stay competitive in a global, data-driven mobile marketplace, satellite communications technology is helping oil and gas companies address key operational challenges and drive cost savings. Satellite phones for example, are helping improve the management, safety and wellbeing of remote workers by ensuring connectivity beyond the reach of cellular networks.

New satellite data hotspots are helping remote work crews stay connected on and off the cellular grid with seamless voice, email and text capabilities. Simplex and duplex satellite data modems are providing a range of innovative and cost-effective applications for connecting remote nachine-to-nachine (M2M) assets via modernized satellite networks. Today's satellite phones provide crystalclear voice quality, rugged, compact handsets and long battery life. Gilat satellite has began the deployment of for our staff at any location. They must be several Nigeria two-way satellite data and able to keep in contact easily with their In Nigeria, the Nigerian National Petroleum voice communications networks based on family and friends at home. The physical Corporation (NNPC) established its first VSAT its FaraWay VSAT platform. The Nigerian and mental wellbeing of our staff is a (Very Small Aperture Terminal) network to National Petroleum Corporation NNPC, primary concern to us,” he says. “For this provide communication link to its locations not deployed a FaraWay network connecting reason, we have to provide additional covered by the NNPC Corporate Telecoms its Abuja headquerters with two hubs and services, such as web browsing, Network (CTN) and to serve as a thin back-up 44 remote sites throughout Nigeria, the inexpensive phone services and enhanced network for the CTN in event of any system solar oriented network provides high personal e-mail.” “VSAT has improved failure on its transmission backbone which density mesh telephony and fax and data social communication and increased consisted primarily of fiber optic cable (FOC) interconnectivity, NNPC controls 60 per welfare for our staff”. and microwave radio links in 1999”. cent of the Nigeria's oil exploration and production and is a major generator of the They are now able to make private phone According to the NNPC, the corporation's VSAT country's income. The network, originally calls or send SMS using their SIM card to network was based on Gilat's Faraway system deployed several years ago, by Gilat's their friends and families back home. They which supported essentially analogue partner SEC, was recently upgraded with can also browse the web to read news from telephony of four voice circuits per station and additional sites and features. home, football results or any other news of in-band data of very limited throughput. their interests. Using their off-duty time in a SEC, in a joint venture with Philips Centre more productive manner has become very The initial network coverage extended to 45 procure a FaraWay Network from Gilat for popular amongst navigators. VSAT allows NNPC locations inclusive of NNPC head office, a large petroleum company, which includes crewmembers to attend off-campus Refineries, Pipelines & Products Marketing fifty on and offshore locations throughout distance learning courses through IP Company (PPMC), Nigerian Petroleum Nigeria. The Network includes a hub in applications such as videoconferencing or Development Company (NPDC), Nigerian Gas Lagos has nodal stations especially in IP-TV to further enhance their skills and Company (NGC) and offshore locations. The Portharcourt and Warri and 28 remote sites academic levels while off-duty. network coverage was later extended to 5 other in the initial phase, and will provide data locations. The Bandwidth utilized then was and telephony services. In case of failure of engine or other onboard 4MHz on Intelsat 907. “Our objective was to pGarkirovi dVillagee a integration equipment, scheme chief quickbird engineers satellite imageonboard 2003 can comfortable and convenient environment set up live, on-the-spot remote condition- SPECIAL REPORT

review and trouble-shooting sessions with ensuring efficient service delivery and As companies continue to create and s e r v i c e e n g i n e e r s f r o m v a r i o u s safeguarding critical infrastructure, manage unprecedented volumes of big data, manufacturers onshore by using two-way live promoting a sound oil and gas industry. the need for constant access to web-based video streaming. A reliable high bandwidth applications on drilling and exploration sites connection is essential for enabling these This programme was anchored on the has become critical to productive and functions, and VSAT provides a perfect redesign of the business processes and profitable operations. M2M satellite solution. deployment of appropriate technology technology solutions using simplex and infrastructure to support the business duplex satellite data modems, are driving As noted, the data throughput of the first processes. The redesigned processes gave innovative new applications for remote system was found grossly inadequate to rise to the need to integrate and centralise sensing, tracking and monitoring of fixed and support modern business information the operations of the corporation. For mobile assets. systems, hence the need for a system instance, NNPC business units maintained upgrade, which commenced in 2013 with their independent database of their Digital Oilfield technologies Gilat's Sky Edge II IP based VSAT technology transactions and only made return to the In the past 20 years, fewer and fewer new oil to cover the 50 existing locations. Head Office at the end of the business day fields, especially large oil field, were The upgraded network is provisioned for voice for consolidation. discovered worldwide. The mature oil fields and broadband/enterprise data including are facing series problems and the video conferencing services using a 20MHz For companies operating in the oil and gas production decreases faster than expect. satellite transponder bandwidth and on industry, harnessing the power of satellite The most recent large discoveries reported completion shall serve as an enhanced technology is helping to open up new by oil companies are located in hostile communication platform for interconnection of avenues for operational productivity and environments, like dessert, deepwater sea, all widely dispersed NNPC operational profitability. At a time when crude oil prices high temperature and high pressure, deeper facilities –Depots, Pump-stations, Oil fields struggle to stay above $50 a barrel, and depth, and at the same time, most old fields and Platforms. companies are trying to stay competitive in a have stepped into the high water cut stage; Gilat's FaraWay VSAT employs a full mesh, global, data-driven mobile marketplace, they produce much more unwanted water DAMA architecture that maximise the use of satellite communications technology is than what we really want. available satellite and ground based helping oil and gas companies address key resources. It satisfy the exacting standards of operational challenges and drive cost Thus we need to develop new techniques to PSTN and private network operators for voice savings. Satellite phones for example, are help the exploration and production, 4D transmission, data, call accounting and helping improve the management, safety exploration, Horizontal drilling, multi-target maintenance. and wellbeing of remote workers by ensuring drilling, intelligent well completion, flow connectivity beyond the reach of cellular assurance, enhanced oil recovery (EOR), Design of corporate VSAT networks. unconventional Resources exploration, real- Network time operations, and other new techniques New satellite data hotspots are helping are wildly applied to help oil companies to The design of the NNPC VSAT network is a remote work crews stay connected on and star topology. To ensure high availability, squeeze more oil and gas from reserves and off the cellular grid with seamless voice, better oilfield management performance to therefore, there are central hubs installed with email and text capabilities. Simplex and 6 Nodal Centres geographically located in maximize their ROI, reduce operation costs, duplex satellite data modems are providing a and improve assets utility. Kaduna, Lagos, NPDC, Warri, Port Harcourt range of innovative and cost-effective and NGC Warri, he said. applications for connecting remote nachine- Due to the great impact on optimizing to-nachine (M2M) assets via modernized hydrocarbon production, improving Therefore, traffic from all locations are satellite networks. Today's satellite phones automatically diverted to the fail-over hub operational safety, protecting the provide crystalclear voice quality, rugged, environment, and maximizing and should there be any major fault with any of the compact handsets and long battery life. hub. All 6 Nodal and 43 Remote Stations in a discovering reserves, Digital oilfield has been accepted and carried forward by BP, Mesh Configuration with each other. A satellite Harnessing satellite transponder in orbit deployed by a satellite Shell, Schlumberger, Chevron, and other service provider such as INTELSAT IS23 technology for innovation international oil service and advisory facilitates the communication between earth company. stations with a bandwidth of 20MHz is used to According to Jim Mandala companies support the network. The satellite operating in rugged and challenging energy The Digital oilfield is a complex giant system; transponders provide VSAT interconnectivity sector seeking competitive benefits by the construction of DOF mainly includes to earth stations located at different points of making use of satellite communications able information technology, geology/ petroleum the earth where the satellite has footprint). way to stay in touch with family and friends. engineering, and management. Satellite services now include prepay The VSAT Hub provides a minimum options, ideal for seasonal workers who According to Shell, the implementation of throughput of 5Mbps and 2Mbps on the don't want to be tied to an annual contract. Smart Fields can increase the total amount of outbound and inbound channels respectively Like other natural resources industries with oil recovered from a field by 10 per cent and to our various communication nodes, to remote workers, connectivity for companies gas by five per cent, as well as boost the rate support a myriad of NNPC business operating in the oil and gas industry is critical of production. The technology allows processes. The Nodal Stations process more for operational productivity. sensors with communication systems to data because they serve as the traffic relay digital information on temperature, interface for other NNPC locations in the Satellite data hotspots such as Globalstar's pressure and other field conditions to control various zones to the hub in Abuja The Remote Sat-Fi provide flexible new ways to connect centres where engineers continuously Stations carry relatively lighter voice and data workers beyond the reach of cellular. Sat-Fi monitor production and make quick traffic on a combined data rate of 2Mbps on instantly turns any Wi-Fi enabled decisions on how to best extract oil and gas, the outbound and 1Mbps on the inbound smartphone, tablet or computer into a such as activating underground valves channels. There are plans to expand this satellite phone or data device. This electronically to better manage the oil flow. In network to all NNPC operational sites to technology enables work crews who travel in its first field to have Smart Fields technology, extend coverage to over 300 locations. and out of cellular coverage to communicate Champion West in the South China Sea, using their existing devices, phone numbers Shell says the technology allowed it to In 1999, the Nigerian National Petroleum and contacts. Workers can now be fully produce oil from scattered sub-sea Corporation (NNPC) commenced a change connected with their preferred device with reservoirs that forAbimbola 30 Alale,years had been management programme to positioned it to clear quality voice, email and text capability considered too costlyManaging to develop. Director, NigComSat discharge its mandate with the goals of – whether they are on the cellular grid or off.

8 IN THE NEWS

All-electric Maxar 1300- SES successfully renews EUR 1.2 billion class communications credit facility SES S.A. has announced commented: “This financing A k t i e n g e s e l l s c h a f t , satellite to deliver the successful renewal of further strengthens our L u x e m b u r g B r a n c h , broadcast services for t h e c o m p a n y ' s E U R liquidity profile and has D e u t s c h e B a n k 1,200,000,000 Committed been secured at improved L u x e m b o u r g S . A . , Eutelsat customers Revolving Credit Facility. terms. I am particularly Goldman Sachs Bank This follows a strong support pleased with the strong U S A , L a n d e s b a n k level of support received Maxar Technologies today announced that the from existing lenders, the H e s s e n - T h ü r i n g e n from existing lenders which all-electric EUTELSAT 7C communications facility was considerably Girozentrale, HSBC Bank highlights SES' strong satellite, built for Eutelsat, one of the world's oversubscribed having Plc, Luxembourg S.A., investment grade credit leading satellite operators, is performing received a high level of early Intesa Sanpaolo Bank f u n d a m e n t a l s a n d according to plan. bird commitments from a L u x e m b o u r g S . A . – number of banks. d e m o n s t r a t e s o u r Amsterdam Branch, J.P. continuing and ongoing The satellite launched yesterday aboard an The facility is for general Morgan Securities Plc, ability to secure funding on Ariane 5 rocket from the Arianespace launch corporate purposes and has L a n d e s b a n k B a d e n - attractive terms”. base in Kourou, French Guiana. EUTELSAT 7C been structured as a 5-year, Württemberg, Mizuho TheMeasat-3b Syndicate is comprised deployed its solar arrays on schedule and began multi-currency revolving Bank Europe N.V., Mufg of 19 banks including firing its SPT-140 electric propulsion thrusters to credit facility with an option Bank, Ltd., Natwest Agricultural Bank of China propel toward its final orbit at 7 degrees East to extend until 2026 (5+1+1). Markets Plc, Sumitomo Luxembourg Branch, Bank longitude, where it is designed to provide service The margin for the new M i t s u i B a n k i n g o f C h i n a L i m i t e d , for a minimum of 15 years. Once in service, facility is 40 basis points (for Corporation, Société L u x e m b o u r g B r a n c h , EUTELSAT 7C will deliver high-quality a Baa2/BBB rating) above G é n é r a l e a n d w a s Banco Bilbao Vizcaya broadcast services to multiple regions, including EURIBOR and is 5 basis coordinated by BNP Argentaria, S.A., London Africa, the Middle East and Turkey. points inside the pricing of Paribas, Commerzbank the former syndicated and Branch, Banque ET Caisse A k t i e n g e s e l l s c h a f t D ' e p a r g n e D e l ' e t a t , “An innovative and reliable spacecraft committed credit facility L u x e m b u r g B r a n c h , Luxembourg, BNP Paribas manufacturer for more than 60 years, Maxar closed in January 2014. Mizuho Bank Europe N.V., F o r t i s S A / N V , Space Solutions has built and launched 280 Andrew Browne, Chief Societe Generale C o m m e r z b a n k spacecraft with a combined 2,200 years of on- Financial Officer of SES, orbit service. EUTELSAT 7C is the third satellite built by Maxar for Eutelsat,” said Megan Fitzgerald, Maxar's Senior Vice President and NSR predict growth for downstream General Manager of Space Solutions. “I would Big Data applications like to thank our long-term customer, Eutelsat, for their collaborative working relationship and NSR's Big Data Analytics end user business cases,” applications as part of forward-leaning approach to integrating cutting- via Satellite, 3rd Edition stated Shivaprakash their services, even as edge technologies that result in superior satellite report, has revealed a Muruganandham, NSR newer startups tackling capability to meet next-generation broadcast continued growth for Analyst and report author. demand.” niche problems find downstream Big Data On the other hand, M2M i m p o r t a n c e i n t h e applications through the Based on Maxar's decades-proven 1300-class and IoT communications ecosystem. platform, EUTELSAT 7C is equipped with 44 Ku- next decade, driven by via satellite will continue to The line between EO and band transponders and a steerable antenna applications built on Earth drive the more mature M 2 M / I o T d a t a beam, which enables Eutelsat to adjust Observation and M2M/IoT markets of land/maritime applications is expected coverage as needed while the satellite is on- satcom data across t r a n s p o r t a t i o n a n d to blur further in the orbit. The satellite also carries a highly multiple market verticals. government and military f u t u r e , a s h i g h l y innovative photonics payload, which will applications. integrated datasets demonstrate technologies to enable more Big Data analytics via “This demand manifests become prevalent, and efficient payload designs in the future. satellite will generate itself in different ways, be it becoming data-agnostic close to $17.7 billion in for fleet management will be a key differentiator All-electric satellites provide efficient solutions cumulative revenues by s o l u t i o n s , f i n a n c i a l for Big Data companies. for satellite operators by reducing launch mass 2028, owing to increasing instruments, competitive Overall, satellite Big Data while increasing spacecraft flexibility and demand from end users in intelligence or business analytics will reach close performance. As a pioneer in the field of electric t h e Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n , decision tools. Multiple to a $3.1 billion revenue propulsion, Maxar's extensive experience Government & Military, players continue to focus opportunity by 2028, with includes in excess of 100,000 hours of active Energy and Enterprise on squeezing maximum 5 6 % f r o m E O electric propulsion thruster operation across sectors more than 30 spacecraft currently in orbit. value out of data obtained applications and the rest, . t h r o u g h s a t e l l i t e s , ” driven by M2M/IoT “Maxar has been a valued and trusted partner in Revenue generated from Muruganandham adds. satcom applications. innovating and advancing the capabilities of our applications deriving satellite fleet for many years,” said Yohann value from EO imagery Growth in the Enterprise While North America's Leroy, Eutelsat's Deputy CEO and Chief data are expected to grow S e r v i c e s m a r k e t i s p r e s e n c e a s a n Technical Officer. “We are delighted to take our at 30% CAGR from 2018 expected to outpace other e s t a b l i s h e d m a r k e t relationship further with EUTELSAT 7C, the third to 2028. v e r t i c a l s , a s n e w e r continues through the satellite to be built by Maxar for Eutelsat.” The “Across all use cases, we datasets and applications decade, other regions are operations of DigitalGlobe, SSL and Radiant expect to see a shift in come online. expected to eat into its Solutions were unified under the Maxar brand in usage towards data m a r k e t s h a r e a s February; MDA continues to operate as an analytics applications, Industry incumbents companies globally adopt independent business unit within the Maxar driven in particular by continue to partner and Big Data solutions into organization. increasing adoption of evolve their businesses their businesses. satellite imagery to meet towards offering data

11 IN THE NEWS Thuraya to unveil VSAT+ service at SES Networks enables European Environmental Europe event Protection Service in Iceland

UAE0 based Thuraya, a global satellite Icelandic maritime authorities making. our space and ground assets, operator, will unveil iys ground breaking are utilising the European U n d e r a f r a m e w o r k as well as secure managed maritime services VSAT+ in Europe at this Maritime Safety Agency's agreement, SES Networks c o n n e c t i v i t y s e r v i c e year;s Nor-Shiooing and exhibition event in (EMSA) Remotely Piloted will deliver managed capabilities, to support a Oslo, Norway. The unveiling comes three Aircraft System (RPAS) satellite communications variety of critical missions months after its commercial launch at the portfolio enabled by SES (SATCOM) connectivity required by government annual Thuraya partner conference in Dubai, N e t w o r k s ' m a n a g e d s e r v i c e s f o r E M S A customers,” said Nicole UAE. connectivity services to missions, including secure Robinson, Senior Vice With digitalization now a major driver of change s u p p o r t t h e c o u n t r y ' s end-to-end satellite and P r e s i d e n t , G l o b a l in the maritime sector, Thuraya VSAT+ is the r e q u i r e m e n t s f o r terrestrial links, capacity G o v e r n m e n t a t S E S ideal satellite service to help fleet operators environmental protection and and teleport infrastructure, Networks. “RPAS missions increase operational efficiency, gain market fisheries control, according to as well as distribution of the are one of the key areas advantage and meet growing demand for SES. RPAS data via satellite w h e r e w e h a v e b u i l t monitoring and compliance. T h e c o n n e c t e d E L B I T internet services to end- e x t e n s i v e e x p e r t i s e Thuraya VSAT+ seamlessly integrates the HERMES 900 RPAS will users. supporting a variety of global high-bandwidth speeds of Ku-Band and p e r f o r m m a r i t i m e “Reliable connectivity is p l a t f o r m s , i n c l u d i n g reliability of L-Band with affordable global surveillance tasks in areas critical for timely decision- processing and delivering coverage and high levels of security, resilience extending as far as 200 making during maritime data from multiple sensors to and flexibility. As the flagship of Thuraya's nautical miles from the missions, especially for those fulfilling and monitoring progressive maritime vision, it has been shoreline, covering important s e a r c h a n d r e s c u e mission-critical tasks. We are designed to help maritime customers achieve areas of the Icelandic operations,” said EMSA's honoured to support EMSA their goals and overcome the challenges of Exclusive Economic Zone, Executive Director Ms Maja and Icelandic authorities for today's market. with missions lasting as long M a r k o v č i ć K o s t e l a c . these important missions in a Nadeem Khan, director of Maritime M2M &IoT as 12 hours. SES Networks' “Stable, high-performance geographically dispersed at Thuraya, said: “As demand for data connectivity is utilised for this connectivity not only area.” i n c r e a s e s e x p o n e n t i a l l y, s a t e l l i t e Medium Altitude Long enables quick situational Unique Tilting Satellite communication is the only realistic option for Endurance (MALE) RPAS to assessment, but it also Dispenser System Designed ship-to-shore and inter-ship communication. empower multiple Icelandic boosts the cost-efficiency of and Built by RUAG Space That is why we designed VSAT+ to offer authorities – such as the resource deployment by the Takes Flight optimum flexibility and affordability. We believe Icelandic coast guard, the national authorities using Using its rich heritage of it can help deliver significant savings for fleet fisheries directorate, the our services. This matters designing and building operators – perhaps as much as 20-40% of environment agency, the all the more when critical satellite dispensers, RUAG operating costs through intelligent fleet customs directorate, and the data is being delivered to Space developed a unique management.” s e a r c h a n d r e s c u e and from a moving platform satellite Dispenser that VSAT+ gives Thuraya a unique proposition in association – to remotely in harsh meteorological enables three large radar the Scandinavian and wider European follow the missions via a conditions where there is no Earth observation satellites to markets, where it has maintained a strong dedicated data centre and to terrestrial infrastructure.” simultaneously launch. maritime presence since 2001. The VSAT+ ensure timely decision- “We have been developing coverage in Europe, and globally, is enabled by the Panasonic global mobility network. Thuraya accesses the network through its partnership with Panasonic subsidiary ITC Yamal-601 satellite successfully launched Global. Europe provides a great opportunity for growth for Gazprom Space Systems to Thuraya and its partners. As global Master Distributor for VSAT+, IEC Telecom will be T h e Y a m a l - 6 0 1 Yamal-601 is fitted with 18 to grow its in-orbit capacity,” central to service delivery in Europe and t e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s C-band transponders, to said Jean Loïc Galle, Chief Scandinavia. Awarded Best Maritime Thuraya satellite, designed and built cover Russia, neighboring Executive Officer of Thales Service Partner in 2018, IEC Telecom will offer by Thales Alenia Space for CIS countries, the Middle Alenia Space. “We are also a range of value-added services and help the Russian operator East and part of Southeast proud to have provided the Thuraya diversify its portfolio in the region. Gazprom Space Systems Asia, and a Ka-band m o s t p o w e r f u l Alf StianMauritz, VP - Business Development (GSS), was successfully p a y l o a d w i t h 3 2 communications satellite IEC Telecom Group and managing director of l a u n c h e d f r o m t h e spotbeams for the Western operating in Russian orbital IEC Telecom Norway, said: “Sustainability of BaikonurCosmodrome in part of Russia as well as s l o t s , i n t e r m o f the maritime industry is one of the key Kazakhstan by a Proton challenges for Europe. Next year the IMO2020 West Siberia. It weighed bandwidth.”Gazprom- rules on clean fuel will come into effect M/Breeze M rocket. The 5.4 metric tons at launch, space systems operates imposing dramatic reductions in carbon satellite will provide fixed with 7.3 kW of payload t h e Ya m a l S a t e l l i t e emissions by 2030.Satcom technologies communications, broadcast power and a design life Communications System enable vessel owners to reduce their carbon a n d I n t e r n e t a c c e s s exceeding 15 years. consisting of four satellites footprint by optimizing operational efficiency of services Yamal-601 will replace (Yamal-201, Yamal-202, their fleets. VSAT+ can play an important role in . Thales Alenia Space was Yamal-202 at the 49°E Yamal-300K, Yamal-402) the ongoing transformation of the maritime program prime contractor, in orbital position and provide and advanced ground sector, enabling on board smart applications for charge of satellite design, extended coverage. t e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s remote control and maintenance.”Analysis of production and turnkey “After establishing an i n f r a s t r u c t u r e ( t h r e e data from ships and fleet operations can delivery, along with control excellent relationship teleports, digital satellite TV provide insights into where and how software for the ground through the Yamal-200 and center) and a wide network efficiencies and savings could be made. segment. Based on the Yamal-400 families, we are of ground stations in the Operators who fall behind in the race to gather Thales Alenia Space delighted to help Gazprom Russian regions. and utilize their data in this way risk losing data Spacebus 4000C4 platform, through a single integrated, flexible and Space Systems continue affordable service. 18 FOR THE RECORD

South Africa

Going digital, and doing it quickly

The affordability of digital satellite pay-TV has improved greatly in recent years in South Africa, with the lowest-cost packages from MultiChoice and TopTV sitting at ZAR99 approximately USD14 per month. While this migration has been mostly among relatively well off households in US, Europe and elsewhere, South Africa's low-income households had posed the greatest challenge to digital migration, according to Richard Collins.

Picture source ADB In 2010, a survey conducted by MultiChoice those new licensees, TopTV, came to market these 4.5 million low-income TV households has revealed that there are around 9 million in May 2010, this new entrant also offered that will determine the pace of digital TV households in South Africa, and only low-cost bouquets. migration in South Africa – just as it was the around 2 million of these households are presence of low-income US households still consuming digital TV, via the satellite pay-TV consuming analogue which forced President multi-channel offerings of MultiChoice and “Nonetheless, some Barack Obama to delay American digital TopTVCourtesy-. That leavesSpaceX another roughly 7 million switch-off TV homes still using analogue free-to-air consumers mistakenly . terrestrial signals – through which these believe – perhaps households access three SABC channels Migration via Digital (SABC 1, SABC 2, SABC 3), the e.tv free-to- encouraged by some air channel, and, in some metropolitan areas, Terrestrial Television a community TV channel. These 7 million salespeople at electronics In countries such as South Africa, with no households shops – that for reception cable-TV and a dearth of wired telephony, it receive their analogue TV signals via the is wireless platforms that are the key to traditional set-top “rabbit ears” antenna, or a of digital TV whether high migration. The two main wireless digital TV rooftop antenna, and the signals they receive platforms at present are digital satellite, also are transmitted by the more than 200 Sentech or standard definition, a known as direct-to-home, DTH and digital transmission towers around the country. digital, HD-enabled set is terrestrial (DTT). It is these 7 million analogue free-to-air required”. The South African government has decided households that need to migrate over to digital that DTT is the best platform for getting for government's plans to succeed and Thus, it can be argued that ICASA's analogue free-to-air households to go digital, analogue switch-off can occur. It can be licensing of potential competitors to with satellite only used for remote expected that some of these analogue MultiChoice in late 2007 has thus far been households. The choice to use digital households will migrate via the satellite pay- the only policy and regulatory intervention to terrestrial free-to-air, as opposed to digital TV route, by becoming subscribers to have secured a measure of migration satellite free-to-air, to drive migration, was MultiChoice or TopTV or another licensed towards digital TV in South Africa. However, made on the grounds that: digital terrestrial subscription TV provider such as the this migration has been mostly among set-top boxes are cheaper than digital Christian-based Walking on Water service or relatively well off households and, as in the satellite boxes; digital terrestrial reception the Super 5 Media operation formerly known United States, the UK and elsewhere, it is doesn't require the household to purchase a as Telkom TV, both of which have yet to come South Africa's low-income households that satellite dish; converting Sentech's existing to market. pose the greatest challenge to digital analogue terrestrial transmission towers into migration. digital-capable towers is a better investment The affordability of digital satellite pay-TV has than paying foreign firms for satellite improved greatly in recent years in South Even if another 1 million households were to capacity; and digital terrestrial systems are Africa, with the lowest-cost packages from move over to digital via satellite pay-TV in seen by some as better for national MultiChoice and TopTV sitting at ZAR99 the coming years, that would still leave security/sovereignty, as they are not approximately USD14 per month, significantly another roughly 6 million analogue TV susceptible to the interference/whims of cheaper than the package that was households that need to be enticed, or foreign satellite transmission firms MultiChoice's sole offering in the period up to compelled (or a bit of both) to migrate. And late 2007 when it was the country's only around 4.5 million of these households are satellite pay-TV licensee. After ICASA's too poor to afford the equipment necessary DTT Transmission Standard licensing of potential pay-TV competitors to for migration, notably the set-top box, and in South Africa has planned and begun to MultiChoice in late 2007, MultiChoice started some cases a yagi aerial, acoerding to the implement a system using the DVB-T offering cheaper packages, and when one of depatment of communications release. It is standard. DVB-T provision at 8Mhz is knitted

19 FOR THE RECORD

into the national radio frequency plan and is priced STB would be the government's additional service offerings via DTT. And specified in the 2008 Broadcast Digital assumption that about 1.5 million while the government policy documents Migration Policy. However, adoption of the households that do have the necessary speak of the lure of non-broadcast digital DVB-T standard has recently been thrown discretionary income can be enticed by a services made possible by DTT, the main into question. The Director-General of the low-priced STB and “digital incentive driver of migration to digital TV must Department of Communications, Mamodupi channels” to migrate to DTT without certainly be TV. Mohlala, has stated that Southern African subsidisation. Another contentious STB Development Community (SADC) members issue, regardless of the transmission The SABC, as a free-to-air public service were reviewing their earlier agreed adoption standard adopted, is the issue of whether broadcaster, a state-owned enterprise, and of the DVB-T standard and were considering conditional access should be built into the a receiver of funding through a legislatively- the possible adoption of another standard – standard specifications of the box. A mandated compulsory annual TV licence fee possibly DVB-T2 or ISDB-T. conditional access system would allow, payable on each TV set in operation in the among other things, the SABC to ensure country, has a duty to provide the additional The Minister of Communications, General that, for the purposes of licence fee and enhanced programming necessary for Nyanda, was reported to have confirmed that collection, all TV households are captured its sole shareholder, the government, to a review would take place and that it might on a database and controversially for anti- meet its switchover goals. But the SABC in delay switchover by “a few months.” Other poverty, civil liberty and information rights its present state is not in a position to adopt a stakeholders, including ICASA and the major advocates potentially disconnected from leadership role in any matter, let alone such broadcasters, claimed that any delay would the DTT network should they be found not a massive undertaking as driving digital be longer and broadcasters argued that a to have paid their annual TV licence fee. migration. Its finances, management and change to the standard already adopted was governance are all in turmoil, and its inadvisable. However, the possible It also must be decided whether the DTT relations with the South African independent replacement of the DVB-T standard by ISDB- box should be compatible with the production sector are extremely troubled T has occasioned much concern (transition established population of satellite pay-TV due to delayed payments to production from DVB-T to DVB-T2 is relatively b o x e s , a n d , i f s o , e x e r t companies. straightforward and offers clear benefits in regulatory/legislative power to ensure that terms of spectrum efficiency. the satellite pay-TV operators currently In addition to the SABC's woes, there is little MultiChoice and Top-TV cooperate to DTT evidence in the South African broadcasting In terms of high politics, South Africa is uptake if satellite pay-TV subscribers were sector of a new revenue stream or funding cultivating development of an international able to move over to DTT without having to source to cover the increased broadcaster bloc – the “BASIC” group including Brazil, buy a new STB. costs that will be required to produce South Africa, India, China so as to advance additional channels and to deploy additional South African (and other developing world) Nonetheless, some consumers may programming. At the same time, there is interests. The ISDB-T standard has been mistakenly believe – perhaps encouraged every reason to believe that some elements developed in Japan but adopted and further by some salespeople at electronics shops of the current revenue flow to broadcasters developed in Brazil – a leading BASIC group – that for reception of digital TV whether will be disrupted by fragmentation of member. Recently the President of Brazil, high or standard definition, a digital, HD- audiences across multiple channels and will announced that the BASIC group would work enabled set is required. All South African require shifts in approaches to generating ad towards a common standard for digital DTT channels will initially be in standard spend and marketing revenue. television. However, the Southern African definition, thus only requiring a digital STB, Digital Broadcasting Association which not a digital, HD-enabled set. The commercial free-to-air broadcaster e.tv, coordinated a Southern African commitment which also has public service obligations in to DVB-T in 2006, commented that ISDB-T Also important with regard to STBs is the return for being the only national free-to-air has “limited and fragmented implementation manufacturing. The Department of commercial licencee, is also expected by in Japan and Brazil,20 with recent adoption by Communications and the Department of government and the regulator to play its part Argentina, Peru and Chile, among others” Trade and Industry have both said that they in driving migration. But e.tv also faces want to see significant local manufacturing uncertainty in terms of its ability to generate of the DTT STB as a boost to the South the revenues necessary to fund additional The Set-Top Box African electronics industry. In its programming. STB prices are particularly important in South submission South Africa's main existing African conditions. Much of the South African set-top box (STB) maker, UEC The South African government has clearly population is very poor: GDP fell 2% in recent Technologies of Durban, which has been been seduced by the idea of a rapid three- times and GDP per head is 107th in the world. manufacturing digital satellite STBs for use year switchover to digital TV. All over the It has been estimated that 4.5 million TV by MultiChoice pay-TV customers since world, in many areas of public policy and households will not be able to afford the STB, the launch of DStv in 1995 -- emphasised at whatever price, that will be needed to service delivery, “going digital,” and doing its 13 years of experience with STBs, and it quickly, is fashionable. South Africa is receive DTT transmissions. It must also be its desire to cooperate with government in borne in mind that some households, certainly not alone in succumbing to this development and manufacture of South fashion.But the harsh reality is that the depending on their location, will also need to Africa's DTT STB . make use of rooftop yagi aerial to receive DTT, South African government's insistence on which will create another new cost. a rapid switchover in three years – instead Broadcasters and of six years or longer – has exacerbated The government has made a commitment to Programming the already-significant difficulties posed subsidise STBs by ZAR2.5 billion so that 70% by digital migration. of the estimated R700 cost of each STB can There is a danger of technical issues be covered by government for the 4.5 million distracting attention from what is the most Three years is too short a timeframe for low-income households. If the intial estimate important requirement for digital migration: migrating roughly 6 million households, that going with ISDB-T instead of DVB-T will new service offerings. Given that the state 4.5 million of which need a huge degree of double the cost of the STB, then presumably is not in a position to pay 100% of the cost of subsidisation. government's STB subsidisation budget will set-top boxes and aerials necessary to need to be recalibrated. convert analogue free-to-air homes into digital free-to-air homes, then some degree Also potentially undermined by a higher- of incentivisation is necessary through 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. IN THE NEWS ASIA

China sets up US$724 interaction between humans and tender for this region's CRV. machines. The APAC CRV has been built leveraging million fund to spur 5G “The 5G tech will not only improve the PCCW Global's high-speed international way people live and work, but also IP network, with mission-critical development accelerate China's social digital connections running across a diversified transformation as well as build key infrastructure supporting multiple Beijing has set up a five billion yuan competence amid the uphill battle in the aviation-specific applications. (US$724 million) fund to spur global industry,” Huang said. The CRV overcomes historical development of the fifth-generation or 5G “ T h e r e a r e h u g e i n v e s t m e n t aeronautical communication challenges, mobile technology industry, its latest effort opportunities for 5G industries, including while modernizing the network and to gain an edge in the commercialisation materials, chips, main equipment improving standardization and escalation of 5G tech. The fund was established suppliers, base stations, antenna, cloud processes. Air Traffic Management (ATM) jointly by the Beijing Science and computing, internet of vehicles and the stakeholders in the various regions will Technology Innovation Investment internet of things,” Huang said. “5G will utilize the CRV to transfer aviation-critical Management Co Ltd, Beijing Yizhuang bring historic opportunities for China's data and other information across the new I n t e r n a t i o n a l I n v e s t m e n t a n d economic and social development.” A network environment provided and Development Co Ltd and State-owned new 5G research institute has also been supported by PCCW Global. Other China Jianyin Investment Ltd. It will focus established in Yizhuang, Beijing.. benefits delivered by the CRV include on investing in leading high-tech firms According to a new report by Global support for the ICAO's Aviation System across the entire 5G industrial chain. System for Mobile Communications Block Upgrades (ASBUs), improved voice Association, China is set to become the quality and enabling of new aeronautical “At present, 5G has become the driving largest 5G market in the globe, with 460 applications initiatives such as SWIM force to boost China's innovative and million 5G users by 2025. (System Wide Information System). high-quality development,” Sui Zhenjiang, Mr. Frederick Chui, Chief Commercial vice-mayor of Beijing, said on Wednesday PCCW Global chosen Officer, PCCW Global, said, “High quality during a 5G industrial development and for a network such as the CRV is investment summit held in Yizhuang, in for a safer Asia-Pacific paramount, and therefore resilience, south-eastern Beijing. “Beijing is actively CRV aviation network security, and other features must be transforming itself as a national scientific engineered at the heart of the CRV. Our and technological innovation centre. With proven global network infrastructure, advantages in complete telecom During a recent launching ceremony extensive industry experience and agile infrastructure, abundant talent and strong held in Bangkok, Thailand, the human capital placed PCCW Global in an research and development capabilities, representative officers of the ideal position to deliver this high quality we have the resolve to accelerate the Asia/Pacific Office of International Civil application together with its demanding push for making breakthroughs in 5G Aviation Organization (ICAO) and its aviation-specific services. The CRV even technologies and build an independent Member States in the Asia Pacific provides for various contingency routing and innovative 5G industrial system,” Sui R e g i o n ( A P A C ) a n n o u n c e d scenarios across our extensive network, said. commencing use of a new, secure, and ensuring that the service will always be up As of May 24, the three major telecom robust Common aeRonautical Virtual and running securely. CRV is the network operators－China Mobile, China Telecom (CRV) private network commissioned at for civil aviation operation that will and China Unicom－ have established the beginning of 2019 through a optimize cost, enhance efficiency, and 4,700 5G base stations in Beijing, successful pilot testing conducted jointly provide new services to the users.” according to Wang Gang, head of the by a number of Member States and Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and PCCW Global. This gave PCCW Global, Information Technology. the international operating division of SK Telecom partners Wang said by the end of this year, 5G H K T, H o n g K o n g ' s p r e m i e r network construction will cover the area telecommunications service provider, S i n c l a i r f o r 5 G within the Fifth Ring Road in the city. the green light to begin connecting about broadcasting trial The Beijing municipal government plans 4 0 I C A O M e m b e r to invest at least 30 billion yuan by 2022 to States/Administrations in the APAC to build 5G networks, according to a 5G the new service. Korean telecoms company SK Telecom development plan released in January. In Regional Aeronautical Network Service has partnered with Sinclair Broadcast Beijing's road map for 5G development Providers (ANSPs) have historically not Group and Harman International from 2019 to 2022, the municipal shared a common networking Industries to trial next generation TV government has set a goal to develop its infrastructure, which has led to network broadcasting over a 5G network. The 5G-related industry to realise an income management and security challenges, demonstration combined ATSC 3.0 of 200 billion yuan by 2022. technology upgrade difficulties, and broadcast network with the Korean telco's The city said it hopes that by 2022, inefficient operations. 5G network to broadcast a friendly match Beijing-based scientific research units Also, the aviation industry has over the between US soccer teams into a sport and enterprises can be a key contributor past few decades experienced dramatic utility vehicle driving around Korea's Jeju to global 5G technical standards, growth in the volume of air traffic, Island. accounting for more than 5% of all primary resulting in the need for a more robust ATSC 3.0 is a suite of new over the air and essential international 5G patents. and secure aviation network. The ICAO broadcast TV transmission standards that Huang Jianjun, vice-president of China Member States in the APAC took the deliver not only UHD video and improved Jianyin Investment Ltd, said 5G decision to engage with a single audio, but also enables targeted technologies have been deeply integrated telecommunications operator to provide advertising and advanced emergency with artificial intelligence, big data, the private network services for the alerting. It can be linked up to mobile internet of things and other emerging exchange of aeronautical information networks to become a broadcast- technologies, ushering in a new era of between the various ANSPs, and PCCW broadband hybrid, allowing for two-way internet of everything and deep Global was successful in the APAC communications.

28 IN THE NEWS ASIA

The solution used the hybrid stream to gathering applications. These networks more flexible, economical and efficient connect to Harmam's in-car infotainment are operated by several leading media launch mode for China's rapid entry into system, showing different kinds of organizations throughout the country. the space, and further expanded China's advertisements playing on each of the aerospace transportation system. CZ-11 three in-car screens as the vehicle drove The Rikei/UHP solution is tailored for Space Launch Vehicle is the first and only around. This means US broadcasters critical applications with high Quality of type of solid-fuel launch vehicles in the CZ would be able to offer different adverts to Service (QoS) as required in the Launch Vehicle Family. It is nearly 21 viewers, as well as local promotions Japanese market. The solution benefits meters long and 58 tons weigh. Boasting a based on geography as the vehicle from the high-availability and low- take-off thrust of 120 tons, it can carry up enters new areas. latency afforded by the UHP Hubless to 500 kg of payloads into the sun- Mesh MF-TDMA network architecture. synchronous orbit at a height of 500 km. SK Telecom also showcased its multi- In addition, each remote station can Up to now, CZ-11 Space Launch Vehicle view service, which enables users to instantaneously switch profile and has completed seven launches on the watch terrestrial sports broadcasting transmit high-throughput DVB carrier in land and sea, and succeeded in the f r o m m a n y d i f f e r e n t a n g l e s emergency mode if needed. The system maiden launch and consecutive launch. simultaneously. Here, the ATSC 3.0 has a high bandwidth efficiency due to a Boasting no problem on products network transmits video taken by the remarkably low TDMA overhead (4%), mounted on the launch vehicle, no delay main camera, while the 5G network fast frequency hopping across multiple of launch plan and no failure of flight streams live feeds from other cameras carriers and 5% spectrum roll-off. process for consecutive seven times, and for multi-view display. \ CZ-11 Space Launch Vehicle has “In the era of autonomous driving, we will H i r o K o g a n e m a r u , H e a d o f demonstrated outstanding performance witness a fierce competition in the in-car Transmission and Distribution System and reliability. media service market,” said Park Jin- Sales Department at Rikei, commented hyo, CTO and head of ICT R&D Center of “We are very pleased to reach this Compared with the traditional land launch, SK Telecom. “Armed with 5G media important milestone. The system is now the sea launch is a safe, flexible, technologies, SK Telecom will secure a fully field-proven and provides excellent economical and efficient launch mode. It competitive edge in the next-generation performance in networks operated by can not only effectively address the broadcasting market in the U.S. and the leading providers of broadcast demand for satellites launched at an gradually expand its business in the services in Japan. The UHP modem is inclination of 0-19° which Chinese land global markets.” software-defined and can transmit any launch sites are unable to satisfy, but also waveform from MF-TDMA Mesh and provide optional launch points in the SK Telecom said it believes the Star to DVB. The modem's very compact eastern and southern seas of China. This partnership with Sinclair will allow it to size and low power consumption made it mode attracts profound engagement of create more opportunities in the ATSC possible for us to integrate it in portable social resources, effectively integrates the 3.0 market in the US. Initially it will flat-panel VSAT terminals.” aerospace technology with ocean provide the solution to 32 of Sinclair's engineering, forms a more economical 191 broadcasting stations by 2020, with VaganShakhgildian, CEO of UHP and efficient new launch mode, and a longer-term aim of deploying the Networks, added: “In the six years that promotes the high-quality development of technology in all of them. we have been working with Rikei the society and economy. “With this announcement, Sinclair is Corporation, they have proven to be a continuing to partner with market leaders very reliable partner. The Rikei team is In addition, a new breakthrough has been to further develop next-gen broadcasting known for engineering excellence and made in business model through the solutions,” said Chris Ripley, president in-depth understanding of customer innovative “Joint Naming for Launch and CEO of Sinclair Broadcast Group. requirements. Together with Rikei we Vehicle + Two-Way Technology “We are excited to be working with have customized the cutting-edge UHP Empowerment” initiated by CASC and Harman and SK Telecom, two prominent VSAT technology to the requirements of WEY. The Joint Technology Innovation international technology leaders, to the Japanese broadcast networks.” Center, jointly set up by CASC and WEY, progress 5G connected ATSC 3.0 as the first of its type in the industry, will put automotive solutions and experience. Success of China's technologies into practice in four fields of This collaboration focuses on developing quality system and testing, autonomous key mobility enhancements of ATSC 3.0 first-ever sea launch is driving technology, new materials and 5G as a potential value creator for achieved by CZ-11 application and hydrogen energy. China Sinclair and other U.S. broadcasters.” will usher in a new pattern of aerospace WEY power and industrial power. Rikei Corporation and UHP Networks achieve CZ-11 Solid-fuel Space Launch Vehicle Qantas calls on the (CZ-11 WEY), jointly named by CASC ACMA to protect inflight milestone in Satellite and a corporate brand, sees its first sea launch on the Yellow Sea, successfully Wi-Fi from 5G services Broadcast Networks in sending seven commercial satellites into a circular orbit of about 600 Japan Qantas has made a rare foray into the kilometers, including Bufeng No.1 A/B telecommunications regulatory arena and Satellite, China125 No. 1 A/B Satellite, called on the Australian Communications RikeiCorporation, and UHP Networks Jilin No. 1 High-definition 03A Satellite, and Media Authority to protect its inlight Inc. have announced that they have Tianqi No. 3 Satellite and Xiaoxiang No. Wi-Fi services from potential interference reached an important milestone in the 1 04 Satellite. roll-out of advanced VSAT solutions in from future 5G networks. Japan. The partners have installed their This launch has not only filled the gap in th Qantas provides satellite-powered Wi-Fi 100 remote terminal in the Japanese the sea launch of Chinese launch services to its domestic passengers in VSAT networks for broadcast and news vehicles, but also provided a new safer, partnership with Viasat and NBN Co's Sky 29 IN THE NEWS ASIA

Muster satellite service using spectrum provide Qantas the ability to scale and systems, announced that it has received on the 28 GHz band. The ACMA has innovate to meet future customer needs.” orders of approximately $4.0 Million USD recently commenced a re-planning It also noted that in some of the options for its next generation Flyaway and inquiry for 28 GHz, with a number of presented in the ACMA paper, there is a risk Manpack (backpack) systems. satellite players concerned about that prioritisation of 5G over other services potential interference if parts of the band would require Qantas to turn off the Wi-Fi The bulk of the order is for C-COM's are opened up to other providers such as service under 10,000 feet to avoid newest system design, the motorized mobile operators. interference, leading to an intermittent and Manpack antenna (iNetVu® MP-Series). inferior Wi-Fi service. These easy to transport, fully automatic, Qantas head of sustainability and “This degree of unreliability and disruption simple to assemble toolless products industry affairs Moksha Watts told the to gate to gate Wi-Fi connectivity will were purchased by several reseller ACMA that the airline will have fast and signiicantly impact the customer partners and will be deployed for disaster free satellite powered Wi-Fi enabled on experience of Qantas passengers and management and cellular backup. A 82 of its domestic leet of Boeing 737 and interrupt the availability of applications we portion of the order has already shipped Airbus 330 aircraft by the end of 2019. use over Wi-Fi to improve customer care, while the balance will ship in the third and Watts said more than 2 million aircraft performance and safety, such as fourth quarters of this fiscal year. passengers have used the service since real time weather information or disruption “The rapid confirmation of our latest launch and each day over 50% of management information,” the airline said. technological development - a single passengers or 12,000 customers Geoff Long, Commsday case, carbon fibre, auto-pointing regularly use the service on all lights. backpack system that can be carried by She also noted that Qantas has wider Equatorial Space one person and finds satellite in less than plans beyond passenger broadband, a minute just by pressing a button - is including services for maintenance. “For Industries secures Angel validated by large orders like these,” said example, high speed Wi-Fi connectivity round, moves to a new Drew Klein, Vice President of C-COM. to the cockpit provides important real- “The Company continues to innovate and time data to light operations and location modernize the mobile SATCOM engineering on the ground and allows business, by offering the highest quality Qantas to innovate with engineering products coupled with the best customer applications,” Watts said. Singapore's own space launch startup, support available in the market today,” Equatorial Space Industries, secured Angel Klein continued. In an options paper, the ACMA has made capital from individual investors earlier this a number of proposals for using the 28 year to continue developing its innovative, “C-COM is thrilled to work with such GHz band, all of them favourable to the hybrid rocket systems. capable partners and their consummately satellite sector. However, there have The investment round allows the previously qualified customers,” added Klein, with been calls from mobile operators calling all-volunteer organisation to move towards regards to the Company's Asia based for the band to be shared for future 5G a full-time business operations, and to integrators and end users. “Their services. secure new premises in the Pioneer area of professionalism and skill are unmatched; T h e A u s t r a l i a n M o b i l e Singapore. The new facility marks a drastic and their loyalty to our company and Telecommunications Association noted leap from our previous office at The Hangar brand is unwavering.” in its submission that the 28GHz band by NUS Enterprise - a startup incubator The Company offers classic and next has been allocated in some major instrumental in the Company's survival in generation Driveaway, Flyaway, Fixed markets around the world for 5G the early days Motorized, and Manpack systems for any wireless broadband, and some mobile . vertical market where communications network operators have launched With its two levels it will support are challenging due to disruption or services – resulting in a device and development of ESI's upcoming suborbital deficiency. C-COM products are network equipment ecosystem in the 28 SHARP vehicle slated to fly in early 2020. integrated with all major modem GHz band. Telstra and Optus have also The vehicle's engine will markedly use manufacturers and approved with most urged the ACMA to leave open the option liquid Nitrous Oxide as compared Liquid major satellite operators. The company of future mobile participation in the band, Oxygen used in the previous v.2.2 Engine works closely with more than 500 active particularly as operators increasingly ground prototype, and will be capable of in- resellers / integrators in over 100 adopt better sharing techniques. flight restartability countries. However, Qantas argued that the band . C-COM is collaborating with a renowned should be dedicated to satellite services. The location of the test flight, as well as research team at the University of “The 28 GHz spectrum is used by cooperation and arrangements with local Waterloo, on the development of an Qantas to provide satellite-poweredChina launched Wi- suppliers two satellite and for its authorities, GPSsystem (Source:will be revealed China Daily in electronically steerable, Ka-band flat Fi services to our domestic passengers t h e n e x t f e w m o n t h s . E S I ' s panel antenna system based on a from the moment the aircraft departs the Volansmicrolauncher is expected to patented phased array beam forming gate to the time the aircraft arrives at its conduct its first test flight in 2021 from a yet- technology, which has the potential to destination,” it said. to-be determined location in the APAC revolutionize satellite's addressable region. mobility markets (land, air, maritime). “Dedicating the 28 GHz spectrum to satellite . . . provides Qantas with C-COM received $4.0 Virgin Orbit partners certainty to continue to offer Wi-Fi speeds up to 10 times faster than million in orders from ANA Holdings to launch conventional on-board Wi-Fi from the Asia most remote regions and airports to small satellites from metropolitan areas in Australia. Further, Japan as customer demand for our Wi-Fi C-COM Satellite Systems Inc., the world's Virgin Orbit has signed an agreement service continues to increase, a leading provider of commercial grade with ANA HOLDINGS, parent company of dedicated satellite bandwidth will mobile auto-deploying satellite antenna

30 IN THE NEWS ASIA

All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan's successfully demonstrating all major can transmit any waveform from MF-TDMA largest airline, to bring the company's assemblies with multiple flight vehicles in Mesh and Star to DVB. The modem's very LauncherOne service to Japan. production. Having just entered its final compact size and low power consumption Subject to U.S. Government regulatory series of captive carry flights with a test made it possible for us to integrate it in approvals, Virgin Orbit's unique and rocket mated to the wing, Virgin Orbit is on portable flat-panel VSAT terminals.” responsive system—which uses a 747 track to conduct its first orbital test flight widebody jet as a 'flying launch pad' for later this year. VaganShakhgildian, CEO of UHP its rocket—will complement existing Networks, added: “In the six years that we Japanese ground launch vehicles, By using a modified 747-400 aircraft as its have been working with Rikei Corporation, enabling near-term access to space by "flying launch pad," Virgin Orbit gains the they have proven to be a very reliable the private sector, helping to grow the ability to quickly transport the entire launch partner. The Rikei team is known for country's burgeoning small satellite site to new locations around the world, engineering excellence and in-depth ecosystem, and helping to elevate launching each satellite from the optimal understanding of customer requirements. Japan as the premier space transport location. This mobile approach to launch Together with Rikei we have customized the hub in Asia. substantially reduces the expense cutting-edge UHP VSAT technology to the required for infrastructure at each launch requirements of the Japanese broadcast According to report, the Memorandum site. The Mojave Air and Space Portis the networks.” of Understanding (MOU) charts out a California launch site that will be home to long-term partnership between ANA the company's first orbital launch later this SK Telecom demos 5G- HD and Virgin Orbit, further year, as well as subsequent launches to strengthening ties between the U.S. high inclination orbits. Other spaceports - powered in vehicle ATSC and Japan for cooperative, peaceful both new and established - have space activities. Under the terms of the announced that they are working to 3.0 mobile broadcast agreement, ANA, which maintains the prepare themselves for future missions of largest airline fleet in Japan, will LauncherOne, including the Kennedy SK Telecom announced that it, together evaluate the capabilities to provide Space Center in Florida, Andersen Air with Sinclair Broadcast Group and Harman aircraft and ground support equipment Force Base in Guam, Spaceport Cornwall International Industries, demonstrated maintenance and potentially additional in the United Kingdom and the Taranto- next-generation TV broadcasting by aircraft to support Virgin Orbit's local Grottaglie Airport in Italy. combining ATSC 3.0-based broadcast launch operations, as well as logistics network and SK Telecom's 5G network. and transport services for Virgin Orbit's Rikei Corporation, UHP ATSC 3.0 is a suite of new broadcast TV broader launch operations across Asia. transmission standards that deliver not only ANA HD and Virgin Orbit will also Networks achieve UHD video and improved audio, but also partner with Space Port Japan to select milestone in Satellite enables targeted advertising and advanced and stand-up an ideal launch site to emergency __alerting. ATSC 3.0, which host LauncherOne operations in Broadcast Networks works over the air, can also be converged Japan. with mobile networks to create a broadcast- RikeiCorporation, and UHP Networks Inc. broadband hybrid stream. Since broadcast "Japan has long been a global source of have announced that they have reached TV is a one-way signal, broadcasters will be innovation and a leader in space, and an important milestone in the roll-out of able to enhance customer experience by with the small satellite market growing advanced VSAT solutions in Japan. The combining ATSC 3.0 with mobile networks so impressively, we are seeing partners have installed their 100th remote that support two-way data communication. countless new satellite applications terminal in the Japanese VSAT networks SK Telecom has demonstrated two-way and businesses emerge in the region. for broadcast and news gathering media services by interconnecting 5G With this new partnership, we're excited applications. These networks are operated network and ATSC 3.0 broadcast network to bring LauncherOne's unique by several leading media organizations to Harman's in-car infotainment system for responsiveness and flexibility to Asia throughout the country. the first time. The company showed for the first time," said Virgin Orbit CEO different kinds of advertisements playing on Dan Hart, "ANA has the respect and The Rikei/UHP solution is tailored for each of the three in-car screens while the trust of customers around the critical applications with high Quality of car was running. world—and we look forward to working Service (QoS) as required in the Japanese SK Telecom and Sinclair Broadcast Group closely with them to stimulate the small market. The solution benefits from the signed a joint venture agreement in January satellite market in Japan.” high-availability and low-latency afforded this year to lead the next-generation by the UHP Hubless Mesh MF-TDMA broadcasting solutions market in the U.S. "We are proud to partner with fellow network architecture. In addition, each With the aim to provide ATSC 3.0 solution to companies like Virgin Orbit that are also remote station can instantaneously switch 191 broadcasting stations of Sinclair on the cutting edge of innovation," said profile and transmit high-throughput DVB Broadcast Group, the joint venture ToyoyukiNagamine, Senior Executive carrier in emergency mode if needed. The company will first provide the solution to 32 Vice President of ANA HOLDINGS INC. system has a high bandwidth efficiency Sinclair broadcasting stations by 2020. "Space is open for everyone going due to a remarkably low TDMA overhead forward, and Virgin Orbit represents a (4%), fast frequency hopping across Techtel to address 5 key new era of space capabilities. This multiple carriers and 5% spectrum roll-off. collaboration plays to the strengths of HiroKoganemaru, Head of Transmission broadcast business each of our companies and will allow and Distribution System Sales Department drivers with 9 global both ANA HD and Virgin Orbit to at Rikei, commented “We are very pleased strengthen international ties for space to reach this important milestone. leaders during Broadcast activities while working towards Asia 2019 important goals that will have a real The system is now fully field-proven and impact on the world we share.” provides excellent performance in networks operated by the leading Representing 9 global industry leaders, Virgin Orbit's LauncherOne system is providers of broadcast services in Japan. Techtel will be showcasing a great number now in the final phases of testing, after The UHP modem is software-defined and 31 IN THE NEWS ASIA

of broadcast technology innovations with a in the same frame. forward to bringing these innovations to special emphasis on five key business the APAC region," said Bo Guan, drivers: Transition to IP-Based content SKAARHOJ, a leading designer and Manager, Multimedia and Broadcasting delivery, Autonomous workflows, 4K manufacturer of tactile universal Division at Datacom. "As one of the Content Production, Unprecedented broadcast controllers will display leading resellers in Asia, we have worked Low Cost Media Distribution and NewTek's NDI® PTZ Camera - the on a wide range of pay-TV deployments Integrated Newsrooms. This follows' world's first video camera to integrate NDI and specialize in providing complete Techtel's appointment of a new country technology as well as Blackmagic's turnkey solutions for simplicity, efficiency, manager and strengthens the company's ATEM Television Studio Pro 4K - a and reliability purposes. VO completes commitment in bringing innovative and professional all in one Ultra HD live our portfolio, enabling us to deliver an affordable broadcast technology to South production switcher with integrated end-to-end solution.” East Asia. hardware control panel. Datacom has more than 20 years of VBB40 Probe by Bridge Technologies. GB Labs will reveal the world's fastest experience in system integration The award-winning VB440 supports SSD-based shared storage system – services, with a staff of around 200 people uncompressed media flows over IP with Space SSD, with scalable performance and offices in Hong Kong, China, both ST2110 and ST2022-6 transports, and capacity up to 18 Gbytes/s and Malaysia, and Congo, along with providing network operators and digital 1.4PB. It will also launch brand new distributors throughout the Asian region. media organisations with an analytics software, features and updates to its VO's global network of system integrators solution for numerous streams and FastNAS and SPACE, ECHO and VAULT is designed to deliver the best OTT and multiple technologies in real-time and in to the South East Asia market. The TV experience to operators through the p a r a l l e l . U s i n g V B 4 4 0 , B r i d g e intelligent new features include Mosaic company's end-to-end, cloud-based TV Technologies will demonstrate full network asset organizer and the latest Analytics Platform as a Service TVaaS, secure and content analytics in a 4K over IP world Center to the SPACE, ECHO and VAULT video player, anti-piracy protection and reveal how one can deliver ranges and brand-new "CORE.4" and services, and other solutions. comprehensive 4K analytics capability to "CORE.4 Lite" software to the S.E.V. and multiple users in a 100 Gigabit FastNAS ranges. "OTT video consumption is rising steadily environment. across the world, especially in the APAC Spectra Logic will share their insights region, and we are looking for resellers to L i g h t s p e e d L i v e C a p t u r e b y derived from over 40 years' experience in help us address that area of business Telestream.Telestream will show viewers the storage industry. Whether you are growth," said Pierre-AlexandreBidard, how integration with Lightspeed Live looking for a Network Attached Storage Vice President, Partnership and Product Capture can create unlimited workflow (NAS), Object Storage S3 gateway, tape, Security at VO. "Datacom is a results- possibilities. They will reveal how this disk cloud, or a tape archive – Spectra o r i e n t e d l e a d e r i n t h e m e d i a unique Multi-Channel Video Capture and has a solution for every storage need. communications industry with extensive Processing platform realizes the fastest project management experience and a possible delivery of all assets by closely Net Insight will introduce Nimbra Edge – one-stop shop service that includes integrating the latest parallel file-based a secure cloud media transport solution, d e s i g n , p r o c u r e m e n t , d e l i v e r y, open workflows in Telestream's Vantage which will enable broadcasters to extend installation, and maintenance, which will platform together with the combined their offerings with a cloud-native help our customers launch revenue- CPU/GPU power of the Lightspeed Live transport solution across public and generating TV Everywhere services server and applications. private clouds. quickly.”

OmniGlide™ Roving Platform (RRP-1) by Telemetrics will demonstrate full ease of Datacom and VO Sign hands-free operation by leveraging its System Integrator ConnecTech Asia: Custom Artificial Intelligence (AI) Forsway showcases technology, similar to the one used in the Partner Agreement for autonomous car industry, which helps the APAC hybrid satellite pedestal “learn” the environment it is broadband solutions, operating in. The Associated Press will demonstrate Viaccess-Orca (VO), a global leader cloud and 5G services the advances in the modern newsroom providing OTT and TV platforms, content workflow with the latest version of their protection, and advanced data solutions, news production software, AP ENPS as announced today that Datacom is the first Forsway, a leading provider of innovative well as AP Playbook – a new planning company to sign under VO's new system solutions and hardware for tapping system that allows editorial and corporate integration partnership program. An satellite and existing terrestrial newsrooms to effectively and efficiently international supplier of satellite technologies to enable cost-efficient manage coverage plans and assignments. communications equipment based in broadband, announced its features this Hong Kong, with strong pay TV and SI year at ConnecTech Asia-CommunicAsia Ensemble Designs will show their skills, Datacom will play a crucial role in 2019. For the first time in Asia, Forsway BrightEye NXT Compact Routers line bringing VO's world-class content will showcase its Forsway Xtend which offers solutions for video routing, protection and TV platform solutions to complete ecosystem for operators and scan conversion, streaming, audio Asia-Pacific (APAC) countries, including service providers to enable hybrid embedding, reference generation, video Hong Kong, Macau, Mongolia, Malaysia, satellite broadband connectivity in hard- conversion, HDCP and more. In addition, Pakistan, Australia, China, Vietnam, and to-reach markets. In addition, the the company will show how their Avenue the Philippines. technology provider is featuring a new signal integration system enables any "With VO's solutions, operators can solve w h i t e p a p e r o n C l o u d - N a t i v e combination of 1.5 Gb/s HD, 3 Gb/s HD, the inherent challenges involved with infrastructure for satellite industry. SD, MPEG, analog video and audio providing a smarter and safer digital TV "Cloud-Native infrastructure as an processing modules being used together and OTT experience, and we look innovation enabler for the satellite industry": Forsway addresses embracing

32 IN THE NEWS ASIA

the cloud and infrastructure-as-a-service Springs will enable Central Australia to be revolutionizing data delivery for LEO as key drivers for growth for the satellite a key player in the burgeoning global satellites, bringing affordability and lower industry. satellite and space industry, and latency communications to earth Tobias Forsell, CEO, Forsway,” We Indigenous Australians to be leading observation and remote sensing believe that embracing cloud services in participants in the sector. The investment applications. The Alice Springs the satellite industry will drive future is also strongly aligned with the priorities community will be a big part in our growth in a somewhat stagnant arena in for the Australian Space Agency which is development and execution of these comparison to innovation coming from the seeking to increase opportunities within advancements.” tech industry in the last decade. We will be Australia's space industry and develop discussing the whitepaper principles with world-leading core satellite infrastructure. Chunghwa Telecom to visitors in Singapore next week.” The Viasat RTE system will be a hybrid At ConnecTech Asia, we will highlight how space and ground network that is offer satellite service our complete Forsway Xtend offering expected to bring affordability and eliminates the challenges of satellite reduced latency to earth observation and until 2022 operators, DTH providers, mobile network remote sensing applications. The Viasat operators and telcos who strive to offer RTE network is typically used by low earth Chunghwa Telecom has been given broadband in areas where connectivity is orbit (LEO) satellite operators to bring permission to continue offering its an issue - enabling connectivity at a highly end-users—environmental, shipping, oil satellite communication service until affordable price.” and gas, government among other 2022, due to an increase in demand. The industries—access to data on demand nation's largest telecom has since May Forsway Xtend is a complete ecosystem without the need to invest in a dedicated 21, 2012, been permitted to offer its that combines satellite with terrestrial antenna system. satellite communication service through networks enabling service providers to tap satellites owned by Thuraya, a United unused bandwidth. Operators can rapidly Dr. Steve Rogers, CEO of CfAT Ltd said, Arab Emirates-based regional mobile- deliver cost-efficient broadband internet “Working with Viasat and IBA on the satellite service provider, the commission services to regions lacking reliable development of the RTE facility said. access, suffering from underperforming demonstrates the capacity of CfAT to Thuraya's two satellites cover mobile data and ADSL services. continue to contribute positively to communication services in 142 countries On-site solutions and demonstrations at t e c h n o l o g y a n d c r i t i c a l s p a c e in Europe, Asia and Africa, and resolve ConnecTech Asia will also showcase advancements in outback Australia. The problems caused by inadequate mobile Forsway's Xtend Hub including the robust development will provide a positive coverage, it said. Users of the satellite Mimir Gateway operator terminal, and the contribution to the local economy through service can also access the service using high performance Odin F-50 hybrid contract opportunities for local a satellite mobile phone, which weighs satellite router, Forsway's customer businesses during the facility construction less than 200g, the commission said. premises equipment. phase, and ongoing employment Mobile phone users cannot receive Forsway enables satellite partners to offer opportunities for local Aboriginal people signals in some mountainous areas, managed services that can be locally re- once operational—as the CfAT facilities because it is difficult for telecoms to build sold to households, SME's, government management team will be providing on- base stations there, but people offices, health clinics, schools and NGO's going site maintenance.” participating in outdoor activities and – including end-consumers in remote rescuers can use satellite services to areas. “IBA's investment in Viasat's RTE facility communicate in emergency situations, it alongside our Indigenous partner, CfAT, is said. a light-house project that shows the world The number of people accessing the Viasat Partner Centre that Aborignal people can be at the company's satellite communication forefront of new technology industries in service has grown from 1,600 in 2016 to for Appropriate Australia,” said Rajiv Viswanathan, CEO 2,700 so far this year, commission data Technology Ltd., of IBA. “CfAT is a successful Aboriginal showed. Most of the users are corporation that has for many years been emergency responders from government Indigenous Business at the vanguard of technology innovation agencies, the commission said. and application in remote Australia. We Australia to Build a expect the RTE facility at CfAT's Real-Time Earth Ground headquarters will create a platform from Hughes JUPITER which CfAT can grow its business in system to power Station in Australia Australia and, potentially, globally—as it looks to generate commercial returns for satellite broadband Viasat Inc. plans to launch a Real-Time CfAT as well as flow-on benefits for the services throughout Earth facility in Alice Springs, Australia. local economy via employment and Viasat has partnered with the Centre for supply chain opportunities. We are proud Indonesia Appropriate Technology Ltd, an Aboriginal to support local businesses in realizing their ambitions for growth in the space not-for-profit science and technology Hughes Network Systems announced sector.” company based in Alice Springs, which that its JUPITER System platform has will build and own the facility through its been selected by five service providers to John Williams, vice president of Real- wholly-owned commercial subsidiary help bridge the digital divide across Time Earth at Viasat added, “Partnering Satellite Enterprises Pty Ltd, and Indonesia. with CfAT and IBA in Australia will enable Indigenous Business Australia (IBA), an The service providers – including us to build a state-of-the-art RTE ground Australian Commonwealth commercially- Lintasarta, Pasifik Satelit Nusantara station that will offer multiple benefits both focused government authority, which will (PSN), Teleglobal and Telkom/TelkomSat locally and globally, from bringing new help finance the project and provide – won the tender bids from BAKTI, a jobs and opportunities to the region to related commercial advice and support. division of the Indonesian Ministry of advancing how remote sensing data is Communications and Information, to delivered around the world. We are This multi-million dollar investment in Alice deploy 8,000 cellular backhaul and

33 IN THE NEWS ASIA

Internet access sites using over 7 GHz of signals sent by the satellite as Nepal first pictures taken by NepaliSat-1,” satellite capacity across multiple Academy of Science and Technology Dhakal said.NAST had scheduled a live satellites. (NAST) failed to build a ground station it telecast of the satellite being released into Each service provider independently had promised three months before the the Earth's orbit from its auditorium. Japan chose the JUPITER System as part of its satellite was scheduled to be launched. Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), winning solution to extend cellular NepaliSat-1 needs seven to 10 days to had facilitated the live telecast of the services to Indonesians in areas outside become fully functional. Until then its deployment. the reach of terrestrial (fiber or condition has to be timely checked each microwave) networks and to connect time the satellite passes the country. Despite the live broadcast here in the government offices and community Since Nepal does not have its own country, Minister of Education, Science centers to the Internet.\\ ground station to carry out checks, and Technology Giriraj Mani Pokhrel and officials at NAST are asking officials at Sunil Babu Shrestha vice-chancellor of "The selection of the JUPITER System by the Ministry of Communications in NAST, had travelled to Japan at JAXA to each of the winning service providers is Bhutan to send information about the witness live deployment of the testament to the value of Hughes satellite. satellite.Two Nepali scientists, Aabhas technology in meeting operator needs for Scientists need to study four kinds of Maskey and Hariram Shrestha, who are high performing, economical and efficient information regarding the satellite before studying in Japan's Kyushu Institute of satellite solutions," said Vaibhav Magow, it starts taking photographs. The ground Technology had developed the satellite in associate vice president, International station has to record whether or not the collaboration with NAST. The satellite will Division at Hughes. "The JUPITER position of the satellite is accurately be useful for taking pictures of various System shines as the platform of choice placed; whether the strength of the geographical locations in the country. in Indonesia and around the world, with signal it is sending is strong enough; its superior architecture enabling cost- whether the temperature of the satellite effective satellite broadband to connect is ideal and whether the battery is White Paper Report: the unconnected.” working properly. AsiaSat's 5G All information of the satellite can be BAKTI required that the winning bidders known immediately once it is launched Interference Rejection employ High-Throughput Satellite (HTS) into space. capacity, necessitating a flexible ground Bandpass Filter s y s t e m s o l u t i o n t h a t r e a d i l y NAST officials said they observed the accommodates HTS spot-beams. condition of the satellite last evening, AsiaSat has released a new white paper Moreover, the latest JUPITER after officials of Bhutan-based ground detailing their new product, bandpass technology incorporates Layer 2 station sent them screen shots of the filter to be installed on C-band receiving functionality to seamlessly integrate high information they received. The satellite antennas to reject interfering signals from traffic terrestrial and satellite traffic – revolves around the earth every 90 adjacent 5G base stations, its features supporting the acceleration of 16,000 minutes and it passes over Nepal two to and performance in the field tests. TCP sessions – an essential feature for four times a day allowing around six applications with many simultaneous minutes' time to record information. Since early 2019, the ground mobile users, such as cellular backhaul. Roshan Pandey, acting chief of Faculty network operators (MNO) have initiated Designed with advanced DVB-S2X, the of Technology at NAST said, “We have the testing and mass deployment of 5G JUPITER System employs 16APSK requested Bhutanese officials to track cellular base stations in China and many return channels to deliver more bits per the condition of our satellite and provide other countries around the world. Hertz, which, combined with reduced us information through e-mails. They are spacing of the return channel, yields supporting us.” The spectrum used by 5G macro cells higher bandwidth efficiency and lower however overlaps with the extended C- service cost for operators. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had said band (3.4-3.7 GHz) which has long been after the satellite was launched on April used for the satellite communication Nepal's first satellite 17 that Nepal had transited into the services. In some countries, the 5G space-era, but in stark contrast, NAST, spectrum even partially or entirely NepaliSat-1 launched the apex body for promoting science and overlaps with the standard C-band (3.7- into earth's orbit technology in the country has not been 4.2 GHz) which is also used for Fixed able to establish a ground station. Satellite Service (FSS). AsiaSat has a Rabindra Dhakal, chief of Faculty of significant C-band user base over the In a proud moment for Nepal, Nepal has Technology at NAST had, on multiple Asia-Pacific region, and these users may launched its first satellite NepaliSat-1 into occasions said that they were confident suffer from the widespread deployment of the Earth's orbit from the Kibo Module of about operating the ground station the ground 5G systems in the coming the International Space Station (ISS). before NepaliSat-1 was deployed into years. In response to the potential The landmark satellite was earlier space. interferences from 5G deployment and to stationed at ISS for one and a half months better service our customers, AsiaSat, and was then released into Earth's orbit. NAST had handed over responsibilities with its 30 years of experience in satellite Nepal has marked another achievement to Decade International Pvt Ltd to build user requirement, has collaborated with in the field of aeronautics within the same the ground station. The deadline experienced vendors and launched new year. It's earlier launch of nanosatellite provided for the contractor will ended on models of microwave bandpass filters NepSat1, established its presence June 22. Although NAST officials have (BPF) to mitigate the impact from 5G. among global giants in the field. reiterated confidence about building the ground station within the deadline, it The BPF can be installed on C-band Meanwhile, the satellite, NepaliSat-1 has cannot be believed so easily given their receiving antennas to reject interfering started revolving around the Earth's orbit past record. signals from the adjacent 5G base after it was successfully deployed from “We have now almost completed the stations. This paper describes the the International Space Station into construction, and we are confident that features of the BPF and its performance in space. However, Nepal has to turn to its our own ground station will receive the the field tests. eastern neighbour, Bhutan to receive

34 IN THE NEWS ASIA

Hughes JUPITER iKO Media Group Working together with AsiaSat, the new arrangement also allows us to offer our System to extend mobile partners leading regional broadcast partners the chance for their viewers to enjoy our channels in connectivity services Spanish English HD,” said James Crossland, Senior Vice throughout Myanmar Channel President of International Operations for Turner, a WarnerMedia company.

H u g h e s N e t w o r k S y s t e m s , L L C iKO Media Group announces a new From September, AsiaSat 7 will carry a announced that KBZ Gateway Company strategic collaboration in providing total of eight HD and three SD channels Limited, the fastest growing VSAT and satellite service for a leading Spanish of content from news, entertainment, to Teleport Service Provider in Myanmar, has Channel, effective immediately. iKO children, movies and drama. With chosen the Hughes JUPITER™ System to Media Group will be broadcasting the migration of service to HD completed in expand the cellular network reach of its channel over a DVB-S2 MCPC platform the next few months, viewers across the customer, a leading Mobile Network on AsiaSat-5 satellite to effectively region will be able to enjoy high-quality Operator (MNO) in Myanmar and distribute their content across Asia TV benefiting from the high penetration internationally. Pacific. of AsiaSat 7 at 105.5°E, the world's most The significant part of this partnership w a t c h e d o r b i t a l s l o t . The JUPITER System enables a satellite included an upgrade from SD to HD, that backhaul solution for the MNO to extend will provide the channel additional “The media brands under WarnerMedia services cost-effectively across hundreds viewers across Asia Pacific. are some of the world's most famous of cell site locations outside the reach of "We are very excited about this long-term and most popular broadcast networks. terrestrial fixed networks, bringing strategic partnership. This partnership We are very proud of our long-time connectivity to millions of Myanamar significantly expands our portfolio of partnership with WarnerMedia, which is nationals. It also lays the foundation for 4G global distribution and services. iKO is in one of the most valuable assets we have implementations as well as enhanced a unique position to partner with and offer built over time. We look forward to enterprise network offerings throughout the dedicated and tailored services to a continuing to support WarnerMedia in nation. global media broadcaster. We are very their service migration to HD on our high excited and look forward to an extremely performance AsiaSat 7, and through our “As a Hughes customer for many years, we fruitful collaboration over the coming leading-edge broadcast solutions to know the value Hughes brings in its years," said David Treadway, Chairman serve audiences with ever better TV JUPITER technology and in managing of the Board, iKO Media Group. viewing experience,” said Ina Lui, Senior network deployments effectively,” said Mr. Vice President, Commercial, Business Naing Tun Kyaw, managing director, KBZ Development & Strategy of AsiaSat. Gateway. Mr. Virender Singh, CTO, KBZ Gateway, added, “With Hughes, we are Warner Media chooses able to implement a commercially AsiaSat as strategic Arianespace sustains sustainable proposition that meets our its benchmark status in customer's current and future technical partner for HD channels requirements for extending mobile reach distribution in Asia the Asia-Pacific region throughout Myanmar.” Pacific Asia-Pacific is a key market for “We are proud to partner with KBZ Arianespace. Since 1981, Arianespace Gateway to help them deliver a solution Asia Satellite Telecommunications has launched 90 satellites for 20 that helps bridge the digital divide in Company Limited (AsiaSat), Asia's customers from 10 countries in the Myanmar,” said Vaibhav Magow, assistant leading satellite operator has been region, which is more than half of all vice president, International Division, selected by WarnerMedia as a strategic commercial satellites orbited to date for Hughes. “KBZ Gateway knows the partner for distributing regional HD the Asia-Pacific zone. advantages of the JUPITER System first- services of CNN International, Cartoon hand in yielding the highest possible Network, Boomerang and Warner TV, as From January 2018 to February 2019, performance, efficiency and economics for well as HBO HD in South Asia, via Arianespace orbited four satellites for a satellite solution that helps connect the AsiaSat 7 in the Asia-Pacific. AsiaSat has Asia-Pacific customers based in South unconnected.” been distributing a total of five K o r e a , G E O - K O M P S AT- 2 A o n WarnerMedia SD channels on AsiaSat 7 December 4, 2018; India's GSAT-11 on The Hughes JUPITER System has the (previously on AsiaSat 3S) since 1999. December 4, 2018 and GSAT-31 on packet processing capability to support Since transmission, these channels have February 5, 2019; and Japan's DSN- speeds up to 300 Mbps and acceleration of gained access to hundreds of 1/Superbird 8 on April 5, 2018, all with 16,000 TCP sessions, both of which are rebroadcast networks and hotel networks Ariane 5. essential features for powering across the region. Overall, Arianespace carried out 11 applications with multiple users, such as launches during 2018 from the Guiana cellular backhaul. To allow a smooth migration to HD Space Center in French Guiana, orbiting service for its rebroadcast affiliates 21 satellites. From early February to The ability to achieve reduced spacing as including pay TV platforms and hotel early April, 2019, it performed four well as 8PSK and 16APSK modulation on networks across Asia Pacific, and for missions, all successful, using Ariane 5 the return channel yields higher bandwidth audiences to enjoy a more compelling (on February 5), Soyuz (on March 19 efficiency and lower service cost for viewing experience, WarnerMedia will and April 4) and Vega (on March 22). operators. Moreover, the system is migrate its HD services and consolidate The next launch is planned for June 20, designed with 4G backhaul in mind, them into its existing SD platform on 2019, using an Ariane 5 to orbit the T-16 accelerating traffic to yield reductions in AsiaSat 7. and EUTELSAT 7C satellites. recurring operational costs. “The migration allows us to upgrade and Strong business performance streamline our services at the same time. driven by the entire launcher IN THE NEWS ASIA

- Arianespace enjoyed remarkable business between Ariane 5/Ariane 6 and apparel that is capable of controlling success in 2018, winning 18 launch Vega/Vega C, which will last from 2021 to internal temperature and equipped with contracts from 15 different customers. The 2023. a health monitoring system. In January company reaffirmed its leadership in the this year, mu Space unveiled another geostationary communications satellite Ariane 6 and Vega C combine a long IoT product, a smart tracker, that can segment, since eight of these satellites will heritage of reliability and enhanced provide a more accurate real-time be headed to geostationary orbit (five for competitiveness, enabling them to win location to track the whereabouts of a Eutelsat, two for ISRO, and one for B-SAT, over both institutional and commercial person, to find lost valuables or to using both Ariane 5 and Ariane 6). Vega, customers. In May 2019, Arianespace monitor the movement of assets. Vega C and Soyuz also won new customers and ArianeGroup announced an order for for low- and medium-Earth orbit satellites.\ the first 14 Ariane 6 launchers to be used “Expect to have more and more IoT- in the 2021-2023 timeframe, marking a enabled devices being developed every This positive trend is continuing decisive step forward in the operation of year as demand for IoT continues to as Arianespace already had this new launch vehicle for the greater increase in homes, big companies and benefit of Arianespace's customers. smart cities. Spending is rising as signed seven contracts since people are starting to realize the the beginning of the year, with: mu Space to participate benefits of IoT in making daily tasks easier and more automated,” Suwit - OneWeb for more than 30 satellites to be in the Qualcomm Smart added. orbited on the first flight of Ariane 62 in 2020; - The Japanese startup Synspective to orbit Cities Accelerator According to the International Data a demonstration satellite StriX-α for their Program Center's market research on IoT for constellation on a Vega rocket in 2020; 2019, the worldwide spending on - Open Cosmos and Tyvak to launch two consumer IoT this year is expected to auxiliary payloads on a Soyuz mission in Satellite and space technology company reach $108 billion. The research further 2019; mu Space has announced its stated that the leading consumer use - ESA (on behalf of CDTI) for a Vega launch participation in the Qualcomm Smart cases will be related to smart home, of the SEOSat/Ingenio satellite during the Cities Accelerator Program from personal wellness, and connected first half of 2020; Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. The vehicle infotainment. - exactEarth for the ESAIL microsatellite as program, which Qualcomm Technologies part of a demonstration flight for the Vega launched in April, aims to connect cities, SSMS (Small Spacecraft Mission Service), government agencies and enterprises Huawei pledged to scheduled for liftoff in September 2019; with service providers offering work with industry ESA, which chose Arianespace for its Qualcomm Technologies-based smart JUICE (Jupiter Icy moon Explorer) mission, city solutions. mu Space is the first Thai stakeholders to bring to be launched as from 2022 aboard an company to participate in the program. best 5G into reality Ariane 5 or an Ariane 64. “At mu Space, our mission is to develop The 11th Huawei User Group Meeting the best quality products. As such, we Arianespace's order book now was held in Wuzhen, Zhejiang with only work with the best in the industry. more than 500 guests from telecom includes seven satellites to be We're excited to be offering high-quality industry. Focusing on the theme, launched for Asia-Pacific p r o d u c t s u t i l i z i n g Q u a l c o m m "Redefining the Future Together", in- operators: Technologies' cutting-edge tech for depth discussions on how to accelerate smart cities applications in Thailand and the evolution to 5G and how to other countries in the future, and we are - Four satellites to be launched by Ariane 5 implement intelligent operations proud to join this program,” said Suwit into geostationary transfer orbit through AI were held. In addition, top Pruckwattananon, Chief Business (GTO):GEO-KOMPSAT-2B for the South issues of 2019 were identified for Development Officer at mu Space. Korean aerospace agency KARI; JCSAT-17 continuous improvement. for SKY Perfect JSAT; BSAT-4b for B-SAT; Ryan Ding, Executive Director of “mu Space is a leader of innovative and GSAT-30 for the Indian space agency, Huawei and CEO of the Carrier BG, technologies in Southeast Asia,” said ISRO. gave the keynote address titled, "Pave Sanjeet Pandit, senior director of - Three satellites to be launched by the Way Towards 5G". Ryan Ding business development and head of Vega/Vega C: KOMPSAT-7 for KARI; shared with attendees that when going smart cities, Qualcomm Technologies, THEOS-2 for GISTDA; and StriX-α for from 4G to 5G, carriers will have Inc. “The Qualcomm Smart Cities Synspective. different business focuses in each of Accelerator Program provides a central the four phases: planning, deployment, hub for smart cities solutions across Ariane 6 and Vega C: gearing up operations, and optimization. Huawei regions and verticals, and we are will provide leading end-to-end 5G for first flights in 2020 pleased to see mu Space participate as solutions to address carriers' business the first Thai company in our program.” requirements with the aim to bring the The new generation of European launch Aside from space and satellite best 5G into reality. vehicles is designed to address changes in technology, mu Space is also focusing on Ryan Ding pointed out: "Cyber security the satellite market. Ariane 6 and Vega C will developing Internet of Things (IoT) and privacy protection are our top enable Arianespace to cover all orbits for all solutions. Founded in 2017, the priorities. We ensure the security of sizes of satellites, including constellations company has so far disclosed its plan to carriers' 5G networks with our secure and smallsats, thanks to special multiple include two IoT devices -- a smart products and trusted services. ” Secure launch systems (SSMS for Vega/Vega C, apparel and a smart tracker -- in their products is made possible through and MLS for Ariane 6). The first flights of product line up. Huawei's active membership of 3GPP's these two new launchers will take place as In 2018, mu Space has first started 5G Security Assurance Specification early as 2020, kicking off a transition period developing the design of its own smart IN THE NEWS ASIA

project. Huawei also supports the provide 5G solutions that combine IT its stated mission of encouraging a Network Equipment Security Assurance solutions with leadership in 5G sustainable space environment for future Scheme (NESAS), jointly defined by technology. generations. 3GPP and GSMA. To ensure trusted With these new enhancements, both LEO is rapidly emerging as the focus of services, Huawei follows the ISO 27001 companies will jointly establish a global commercial activity in space, with and actively applies for more third-party sales system to strengthen their thousands of new satellites spawning security certifications. activities for proposing 5G solutions on unprecedented generations of services. "Huawei's vision is to bring digital to every a global scale. Specifically, both Against this backdrop is the risk posed by person, home and organization for a fully companies will launch a joint marketing orbital space debris – including an connected, intelligent world. 5G will be a team. The team members are equipped estimated 250,000 dangerous objects key enabling technology for this world. with specialized skills, including sales that are currently untracked. An We will continue to increase investment and radio technology knowhow of e x p e c t e d g r o w t h i n s a t e l l i t e in 5G and work with our customers and NEC's global sales bases and constellations requires space-faring partners to make this vision a reality," Samsung's 5G commercial experience nations such as New Zealand to engage Ding concluded. and technology leadership to in monitoring and regulating satellite Over the past 30 years, Huawei has strengthen sales of 5G products and activity. operated in over 170 countries and r e l a t e d I T s e r v i c e s t o regions around the world, deployed 7.4 telecommunications carriers. The Space Regulatory and Sustainability million FTTx lines and built more than 800 Platform provides cloud-based services cloud data centers. Huawei has assured The team will first prepare joint based on LeoLabs' network of global more than 200 major events and proposals for 5G products for European sensors. Observations from this network maintained more than 1500 networks and Asia Pacific markets, and will begin are then processed via the LeoLabs and their smooth operations. Huawei has offering proposals to several operators mapping and SaaS platform which worked with 17 out of the top 30 global within this year. Both companies are analyzes and delivers operational and CSPs on customer experience also developing products jointly, and compliance information to the New management and 24 CSPs on excellent plan to begin shipping the products in Zealand regulatory and space agency. network improvement. “As a trusted Japan by the end of the fiscal year 2019. The platform monitors satellites launched partner, Huawei continuously invests in In addition, the companies are studying from New Zealand. Examples of services people, business platforms and the sharing of portfolios that leverage provided by this platform include: competences to secure reliable & their strengths, and are working to The ability to set and monitor orbit available networks.” said Bill Tang, jointly create services that utilize changes against regulatory limits for each president of Huawei Global Technical technologies such as AI and others, and satellite and alert the NZSA when a Service Dept. China Mobile, China to provide solutions that enable more satellite is outside prescribed compliance Unicom, China Telecom, Vodafone, efficient operations for communications parameters. Orange, Elisa (Finland), Etisalat (UAE), services. and other guests shared their best "Markets have increasingly high Today's announcement is part of a larger practices in 5G and AI, and thoughts on expectations for the creation of new joint vision between the New Zealand the future. Improvement results of top services using 5G," said Atsuo government and LeoLabs around space. issues of 2018 were displayed. In Kawamura, Executive Vice President In September 2018, LeoLabs and MBIE addition, to continuously resolve issues and President of the Network Services (Ministry of Business, Innovation and and create value for customers, and Business Unit at NEC Corporation. Employment) announced a broad-based improve customer satisfaction, the "NEC and Samsung are now working Memorandum of Understanding (MOU. discussion on top issues of 2019 was together to approach these advanced Key elements of that MOU included initiated. markets, and are confident that we can working together on space-related R&D Huawei User Group Meeting has been greatly enhance the capabilities that we and services for the rapidly growing New held for 11 consecutive years, involving offer to customers through the provision Zealand space community, as well as nearly 3,000 customers. For 11 years, the o f o p t i m a l 5 G s o l u t i o n s . " expansion of LeoLabs' space radar Huawei User Group Meeting Advisory network into New Zealand. The Board consisting of 12 customers, and LeoLabs and New regulatory platform illustrates the over 440 volunteer customers have been implementation of that MOU. collaborating with Huawei project teams, Zealand Space Agency and they have participated in more than "The mission of the NZSA is to provide 50 top issue improvement projects. With unveil regulatory leadership and regulatory oversight for their help, Huawei continuously improves platform for low earth our rapidly expanding space sector," said the quality of its products, services, and Dr. Peter Crabtree, head of the New solutions, and continuously creates value orbit Zealand Space Agency. "Critical to for customers. achieving this mission is putting in place LeoLabs, Inc., announced the world's the tools and capability to monitor and NEC and Samsung first dedicated regulatory platform for ensure responsible and sustainable LEO: the Space Regulatory and behavior. The Space Regulatory and enhance global sales Sustainability Platform, developed as a Sustainability Platform developed with structure for 5G joint initiative between LeoLabs and the LeoLabs is a significant achievement in New Zealand Space Agency (NZSA). this direction and demonstrates current solutions The NZSA is a leader in best practices best practices within the commercial and industry standards for promoting, space regulatory arena. It also affirms our NEC Corporation and Samsung regulating, and guiding the global new intent to be proactive in addressing the Electronics Co., Ltd. has announced space community. preservation of space for future enhancements to their sales systems for generations." accelerating the provision of 5G solutions The regulatory platform offers a ground- "From Washington to Wellington, space to global markets. In October 2018, the breaking set of capabilities to empower regulatory agencies around the globe are companies began collaborating to the New Zealand government to meet IN THE NEWS ASIA

engaged in the urgent task of designing NOAA in the United States on the are providing technical in-orbit f o r w a r d - t h i n k i n g r e g u l a t o r y successful launch of their constellation operational support to NSPO's team architectures," emphasized Dr. Crabtree. and look forward to following their who will be performing in orbit "As a new era of transparency in LEO mission journey as they move through commissioning of the spacecraft from emerges, LeoLabs and our space agency commissioning and into start of their control centre in Taiwan. will continue to prove state-of-the-art operations.” The launch of the FORMOSAT-7 regulatory practices to keep pace with the satellites was managed by the US Air changing requirements of space FORMOSAT-7, also known as Force STP-2 programme. commercialization." COSMIC-2 in the US, is a joint constellation meteorological satellite "LeoLabs is extremely pleased to partner mission between Taiwan and the United SatADSL launches with the New Zealand Space Agency on States for observing and monitoring the flagship Platform-as-a- this initiative," said Dr. Mike Nicolls, co- global meteorology, climate, and founder and Chief Technology Officer at ionosphere. In addition to two science Service offering in Asia L e o L a b s . " T h e y h a v e c l e a r l y payloads for detecting ionospheric demonstrated a proactive approach to data, each of the 6 satellites in the SatADSL, a provider of professional executing their mission, both from an constellation is carrying an advanced VSAT services via satellite, announced it operational as well as policy perspective. GNSS receiver to low-inclination-angle has successfully launched a new Point Our core LeoLabs platform can inform orbits and will collect atmospheric data of Presence (PoP) in Singapore as it and accelerate all of that, and the at low and mid latitudes to provide continues to expand its global footprint. announcement today is just the beginning sounding data to improve regional and The additional PoP will replicate of a journey together to make a global weather forecasting. The SatADSL's European and African difference." processed data will be provided by two model, giving operators access to data processing centers located in SatADSL's Cloud-based Service "LeoLabs also believes," continued Dr. Taiwan and USA. Delivery Platform (C-SDP) – which Nicolls, "that the visualization and enables operators to offer satellite analytics tools built for NZSA regulatory SSTL provided the platforms for this services via the cloud – without adding mission have broader applicability for all next-generation Global Navigational extra latency on top of the inherent space agencies, and thus the potential to Satellite System Radio Occultation data latency of geostationary satellite contribute to global best practices. Every constellation, enabling our customer, communications. nation, large or small, who engages in NSPO of Taiwan, to continue its space will need to monitor and ensure participation in an internationally “Based on our deep experience of the responsible behavior by its commercial recognised science mission at the best African market and taking into account and national fleet. So we look forward possible value for money. Collaborating that the Asian market faces similar together with New Zealand to sharing our with SSTL also enabled NSPO's challenges like vast geographical areas, progress with others across the engineers to work hand-in-hand with various users requirements and diverse international space community." SSTL's engineering team throughout populations, we are now making our A summary video of the New Zealand the programme, gaining world-class service available to operators based in Space Regulatory and Sustainability small satellite expertise in the full range Asia,” said Thierry Eltges, Co-Founder Platform can be seen here. It provides a of satellite mission capability including and CEO at SatADSL. “This will unleash sample high level view of the current design, assembly, test and in-orbit a number of new possibilities including constellation of satellites launched from operations the ability to offer pre-paid voucher- New Zealand. . based services and operate as a Virtual As a continuation of this programme Network Operator.” NSPO is now developing its own SSTL expertise enables FORMOSAT-7 platform, named The Singapore PoP follows SatADSL's new joint US-Taiwanese TRITON, using some of SSTL's first appearance at CommunicAsia, hardware under license in its own where it showcased its innovative cloud- weather forecasting satellite structure and avionics. The based satellite communication solution, satellite is scheduled to be launched in the C-SDP. SatADSL's C-SDP is a constellation 2021. complete OSS/BSS, carrier-grade, fully redundant platform in the cloud which The successful launch on 24 June 2019 The first fully integrated and tested allows operators to easily outsource EST of 6 satellites for the FORMOSAT-7 satellite for the FORMOSAT-7 satellite services with no upfront joint US-Taiwanese weather forecasting constellation was completed at SSTL in investment. constellation marks the start of another the UK and delivered to NSPO in “CommunicAsia provided us with an SSTL-enabled space mission, a cause Taiwan in 2015. The other 5 satellites in invaluable chance to showcase our first- for celebration at SSTL's UK HQ. the constellation were manufactured of-its-kind solution to both the and assembled by SSTL in the UK and communications industry and the Asian The launch on the SpaceX Falcon Heavy delivered to Taiwan where payload market,” said Eltges. “As we begin to rocket from the Kennedy Space Centre assembly and testing was completed at expand our operations in the Asian was attended by SSTL staff including NSPO's facility as part of the knowledge market, it has been invaluable to receive Managing Director, Sarah Parker who transfer programme. such an enthusiastic reception as we said “We are very proud of our role as show local operators what SatADSL can space mission enablers and, hot on the The payloads for the satellites were do for them and how we can help heels of TeleSat LEO Phase 1 satellites' provided by NASA (JPL), the US Air improve the profitability of their first ever demo of 5G connectivity, we are Force and the University of Texas and businesses. Operators can greatly delighted that our smallsats expertise has were integrated to the completed accelerate go-to-market thanks to the once again helped our customers platforms by the NSPO team, with complete suite of ready-to-use tools achieve their ambitions. We congratulate support from SSTL. SSTL engineers available on our C-SDP at all levels of our customers, NSPO in Taiwan, and also provided launch site support and the value chain.” IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

Viasat partners CETel acquires this acquisition technically and Visiontec to deliver Cobbett Hill Earth commercially. satellite internet to Station Limited Paul O'Brien, Managing Director of Cobbett Hill, says, “In CETel we have Brazil found the perfect fit in a buyer for our CETel, a leading global satellite teleport and satellite-based operations. Global communications company Viasat communications and network service Their long-term expertise in the market and Brazilian satellite products distribution provider, announces the acquisition of will assure that the implementation will companyVisiontec have partnered to bring UK-based Cobbett Hill Earth Station run smooth and the two companies with high-speed satellite internet to Brazil. Limited in terms of an asset purchase both its professional and experienced transaction for an undisclosed amount. teams will merge and grow into an even Under the terms of the partnership, greater company. Visiontec will act as Viasat'sfulfilment This acquisition is a further milestone in partner and is the process of installing CETel's growth and diversification Cobbett Hill presents the sixth merger Viasat satellite broadband equipment into strategy alongside its continuing and acquisition activity led by CETel schools, hospitals and government customer base expansion. The over the last years. facilities with future installations planned acquisition further strengthens CETel's for residential, commercial and community position as a leading global end-to-end Satlink chooses Wifi hotspots. communications solutions provider. Alongside CETel's strong presence in Hispasat to provide "Viasat has a solid reputation for building the mining, energy and oil & gas modernized satellite networks. Our goal is markets, this acquisition will now maritime satellite to work with local partners on building out significantly increase CETel's presence connectivity services the satellite ground infrastructure to stir and activities in the marine and economic development, job creation and broadcast markets in Europe and Latin ultimately make digital inclusion a reality America for Brazil through advanced satellite Cobbett Hill offers an extensive range of communications," said Lisa Scalpone satellite communication services to both (pictured), vice president and Brazil marine and terrestrial clients in the Telecommunications company, Satlink, country manager, Viasat. "We believe our corporate, media, oil & gas, NGO, which specialises in products and partnership with Visiontec shows our long- military and government sectors. Core services intended for the maritime term commitment to the country, and our service provisions include, but are not sector, has chosen HISPASAT, the goal of making advanced internet services limited to Internet, voice, data, Spanish satellite telecommunications available to each and every community in broadcast, DTH, enterprise, TV & radio, operator, to strengthen its satellite Brazil—from the most remote schools, iDirect, SCPC, network design, network connectivity solutions (VSAT) portfolio in hospitals and government facilities in the management, co-location, data centre, Europe and Latin America. This new Amazon to eventually providing residential occasional use and bandwidth. solutions will be provided through the and commercial internet services to operator's platforms in Bogotá outside city centres.” Cobbett Hill is located only 25 miles from (Colombia) and Argandadel Rey central London in the UK, and occupies (Spain). In turn, Viasat is providing the ground a seven-acre secure compound on 200 Using Ku band VSAT (Very Small network and infrastructure to power the acres of land. Currently, it houses more Aperture Terminal, small satellite Telebras-owned and controlled SGDC-1 than 25 antennas with active operations connection antennas) terminals pointed satellite, that will eventually bring on 13 satellites plus spare capacity to HISPASAT's satellites located at 30º affordable, scalable broadband services enabling quick turnaround times on West orbital position, merchant vessels, to communities where internet service has e v e n s h o r t - n o t i c e c u s t o m e r ferries, yachts sand fishing boat historically been unavailable in Brazil. requirements. Due to the locations companies will be able to enjoy high- historical use by the British Ministry of capacity connectivity on their ships. This "We see our new partnership with Viasat Defence it has blanket planning will allow them to offer applications such as a tremendous opportunity to deliver permission for unlimited antenna as Internet access for the crew and high-quality broadband internet to the installations within the 200 acres and passengers, high quality links to receive people of Brazil," added Antonio Carlos de operate within an RF exclusion zone television, emergency services and Moraes, business director, Visiontec. "Our preventing any local interference. telephone solutions, all tailored to the deep expertise in satellite internet needs of each individual client. installation services coupled with our Guido Neumann, CEO of CETel states, For José Antonio Guerra, HISPASAT's distribution network made us an ideal “We are extremely happy to complete Sales Office Manager, "we are very partner for Viasat, as they bring wide-scale this transaction that ideally fits into our proud to rely on Satlink in order to broadband internet services to even the growth strategy. CETel has grown reinforce our presence in the maritime hardest-to-reach locations in the country.” significantly over the past years. Their mobility sphere, one of the fields with the data services, especially in the maritime greatest potential for growth in satellite In February, Viasat entered into a sector present a perfect opportunity to telecommunications in upcoming years, partnership with Facebook to offer high- grow this vertical with us. In addition, and one where Satlink has a powerful speed internet services in rural Mexico. and with the existing services and presence". The partnership will see Viasat and experiences at Cobbett Hill, we are now Jean-Paul Geelen, Satlink'sSatcom Facebook work together to deploy the entering the broadcast market, where Division Director, added that "with this satellite firm's Community Wi-Fi hotspot together we see excellent opportunities agreement, Satlink is expanding its service initially in remote areas of Mexico, to develop this business further. CETel's service options for the maritime sector with the potential to expand the service existing and prospective customer and where we have acquired a great deal of globally. partner base will ultimately benefit from experience thanks to the applications

36 IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

Ithat are benchmarks in the sector today. Canada with enhanced surveillance, strengthen its satellite connectivity HISPASAT's high throughput satellites will monitoring and management of Canada's solutions (VSAT) portfolio in Europe be able to offer new connectivity solutions coastal and Arctic regions, fisheries, icy and Latin America. This new solutions specific for every type of vessel. We hope waterways, agricultural lands, natural will be provided through the operator's to achieve the same recognition as we r e s o u r c e s , c l i m a t e a n d f r a g i l e platforms in Bogotá, Colombia) and have with the rest of our portfolio". ecosystems, as well as to support highly Arganda del Rey, Spain. operational defence capabilities and The maritime sector is one of the main global disaster relief efforts. The three- Using Ku band VSAT (Very Small drivers for growth in the satellite market in satellite constellation is capable of Aperture Terminal, small satellite upcoming years for operators and service scanning the Earth day or night and in any connection antennas) terminals providers. Satellites are the ideal option to weather conditions, allowing for daily pointed to HISPASAT's satellites offer connectivity in the maritime sphere coverage over Canada's vast territory and located at 30º West orbital position, where it is impossible to roll out terrestrial maritime approaches. merchant vessels, ferries, yachts sand infrastructures. fishing boat companies will be able to The demand for connectivity in this “We are thrilled to see the RCM satellites enjoy high-capacity connectivity on market is expected to grow ten-fold in successfully launched,” said Mike their ships. This will allow them to offer upcoming years. In fact, it is estimated Greenley, group president of MDA. “The applications such as Internet access for that the number of antennas on ships will RADARSAT Constellation Mission builds the crew and passengers, high-quality practically double by 2023, from 24,500 on the legacy of RADARSAT-1 and links to receive television, emergency today to 45,000 within 4 years. RADARSAT-2, and on Canada's expertise services and telephone solutions, all HISPASAT's fleet features optimised and leadership in Earth Observation from tailored to the needs of each individual coverage in the Ku band to offer efficient, space. RADARSAT data has been critical client. high-quality services available in the to enhance the Canadian economy and to Mediterranean, Canary Islands, north- ensure sovereignty and security of our For José Antonio Guerra, HISPASAT's western rim of Africa, the Caribbean, the vast interests, while contributing to our Sales Office Manager, "we are very coast of Chile and other areas in the role in the international community on proud to rely on Satlink in order to Pacific. issues impacting our planet.” reinforce our presence in the maritime mobility sphere, one of the fields with RADARSAT-1 was launched in November the greatest potential for growth in MDA announces 1995. It operated for 17 years, well over its satellite telecommunications in five-year life expectancy, during which it upcoming years, and one where Satlink successful launch of orbited Earth 90,828 times, travelling over has a powerful presence". 2 billion kilometres. It was Canada's first Canada's RADARSAT Earth observation satellite. RADARSAT-1 Jean-Paul Geelen, Satlink's Satcom constellation mission images supported relief operations in 244 Division Director, added that "with this disaster events. agreement, Satlink is expanding its RADARSAT-2 was launched in December service options for the maritime sector MDA has announced that the three 2007 and is still operational today. This where we have acquired a great deal of RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) project represents a unique collaboration experience thanks to the applications satellites developed by MDA for the between government and industry. MDA that are benchmarks in the sector Canadian Space Agency are performing owns and operates the satellite and today. HISPASAT's high- throughput according to plan. The satellites launched ground segment. The Canadian Space satellites will be able to offer new this morning aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Agency and MDA jointly funded the connectivity solutions specific for every rocket from the Vandenberg Air Force construction and launch of the satellite. type of vessel. We hope to achieve the Base in California, and began sending The CSA recovers this investment through same recognition as we have with the and receiving signals from space. The the supply of RADARSAT-2 data to the rest of our portfolio". satellites will now go through a series of Government of Canada during the lifetime in-orbit manoeuvres and tests before of the mission. The maritime sector is one of the main entering service later this year. drivers for growth in the satellite market The RCM satellite constellation has a in upcoming years for operators and MDA is the prime contractor for the project design life of seven years providing service providers. Satellites are the and was responsible for the engineering benefits both for Canadians and for the ideal option to offer connectivity in the design, construction and testing of the entire world, as well as growing Canada's maritime sphere where it is impossible three satellites, the ground segment and global leadership position in space-based to roll out terrestrial infrastructures. The operations development. Launch was radar Earth observation. demand for connectivity in this market provided by MDA subcontractor SpaceX. is expected to grow ten-fold in MDA is also providing mission operations upcoming years[1]. services for the first year on orbit, Satlink chooses supporting the integration of RCM into Hispasat to provide In fact, it is estimated that the number of mission-critical activities across the antennas on ships will practically Canadian government. maritime satellite double by 2023, from 24,500 today to connectivity services in 45,000 within 4 years. HISPASAT's RCM represents a major enhancement of fleet features optimised coverage in the Canada's RADARSAT program, following Europe and Latin Ku band to offer efficient, high-quality the successes of RADARSAT-1 and America s e r v i c e s a v a i l a b l e i n t h e RADARSAT-2. Each spacecraft payload Mediterranean, Canary Islands, north- consists of a Synthetic Aperture Radar western rim of Africa, the Caribbean, (SAR) sensor integrated with an Satlink, a specialist in products and the coast of Chile and other areas in the Automated Identification System (AIS) services intended for the maritime sector, Pacific. sensor. has chosen HISPASAT, the Spanish RCM will provide the Government of satellite telecommunications operator, to IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

GigaSat and Inmarsat online maritime services products to help services will be more accurate than ever bring real-time, business-critical and before, allowing our customers to deliver multiband actionable vessel information to monitor and plan more precisely.” terminals to Canada's maritime industry participants. exactView RT consists of 58 operational DND in record time payloads and seven orbital spares that Argentina's Netnius were designed and built by Harris partnering with Hughes Corporation and that are hosted onboard GigaSat, part of Ultra Electronics the Iridium NEXT constellation of to launch satellite Communications and Integrated satellites, which is owned and operated broadband service Systems (CIS), in partnership with by Iridium Communications Inc. Inmarsat, the world leader in mobile exactView RT's advanced maritime satellite communications, has payloads cover the entire maritime VHF Argentina's Netnius has pledged to bring successfully delivered 16 satellite radio band and leverage the unique a satellite-based broadband service to all multiband earth ground station cross-linked architecture of the Iridium parts of the country after reaching a deal terminals to Canada's Department of NEXT satellite constellation to deliver with Hughes Network Systems, an National Defence (DND) in record time. AIS and other vessel-based VHF data EchoStar company. In a statement, Through Inmarsat, Shared Services services from more than 500,000 Netnius said it's investing around USD 6 Canada (SSC), an initiative of the vessels, anywhere on the globe, relaying million to deploy its service from Puna in Canadian Government to provide that data securely to customers in real- the north to the southernmost parts of information technology services to the time. Patagonia, above all targeting oil and various Canadian governmental gas, agriculture and mining industries agencies has successfully fulfilled MarineTraffic owns the world's present in areas unserved or requirements to provide the Canadian preeminent ship-tracking website, which underserved by terrestrial providers. Armed Forces with medium and large attracts approximately six million unique Hughes will provide access to its Jupiter multiband satellite terminals. visitors per month. The company satellite network with over 1.3 million operates 2,000 AIS stations in more than residential and business customers The terminals are designed to be 165 countries around-the-world, across North and South America. deployed globally to access worldwide delivering the most comprehensive AIS Netnius has its own teleport in Buenos global satcom (WGS) military coastal tracking facility available today. Aires that reaches over 99.7 percent of c o m m u n i c a t i o n s , a s w e l l a s For companies in the maritime sector, the Argentine population and is also commercial satellite network operators. MarineTraffic is a preferred tool for fleet partnering with local technology The Inmarsat type-approved terminals management, alert and notification company Megatrans to launch the will allow Canada's Department of systems, vessel particulars, port satellite broadband service. National Defence (DND) to access statistics and actionable intelligence mission critical voice and data networks through API. across the world. Paradigm's agile and \ “MarineTraffic is a leading provider of versatile PIM With the Wideband Ka capabilities, the vessel movement information services terminals enable DND to also access and we look forward to contributing to integrating the UHP-200 Inmarsat's Global Xpress (GX) military their ongoing efforts to enhance their modem or commercial Ka-band, High-Capacity customer experience,” said Peter Payload (HCP) to augment their own Mabson, President & CEO of exactEarth. WGS capacity, providing a fully “This Agreement opens-up another Co-operation between Paradigm and redundant and secure alternative. channel for our satellite AIS data UHP is demonstrated by the integration The provision of multiband earth services and is a further positive of the UHP-200 modem into Paradigm's ground stations terminals to DND indication of the response we have field-proven PIM®. The PIM is an easy- marks start of a new relationship received from customers, prospects and to-use, environmentally rugged terminal between GigaSat and Inmarsat. While partners regarding the real-time controller which enables mobile satellite the usual time period for supplying such functionality of exactView RT. With its terminals to be pointed and optimised an order is in the region of six to nine superior vessel detection, rapid update quickly by non-technical users. months, the DND terminals were built rate and reliability, exactView RT is The PIM supports the UHP-200 modem, and delivered in just six weeks. becoming a “must-have” data source on providing impressively high data rates on major data platforms throughout the a range of high throughput satellites exactEarth and maritime industry.” utilising UHP-based networks. Operations using Paradigm's 'internet- MarineTraffic Argyris Stasinakis, Partner Business in-a-backpack' SWARM® terminal have announce channel Development, MarineTraffic said, “The delivered IP data rates exceeding addition of exactEarth's high resolution, 20Mbps duplex. partner agreement real-time AIS data means that The PIM is designed by Paradigm to MarineTraffic is now the go-to source for provide a common level of operation to all satellite terminals. Its technical agility exactEarth Ltd., a leading provider of any professional seeking the most comprehensive view of shipping and versatility allows it to be integrated Satellite-AIS data services, and with all types of satcom terminals and MarineTraffic, a leading global provider movements. Users of our platform exploiting our ocean coverage services modem technologies; so other terminal of ship tracking and maritime manufacturers can, and do, use it as the intelligence, announce that they have will see enhanced functionality thanks to the higher frequency, coverage and less brain of their system, to further entered into a three-year channel standardise the process of satellite partner agreement. Under terms of the than one-minute latency delivered by the exactView RT satellite constellation. This communication. Agreement, MarineTraffic will deploy The integration of the UHP-200 with the exactEarth's exactView RT data into its means that our popular predictive IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

PIM gives customers' access to UHP- precise geo-location enable the To solve this issue, RUAG in Linköping, based satellite networks via Paradigm's CONDOR MS to identify a large number Sweden put forward a truly unique range of high-performance multiband of targets at extremely high rates, concept for a platform Dispenser to terminals including the lightweight, rugged hence significantly shortening the time where the three spacecraft would tilt and ultra-portable SWARM, the HORNET frame needed to close sensor-to- outwards from each other before flyaway terminal, the Communications on shooter loops. separation, providing significantly more the Move (COTM) solution MANTA®, and room for the satellites to safely deploy. the cost-effective CONNECT100T tripod Over the last two decades Elbit “This tilting method was never terminal. Systems has been the prime contractor attempted until today,” explains Jörgen Paradigm and UHP will exhibit together at in numerous LOROP programs based Remmelg. the CommunicAsia show from 18-20 June on the CONDOR family of systems that “We accomplished this task using this in Singapore. UHP's stand (1R1-01) will features one of the smallest and lightest state-of-the-art tilting mechanism and showcase the back-packable SWARM pods in the category. The CONDOR our extensive heritage in the field of terminal. family of systems is integrated onboard satellite separations.” Although this “As an established provider of end-to-end a variety of platforms among them the tilting method is new, the mechanism solutions to address the evolving F-16 A/B/C/D/I, F-4, SU-30 and B-737. incorporated components and design requirements of network providers, we are concepts from RUAG's existing and always looking to form new partnerships extensive product portfolio, ensuring a with other industry leaders,” said Ulf high level of reliability and winning the Sandberg, Managing Director at RUAG Space built confidence of the stakeholders for Paradigm. “UHP's modem board provides satellite dispenser 100% mission success. immense flexibility and tailored services to our customers, system launched When it comes to spacecraft powering a range of applications from separation, RUAG has 100 percent mobile Internet access, video/audio aboard RADARSAT success rate and to design a space streaming and emergency response right mechanism in less than a year is a big through to defence and military Using its rich heritage of designing and challenge. To reduce risk, RUAG applications.” building satellite dispensers, RUAG Space based the design on existing Vagan Shakhgildian, President at UHP Space developed a unique satellite parts, had healthy margins in the Networks commented “We are very Dispenser that enables three large design, and redundancy where pleased to partner with Paradigm, a radar Earth observation satellites to possible. recognized leader in advanced multiband simultaneously launch. VSAT terminals and high-performance The Dispenser system connected the Albert Thuswaldner, project manager system solutions. Their family of satellite spacecraft to the launcher and ensured for the RCM Dispenser at RUAG Space terminals fits well with the UHP-200 safe separation in orbit using a first-of- said, “In less than two years, we went satellite router, which combines 190,000 its-kind tilting mechanism. RUAG from having a concept to a complete packet per second IP data throughput with Space delivered the tilting Dispenser product. We were very pleased and small size and low power consumption.” System to MDA, a Maxar company, to p r o u d t o s e e o u r d i s p e n s e r support the Canadian Space Agency's development efforts pay off. This is a Elbit Systems launches RADARSAT Constellation Mission very big step into our future successes.” (RCM), which launched Wednesday, Following an intense and highly CONDOR MS, June 12 from Vandenberg Air Force successful two-year development and introducing multi- Base, California, USA. qualification program, the RUAG “The innovation and technology that we Dispenser system was delivered to the spectral imaging and AI created is a major contributor to this customer in Q2 2017. RUAG continued capabilities important mission,” said RUAG Space to actively support the customer, CEO Peter Guggenbach. RCM is the including performing the onsite next in a series of Canadian installation of the dispenser on to the Elbit Systems launches CONDOR™ MS, RADARSAT satellites supporting all- launcher rocket. a new Long Range Oblique Photography weather maritime surveillance, disaster system that introduces Multi-Spectral m a n a g e m e n t a n d e c o s y s t e m (MS) sensing capability and Artificial m o n i t o r i n g f o r t h e C a n a d i a n Intelligence (AI) analytics to stand-off government and international users. strategic intelligence gathering missions. “We are very honoured that MDA came Viasat become first CONDOR MS integrates three high to RUAG Space for this fundamental commercial customer resolution Electro Optic (EO) sensors into hardware for this mission for the the Company's certified and widely Canadian Space Agency which will also to launch aboard the operational CONDOR2 system: Visible & serve the rest of the world,” said Jörgen Ariane 64 Near Infra-Red (VNIR), Medium-Wave Remmelg, Senior Vice President for Infrared (MWIR), and Short-Wave Infrared Spacecraft at RUAG Space. “Space (SWIR). assets will bring more services, better Viasat Inc., a global communications environments, more science, and better company, and satellite launch The unique combination of multi-spectral telecommunications.” company, Arianespace, announced a sensing, high level of stabilization and RUAG was contacted back in 2015 to modification to their original ViaSat-3 auto image enhancement enables the solve the difficult issue of how to get satellite launch contract, signed in new system to dramatically extend three large spacecraft safely launched 2016. Under the new agreement, the coverage area in day, night and adverse on a single launcher. The size of the two companies agreed to move the weather conditions thereby improving the spacecraft, and having to pack them ViaSat-3 satellite from an Ariane 5 ECA strategic reconnaissance output while inside the payload faring of the launch vehicle to the next-generation increasing the survivability of the launcher, meant that they would sit very Ariane 64 (A64) launcher. With this platforms. Deep learning algorithms and close to each other. contract, Viasat will become the first

37 IN THE NEWS AMERICAS commercial customer to commit to launch Comtech Xicom ships The MX1 Broadcast Centre will on the A64. The A64 launcher is expected simultaneously receive all essential data to maintain launch quality and reliability, but world's first 250W V- and video transmission material from with added mission effectiveness, Sky Deutschland's main channels. In the efficiency and flexibility. band unlikely event that a natural or other catastrophe impacts Sky Deutschland's The A64 launch vehicle will feature a Comtech Xicom Technology has been media centre, its broadcast or OTT modular configuration based on core the leader in mm-wave TWTA design. signal will be rapidly restored via MX1's stages powered by lower and upper liquid The team announced another milestone, Broadcasting Centre in Unterföhring, propellant modules, which is supplemented shipping the world's first commercial V- Germany. The agreement includes by four solid rocket motors. The A64's band TWTAs for a high throughput content management, playout, and configuration will also provide added satellite (HTS) gateway application. The uplink services for the main signal, as performance to deliver a ViaSat-3 satellite XTD-250QV is a 250W liquid cooled well as encoding and distribution for OTT into a high-energy geostationary transfer TWTA featuring 80W of linear power delivery. orbit where it can begin on-orbit operations across 47.2 to 51.4 Ghz. faster. Arianespace will launch the ViaSat-3 "Big players such as Sky need a reliable satellite from the Guiana Space Center, V-band is ideal for the next generation of partner that can assure service Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French HTS systems. It enables the gateway continuity in case an unforeseen external Guiana. traffic to go up to the satellite at higher catastrophe impacts their own frequencies, opening more Ka-band infrastructure," said Christoph Mühleib, Moving to the A64 launcher completes spectrum for users. V-band also has 4 managing director, Astra Deutschland, Viasat's integrated launch strategy, which is GHz of allocated spectrum, which is a responsible for marketing and sales of designed to bring an on-time launch to all of considerable increase in available Astra and MX1 in Germany, Austria, and the ViaSat-3 spacecraft through launch bandwidth. The increase in the Switzerland. "I'm proud to say that in vehicle diversity and an integrated spectrum, coupled with spot-beams on such an event MX1 can guarantee to approach to launch planning. Viasat will the spacecraft can reduce the cost per bit jump in and take over all contracted announce specific mission assignments for enabling a wide range of new services on the same day.” each of the contracted launch vehicles at a applications and services. For example, later date. Dave Ryan, president, Space satellites can provide broadband internet and Commercial Networks at Viasat connectivity to communities and Peraton to acquire commented, industries that are difficult to reach via fiber. Solers, Inc. “We have a long-standing partnership with The XTD-250QV is a compact self- Arianespace, and trust their A64 launcher contained antenna mount power will allow Viasat to meet key business amplifier designed for low cost Peraton, a portfolio company of Veritas objectives, which include bringing high- installation and long life. Cooling and Capital, has entered into a definitive speed, high-quality broadband connectivity monitor & control systems are all self- agreement to acquire Solers, Inc., a to end-users, worldwide. contained within the amplifier. TWTs are l e a d i n g p r o v i d e r o f s o f t w a r e available delivering 250 Watts peak development and systems integration for The A64 vehicle is a highly competitive power across the 47.2 to 51.4 GHz band. space situational awareness, satellite launcher, and incorporates key features to A predistortion linearizer is also included ground systems and operations, ensure a more cost-effective, dependable to optimize linear power at the HPA cybersecurity engineering, and ViaSat-3 spacecraft launch.” flange. The XTD-250QV provides enterprise cloud-based solutions. several methods of tube protection Arianespace Chief Executive Officer, including output power monitoring. The “The acquisition of Solers represents an Stéphane Israël said, “We were honored amplifier is available with multiple important step in the execution of our that Viasat initially chose Arianespace for o p t i o n s i n c l u d i n g r e d u n d a n t growth strategy and serves as a true one of its ViaSat-3 launches, and has now configurations, preamplifiers with fixed force multiplier for Peraton and our evolved the program, enabling them to be or variable gain. A remote external customers. By bringing together some of the first commercial launch customer to controller is available to operate the HPA the most proven and innovative space commit to fly on our powerful Ariane 64 from a user selected location. protection and ground operations launcher. By moving to the A64 vehicle, we technologies in the industry, we will be are confident we will demonstrate next- able to significantly enhance our ability to generation market adaptability—one that Sky Deutschland and execute on our customers' critical responds better to customer needs.” MX1 expand missions,” said Stu Shea, Chairman, President and CEO of Peraton. “I'm The ViaSat-3 class of Ka-band satellites is collaboration excited to welcome the talented Solers expected to provide unprecedented team to Peraton, strengthening our already robust space portfolio, technical capabilities in terms of service speed and MX1, an SES subsidiary and global excellence and rapid innovation flexibility for a satellite platform. The first solutions provider of media services, capabilities.” two satellites will focus on the Americas and announced that Sky Deutschland has on Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), agreed to a new service agreement The Solers acquisition will accelerate respectively, with the third satellite planned extension with the company, which will both near- and long-range growth for the APAC region, completing Viasat's see the German broadcaster's opportunities and enhance Peraton's global service coverage. customers receive perfect audio and ability to deliver highly differentiated video signals under any conditions. In space protection and resiliency solutions Each ViaSat-3 class satellite is expected to particular, the scope of MX1's that directly support mission objectives deliver more than 1-Terabit per second of contingency service will be expanded to and critical national security initiatives. network capacity, and to leverage high include Sky Deutschland's over-the-top The combined capabilities will enable levels of flexibility to dynamically direct (OTT) signals as well as its main Peraton to expand its offerings of capacity to where customers are located. broadcasts.

38 IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

innovative and agile end-to-end complying with all federal and local The company is enhancing its focus on solutions that address the growing regulations. Our business partners count mission integration and launch system complexity of customer mission needs on us to offer market access with all due operations in collaboration with Air Force across both national security and diligence and complete regulatory partners nearby at Cape Canaveral Air civilian agency space & ground compliance. Force Station and the 45th Space Wing at programs. Patrick Air Force Base, and strengthening “The Solers/Peraton alignment is truly a A team comprising some of our most relationships with Air Force Space strategic fit and I have full confidence highly skilled personnel with extensive Command in Colorado and Vandenberg Air that the combined companies will industry experience has already setup Force Base in California. continue Solers trademark high quality office in Buenos Aires, so the Argentinian The CST-100 Starliner commercial support to our government clients,” said Government, private sector, civil society spacecraft is preparing for two flight tests David Kellogg, President and CEO of and end users can start benefiting from later this year ahead of operational missions Solers. “Through our combination with the increased availability of satellite to the International Space Station beginning Peraton – a company with whom we terminals and services immediately.” in 2020. Boeing continues to achieve have many shared values – our milestones toward delivery of the first two customers will have access to some of Silvina Graziadio, Globalsat Group core stages of the world's most powerful the best people and technologies Marketing Director adds that “Argentina is rocket, NASA's Space Launch System, for available to address their critical not new to satellite services, but is ripe for uncrewed and crewed missions to the missions and our employees will benefit the better offerings that will be the result of moon's orbit leading to the first crewed lunar from greatly expanded growth increased competition, transparency and surface landing in 50 years, and then to opportunities as part of this new innovation. We look forward to very Mars. company.” interesting times, where Argentina will The International Space Station is poised to “Peraton's transformational acquisition now have easier access to the technology f o l l o w N A S A ' s r o a d m a p f o r of Solers will accelerate the company's itself and can better take advantage of it commercialization of low Earth orbit, even presence in the high-priority, emerging through our global network of industry as this national laboratory is positioned for space and communications markets,” experts. Our offerings will be especially continued scientific and technological said Ramzi Musallam, CEO and interesting to companies operating in research until at least 2030. \ Managing Partner of Veritas Capital. more than one country which prefer a “This combination will create a streamlined solution across their footprint The United Launch Alliance joint venture differentiated platform, strengthening and adds simplicity instead of complexity continues to meet vital launch needs for Peraton's ability to provide mission- to their cost structure.” n a t i o n a l s e c u r i t y, s c i e n t i f i c a n d critical services and solutions to its telecommunications missions through its dynamic customer base.” Boeing Space and Atlas and Delta rockets, while entering the formal qualification phase for the new Launch moves to Vulcan Centaur launch vehicle. Boeing is Globalsat Group Florida's Space Coast studying and advancing future space granted operational capabilities in collaboration with the Defense Advanced Research Projects licence in Argentina In order to strengthen collaboration and Agency (DARPA). integration across its portfolio, Boeing is relocating the headquarters of its Space "Boeing has been a dominant presence on Globalsat Group announced that its and Launch division to Titusville, on the Space Coast for six decades, and this Argentina affiliate has been authorized Florida's revitalized Space Coast. Space move represents a continuation of that by the national telecommunications and Launch, a division of Boeing legacy and future commitment," said Jim authority ENACOM to provide services Defense, Space & Security, currently has Chilton, senior vice president of Space and throughout the second largest South its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. Launch. "Expanding our Boeing presence American country. The consortium has "Looking to the future, this storied Florida on the Space Coast brings tremendous been fulfilling satellite voice and data space community will be the center of value for our commercial and government solution needs throughout the Americas gravity for Boeing's space programs as space programs through focused since 1999. With the awarding of this we continue to build our company's leadership, strategic investment, customer license, our Globalsat Argentina leadership beyond gravity," said Boeing proximity and additional contributions to the Telecomunicaciones S.R.L. affiliate Defense, Space & Security President and vitality of the region." The headquarters located in Buenos Aires can now market Chief Executive Officer Leanne Caret. move will have no impact on Boeing's space satellite communications solutions for "The time is right for us to locate our space operations in other states, including sales within Argentina, creating an headquarters where so much of our California, Texas, Alabama, Colorado and almost seamless coverage area which space history was made over the past six Louisiana. "Boeing will continue to be a spans from the Canadian Arctic Ocean decades and where so much history dynamic space presence in its existing to Antarctica. awaits." locations, contributing to the vitality of those In announcing the relocation of the aerospace hubs, collaborating with our Our offerings is especially interesting to headquarters to a region that includes regional partners, and inspiring future companies operating in more than one Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral generations of space engineers, technicians country which prefer a streamlined Air Force Station and Patrick Air Force and innovators," Chilton said. solution across their footprint and adds Base, Boeing leaders said the timing of simplicity instead of complexity the move makes sense for multiple Big Universe: Lockheed structure” Silvina Graziadio J. Alberto reasons: The Boeing-built X-37B Palacios, Founder and CEO of the uncrewed, reusable space vehicle Martin selected for the consortium, comments: “Argentina has continues to perform record-setting, long- always been an important market and duration missions for the U.S. Air Force. next phase of a small we are glad to be able to offer our Boeing's satellite programs anticipate spacecraft mission advanced value-added services increased tempo in local payload throughout Argentinian territory, processing and launch activity.

39 IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

Lockheed Martin has been selected to developing other small sat missions such Peterson, vice president and general design dual small deep space as LunIR." manager, Software and Services, Honeywell spacecraft to visit near-earth asteroids The Janus mission is led by Principal Connected Enterprise, Honeywell in a mission called Janus, led by the Investigator Dan Scheeres of University Aerospace. "Our agreement with SmartSky University of Colorado Boulder. One of of Colorado Boulder in Boulder, Colorado. strengthens our expansive and diverse NASA's Small Innovative Mission for If selected in the final stage, Lockheed global connectivity solutions portfolio, Planetary Exploration (SIMPLEx) Martin Space will design and build the including JetWave, and permits airlines to finalists, Janus is designed to fly by two spacecraft and provide mission offer the best connectivity options to meet binary asteroids, or asteroids orbiting a operations after launch. Malin Space passenger needs.” common center of mass, to image the Science Systems will provide the system using both visible and infrared instrument suite including visible and The SmartSky network delivers a secure, cameras. These small satellites will infrared cameras. The selected low-latency signal to every aircraft in the launch in 2022 to reach the asteroid investigations will be managed by the network, ensuring high performance system in 2026. Planetary Missions Program Office at regardless of network loading. Each beam NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in communicates with just one aircraft at a time, "We are excited to partner with Huntsville, Alabama as part of the Solar compared with similar offerings that share University of Colorado on this System Exploration Program at NASA beams among several aircraft. In the cabin, challenging mission to be among the Headquarters in Washington. passengers will experience inflight first small sats to return science data connectivity similar to that of their ground- from beyond Earth orbit," said Chris Honeywell, SmartSky based office solutions. This level of service McCaa, Janus program manager at allows passengers to make their time in the Lockheed Martin Space. "Janus will bring unparalleled air as productive as possible. That could provide the opportunity to blend our long connectivity to North include running cloud-based applications, heritage of mission success in deep connecting via virtual private networks, space with the small sat paradigm, American Airlines using conducting significant data transfers, surfing helping to pave the way for a new the web or streaming videos. generation of deep space explorers. 5G Technologies Combining our track record of delivering Iridium and Icom come up on principal investigator-led missions Honeywell has been selected as an and the caliber of this science team will authorized value-added reseller for with satellite push to talk give us all a greater understanding of SmartSky Networks' air-to-ground the working of our Solar System.” services leveraging 5G technologies for radio North American airline operators. By Downselected for this next phase of becoming an authorized reseller, Iridium Communications and partner Icom NASA's SIMPLEx program, Lockheed Honeywell extends its inflight connectivity have announced the commercial availability Martin will be working toward (IFC) services for airlines. of the world's first dedicated satellite push- preliminary design review. SIMPLEx is a The new air-to-ground connectivity from to-talk (PTT) radio. The Icom IC-SAT100 is cost-capped program focusing science SmartSky provides Honeywell customers the only Iridium PTT capable Land-Mobile investigations on any Solar System with another option for internet R a d i o ( L M R ) o f f e r i n g r e a l - t i m e body, except for the Earth and the Sun, connectivity that delivers a user communications at the push of a button using small spacecraft lighter than 180 experience similar to that found at home. between groups of individuals, each of whom kg. The Janus mission is designed to Honeywell is also a provider of Inmarsat's can be anywhere on the planet. meet these requirements. The mission GX Aviation via satellite, which is powered will investigate how binary asteroids by Honeywell's JetWave™ hardware. This combined product and service offering form and evaluate existing theories of Additionally, Honeywell offers safety provides critical communications beyond the how these constantly changing systems solutions that provide direct data link range of trunked radio networks and as an evolve. communications between pilots and air emergency back-up, providing business traffic controllers via L-band satellite continuity and security for customers. The Deep space missions present networks. Icom IC-SAT100 can interoperate with challenges beyond what the typical existing LMR networks and be managed small sat mission encounters in low- "Honeywell brings a world-class approach over the air through the Iridium PTT Earth orbit. For example, power to the market and we are excited to Command Centre, simplifying device systems must handle a range of Sun partner with them, further diversifying the administration. distances and telecommunication cost, speed and capacity of the broader systems need to be able to transmit over range of services they support for airlines Bryan Hartin, executive vice president of long distances and be compatible with throughout North America," said Ryan sales and marketing, Iridium, said there was the Deep Space Network. Lockheed Stone, president, SmartSky Networks. a clear demand for this type of Iridium Martin brings the experience of deep "Honeywell's leading portfolio of Connected product.“This new satellite PTT space exploration system integration connectivity solutions will permit airlines device is unlike anything ever offered into the design of these ESPA-class, to balance their capital investment with commercially in terms of capability, and it dual small satellites weighing in at about passenger needs.” would not have been possible without the 40 kg each. great partnership we've built with Icom, who SmartSky's air-to-ground network are de-facto experts and leaders in the LMR "All deep space missions require a leverages 5G technologies to provide a industry. Icom has created a small, balance of reliability and schedule reliable, secure and affordable IFC lightweight and very high performing radio assurance to be successful and, unlike solution for airlines that want full- that's perfect for LMR users. We look forward a mission to low-Earth orbit, you must functioning inflight connectivity for their to many more collaborations with Icom in the meet the planetary launch window. The regional aircraft. future.” asteroids won't wait for us," said McCaa. "To meet those challenges, we will be "This expands the suite of connectivity The industrial, radio-style design that keeps applying proven methods from missions services we offer airlines operating routes dispatched personnel connected beyond the such as OSIRIS-REx and Lucy as well throughout North America," said John reach of traditional LMR networks. The IC- as leveraging lessons learned while IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

SAT100's commercial availability makes it services.” said Hadi Nazari Mehrabi,CEO, comparatively easy place to establish a useful for government agencies, NGOs, NorthTelecom. local internet because you wouldn't have first responders, law enforcement, to be living everywhere on Mars,” said search-and-rescue organisations and “Fleet Xpress, the world's fast growing Musk. businesses. maritime VSAT service, is now installed on The IC-SAT100 is also compatible with almost 7,000 vessels and is enabling Viasat, Teledyne existing Icom portfolio accessories and digitalization in the maritime and offshore partner to deliver the new VE-PG4, an interoperability industries, bringing unrivalled vessel gateway feature that allows for integration efficiency and communication benefits to connected flight deck with any existing deployed LMR systems. crew. We are setting a new standard in services to commercial No other commercially available PTT maritime communications and we're device has the design, functionality and excited NorthTelecom is joining our Fleet Aviation customers coverage of the IC-SAT100. Xpress partner network,” said Eric Griffin, The IC-SAT100 is a compact, user- VP of Offshore Energy and Fishing. Viasat Inc. and Teledyne Controls LLC friendly radio with military grade announced partnership to bring real-time ruggedness and includes a high audio SpaceX aims to put connected flight deck services to speaker to ensure communications commercial airlines. Designed for Viasat clarity, even in high ambient noise internet connection on in-flight connectivity (IFC) customers, environments. Radio-style control knobs this partnership allows commercial and a familiar LMR user interface make Mars airlines to decrease operational costs by the IC-SAT100 incredibly easy to operate eliminating expensive manual data off- for existing radio users. Starlink, the SpaceX megaconstellation of loading processes; make better use of W i t h r e a l - t i m e , o n e - t o - m a n y 12,000 small satellites will serve as the data mid-flight with improved data communication at the push of a button, backbone for a future “space internet” analysis and relevancy; and reduce data and Iridium's truly global coverage, the network linking the Earth to Mars. CEO loss through preventative maintenance new device ensures reliability of Elon Musk said he also plans to deploy a and the immediate access of flight deck communication between work teams in “Martian internet,” which will see SpaceX information. isolated areas. Users will know that satellites orbiting the Red Planet, for the regardless of where in the world they need first human colonists on Mars. Martian As data becomes increasingly critical in to deploy personnel and assets, they will colonists will eventually need their own aviation operations, commercial airlines remain within coverage. internet because a signal from Earth to are looking to leverage analytics to Mars will take anywhere from four to 24 identify actionable insights that will help minutes to complete depending on Mars' streamline operational efficiencies, distance from the Earth. reduce costs and increase safety. Using NorthTelecom Musk plans to land the first humans on Viasat's IFC system paired with announces Fleet Xpress Mars, and establish the first human colony Teledyne's Aircraft Interface Device on this distant planet by the decade of the (AID), airlines can off-load Quick Access distributor partnership 2030s. There are obviously no fiber optics Recorder (QAR) data and reliably stream with Inmarsat or wires or anything on Mars, he said Aircraft Communications Addressing before an audience that attended a and Reporting System (ACARS) symposium in Seattle about the next- messages in real-time from the flight NorthTelecom has entered into a strategic generation space internet initiative. deck. Additionally, airlines can augment distribution partnership with Inmarsat, the flight operations and maintenance world's leading global, mobile satellite “We could use the Starlink structure and quality assurance programs by communications company, for its Fleet leverage it to put an internet system on immediately identifying and responding Xpress service to support its strategy of Mars,” he pointed out. “We are going to to maintenance issues, reducing aircraft providing global connectivity using latest need high bandwidth communications on ground (AOG) timelines. industry technology. between Earth and Mars and the Starlink This partnership agreement will allow system will provide this.” Starlink is a "The combination of Viasat's in-flight NorthTelecom to create additional value megaconstellation that will form the connectivity service with Teledyne's for its existing and future clients from the backbone of a new space-based internet Aircraft Interface Device is delivering Energy and Maritime industries, who are communications system. The first 60 tremendous cost savings along with data looking for high-speed cutting-edge, s a t e l l i t e s o f t h i s m a s s i v e benefits to commercial airlines," said secure satellite communication and megaconstellation that will eventually Murray Skelton, senior director of Aircraft seamless mobility services. consist of nearly 12,000 satellites was Solutions, Teledyne. "In working with With this partnership NorthTelecom is orbited on May 23. Commercial operations Viasat, we can securely off-load over preparing to expand globally in the core should begin in 2020. 80% of ACARS data in real-time, which markets of Energy and Maritime by selling allows airlines to improve quality Inmarsat's Fleet Xpress service. This Astronomers, however, are complaining assurance programs and reduce costs partnership is expected to further this early that the first 60 satellites are associated with sending messages over enhance NorthTelecom's mobility solution already degrading their observations of the expensive Very High Frequency (VHF) and services in the Middle East, Africa and Universe. They also warn that adding radio systems, especially when over Asia region. 12,000 more satellites will greatly ruin water.” “Inmarsat is renowned for its robust, future observations made from the Earth. highly reliable satellite communication SpaceX's Martian internet will also enable Don Buchman, vice president and products, in particular Fleet Xpress, which a global Mars GPS system that will assist general manager, Commercial Aviation, is considered the Gold Standard in colonists in exploring the Red Planet. It will Viasat added, "Through our partnership Maritime VSAT, and this will help us also transmit instant weather reports, and with Teledyne, we're changing expand our service and solutions portfolio help track the deadly and massive dust connected flight deck services by allowing NorthTelecom to be one-stop storms that constantly blanket the planet in enabling airlines to creatively use in-flight satellite solution provider for all mobility lethal dust. “Mars is actually a connectivity to create a fully connected IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

fleet. Commercial aircraft generate large Maxar built High-power homes across Latin America. The C-band volumes of data, and our goal is to help platform is developed by Sersat, a Datco airlines use this data more effectively by communications Group company and a leading telecom removing the expensive manual, post company in Argentina for video solutions flight data acquisition process as well as satellite for Intelsat and services, and hosted via SES's new c r e a t e a n e n v i r o n m e n t w h e r e video position for the Americas via 47.5 communications and analysis happens The Intelsat 39 geosynchronous degrees West. between the flight deck and ground communications satellite has safely Local and international content operators operations teams—all in real-time.” arrived at the Arianespace launch base and owners who want to broadcast over in Kourou, French Guiana, after Latin America will be able to enjoy the Elbit Systems awarded completing final delivery checkouts at benefits of instantly reaching millions of Maxar's Palo Alto, California households that are currently served by additional $26 million manufacturing facility. Intelsat 39 is the the satellite via the platform hosted at the contract to provide 52nd satellite built by Maxar for our long- Sersat teleport in Buenos Aires. SES-14 term customer, Intelsat. The Intelsat, reaches 33.3 million TV homes directly in integrated fixed towers Arianespace and Maxar teams in the region. In addition, its channels are Kourou will now prepare the satellite for being picked up by other direct-to-home system in Arizona launch on an Ariane 5 rocket, which is platforms which serve another 29.3 currently scheduled for July 24. million homes, bringing the total number Once it reaches its final destination at Elbit Systems Ltd announced that its of TV households it serves to 62.6 million. 62 degrees East, the satellite will subsidiary in the U.S., Elbit Systems of "Having worked with SES in the past, we provide broadband and video America, LLC, was awarded an are confident that they can provide us distribution services across Africa, approximately $26 million contract from with high-quality services for our Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The the United States Customs and Border operators in the region. From our teleport satellite will also enhance mobile Protection (“CBP”) to install an Integrated in Buenos Aires, we manage the end-to- connectivity for aero, maritime and Fixed Towers system in the U.S. Border end transmission signals for local and government users operating in the P a t r o l C a s a G r a n d e A r e a o f international channels, enabling pay TV Indian Ocean region. Responsibility in Arizona. The project will providers in Latin America to build be performed over a one-year period. To differentiated content networks and Intelsat 39 will replace the Intelsat 902 date, Elbit Systems of America has been provide more channels across the satellite, which was also built by Maxar awarded a number of contracts from CBP region,” said Verónica Martinez, and launched in 2001. By the time of its to install IFT systems in numerous AoR's President of Sersat replacement by Intelsat 39, Intelsat 902 covering a total of approximately 200 “Across Latin America, the demand for will have exceeded its expected 13-year miles of the Arizona–Mexico border. content has never been greater. Through design life by six years, or 45%. our assets and partnerships, we are Intelsat 39 is based on Maxar's The IFT system comprises a command pleased to be able to leverage the power decades-proven 1300-class platform, and control center and a networked multi- of satellite to deliver content to mass which offers high power, reliability and tower, multi-sensor system that audiences. The latest agreement with flexibility to support a broad range of continuously monitors portions of the Sersat is an extension of our long-term applications and technology advances. U.S. southern border. Information from partnership to offer more and better video The satellite has both C-band and Ku- the towers is sent to the command and solutions to satisfy the demand of content band transponders, and will use hybrid control center at a Border Patrol Station distributors and owners that want to electric and chemical propulsion to providing agents with long-range, deliver more content across Latin reach its desired orbit, where it is persistent surveillance and situational America," said Jurandir Pitsch, Vice designed to provide service for a awareness that allows them to dispatch President Sales, Latin America & minimum of 15 years. Once on-orbit, the an appropriate response. This capability Caribbean of SES Video. satellite will maintain its position using provides greater safety for the agents SES was a strategic partner to Sersat all-electric propulsion, which provides patrolling the border in the Casa Grande when broadcasting the Rally Dakar Peru efficiency for satellite operators by AoR. 2019 using the SES-10 and SES-14 reducing launch mass while increasing satellites. For Sersat, the challenge of spacecraft flexibility and performance. A Ranaan Horowitz, Elbit Systems of broadcasting an event in hostile terrain video of the launch will be livestreamed America President and Chief Executive such as the Dakar Rally requires peak at www.arianespace.com, and Maxar Officer, said: “Elbit Systems of America is performance of both technical and will be posting frequent updates on honored to have been selected by the commercial teams. Next to having the Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook as the CBP and the Tohono O'odham Nation to best satellite coverage, teams from both satellite progresses through launch and provide a solution to suit the needs of companies collaborated well and into operations. those living and working along the border complemented each other with their in the Casa Grande AoR. This project strengths, making the event broadcast a clearly demonstrates our company's New Sersat and SES successful one. mission to provide innovative solutions that protect and save lives.” Satellite TV platform to enable easy content ORBCOMM recognized SSTL In addition to the company's Integrated delivery across Latin b y t h e A m e r i c a n Fixed Towers, Elbit Systems of America Business Awards with has developed a number of other border America security measures and technology. More gold Stevie® for Its on these solutions is available at Pay TV operators, content owners and intermodal container www.nextgenborder.com. broadcasters will now be able to deliver their video content on a newly- telematics solution developed platform on the SES-14 ORBCOMM Inc., a global provider of satellite to reach more than 33 million TV Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Internet IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

of Things (IoT) solutions, announced that through a share purchase agreement. send their content to SES's teleport in the its intermodal container telematics In recent years, Nevion has city of Hortolândia and uplink to the solution, the CT 3000, has been established itself as a leading provider satellite's Ku-band capacity. Regional recognized by the 17th Annual American of IP media network solutions for the channel affiliates and TV viewers will only Business Awards (ABA) with a 2019 Gold real-time transport, processing, need to buy an easily available DVB-S2 Stevie® Award in the New Transportation monitoring and management of the compatible set top box to receive the Products category. The winners were video, audio and data signals that are signals from SES-10 and can use more announced on June 11 at a gala banquet used in production. This partnership affordable and easier-to-install 60cm to at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York with Sony will allow customers to 75cm antennas. City, NY. ORBCOMM's CT 3000 also benefit from more advanced, fully recently earned the 2019 IoT Innovations integrated and standards-based TV Cultura, among other channels and Award from Connected World magazine media production solutions that content owners, have been testing SES's as well as the 2019 Industrial IoT Product combine outstanding media network newest Ku-band uplink and are reaping the of the Year Award from IoT Evolution technology with world-leading benefits of getting to market faster and World magazine. equipment such as cameras and being able to broadcast to millions of switchers. viewers at a lower investment cost. ORBCOMM's CT 3000 provides remote These solutions will make it easier for Broadcasters and radio operators will also monitoring and control of refrigerated customers to move to IP in their be able to leverage the Ku-band containers travelling by land, rail or sea for facilities and in remote production, as distribution solution. uninterrupted visibility of operations, well as improve their ability to create SES is participating at the Church Expo improved efficiency and reduced costs. content – for example through better and will be showcasing its free-to-air Ku- The CT 3000 connects directly to the sharing of resources. band solution on SES-10 as well as its new reefer to enable real-time alerts and two- “This is an exciting alliance for Nevion, over-the-top (OTT) platform at booth #1. By way control, allowing operators to quickly its customers and its partners,” said reaching broadband connected viewers via react to discrepancies and remotely adjust Geir Bryn-Jensen, Nevion CEO. “It is IP and all other users via satellite, SES's temperature and humidity levels to ensure based on very complementary hybrid distribution networks help temperature compliance and minimize solutions, products and know-how, customers seamlessly deliver content to spoilage, thereby reducing costly and will allow us to offer a lot more to their largest possible audience. insurance claims. By leveraging our customers, both existing and comprehensive data logs to efficiently potential, than we have been able to allocate assets, operators can also until now. It will also give us a much Comtech showcase eliminate unnecessary moves, improve greater scalability and reach.” strategies to simplify 5G turn times and streamline delivery and routes. “Through this strategic partnership, transition for mobile “We're honored to be recognized by the we will be able to expand our end-to- network operators ABA with a Gold Stevie award for our end IP solution offerings that allow leadership and technology innovation customers to produce live content represented by our new container connecting multiple locations”, said Comtech Telecommunications Corp., a telematics solution, which helps Mikio Kita, Senior General Manager, world leader in secure and highly reliable intermodal operators increase asset Media Solution Business Division, location, navigation and communication utilization, lower operating costs and Professional Products & Solutions technology, announced during the 5G e n s u r e c o n t a i n e r t e m p e r a t u r e Group, Sony Imaging Products & World 2019 its Enterprise Technologies compliance,” said Craig Malone, Solutions Inc. “Working together with group, which is part of Comtech's ORBCOMM's Executive Vice President of Nevion, we will deliver an integrated Commercial Solutions segment, is Product Development. “We're committed and optimal experience for our showcasing its latest virtualized location to continue helping our customers achieve customers.” solutions available to global mobile the highest levels of efficiency and Nevion's CEO, Geir Bryn-Jensen network operators, enterprises and IoT customer service by developing products concluded: “This strategic partnership developers. The presentation and exhibit is and services that leverage our best-in- with Sony is a real vote of confidence in taking place June 11th -13th at the ExCel class IoT technology.” Nevion, its vision, its strategy, its Convention center in London. Comtech will people and its IP-based media network demonstrate how current LTE network solutions. We look forward to working capabilities can be extended to support the Nevion, Sony establish closely with Sony to maximize the transition to 5G. a strategic partnership benefits for our customers.” Among the driving forces behind 5G is the to provide enhanced IP promise of new applications built on Brazil's channels networks capable of delivering high broadcast production throughput and connection densities, delivered via SES's along with ultra-high reliability and low solutions latencies. Built using Network Function new Ku-band free-to- Virtualization (“NFV”) and Software Defined Networks (“SDN”) concepts, this Nevion, award-winning provider of air satellite solution newest generation of mobile networks will virtualized media production solutions, be of great significance to mobile network announced that it has agreed with Sony TV viewers across Brazil can now operators looking to build new revenue Imaging Products & Solutions Inc. to receive some of the country's most streams from various industry verticals. An establish a strategic partnership in the popular channels such as TV Cultura important part of the new network's area of IP-based solutions for via SES's new Ku-band free-to-air capabilities is high-accuracy positioning broadcasters and other industries. To solution on the SES-10 satellite that not only enables operators to meet reinforce this partnership, Sony will also located at 67 degrees West. To ensure specific regulatory requirements but also become a leading investor in Nevion by that TV viewers can easily access enhances many revenue-generating acquiring a minority stake in the company these channels, broadcasters can applications and services. IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

Raytheon, United Chairman and CEO. “With our savings returned to customers. In enhanced capabilities, we will deliver addition, the combination presents Technologies Aerospace value to our customers by anticipating s i g n i f i c a n t l o n g - t e r m r e v e n u e in merger of equals and addressing their most complex opportunities from technology synergies. challenges, while delivering significant Complementary company culture: The value to shareowners.” combined company will have a strong Raytheon Company and United performance-based culture focused on Technologies Corp. have entered into an “ T h e c o m b i n a t i o n o f U n i t e d integrity, collaboration, innovation, agreement to combine in an all-stock Technologies and Raytheon will define diversity and corporate social merger of equals. The transaction will the future of aerospace and defense,” responsibility. Employees will have create a premier systems provider with said Greg Hayes, United Technologies expanded opportunities for career advanced technologies to address rapidly Chairman and CEO. “Our two development and advancement in high- growing segments within aerospace and companies have iconic brands that growth areas, as well as ongoing defense. The merger of Raytheon, a share a long history of innovation, engagement in local communities. leading defense company, and United customer focus and proven execution. Technologies, a leading aerospace By joining forces, we will have Pro Forma Business Structure Raytheon company, comprised of Collins Aerospace u n s u r p a s s e d t e c h n o l o g y a n d plans to consolidate its four businesses and Pratt & Whitney, will offer a expanded R&D capabilities that will into two businesses to be named complementary portfolio of platform- allow us to invest through business Intelligence, Space & Airborne Systems agnostic aerospace and defense cycles and address our customers' and Integrated Defense & Missile technologies. The combined company, highest priorities. Merging our Systems. The new businesses will join which will be named Raytheon portfolios will also deliver cost and Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney to Technologies Corporation, will offer revenue synergies that will create long- form the four businesses of Raytheon e x p a n d e d t e c h n o l o g y a n d R & D term value for our customers and Technologies. Pro Forma Capital capabilities to deliver innovative and cost- shareowners.” Structure Net debt for the combined effective solutions aligned with customer company at the time of closing is priorities and the national defense Combination to Create Long-Term expected to be approximately $26 billion, strategies of the U.S. and its allies and Value Balanced and diversified with United Technologies expected to friends. The combination excludes Otis and aerospace and defense portfolio that is contribute approximately $24 billion. The Carrier, which are expected to be resilient across business cycles: The combined company targets an 'A' separated from United Technologies in the merger establishes a broad and category credit rating at the time of the first half of 2020 as previously announced. complementary portfolio of platform- closing. The combined company will have agnostic capabilities across the high- approximately $74 billion in pro forma 2019 growth segments of aerospace and Leadership and Governance The sales. With a strong balance sheet and defense, reducing risk of concentration combined company's Board of Directors robust cash generation, Raytheon in any individual platform or program. will be comprised of 15 members, Technologies will enjoy enhanced Highly complementary technology and consisting of 8 directors from United resources and financial flexibility to support R&D platform: With a combined annual Technologies and 7 from Raytheon, with significant R&D and capital investment company and customer funded R&D the lead director from Raytheon. Tom through business cycles. spend of approximately $8 billion, Kennedy will be appointed Executive Under the terms of the agreement, which seven technology Centers of Chairman and Greg Hayes will be named was unanimously approved by the Boards Excellence, and over 60,000 CEO of Raytheon Technologies. Two of Directors of both companies, Raytheon engineers, the company will develop years following the close of the shareowners will receive 2.3348 shares in new, critical technologies faster and transaction, Hayes will assume the role of the combined company for each Raytheon more efficiently than ever before. Areas Chairman and CEO. share. Upon completion of the merger, of joint advancement include, but are Raytheon Technologies will be United Technologies shareowners will own not limited to: hypersonics and future headquartered in the greater Boston approximately 57 percent and Raytheon missile systems; directed energy metro area, and will retain a corporate shareowners will own approximately 43 weapons; intelligence, surveillance, presence in existing locations. The percent of the combined company on a fully and reconnaissance (ISR) in contested company will be led by a highly diluted basis. The merger is expected to environments; cyber protection for experienced, proven leadership team close in the first half of 2020, following connected aircraft; next generation with a strong track record of innovation, completion by United Technologies of the connected airspace; and advanced delivering on synergies, and meeting previously announced separation of its Otis analytics and artificial intelligence for financial and customer commitments. and Carrier businesses. The timing of the commercial aviation. Timing and Closing The transaction is separation of Otis and Carrier is not subject to the satisfaction of customary expected to be affected by the proposed Attractive financial profile with strong closing conditions, including receipt of merger and remains on track for cash flow generation and balance required regulatory approvals, the completion in the first half of 2020. The sheet: Robust free cash flow growth approval of Raytheon and United merger is intended to qualify as a tax-free and a strong balance sheet will support Technologies shareowners, as well as reorganization for U.S. federal income tax continued investment and return of completion by United Technologies of the purposes. capital to shareowners. The combined separation of its Otis and Carrier company expects to return $18 to $20 businesses. As previously mentioned, the “Today is an exciting and transformational billion of capital to shareowners in the transaction is expected to close in the first day for our companies, and one that brings first 36 months following completion of half of 2020. with it tremendous opportunity for our the merger. As a result of the future success. Raytheon Technologies will combination, the company also continue a legacy of innovation with an expects to capture more than $1 billion expanded aerospace and defense portfolio in gross annual run-rate cost synergies supported by the world's most dedicated by year four post-close, with workforce,” said Tom Kennedy, Raytheon approximately $500 million in annual IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

Marlink launches new ring-fenced with Marlink's cyber security mission critical chart information and e x p e r t i s e , b o l s t e r e d w i t h a dedicated connectivity at a predictable ITLink portfolio to comprehensive suite of solutions from cost. The complexity of managing simplify fleet wide the company's Cyber Guard portfolio. electronic charts and publications for each voyage, and subsequent weekly updates, digitalisation and “Marlink already has complete is vastly simplified through the SRH Pilot compliance management of IT services on more platform, which can be hosted on a PC or than 1,000 vessels, providing ship Speedcast's SIGMA Gateway. With our owners with a secure, compliant suite of applications and solutions under Marlink announced the launch of ITLink, platform on which to run their Speedcast Atlas, we continue to bring to a complete portfolio of IT solutions for applications,” says Tore Morten Olsen, market new best-in-class services to standardising, simplifying and President Maritime, Marlink. “By working support our customers." automating IT operations at sea and in close cooperation with our customers, ''During the past year we have been delivering substantial time and cost our team will ensure that clients secure working closely with Speedcast to create a savings related to on board network IT and future-proof their IT environment hassle-free solution for electronic chart administration and management with our cutting-edge technology and the and publication distribution,'' said through advanced dashboard and adoption of best-practice procedures to Panayiotis Giannoulis, Chief Operating intelligent applications. meet new regulations including TMSA v3 Officer at SRH Marine. "We look forward to and IMO 2021”. continuing the partnership with Speedcast The ITLink suite is designed to service to bring innovation to the Maritime the maritime industry as a standalone industry.” service with fleet wide standardisation Speedcast introduces and digitalisation for ship owners. This ECDIS Charts is more important than ever to ensure to BlackSky awarded NRO take all the advantages of remote IT Distribution Service Contract for commercial intervention onboard, 24/7 monitoring of imagery to support U.S. onboard IT environment and increase Speedcast International Limited the level of compliance with reference to announce that Delta FLEET will be Government mission upcoming regulations such as IMO2021 available to Speedcast's global Maritime and TSMA version 3. ITLink also customers. Delta FLEET, which includes needs provides deep transparency via an IT- chart updates, publications and notices specific advanced online dashboard, to mariners, is available for L-band BlackSky has been awarded a Study which includes continuously updated transmission to customers with C o n t r a c t t h r o u g h t h e N a t i o n a l PC and server status information. Inmarsat's FleetBroadband service. The Reconnaissance Office (NRO) to provide solution is based on SRH Marine's chart commercial satellite imagery. The NRO is ITLink is available standalone or fully distribution platform, which includes the responsible for providing the defense and integrated with Marlink's global multi- SRH Pilot and SRH Plug. All chart intelligence communities with access to band Sealink network and the updates are distributed automatically to high-resolution commercial imagery to XChangecentralised communications the ECDIS Stations for a flat fee, making support homeland defense, national management system. Crucially, it can it a seamless and cost-effective security, disaster and emergency also relieve Marlink customers of the Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC) response missions enabling them to make time-consuming and stressful task of solution for safer route planning. informed decisions with confidence. updating onboard networks and applications. Automated updates can Over the past few decades, ships have “Being selected by the NRO to participate reduce the time to secure, i.e., relied on Electronic Chart Display and in the study contract validates how thousands of onboard PCs on a fleet Information System (ECDIS) updates BlackSky has quickly become a trusted with more than 100 vessels to a few that come through physical media, such partner of providing mission-critical global days, while manual updates are known as USB sticks and CDs. This method has intelligence,” said Brian O'Toole, CEO of to be problematic and can take several proven to be both resource intensive and BlackSky. “We're combining high-revisit months for a similar number of PCs. costly, with dispatches regularly missing satellite imaging with a unique analytic More than1,000 ships are already their targeted vessels. With Delta solution for site monitoring, all at a price saving time and money on IT updates FLEET, ships receive automatic and point not seen before with traditional using Marlink's IT automation services. secure encrypted updates directly to providers. We look forward to building a their ECDIS stations via a secure VPN. long-term partnership with the NRO and ITLink is offered in three levels; Design, The Delta FLEET service runs over a continuing our support of the U.S. Deliver and Manage. In the initial dedicated channel powered by government's existing and emerging Design phase, Marlink's expert team FleetBroadband that operates security and intelligence needs.” will identify elements to standardise and independently from primary crew and automate to ensure the highest levels of business traffic. BlackSky recently announced it has maritime IT compliance and work with successfully achieved significant on-orbit them to organise a scalable, adaptable, "The rapid development in technology milestones of its first two Earth-imaging automated and cost-effective vessel IT and demand for digitalization is spacecraft, Global-1 and Global-2, and environment. The Deliver phase, changing the entire Maritime sector. A has started commercial availability. The meanwhile, will ensure that clients take simple and cost-effective ENC solution company is on track to launch Global-3 benefit of Marlink's efficient large-scale can be a critical piece of our Maritime and Global-4 in the coming months and delivery capabilities on both It and customers' digital transformation plans to launch four more satellites in the connectivity. Finally, the Manage phase strategies," said Tim Bailey, Executive constellation later this year. provides high-quality fleet management Vice President, Products, Marketing and which simultaneously protects clients' Business Development, Speedcast. "By IT environments with a range of offering Delta FLEET to our customers, maintenance services. Each phase is we are unifying vital elements such as IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

Viasat CBM-400 modem the ArcLight waveform. The software- purpose-built solutions, including the defined nature of the CBM-400 also EC-100 Satellite Communicator, certified as the only allows operators to easily switch companion smartphone app, and software-defined between waveforms to meet the unique EVERYWHERE Hub, to its global demands of each mission. The CBM- customer base. modem authorized to 400 running the LinkWay, EBEM, or “We are excited to be partnering with ArcLight waveform have all been EVERYWHERE, allowing us to bring its operate on wideband certified by ARSTRAT for operation on innovative range of communications, global satellite the WGS constellation. The software- location and monitoring systems to our defined architecture enables the CBM- c u s t o m e r s . E V E R Y W H E R E ' s communications 400 to readily embrace innovation due technology and proven industry network to its ability to keep pace with rapidly experience makes them a leader in the accelerating private sector SATCOM market and the EC-100, app and Hub technology trajectories. fits perfectly into our current product Viasat Inc., a global communications portfolio while expanding our company, today announced its Importantly, the Viasat CBM-400 is enterprise-level system offerings,” said Commercial Broadband Modem (CBM)- purposefully designed to fit into Viasat's David Phipps, Chief Executive Officer of 400 became the first-ever software- Hybrid Adaptive Network (HAN) Orbital Tracking. defined modem to successfully complete architecture concept, which would EVERYWHERE's solutions enable the Army Forces Strategic Command allow users to seamlessly operate customers to globally connect through (ARSTRAT) certification process. By a c r o s s b o t h c o m m e r c i a l a n d intelligent routing – whether on Wi-Fi, successfully completing the certification government purpose-built SATCOM cellular or satellite networks. process, the Viasat CBM-400 modem is networks, such as WGS. The HAN EVERYWHERE provides a vital now the only software-defined modem concept creates an end-to-end network communication lifeline to meet duty-of- authorized to operate on the Wideband that provides mitigation against care obligations and comply with lone- Global Satellite (WGS) communications congestion situations, intentional and worker safety laws that are being network, which will significantly enhance unintentional interference sources and adopted in many countries. air, land and sea performance cyber threats through implementation “ I t i s a n e x c i t i n g t i m e f o r capabilities while reducing overall of layered resiliency in highly-contested EVERYWHERE, as we are working to satellite communications (SATCOM) environments. Terminal equipment like fulfill a critical need in the market and we costs for U.S. Department of Defense the CBM-400 supports the HAN are pleased to be partnering with GTC, (DoD) customers. architecture concept by readily and an expanding global provider of Mobile affordably adapting to operate over Satellite Services, to advance our The Viasat CBM-400 combines the new, innovative SATCOM networks as mission,” said Patrick Shay, Founder power of high-speed connectivity with they become available. and CEO of EVERYWHERE. “Our the flexibility to switch over to new customers require effective solutions for satellite networks in near real-time in The Viasat CBM-400 is available for both their people and their assets on a order to meet the needs of nearly any purchase and use across all branches global basis, and with EVERYWHERE, mission and application. The CBM-400 of the U.S. DoD. The modem's we provide everything from Duty of Care d e l i v e r s s a t e l l i t e b r o a d b a n d hardware platform comes in both a to asset monitoring, using technology performance whether at-the-halt or on- standard 19-inch 1RU rackmount that has been proven in the most the-move. With the CBM-400, ground version and a ruggedized, sealed demanding environments for over 10 vehicles, sea vessels and aircraft will enclosure, outdoor variant. Both CBM- years.” have the ability to securely send and 400 variants are certified for operation receive high-definition video, voice and on the WGS constellation. cloud-based networking data from nearly Satellite Industry anywhere across the battlespace. Association applauds EVERYWHERE “Successful completion of the ARSTRAT Communications, White House for certification process validates the recognition over 5G proactive business approach and Telesat forward leaning capabilities of the only Communications deployment U.S. Government-validated software- defined modem,” said Ken Peterman, Partner to deliver The Satellite Industry Association (SIA) president, Government Systems, Viasat. always connected today strongly applauded the White “With our CBM-400, DoD customers now House Office of Science and have access to the significant solutions to enterprise Technology Policy (OSTP) for its advantages and flexibility of a software- and government recognition that both the terrestrial defined architecture, which will allow wireless industry and the satellite customers to rapidly meet evolving customers globally industry must be used to deploy the communications needs and emerging next-generation of broadband Internet mission requirements by utilizing connectivity, often referred to as 5G. SIA modems and terminals that readily and O r b i t a l Tr a c k i n g C o r p o r a t i o n was also encouraged by the continued affordably adapt to embrace new announced the partnership between its plans by the Administration to protect waveforms and satellite networks.” Global Telesat Communications incumbent spectrum users from subsidiary and EVERYWHERE interference and degradation in the The CBM-400 currently supports three Communications Inc to deliver fully rollout of next-generation connectivity. waveforms heavily fielded throughout integrated, always connected solutions the DoD including the LinkWay to enterprise and government globally. “Ensuring America Reaches its 5G waveform, the Enhanced Bandwidth The new partnership enables GTC to Potential” was released yesterday by Efficient Modem (EBEM) waveform and offer EVERYWHERE's suite of IN THE NEWS AMERICAS the White House. In the blog, it referenced Propellant Infusion Mission, or GPIM, a awareness when in flight. two OSTP reports titled “Emerging NASA-developed "green" alternative to "Viasat's inflight connectivity service Technologies and their Expected Impact on conventional chemical propulsion delivers a comprehensive aircraft data Non-Federal Spectrum Demand” and systems for spacecraft. U.S. Naval delivery solution for the flight deck and “Research and Development Priorities for R e s e a r c h L a b o r a t o r y ' s Te t h e r cabin," said Alex Passerini, Qantas Chief American Leadership in Wireless Electrodynamic Propulsion CubeSat Technical Pilot. "Together with Viasat and Communications” which contained the Experiment's CubeSat split into two and Teledyne, we have an innovative solution following: connected by a tether. that has modernized our flight deck “To deploy 5G ubiquitously, the satellite "It's important to have in situ [direct] communications, allowing us to transport conduit can and must be measurements, as well as remote streamline the process for how we deliver integrated into the overall available 5G sensing measurements," said Andy information to the ground for advanced architecture. Satellite technology has been Nicholas, lead investigator for SWATS. flight tracking and real-time aircraft included into 5G standards and will become "[Those measurements will] inform the monitoring. an integral part of 5G.” models and improve predictions for the ionosphere." Navy researchers are Service providers will need to provide studying the ionosphere because of its Telecom Argentina seamless connectivity between terrestrial effects on over-the-horizon radar and invests in satellite 4G in and satellite; 5G traffic will be dynamically other long-range communications steered to the best transport options technologies. Santa Fe available, including satellite, according to bandwidth, latency, network conditions and The other NRL passenger on this Telecom Argentina has launched a other application-specific requirements. SpaceX mission, TEPCE is a 6.8mn-peso (US$150,000) satellite- “As the spectrum environment continues to miniaturized satellite, known as a connected 4G service in the municipality become more congested and contested, CubeSat. Once in space, it will divide of Presidente Roca in Santa Fe province, R&D is needed to improve spectrum into two objects connected by a 1- which became the first town in the awareness… In addition to providing more kilometer-long tether. The system will country to have a mobile site with a up-to-date information on network and collect electrons from the Earth's space satellite link. spectrum environment changes, monitoring environment and transmit the electrons also supports enhanced interference from one object to the other. Its designers Telecom Argentina's Personal 4G detection and resolution to prevent expect the Earth's magnetic field to exert network now reportedly serves more than degradation of systems or services a force on the electrons in the tether, 1,540 localities and 12.5mn people. In provided.” producing a velocity change that will the first quarter, Telecom Argentina affect both the magnitude and direction of deployed 140 new mobile sites and “The Satellite Industry Association strongly the spacecraft. "What this means is a modernized and upgraded 815 to applauds the recognition by the White possible new propulsion capability for incorporate new frequency bands, part of House that satellite-based networks and spacecraft," said Shannon Coffey, quarterly investments that surpassed systems must play an integral role in the TEPCE's principal investigator. "Which 9bn pesos, down 3% year-over-year in rollout of next-generation 5G services,” said may decrease the amount of propellant real terms. According to the Argentine Tom Stroup, President of SIA. “As the that we have to use.” government, Santa Fe has 1,900km of satellite industry continues to expand its fiber optics from the federal fiber optic next-generation connectivity capabilities, In all, this SpaceX launch carried more network (Refefo), a national backbone SIA is also greatly encouraged by the than two dozen science payloads into operated by state telcoArsat, connecting recognition of the importance of spectrum as orbit. The U.S. Naval Research more than 3mn residents in the province. a vital and congested resource by all users Laboratory provides the advanced including the satellite industry and the need scientific capabilities required to bolster Average fixed internet speed is now to ensure protection of incumbent systems our country's position of global naval 13.3Mbps, up from 4.8Mbps, the from degradation and interference.” leadership. With more than 2,500 government said. Santa Fe has 129 personnel scientists, engineers and internet nodes or "shelters," booths support staff, it has served the U.S. Navy where SMEs and cooperatives can U.S. Naval research and the nation for nearly 100 years, connect to Refefo, and 336 localities advancing research covered by the 4G LTE network, which laboratory payloads to represents around 90% of its population. study space weather and According to telecom regulator Enacom, Qantas Airways finds Santa Fe accounted for 1,649 of the spacecraft propulsion success through country's 22,102 active 4G antennas at the end of 2018. Refefo falls under the connected flight deck national telecommunications and U.S. Naval Research Laboratory connectivity plan. researchers designed and built two science communications payloads that went up with SpaceX's Falcon The objective of the plan is to bridge the 9 Heavy rocket launch on June 25. digital divide between large urban Operating in low Earth orbit, SWATS will Qantas is using high-speed Viasat centers and smaller towns and villages. monitor atmospheric densities, winds and satellite connectivity with Teledyne's W o r k s a r e o v e r s e e n b y t h e temperatures while traveling in an elliptical GroundLink® avionics software across modernization ministry, to which Arsat is orbit at altitudes between 350 and 700 its domestic fleet of B737 and A330 linked. Specific goals include reaching kilometers above the Earth's surface. The aircraft with Wi-Fi to stream information 100% of the population with 4G by 2020, payload rides aboard NASA's Green over the Viasat system. The airline is also connecting over 2mn homes and Propellant Infusion Mission. looking at new ways to leverage the system for Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) increasing average broadband speed to 20Mbps. U.S. Naval Research Laboratory's Small application – for tracking and visualizing Wind and Temperature Spectrometer weather, turbulence modeling and to (SWATS) payload will be on the Green improve pilots' overall situational