Digital divide: Optmizing SATCOM solutions in South Africa

VVVolVolVolVol o6 o6 66l l. .No. NoNo. No77 N N 55 oo5.. 815 March 2018 2019

AFRICA

E-government The 'magic' of Nigeria's first Urban GIS revolution By Marcel Dischinger The future “Maryanne Muriuki ofMeet satellite Africa’s broadbandsays Space Generation leading woman Advisory Council systems is the biggest youth in Aerospace space network on Earth.”

C O N T E N T S Vol. 7 No. 15

The renewed fight to save C-band Editor in-chief Aliyu Bello Eutelsat selected by Afghanistan to provide Executive Manager Tonia Gerrald capacity for new DTH platform SA to the editor in-Chief Ngozi Okey Head, Application Services M. Yakubu The quest for maritime security in Africa Editorial/ICT Services John Daniel UK creates over 3,400 new space jobs, Usman Bello according to report Alozie Nwankwo Survey: One in four Malaysian consumers Juliet Nnamdi use pirated TV boxes Client Relations Sunday Tache Lookman Bello Digital divide: Optmizing SATCOM solutions in Safiya Thani South Africa Marketing Offy Pat Tanzanian teen crowned winner of Dstv Eutelsat Star Awards Tunde Nathaniel E-government: The 'magic' of Nigeria's first Wasiu Olatunde Urban GIS revolution Media Relations Favour Madu Khadijat Yakubu Rwandan new telecom satellite launched Zacheous Felicia Demarcating African borders Finance Folarin Tunde Intelsat releases Q4 earnings Eutelsat partners Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation Space Watch Magazine is a publication of Communication Science, Inc. All correspondence should be addressed to editor, space Watch Magazine. Abuja office: Plot 2009, Awka Street, UTC Building, GF 11, Area 10, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria Tel: 234 80336471114, 07084706167, email: [email protected]

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1

Editorial

The renewed fight to save C-band

Ahead of the WRC'19, satellite industry satellite services (MSS) and broadcast satellite pay-TV platforms, which players are challenged again to leap satellite services (BSS) should not be account for less than 10% of TV beyond their achievements at WRC-15 to considered in any further studies. The households. protect the interests of the industry. Since last conference also allocated the L- As free-to-air television continues to 2007, and beyond, during successive band spectrum in the band 1427- make minimal use of Ku-band, C-band World Radiocommunication Conference 1518MHz to IMT in Regions 2 and 3, and also provides most of the unencrypted (WRC), an important international some countries in Region 1. This is channels freely accessible to viewers. regulatory event held every three to four subject to ITU-R studies to determine Some free-to-air channels distributed by years, IMT proponents have often pushed the regulatory and technical measures satellite do use Ku-band as recently for shared access to the band but were to ensure the compatibility of IMT and launched SES service in collaboration rebuffed when studies showed that broadcasting satellite service (sound) with Computer Warehouse), but they satellite and cellular users couldn't operations in the frequency band 1 452- are recent and are not expected to be peacefully coexist. 1 492MHz. used by a lot of households in the initial development phase, as they require an This June, at the plenary, satellite These bands has historically been the antenna, which can be an inhibitor for a industry's players will approach WRC'19 first frequency band used by FSS population with low purchasing power. as yet another “fight to save C band,” by satellite systems on a large scale. FSS Other key segment include the oil and emphasizing the importance of existing systems are currently using primarily C- gas and mining industries, banking uses of the band and the challenges of band and Ku-band with an increasing sector, telecom sector, including mobile altering them. use of Ka-band. When compared to networks and ISPs. It's been speculated that US regulator, the other types of spectrum used by satellite Based on this, it is likely that any FCC, in alignment with the Trump communication systems, C-band interference in the C-band would have a administration and the IMT proponents benefits from two principal physical strong impact on the TV market in want to see a material portion of the C characteristics that are particularly well Nigeria and more particularly on the band repurposed for 5G. The so called suited to part of Africa's environment, terrestrial distribution of channels in the Intelsat/SES plan as shockingly as it is which explain why the C-band continues country. The end of C-band usage would unlikely to sail through. to be selected in key satellite potentially impact up to 16 million applications in a large part of the region. households, about 80 million individuals Intelsat and SES are two of the world's in the country in the short term, and a largest satellite service providers, with It is noteworthy that all of the satellites larger number of viewers over time, as 30% combined market share in the procured by organizations located in economic growth and the expansion of commercial Fixed Satellite Services Sub-Saharan Africa are carrying a C, Ku TV coverage, including through DTT, (FSS) sector (based on total 2018E FSS- and Ka-band payloads. In particular, the should enlarge the TV reach, enabling sector revenue). C-band payload represents between more households to access content. The companies each own and operate 20% and 70% of the total capacity of the fleets of over 50 geosynchronous satellites, with an average of around Leading global satellite operators – equatorial orbit (GEO) satellites, primarily 45%.During rainy periods, the signal Intelsat, SES, Eutelsat and Telesat have using frequencies in the ranges known as attenuation for Ku-band links can range established a consortium called the C- C band, Ku band, and Ka band. SES's from 6 to 10 dB (or even go up to 14-16 Band Alliance, or CBA, in a move that wholly owned subsidiary, O3b Networks, dB), while for C-band it falls in the range could accelerate making mid band also owns 16 medium-earth-orbit of 0.4-1dB (max)1. The high rain fade spectrum available for 5G services. satellites. Intelsat and SES use satellites attenuation makes Ku-band less t o p r o v i d e a w i d e r a n g e o f preferred for the above applications in In summary, satellite operators need to communications solutions to media many African countries. participate actively in ITU-R study companies, telecom operators, groups and conferences dealing with multinational corporations, and While the band 3600-4200MHz remains FSS, GSO, NGSO and IMT WRC-19 government agencies. exclusively allocated to fixed satellite agenda items. African satellite services (FSS) worldwide into the next operators have united under the US telco,T-Mobile believes it can increase decade, few countries in Region 2 auspices of organisations such as ATU its users' average download speeds by a (American Region), in which the US, in order to lobby for support for its factor of 15 over the next several years, Canada, Cameron and Costa Rica have protection. Finally, operators will also creating a “world-leading, nationwide 5G allocated 3600-3700MHz for the need to coordinate with other operators network with more capacity than any I n t e r n a t i o n a l M o b i l e and interested parties in Europe, Asia network in existence today.” Intelsat and Telecommunications (IMT) industry. and America to ensure that our SES's C-band spectrum offers the exact According to Euroconsult report, message is not only heard and same speed but with even more Nigerian television market is highly respected but adopted at upcoming bandwidth to end users. reliant on C-band satellite capacity, WRC'19 conferences. principally for contribution to earth At the 2015 proceedings, the conference stations. C-Band is technically required decided that C-, Ku- and Ka-bands for the Nigerian television industry to currently allocated to FSS, mobile operate. Ku-band is mainly used by

5 APOINTMENTS

information layer will significantly impact our Terrasat ramps up understanding of the world and help our Speedcast Appoints presence worldwide customers make more effective decisions," Sebastien Lehnherr said Fox. "This is one of those rare with new EMEA Director opportunities to be part of a game-changing as Chief Operating industry. I'm thrilled to join the HawkEye 360 Officer With the new year comes new changes leadership team." Fox holds a Master of Speedcast International Limited within Terrasat Communications. To jump- Science in Computer Science from Johns announced that Sebastien Lehnherr is start the 2019 year, we've recently Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Source: Airbus Defence and Space joining the company as Chief Operating surpassed shipping out 20K IBUCs Science in Information and Computer Officer. Lehnherr previously held worldwide, and we continue to charge Science from the Georgia Institute of numerous operational leadership roles forward by expanding our sales team. Technology. He currently serves on Georgia at Schlumberger, the world's leading Terrasat welcomes Paul Gorton to the team Tech's College of Computing Advisory o i l f i e l d s e r v i c e s c o m p a n y. A t as Director of Sales, EMEA who will be Board. S c h l u m b e r g e r, L e h n h e r r w a s combining forces with Ron Merritt, Regional responsible for delivering global VP of EMEA. Paul Gorton arrives primed Datapath appointsLibby Chris Barr communications and information from ComtechXicom Technology and brings technology infrastructure and services with him over 20+ years of combined LoweAdewale Adeyipo as Sales Director including to some of the most remote experience in both application engineering & and harsh places on earth, supporting sales. Paul's extensive knowledge will DataPath, Inc., announced the appointment critical business workflows and software enable Terrasat Communications to be even of Chris Lowe of Brisbane, Queensland, applications for the company. more responsive to the needs of the ever- Australia, to the position of sales director for diversifying Satcom market. Australia and New Zealand. Lowe will have Most recently Lehnherr oversaw overall responsibility for sales and customer cybersecurity for Schlumberger Bob Hansen, Global Sales & Marketing, development for the company's satellite and worldwide as Chief Information Security states “What has endeared customers to wireless communications products, systems Officer. As Speedcast COO, Aberdeen- Paul is his broad reaching knowledge and and secure communications software. He based Lehnherr will assume global empathy towards their requirements, this will report to Carsten Drachmann, responsibility over the organization m a t c h e s p e r f e c t l y w i t h Te r r a s a t DataPath's Chief Sales and Marketing delivering customer support, network Communications' customer focused Officer. operations, field engineering, capacity approach”. Gorton comments on his role In making the announcement, DataPath's management, service implementation, saying, “It is an exciting time to be working in president and CEO, Sherin Kamal, said, as well as programs and projects the industry with Satellite Communications "Chris is a highly accomplished sales management. Lehnherr is taking over playing such a huge role in Aero, Maritime, executive leader with more than 25 years' from Keith Johnson in this role, as Government & Military as well as the more experience in the United Kingdom and Johnson previously held a dual role as traditional VSAT and Broadcast verticals." Australia. He has an outstanding track EVP of the Energy Division and COO. Paul Gorton will be attending CABSAT 2019 record of achievement in a wide range of in Dubai along with Ron Merritt & Bob markets and industry sectors including: Hansen this March. financial services, information technology, Rocket Lab Appoints mining, infrastructure, defense, national Lars Hoffman as Alex Fox Joins security, the diplomatic corps, and local, state and federal governments. DataPath is Senior Vice President, HawkEye 360 committed to these markets with its Alex Fox has joined HawkEye 360 Inc. as advanced SATCOM and wireless tactical Global Launch executive vice president of business solutions." Lowe comes to DataPath after service as a Services development, sales and marketing bringing Small satellite launch provider Rocket more than 20 years of executive leadership senior executive at Telstra where he served as the Director, Federal Government. He led Lab has appointed Lars Hoffman to the in engineering, operations and business role of Senior Vice President (SVP) – development, with a focus on innovative major billion dollar governmental Digital and ICT (Information and Communications Global Launch Services, as the space technology to the company. company enters its second year of "According to the company, Alex has Technology) transformation programs for Australia's Department of Human Services commercial orbital launch operations. In devoted his career to breaking new ground in his role as SVP – Global Launch how people benefit from emerging and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Services, Hoffman will lead. technology," said HawkEye 360 Chief Rocket Lab's sales, business Executive Officer John Serafini. "With his Before joining Telstra, Chris was employed by Aussat (now Optus), and GEC Marconi development and customer experience impressive track record anticipating teams to continue delivering frequent, customer needs and his keen understanding where he worked on European NATO projects before immigrating to Australia to reliable and tailored launch services to of space capabilities, he will build and lead a the small satellite market. Hoffman global sales and marketing team that take up an engineering role with NASA. Lowe is a member of the Australian Institute brings with him more than 30 years of introduces our RF analytics solution to a experience in national security and wide range of customers." of Company Directors. He has been an active committee member and Deputy Chair aerospace, following a distinguished US Fox seeks to deliver value to customers Air Force career and corporate through disruptive technology that of the Australian Information Industry Association in Canberra and an ICT executive roles in the commercial space fundamentally changes how customers sector. Hoffman joins Rocket Lab from solve problems. Prior to joining HawkEye technologies industry expert and ministerial advisor to government. his most recent role at SpaceX, where he 360, Fox was director of Space ISR was responsible for National Security Solutions for Harris Corporation, where he He is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and an alumnus of the Space (NSS) strategy and business led new business efforts within Harris' Space development as Senior Director of and Intelligence business segment serving Macquarie Graduate School of Management and the Australian Graduate School of Government Sales. The appointment intelligence, defense, civil and commercial comes as Rocket Lab begins its busiest organizations. He has held executive Management. In addition, he holds a Masters of Business Administration and a launch year yet, with monthly orbital business development, operations and missions scheduled across the engineering positions at IBM, DigitalGlobe, Graduate Diploma in Business Marketing company's two private launch pads in TASC, Northrop Grumman, GeoEye and having previously qualified as an Electronics Mâhia, New Zealand and Virginia, Orbital Sciences Engineer in the United Kingdom. "A new space-based commercial RF USA. IN THE NEWS

Avanti partners Eutelsat selected by Afghanistan to provide MainOne to improve capacity for new DTH platform broadband services in Eutelsat and Afghanistan Eutelsat.teleport (Source: Eutelsat) Nigeria Broadcasting System O p e r a t i n g Avanti Communications Group, a provider of have signed a multi-year, Officer said: satellite data communications services in transponder contract for “With our new Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and video capacity on the t e l e p o r t i n MainOne, a connectivity and data centre EUTELSAT 53A satellite. K a b u l , w e solutions company in West Africa, have signed provide better an agreement to jointly improve broadband ABS will use EUTELSAT signal quality penetration across Nigeria by providing the 53A's Ku-band resources for the local latest KA-band based satellite communication over Central Asia to broadcasters services to enterprises located in remote areas p r o v i d e n a t i o n w i d e a c r o s s of the country. coverage for the launch of Afghanistan Avanti's first satellite, called HYLAS 1, launched its new DTH platform, at compelling terms. in November 2010 and was the first superfast Oqaab HD+. This platform Eutelsat's resources over Chief Commercial and Ka-band satellite launched in Europe. Avanti's will be enriched in the Afghanistan provide the Development Director, second satellite, called HYLAS 2, was launched coming months to carry a needed signal strength so added: “We are delighted to in August 2012 and extends Avanti's coverage mix of national and that people can receive all be supporting Afghanistan to Africa, the Caucasus and the Middle East. premium international channels, even with a 45- Broadcasting System in Avanti also owns a multiband satellite called channels. The capacity will cm satellite dish antenna. In enriching the country's TV ARTEMIS, with a fourth and a fifth satellite also enable ABS to extend 2019 we will offer enhanced landscape. This contract under construction called HYLAS 3 and HYLAS its DTT network from Kabul services like Video on consolidates our presence 4. t o a l l o t h e r A f g h a n Demand (VOD) and other in Afghanistan, where we Under this arrangement, MainOne will leverage provinces by feeding DTT products to customers have been present since Avanti's newest satellite, HYLAS 4, launched in network head-ends. across the country.” 2014 in partnership with the April 2018 to enable highly flexible capacity Andi Wilmers, ABS's Chief Michel Azibert, Eutelsat's Ministry of Communications services with 100% country coverage of in the data field. Nigeria. Such coverage is most critical and will accelerate the time to deploy internet broadband services into remote areas that are Newtec, Paradigm partner to host difficult to reach by fibre infrastructure. The partnership will also include the new high-throughput modem board deployment of Avanti's ECO initiative, which bundles broadband access, solar power and Newtec’s SMB3310 can now Government, Defense, Move (COTM) solution embedded Wi-Fi services for schools and small be embeded into terminal Broadcast and Mobility MANTA, and the cost- communities, ideal for deployment in remote c o n t r o l l e r, P a r a d i g m markets. The PIM is effective CONNECT100T parts of the country where power availability Interface Module (PIM®) to renowned for being easy-to- tripod terminal. and connectivity services remain a challenge. provide tailored services to u s e a n d w o r k i n g The Newtec Dialog VSAT The partnership is also backed with the Government, Defense, seamlessly with compliant platform provides robust and commissioning and launch of Avanti's new Broadcast and Mobility antennas and has a long resilient links which are both Gateway Earth Station (GES) in Nigeria, hosted markets, according to a track record in integrating a efficient and affordable at MainOne's Tier III Data Centre 'MDXi'. latest report. range of terminals. thanks to the wideband DVB- Libby Barr, Chief Operating Officer at Avanti, Newtec, a specialist in the “The SMB3310-based PIM S2X forward and the said “We are delighted to be partnering with design, development and combines the efficiency and g o v e r n m e n t - g r a d e MainOne and look forward to building a strong manufacture of equipment flexibility of the Newtec f r e q u e n c y h o p p i n g relationship to enable the rollout of satellite for satellite communications, Dialog platform with the w a v e f o r m N e w t e c M x - broadband services across West Africa. also announced it has versatility and reliability of DMA®, which includes Avanti's products will greatly complement partnered with satellite t h e P I M , ” s a i d B a r t features such as spread MainOne's existing fibre-based networks by communications solution B a e k e l a n d t , P r o d u c t spectrum and randomization providing reliable connectivity services to its provider Paradigm, which Manager at Newtec. “The of carriers. enterprise customers beyond its immediate has become the first r a n g e o f P I M - b a s e d “As an established provider fibre reach. We look forward to expanding our company to host its Newtec terminals will allow Newtec of end-to-end solutions to collaboration in serving the people of Nigeria Dialog® SMB3310 high- Dialog users to roll-out a a d d r e s s t h e e v o l v i n g and Africa with life-changing services.” throughput modem board. m u l t i t u d e o f h i g h - requirements of network T h e t w o - w a y, h i g h - throughput fast-deploy providers, we are always Funke Opeke, Chief Executive Officer of t h r o u g h p u t S M B 3 3 1 0 applications on their l o o k i n g t o f o r m n e w MainOne, added: “Our partnership with Avanti satellite modem board is now Newtec Dialog platform, partnerships with other provides Nigeria the opportunity to accelerate successfully embedded into achieving the highest industry leaders,” said Ulf expansion of broadband internet via satellite, to Paradigm's field-proven efficiency over satellite, S a n d b e r g , M a n a g i n g bridge the digital gap and improve digital Paradigm Interface Module wherever they may be.” Director at Paradigm. transformation for more Nigerians. Such (PIM) terminal controller, The integration of SMB3310 “Newtec's new modem services are most critical for the Oil and Gas which provides a common and the PIM instantly gives board is not only innovative, sector, and for the delivery of social and terminal interface for fixed customers access to the but flexible enough to educational services into rural areas of the and quick deploy terminals Newtec Dialog VSAT provide tailored services to country. Beyond connecting institutions, operating on all major platform via Paradigm's our customers, powering a Avanti's ECO solution also addresses the satellite networks. needs of their immediate communities and will range of high-performance range of applications from accelerate getting more of our rural m u l t i b a n d t e r m i n a l s mobile Internet access, communities online. Through the PIM, the including the lightweight, cellular backhauling and Avanti pioneered the use of Ka-band in Europe. Newtec SMB3310 can rugged and ultra-portable disaster recovery right It also pioneered unique technical and interoperate with on-the- SWARM, the HORNET through to news gathering commercial models. Avanti sells to telecoms pause and on-the-move flyaway terminal, the and video/audio streaming.” service providers, not to end users. s a t c o m t e r m i n a l s f o r Communications on the IN THE NEWS

SES-12 goes operational to serve Academics propose UK alternative to Galileo Asia-Pacific and the at a fraction of EU satellite project Middle East

SES has announced that its newest satellite, SES-12, is now ready to serve its video, fixed data, mobility and government customers across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. The powerful satellite, which is designed with state-of-the-art wide beams and high throughput beams, will join SES-8 at 95 degrees East. SES-12 is the latest satellite that SES has launched to that orbital position where it will operate under the authority of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The all-electric satellite will replace and augment the services currently being provided on SES's NSS-6 satellite.

SES-12 is SES's third hybrid satellite with both wide beams and high throughput payload. Like SES-14 and SES-15 which Engineering academics for emergencies and crisis augmentation system as a have drawn-up plans for a serve the Americas, the SES-12 high management. hoisted payload on a national Galileo replacement that throughput payload is SES's solution for The paper argues that the satellite and complementary would give the UK a more enhancing cost-effective connectivity low-cost alternative could ground infrastructure for the effective satellite navigation solutions for aeronautical and maritime equal Galileo in terms of U n i t e d K i n g d o m . T h e system at a fraction of the customers across Asia-Pacific and the i n t e g r i t y, r e l i a b i l i t y, academics believe the new price of the £9bn EU project. Middle East. SES-12 will also be pivotal in continuity and availability for system could be completed in Two leading academics, enabling governments to provide UK's security-relevant just one year. connectivity programmes to bridge the University of Sussex' operations and would be five Professor Chris Chatwin and digital divide, and in allowing telcos, mobile times more accurate, to The total price of the project Dr Lasisi Lawal Salami, from within 5cm, than the EU would only be around three network operators and internet service Nigeria's Obasanjo Space project's open service. times the amount already providers to deliver reliable and enhanced Center, have drawn up Prof Chatwin, Professor in e arma rked by the U K cellular backhaul and faster broadband proposals for a low-cost E n g i n e e r i n g a t t h e government (£92 million) for services. S a t e l l i t e - B a s e d University of Sussex, said: feasibility studies of an Together with SES-8, SES-12 will reach Augmentation System “Our system can use the alternative system. While the key direct-to-home neighbourhoods. The (SBAS) as a navigation GPS or Galileo free signal or construction of a new Global satellites will provide pay-TV operators the overlay service (NOS) on a both and augments it to give Navigation Satellite System reliability and scalability to improve viewing hosted national satellite. The it a more accurate signal that ( G N S S ) w o u l d c o s t proposals provide the UK experiences by enhancing their content is comparable to the approximately £7 billion, the with a cut-price alternative to offerings, including delivering higher- encrypted military signal. annual UK space budget is Galileo which is due to quality picture quality to address the The augmentation system currently just £370 million. launch in 2026. audience's burgeoning demand for High has extremely accurate The academics also believe In November 2018 Prime Definition (HD) and Ultra HD content. clocks so it provides an that exclusion from Galileo Minister Theresa May pulled additional signal to the GPS should be viewed as an out of the Galileo project, a Ruy Pinto, Chief Technology Officer at SES signal and reduces the opportunity to open up new project designed as a rival to said, “We are excited that SES-12 is now ambiguity of the location collaborations with non-EU the USA's GPS to which the ready to serve our customers in Asia-Pacific determination. partners with Nigeria offering UK has contributed £1.2 to enter into cooperative and the Middle East, and would like to thank billion, as the EU began “If we use augmentation we agreement by offering access the Airbus and SpaceX teams for their hard excluding the UK from can greatly reduce costs to its existing Navigation work on making this possible. SES-12, with security aspects of the from £7 billion to £300 Overlay system with a service its high performance capacity, will be able to project's development in million, but we still depend coverage area meeting the offer much more reliability and flexibility to preparation for Brexit. While on the US or the EU for their requirements of the United our customers and enable them to deliver the UK could still receive a free signal. In the end this is Kingdom. premium services.” basic signal from Galileo a d e c i s i o n a b o u t Dr Lasisi, Vice Convenor of when it's operational, the sovereignty. If we still the UN's International country would be excluded SES-12 has six wide beams and 72 high believe that we are an Telecommunication Union from the more precise throughput user spot beams, and also has a independent military power, and a former PhD student at military signal. Digital Transparent Processor (DTP) to then we'd have to find the University of Sussex, said: The academics suggest in a increase payload flexibility to provide much considerable resources to “A partnership with Nigeria new paper, published in the more customisable bandwidth solutions to build our own GNSS would have the additional Journal of Electrical and SES customers. The all-electric SES-12 system. We could call it benefit of signalling to the rest Electronics Engineering, spacecraft was built by Airbus Defence and Newton.” of the world that the UK has that their system would cost Space, and launched by SpaceX. It will join The paper proposes the UK become a more outward around £300 million and SES's network of seven geostationary launch three geostationary looking economy after Brexit w o u l d m e e t U K ' s satellites to provide global and opens up the opportunity satellites and 16 MEO satellites across navigational needs in coverage except in extreme f o r f u r t h e r s c i e n t i f i c Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. defence, aviation, maritime polar regions. It would also collaboration with the rest of and location-based services r e q u i r e a n o n - b o a r d the world beyond the EU.” IN THE NEWS

Space technology Ukraine launches first 4K channel on AMOS-7 predicts droughts Spacecom announced market movers and by require large capacity, which several months in t h a t A M O S - 7 investing in 4K TV, we h a s b e e n e x p e n s i v e . communication satellite is have proved that viewers Spacecom's intensified advance b r o a d c a s t i n g t h e are ready for this new efforts in developing satellite Ukraine's first ever 4K TV technology. technologies to provide TV Scientists from ANU have used new space channel. Nashe Media Working together with channels with sufficient technology to predict droughts and increased Group's #NASHE HDR U k r K o s m o s a n d capacity at a reasonable bushfire risk up to five months in advance. ANU c h a n n e l i s b e i n g Spacecom is the correct price have succeeded. researcher SiyuanTian said the team knew they broadcast throughout the decision and we are Nashe Media Group's needed to move into space to get closer to e n t i r e c o u n t r y b y already planning for more channel on AMOS-7 proves understanding the complex nature of drought. U k r a i n i a n o p e r a t o r 4K channels. We look this.” They used data from multiple satellites to UkrKosmos. Following on measure water below the Earth's surface with forward to more growth A M O S p r o m i s e d t o t h e n e w c h a n n e l ' s unprecedented precision, and were able to with Spacecom as our delivered service for DTH s u c c e s s , N a s h e i s relate this to drought impacts on the vegetation satellite communications operations on AMOS-7 planning a Spring 2019 several months later. "The way these satellites partner." satellites, via its multiple launch of a second 4K measure the presence of water on Earth is mind high-performance and high boggling," said MsTian from the ANU Research channel, ETNO. Jehuda Amir, VP Sales CIS at Spacecom: “4K power transponders, with a School of Earth Sciences. A c c o r d i n g t o television is a growth f u l l y b a c k e d - u p A n d r i y V e r k h o l y a k , point for TV business and configuration and top quality "We've been able to use them to detect Director Nashe Media a must-have feature in o n g o i n g s e r v i c e a n d variations in water availability that affect the Group, “The success and the premium segment. I support. Spacecom key growth and condition of grazing land, dryland positive reception by crops and forests, and that can lead to am very pleased that the c o n t r i b u t i o n U k r a i n ' s consumers of our 4K increased fire risk and farming problems first Ukrainian 4K channel extraordinary achievements channel #NASHE HDR is several months down the track." Co- is now broadcasting from is yet another milestone in exciting. As a relatively researcher Professor Albert van Dijk said our satellite. the on-going success of the combining these data with a computer model n e w p l a y e r i n t h e AMOS satellite platform in simulating the water cycle and plant growth Ukrainian market, we are One factor holding back serving the DTH. enabled the team to build a detailed picture of here to prove that we are 4K growth is that they the water's distribution below the surface and likely impacts on the vegetation months later. "We have always looked up at the sky to predict SES strengthens leadership team for customer droughts - but not with too much success," said Professor van Dijk from the ANU Fenner School experience delivery of Environment and Society. "This new approach - by looking down from space and SES is streamlining this newly created position. our customers across both underground - opens up possibilities to prepare customer support and Furthermore, the company business units, will ensure for drought with greater certainty. It will increase services by forming a is pleased to announce that we stay ahead”, says the amount of time available to manage the dire global services delivery Ruy Pinto as the successor Steve Collar, President and impacts of drought, such as bushfires and team under the leadership to Martin Halliwell as Chief CEO of SES. “Unifying the livestock losses.” of a Chief Services Officer Technology Officer (CTO). technical team and creating (CSO). This underscores Ruy Pinto, formerly Deputy a consistent customer The drought forecasts will be combined with the SES's commitment to Chief Technology Officer facing organisation will latest satellite maps of vegetation flammability place customers at the and Chief Information allow us to offer world class from the Australian Flammability Monitoring heart of its business and System at ANU to predict how the risk of Officer of SES will lead customer experiences d e l i v e r e x c e p t i o n a l uncontrollable bushfires will change over the SES's global technology a r o u n d t h e w o r l d , coming months. The team used data from the customer experience organisation including all strengthen our focus on Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment following the successful technology functions successful end-to-end (GRACE) satellites, which were recently implementation of two c u r r e n t l y w i t h i n t h e d e l i v e r y a n d p l a c e decommisioned. In future, researchers will be market-facing business business units and will also business success for our able to use data from the GRACE Follow-On units in 2017, SES Video retain the leadership of customers at the centre of satellites, which were launched into space last and SES Networks. SES's IT and Digital our focus.” year. The new satellites were developed by The newly created CSO Transformation activities. “I would also like to thank American, German and Australian scientists, position consolidates all Martin Halliwell will remain Martin for his enormous and ANU Professor Daniel Shaddock led the customer support and p a r t o f t h e S e n i o r contribution to the success Australian team. operational delivery, Leadership Team and of SES for over 30 years. Dr Paul Tregoning from the ANU Research logistics and services serve as a Strategic Martin is a true pioneer who School of Earth Sciences said the GRACE related resources across Advisor to the CEO until his was responsible for so space gravity mission provided a measurement the video and data planned retirement in May many 'firsts' for SES, for so of changes in total water storage anywhere on businesses. It unifies 2019. m u c h t h a t w e h a v e Earth for the first time. "Combined with functions across the “I am delighted to bring achieved in space and I measurements of surface water and top soil organisation into a single moisture from other satellites, this provides the together our engineering cannot thank him enough t e a m c h a r g e d w i t h ability to know how much water is available at talent and responsibility for f o r h i s l e a d e r s h i p , different depths below the soil," he said. "What delivering exceptional our customer services dedication, innovation and is innovative and exciting about our work is that services to its customers. under such strong and achievement as our CTO. we have been able to quantify the available John Baughn, formerly experienced leaders. As Martin's new mission is water more accurately than ever before. This Executive Vice President the demands of our retirement and we wish him leads to more accurate forecasts of vegetation Global Services at SES markets evolve, these two every success in that state, as much as five months in advance." Networks, is appointed to teams, configured to serve endeavour!” MARITIME REPORT The quest for maritime security in Africa

Despite the importance of sea to trade, maritime players still know little about the vast region, lacking the means to effectively control criminal activities such as sea piracy, terrorism, illegal fishing, and related illicit activities at sea. Today, satellite system can gather information on maritime environment, processes and integrates this information allowing organisations to share data and knowledge thereby promoting security. Spacewatch reports.

In the past decade, African governments JohnAccording Ugbe to the International Chamber economy”. and organisations have been acting in an CEO,of MultiChoiceComme Nigeriarce (ICC) International The satellite system gathers information isolated way, sometimes carrying out Maritime Bureau's (IMB) global piracy of the maritime environment, processes similar kinds of activity without sharing the report, piracy at sea hit an all-time high and integrates this information in large obtained knowledge and without in the past few years. Faced with such databases, allowing organisations to optimising the use of resources. As a challenges, ship owners need to share data and knowledge. In this way, result, maritime players know little about increase their ability to monitor their the waste of effort that exists today can the vast region and there is no effective assets at sea. be minimised and can be adapted to the control over criminal activities such as sea Last December, South Africa's second correct use of procedures and resources piracy, terrorism, illegal fishing, and nanosatellite was launched into space, available for the development of the related criminal activities at sea. three times the size of its predecessor, maritime industry. Consequently, maritime domain TshepisoSat. It is one of the continent's awareness was implemented to establish most advanced cube satellite and a South Africa’s Maritime better control in the region and is a precursor to the MDASat - a resources powerful network for the collection and constellation of nine nanosatellites processing of information. The maritime sector is a key link in the developed to provide cutting-edge very global transport chain. Approximately high frequency data exchange The maritime sector has long played a 90% of all world trade is conducted using communication systems to the maritime sea freight. Some 51,000 merchant central role in facilitating trade and industry. economic activity, and maritime shipping vessels of more than 500 gross tonnage Austin Okere,Founder, CWG Plc (GT) are involved in carrying this cargo. is still considered to be the most cost- “The launch of ZACube-2 represents a effective method of bulk transport over In addition to these cargo carriers, there significant milestone in the nation's are some 27,000 other vessels of similar great distances. Yet, despite its vital ambition to becoming a key player in the contribution to world trade, the maritime innovative utilization industry is facing a perfect storm of of space science challenges that will have significant and technology in impact on its continued sustainability. r e s p o n d i n g t o government priority In today's competitive globalized areas,” said Minister economy the ability to transport goods Kubayi-Ngubane. quickly, safely, economically and reliably is vital for the success of businesses in The satellite is a particular, and to a nation's prosperity in t e c h n o l o g y general. The ability of countries to deliver demonstrator for goods and services on time and at the Maritime Domain lowest possible cost is a key determinant Awareness (MDA), of integration into the world economy and will monitor the today. movement of ships The year 2000s witnessed a number of along the South unlawful activities, such as illegal African coastline bunkering, robbery, piracy, and theft of with its automatic ships, and the occurrence of a series of identification system other crimes. In fact, with the difficulties of (AIS) payload. The AIS navigational size, though they lack cargo carrying communication and control in the region, data will be provided to the South it was very difficult for African government capacity. These include large fishing African Government in support of its vessels, cruise and research vessels, as to measure the scale of illegal activities broader Operation Phakisa initiative to happening in the sea. Over the years, the well as some 9,000 military vessels grow our maritime economy. exceeding 500 GT. s i t u a t i o n h a s w o r s e n e d a n d “This is the most technological countermeasures had to be taken. South Africa has coastline of advanced nanosat that will provide approximately 3900k, in length and is the critical information for our oceans MARITIME REPORT

problem for countries bordering on the sea. A transponder is a device that is installed on a ship and transmits information such as the ship's position and destination. Most systems send the information directly to a ground station whilst others use relay satellites to improve coverage. In all cases, transponder based system is known as a cooperative systems. If the transponder is switched off, damaged or sabotaged then the ship cannot be effectively tracked and is known as a dark targets. In order to fulfill the goals of maritime monitoring, newer Maritime Domain Awareness monitoring technique that uses active sensors within a satellite can now improve a country's own Maritime monitoring. Monitoring ships using transponder is the most common way of monitoring ship in South Africa. The simplicity of the system allows for relatively cheap receivers to be set out and used to track ships off the coast 39th longest coastline in the world. It's awareness through a number of of South Africa. exclusive economic occupies an area of common goods. approximately 1.5 million square In terms of environmental monitoring, The coming of Radar kilometers. This means that South Africa the Maritime domain awareness satellites covers a larger area than South Africa's initiative seeks to monitor a wide variety Newer systems, such as Synthetic land of about 1.2 kilometers. The cape of environmental ocean based effects Aperture Radar satellites technique, for sea route is one of the most prominent such as ocean current and arctic sea- instance, use relative movement and radar routes between the East and West. ice behavior as well as adverse effects principles to capture images of areas of the approximately 30% of European and such as oil pollution and refuse earth which allow for wide area American bound oil from the Middle East disposal. This is done to maintain the observation under any weather condition. comes through the cape sea routes. wellbeing of the ocean environment in This technique has been providing a Further more, South Africa is located at a and around the country. wealth of benefits to maritime players as a maritime choke point in that it is source of maritime domain information. surrounded by three oceans, the Indian, Commercial ship monitoring is where With synthetic aperture radar, large swath south Atlantic and southern oceans. MDA tries to gather information from width can be captured allowing various sources to accurately track surveillance of thousands of square South Africa has a number of well ships. Having access to this information kilometers in a single pass of a satellite. developed ports and related maritime can provide a cooperative party with infrastructures. Its operates six major many benefits including the tracking of However, to cover the same length of ports namely, Cape Town, Durban, East assets on commercial voyages. south Africa coastline using other London, Port Elizabeth, Richards Bay In the area of security, effectively surveillance methods would be costly. and Saldanha Bay which account for an monitoring a country's surrounding, Radar satellites ensure that large areas excess of 90% of south Africa's import including exclusive economic zone and can be monitored under almost all weather and export carried by sea. Ibn Adsition, beyond is of special interest to a conditions and cloud cover. Depending on the commercial fishing industry of South country's military. Using multiple image resolution, highly reflective objects Africa employs in excess of 2500 people sources of information such as SAR such as large sea vessel are clearly visible and creates a gross income of more than satellites, conventional radar and ship to the naked eye within the images. r4.8 billion annually. transponders, a country can infer intent and take appropriate action to ensure The way in which SAR images are Maritime domain awareness its own security. By collaborating with captured allow pollutants such as crude oil Maritime domain awareness is other countries, a network of and drilling fluids to be easier to identify at concerned with all actions and aspects information can be utilized to further sea. related to the maritime domain. improve each country's maritime Concisely, sea maritime domain implies domain knowledge. One of the greatest benefits of using all areas and things of, on, under, Synthetic Aperture Radar satellites to relating to, adjacent to, or bordering on a Traditional monitoring improve Maritime Domain Awareness is that it is remote based surveillance sea, ocean, or other navigable waterway, Traditionally, ships have been method, these images does not have the including all maritime related activities, monitored with ship monitoring same issue of cooperation as traditional infrastructure, people, cargo and ships transponder techniques such as transponder based ship tracking methods and other conveyance. automatic identification systems, as it does not relied on their transponders In terms of maritime safety, Maritime satellite AS, Long range identification switched on. In some cases this can lead to domain awareness means keeping the and tracking, and vessel monitoring identifying ships with malicious intent by players aware of any threats that may system. identifying those ships that regularly turn affect the continent's security or natural However, once these devices are off their transponders. resources either by natural or human sabotaged or damaged then the ship By combining radar imagery with the ship forces. It is a global concern and many cannot be tracked until they become positions garnered from transponder countries are actively involved in the active. Therefore, the monitoring of based ship detection systems, a more enhancement of Maritime domain coastal activities can become complex IN THE NEWS

OneWeb to help UK creates over 3,400 new space jobs, UK Space Agency according to report deliver Global The UK's space sector has £300 billion of UK GDP, up trade. The UK's ongoing Communications recorded significant growth from £250 billion from the membership of the European in income, exports and previous survey. Earth Space Agency, which is The UK Space Agency funding has awarded employment with total Observation services, such independent of the EU, £18 million deal to OneWeb through the income now standing at as data for monitoring land generates 29% of these European Space Agency, to aid the £14.8 billion, according to use and agriculture, is a exports. France and the USA development of its next generation satellite Science Minister Chris significant growth area, account for the largest share of constellation. A global communications Skidmore in a latest release. supporting £92 billion of exports to individual countries network in space, the syestem will be The main findings from the GDP and growing at a rate at 40% and 8%, respectively, comprised of approximately 650 satellites independent 'UK space of 25% per year. with significant potential to initially and scale to more than 900 satellites industry: size and health grow these further and expand ove r time. report' show that, compared Science Minister Chris into more international Science Minister Chris Skidmore, visiting the to the 2016 survey, income Skidmore said: Our Space markets. European Space Agency in the Netherlands, up from £13.7 billion to £14.8 industry is a great UK said: “Fast internet access is something many billion, while employment up s u c c e s s s t o r y. N e w Broadcasting accounts for just people take for granted but in many areas of from 38,522 to 41,900, and innovations and pioneering over half of space industry the world connectivity is still hit and miss. This exports up from £5 billion to experts are helping the income (51%), and as the new £18m investment will go towards meeting £5.5 billion. The report also sector to grow faster than sector continues to diversify, the significant technical challenges of the shows that an average of 39 the rest of the economy as there has been strong growth project, putting the UK at the forefront of new companies have been whole. in areas such as the supply of cutting-edge research and development. The added to the UK space devices and equipment that commercial potential for a cost effective sector every year since The industry is not only use satellite data. EU Space worldwide telecoms satellite system is huge, 2012. providing thousands of new programmes such as Galileo and the UK space sector is playing a leading Much of this growth is due to high-skilled jobs but account for 2.5% of the total role in delivering it. It is made possible by our s p a c e m a n u f a c t u r i n g , supports a wealth of other income. Defence and military ongoing commitment to the European Space including satellites, ground sectors worth an estimated have seen strong growth, Agency and our world-leading capabilities in systems and components, £300 billion to the UK. By increasing from 2% to 8% of space and telecommunications, which we are which increased at a rate of investing in important income. supporting through our modern Industrial 27% per year. infrastructure such as the Defence Secretary Gavin Strategy.” The UK has significant National Satellite Test Williamson said: Britain is a UK owned business OneWeb, which is capabilities in this area, Facility near Oxford and world leader in the space headquartered in London and will employ up to building major parts for one establishing satellite industry. These figures show 200 staff at its White City offices, is poised to in four of the world's launch capabilities, our t h a t w e ' r e d e v e l o p i n g take advantage of cost effective spacecraft c o m m e r c i a l modern Industrial Strategy pioneering satellite technology launch and manufacturing to deploy hundreds t e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s is helping our space sector which will help to guarantee of satellites that could provide more affordable satellites. Beyond the direct to thrive. our national security in the internet connectivity to people and businesses effects of the space industry, Space is a UK export future and maintain a military across the world. The OneWeb Sunrise the satellite services industry success story, generating a d v a n t a g e o v e r o u r programme will initially focus on technologies supports a wealth of other over a third (37%) of adversaries. for the next generation of satellite payloads, sectors worth an estimated income from international ground connections and space debris removal. The UK Space Agency investment will also Inmarsat, Microsoft Azure IoT to deliver support novel automation techniques and artificial intelligence to manage the proposed cloud services via satellite constellation of spacecraft and its interaction Inmarsat, a mobile satellite based applications. regardless of where their with terrestrial networks to realise global 5G communications services, The initial focus of the infrastructure is located," connectivity. has signed a collaboration c o l l a b o r a t i o n i s I I o T said Tara MacLachlan, Adrian Steckel, CEO, OneWeb said: agreement with Microsoft, solutions for the mining, Inmarsat's VP of industrial “Providing access to people everywhere has allowing access to the agriculture, transportation IoT strategy. been the mission and vision of OneWeb since latter's Azure IoT cloud and logistics sectors, to help "Analysing this data and the very beginning. We will be able to realize services via satellite support the digitalisation and u s i n g i t t o o p t i m i s e this vision in part because of important connectivity visibility of their global operations is where the partnerships like this one with the UK Space Under the agreement, supply chains. fundamental value of IoT Agency, ESA and a range of other important Inmarsat's customers will Inmarsat said customers will resides, and the applications partners including our European and be able to transfer data have "access to a variety of that Microsoft can deliver Canadian partners. Thanks to this support, we collected through their tools that will help them through Azure and IoT cloud will focus together on next generation Industrial Internet of c o n n e c t a n y t h i n g t o solutions will be critical to technologies that will be game changers for Things (IIoT) applications anything, bringing together delivering this value to our realizing global 5G connectivity. We are to the Microsoft Azure IoT assets in the physical world customers." excited about the application of artificial Central platform, which is a with applications in the “Our goal is to enable intelligence and machine learning global IoT software-as-a- digital world, no matter how customers to take advantage technologies to develop novel automation service (SaaS) solution. remote the location". of connected IoT solutions no techniques that could help manage our "This collaboration with matter where they are in their constellation in future and ensure we do so Moreover, Microsoft Azure Microsoft Azure is central to journey. With Inmarsat, safely and responsibly so that we can protect customers will be able to our Industrial IoT strategy customers across industries space for future generations.” Today's access Inmarsat's global a n d w i l l e n a b l e o u r from agriculture to mining announcement comes as a result of the UK's satellite communications customers to access the and logistics sectors, will leading investment in the European Space network, enabling them to d a t a g e n e r a t e d a n d benefit from the power of the Agency's telecommunications research c o n n e c t t h e i r I o T processed by our intelligent intelligent cloud programme (ARTES). infrastructure to cloud- e d g e I o T s o l u t i o n s , IN THE NEWS

Resolute mining Survey: One in four Malaysian consumers connects operations use pirated TV boxes to the cloud via SES Networks A recent study of the online content viewing behaviour ]Resolute Mining Limited is revolutionising of Malaysian consumers, its operations in Mali by bringing high- has revealed that 25% of speed, low-latency connectivity to its consumers use a TV box Syama mining site, according to SES in a which can be used to stream pirated television latest re4lease. The fully-managed SES and video content. Networks satellite data connectivity These TV boxes, also solution enables enterprise cloud known as Illicit Streaming applications and helps enhance safety Devices (ISDs), alloEw and productivity. users to access hundreds Resolute Mining is building the world's first of pirated television purpose-built, fully automated sublevel channels and video-on- cave gold mine at Syama and is adopting demand content. Such high-speed connectivity that enables the illicit streaming devices use of high-tech applications and often come pre-loaded Measat-3b equipment, among other capabilities. SES with pirated applications Networks' fibre-like service delivered via which are either free or its O3b Medium Earth Orbit satellite charge low subscription fees, which then provide Taiwanese consumers use a risks, as Neil Gane, the constellation extends the high-capacity TV box which can be used to General Manager of AVIA's fibre-optic network that Resolute Mining is 'plug-and-play' access to pirated content. stream pirated television and Coalition Against Piracy installing throughout the mine. video content. (CAP), comments, “Piracy SES high-performance satellite service The survey, commissioned by the Asia Video Industry websites and ISDs typically enables Resolute Mining to fully digitise Association's (AVIA) “The illicit streaming device have a click-happy user base, and connect remote operations while Coalition Against Piracy (ISD) ecosystem is impacting and are being used more and capitalising on cloud-based applications. (CAP), and conducted by all businesses involved in the more as clickbait to distribute “This SES Networks solution is a game- YouGov, also highlights production and distribution of malware. Unfortunately the changer, as it allows us an unprecedented the detrimental effects of legitimate content”, said appetite for free or cheap level of digitalisation of the remote mining streaming piracy on Louis Boswell, CEO of AVIA. subscription pirated content site in Syama, bringing the same high legitimate subscription “ISD piracy is also organised blinkers users from the very speeds as if it was via fibre,” said Jodie video services. Of the 33% crime, pure and simple, with real risks of malware Hatch, Chief Technology Officer at o f c o n s u m e r s w h o crime syndicates making infection. The type of malware R e s o l u t e M i n i n g . “ W i t h t h i s p u r c h a s e d a n i l l i c i t substantial illicit revenues embedded within the piracy from the provision of illegally ecosystem can include transformational capability, we can streaming device for free streaming, three in five re-transmitted TV channels particularly harmful malware increase our technology adoption and as a and the sale of such ISDs”. such as remote access result increase our safety and productivity (60%) stated that they cancelled all or some of trojans which allows the performance.” The damage that content hacker to activate and record “We are delighted to deliver this fibre-like their subscription to legal pay TV services. theft does to the creative from the device's webcam connectivity service to Resolute Mining, industries is without dispute. without the victim being enabling them to make a technological Specifically, 35% asserted that they cancelled their However, the damage done aware”. leap and adopt cutting-edge solutions and s u b s c r i p t i o n s t o a to consumers themselves, Of those consumers who own applications in this very remote location in Malaysian-based online because of the nexus a n I S D , h a l f o f t h e Mali,” said Carole Kamaitha, Vice video service as a direct between content piracy and respondents (50%) claim to President of Fixed Data Sales Africa at consequence of owning an malware, is only beginning to have purchased their ISD SES Networks. “In addition, the fully- I S D . I n t e r n a t i o n a l be recognised. In late 2018, from one of the largest managed solution means that Resolute subscription services, t h e E u r o p e a n U n i o n S o u t h e a s t A s i a - b a s e d Mining can focus on its business and the which include pan-Asia Intellectual Property Office ecommerce stDores. Also applications it requires to increase online offerings, were also released a report on malware close to two in five (37%) of productivity, instead of network impacted – nearly one in found on suspected piracy ISD owners say they acquired management.” five (19%) Malaysian websites and concluded that their devices via one of the such websites “commonly world's most popular social SES vast satellite footprint in Africa u s e r s a b a n d o n e d subscriptions in favour of distribute various kinds of media platforms. enables the operators to provide malware luring users into In addition to the short-term broadband networks in remote locations ISD purchases. downloading and launching p r o b l e m o f c a n c e l l e d and governments to connect their sites. such files”. The research, subscriptions is a longer term SES's space infrastructure covers Africa's The surge in popularity of ISDs is not unique to which worked closely with the problem – while 35-44 year- population. A total of 10 commercial European Cybercrime Centre olds lead the pack in cord- communication geostationary satellites, Malaysia. Similar YouGov consumer research has at Europol, concluded that cutting overall, many of those carrying C-band, Ku-band and Ka-band been undertaken in other “the threat landscape for who do so are also young. payloads cover the entire African S o u t h E a s t A s i a n malware distributed via The survey found that free continent. For instance, NSS-703 satellite countries where high copyright-infringing websites s t r e a m i n g a p p s a r e opens up a new orbital slot at 47° West to levels of ISD usage was is more sophisticated than it particularly favoured among provide C- and Ku-band inclined capacity also found: 15% of might appear at first glance”. 18-24 year-olds, with exactly over the Atlantic Ocean Region. NSS-703 Singapore consumers, two in three (66%) cancelling provides cost-effective capacity 20% of Hong Kong C a n c e l l i n g l e g i t i m a t e legitimate subscription supporting GSM backhaul, trunking and c o n s u m e r s , 2 8 % o f subscription services and services as a result of owning VSAT and maritime networks. Filipino consumers and paying less for access to ISDs, especially local online 3 4 % c o n s u m e r s o f pirated content is fraught with subscriptions (37%). AFRICAN REPORT Digital divide: Optmizing SATCOM solutions in South Africa

Digital divide, words that we used to hear in the 1980s that refers to the virtual borders that separate those who have broadband access from those who do not is still very much with us. In Dwesa-Cwebe community, located in the Mbashe Municipality of the Eastern Cape of South Africa is an area where SATCOM is helping significantly to bridging this gap, according to this report.

Dwesa-Cwebe is a community located in the Mbashe Municipality of the Eastern Cape in source of energy to power the components tailored mainly for users in the major South Africa. It is situated in the central Wild that make up the network. This presents a metropolitan cities. This indicates that Coast region, bordered on the one side by the large investment for setting up the network telecommunication companies continue to Indian Ocean and on the other by the rugged infrastructure. In some cases, alternative invest most in areas of high business grasslands of the former Transkei homeland. sources of energy, such as solar energy and leaving rural, disadvantaged areas with little About a decade ago, the Dwesa-Cwebe generators, have been implemented. Solar or no telecommunication service. community was granted ownership of the energy and generators have proved to be VSAT at Isiolo Girls High School Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve, through the good alternatives in the absence of The implementation of rural Internet Land Claims Court, as they had been forcibly electricity. connectivity has continues to be affected by removed from the area during the apartheid various challenges. The problem that most era. This was one of the first successful land However, where solar energy has been in hinders Internet access in rural or remote claims completed in South Africa. use the major problem has been theft of the areas has been the initial cost of deploying Latest report showed that Dwesa-Cwebe solar panels; community awareness of the network infrastructure, which remains terrain is hilly and incised by numerous rivers use and application of solar power seems relatively expensive. Furthermore, the and streams making installation of wired common and has led to an actively fraudulent return on investment on telecommunication infrastructure both costly and sometimes market for solar panels. The impact is such projects in remote or rural areas has been infeasible. that some sections of the networks are low. This presents business in the remote permanently affected. and rural areas as a high-risk investment. As In Dwesa-Cwebe, a dial up link would have a result, network deployments in rural areas been an easy option to provide connectivity to Yet, the theft of solar panels has hampered often have not been able to improve on the this area. However the prevalent absence of the rate of development in these rural areas. teledensity of those areas. The absence of the traditional phone lines in this whole area The cost of deploying network infrastructure electricity in many remote/rural areas has meant that other access technologies had to is capital-intensive. This results in made the scenario more difficult as the be explored. The presence of the telephone companies calculating the return on operation of a telecommunication. network would have allowed easy set up for most of investment in undertaking deployment to the requires a source of energy to power it. the telephone associated technologies. r u r a l a r e a s . C o n s e q u e n t l y, m o s t Even in cases where an alternative source telecommunication companies have of energy, such as solar energy, has been Even as telephone remans one of the most preferred to invest in areas of high returns, sought, components of the network have common wired connectivity technologies in which are the urban centers. Sentech, for frequently been vandalized. This has left South Africa, telephones are not common in instance, has offered wireless packages major breakdowns in the network, typically the Dwesa-Cwebe area and Telkom does not have any land lines there. This means access technologies such as analogue dial-up, ISDN and DSL, are not deployable there. The unavailability of the telephone exchanges, within 5.5 km radius is completely rules out the use of ADSL.

Despite effort to afford rural communities' access to ICTs many remote rural areas many communities still pose challenges as they remain out of coverage. Some rural areas, in some parts of South Africa, still have a teledensity less than 15%, based on a report by the South African Government Communications and Information Systems. Some other communities are very remote from existing infrastructure, making it difficult to achieve the mission of connectivity. In addition, lack of electricity in some areas has also been a barrier to telecommunication and Internet connectivity in many rural areas. The telecommunication networks require a

6 AFRICAN REPORT

resulting in bad lines in areas where Teachers also reap the benefits of connectivity. All educational technology telecommunication services are already connectivity. They gain exposure to the latest systems share a common goal: to bring poor. education materials and methodology, digital information to remote classrooms. enhancing their skills and broadening their \Satellite-based VSAT networks have students' horizons. IPTV, videoconferencing, the inherent ability to transmit digital "Digital divide" and Internet searching all become part of the content to multiple sites at remote educational toolbox. locations without the need to duplicate refers to the gap Satellite technology plays a key role in the transmitted traffic. between individuals, closing the digital divide, largely by bringing distance learning to schools, regardless of This capability translates into significant households, geographic location. It enables schools in cost savings in networks where multicast remote or rural areas to obtain similar traffic is required. Communications for businesses and educational materials and content via schools is particularly suited to a SATCOM, meaning that entire countries multicast model. geographic areas at have a balanced approach to education, and For instance, distance Learning systems commensurate opportunities. Gilat has allow curriculum equity throughout different socio- implemented such systems in a variety of schools in all regions. These systems locations, including Colombia, Peru, Russia, often broadcast live video of the economic levels with Argentina and Africa. i n s t r u c t o r t o s e v e r a l s c h o o l s simultaneously. VSAT networks have regard both to their this integrated multicast capability. SATCOM: Technology for In addition, offline learning applications opportunities to such as recorded video, podcasts and Education electronic learning material can be access information According to Gilat Satcom, SATCOM allows simultaneously uploaded to all of the and communication communities to utilize all the capabilities that schools in parallel via the VSAT using broadband has to offer, including high-speed multicast transmission. technologies and to data, Internet, and voice, video and multimedia broadcast, conferencing and By caching frequently-used data locally, their use of the streaming. SATCOM networks have the VSAT networks can reduce demand on inherent ability to transmit digital content to bandwidth. An example would be Internet for a wide multiple sites at remote locations. SATCOM downloading key data, such as the next networks also have the advantage of being day's lesson plan or an educational variety of activities. ideal for deployment in rural locations, further video, at off-peak hours, enabling faster underlining the suitability of the satellite access during peak hours, when school technology for ensuring enhanced is in session. Bridging digital divide educational solutions for all schools, In Dwesa-Cwebe communities, the regardless of location. The Dwesa-Cwebe VSAT network has deployment of network infrastructure has been able to offer Internet connectivity been concentrated around schools. A VSAT Because VSAT (satellite-powered) networks within the schools in this area. The located at Mpume Junior Secondary School are entirely independent of terrestrial community has welcomed the arrival of provides the backhaul Internet connectivity infrastructure, they can be expanded with computers in their community and has to the Dwesa-Cwebe network. With an ease and as fast as necessary. This makes it been attending computer literacy indoor unit connected to the Mpume possible for a VSAT network for schools to training. There has been an uptake in the Router/Server, built and installed by Telkom. begin at an initial pilot stage, connecting only use of computers seen by the The Mpume Server/Router provides server a small group of schools, and then expand to preparation of various documents from capabilities within the network in the school a large-scale network encompassing many the schools and the community. The and also allocates addresses within the thousands of schools. This also allows schools are able to make registers, Mpume School Lab. governments to develop school connectivity timetables, mark sheets, letters and projects within the initial budget constraints other various documents on demand. SATCOM is especially suited to providing and to grow the project as soon as funds broadband access to remote and sparse become available, without waiting for The Internet and other offline data areas. The practical upshot of connecting infrastructure to be built. In addition, VSATs repositories have been able to offer the schools to broadband means that schools can be easily redeployed as needed if teachers more resources which they have stable and steady communication demand patterns change. utilize in their lesson planning pupils can access. Students have an equality of access Internet for assignment works. access to knowledge, across a range of The technological solution for education The use of the VoIP phone has also ages from kindergarten to college. Not only using SATCOM means that the range of aided in communication within the this, but a richer and more enhanced range pedagogic options available is greatly schools since there were no landlines of material is available for the benefit of enhanced, comprising computer-based available for communication within the teaching staff, and the data provided is more instruction, Interactive Distant Learning (IDL) schools. The schools are able to access unified. and lesson streaming, digital schoolbooks a free phone service allowing them to and exams. share any information which might be Based on a report release by Gilat Satcom, necessary. This has greatly improved the once a VSAT modem is set up in a rural Since SATCOM networks are entirely communication between the schools. school, it represents an event far weightier independent of terrestrial infrastructure, The community has also been able to than merely being a piece of equipment that SATCOM deployment can be installed and markets their arts and craft through the transmits and receives a signal. When configured with ease and speed, Eshopping. exposed to the wider world for the first time, incorporating a level of scalability for the the minds of students open; they recalculate network that renders it an ideal solution. the limits of what they thought possible. Further to this, having a SATCOM network Exposure to a broad swath of ideas and installed at school locations means that the cultures helps foster tolerance and a sense infrastructure can serve optional additional of belonging to the outside world. e-government projects that require IN THE NEWS

HellasSat announces Tanzanian teen crowned winner of Dstv successful launch of Eutelsat Star Awards Hellas Sat 4

Hellas Sat 4 satellite has been successfully launched by an Ariane 5 launch vehicle from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana. A ku-band satellite, Hellas Sat 4 will be positioned at 39 degrees to cover Europe, the Middle East and Southern Africa, with its service expected to commence in Q3 this year. The new satellite will serve as a back up to Hellas 3, which is located at the same orbital slot and launched in 2017. Hellas Sat, is a leading satellite operator offering services in Europe, Middle East and South Africa. It was established in August 2001 and owns & operates the Hellas Sat 2 high power and advanced satellite located at 39° E, which was successfully launched in May 2003.According to Christodoulos Protopapas, CEO of Hellas The winners of the 8th Appiagyei, Deputy Minister, Sixteen overall winners' Sat, edition of the DStvEutelsat Ministry of Environment, h o r i z o n s h a v e b e e n S t a r A w a r d s w e r e Science Technology and broadened by the once-in- “Hellas Sat 4 is a powerful addition to our announced during a Innovation said “It is our a-lifetime experiences the network and a major milestone to our ceremony held in Accra, ministry's pleasure to be competition has afforded business plan. It brings new capacity that will Ghana. Eighteen-year-old part of this exemplary enable our existing and new customers to them. Tanaka Chonyera has put initiative by two technology- unlock new growth opportunities in The winner in the essay Botswana on the map by oriented companies to category has won a trip for applications including broadcasting, mobility scooping top honours in the and private data networks. Moreover, it will inspire the learning and two to Paris and onwards to essay category. Nineteen- enable us to deliver high quality services at application of Science and a launch site in French year-old Priscilla Marealle competitive prices as well as unmatched Technology in everyday Guiana to witness a rocket performance, resiliency and redundancy to was announced as the activities. blast into space in order to our customers.” Hellas Sat value combines overall winner in the poster Our ministry is at the fore- place a satellite into orbit. high quality services at affordable prices and category, making it a back- front of promoting a This is Botswana's first win professional business practices with to-back win from Tanzania. paradigm shift in the way in the essay category, after understanding of different customer needs. w e a p p r o a c h o u r producing a runner-up in Hellas Sat individual solutions are based on a Tanaka's entry was written developmental issues as a the poster category in wide portfolio of services offered in all regions. in a confident, concise and country and more broadly 2016. East Africa continues The company has been focusing on the factual manner and made as a continent. Having its dominance of the development of the orbital position of 39o E for an intriguing, engaging reviewed some of the Awards with 7 overall into an attractive alternative proposition to the and educational read. “It topics from previous winners and runner-up's international market for video broadcasting, was quite clear that he has c o m p e t i t i o n s o f t h e thus far. The winner in the as well as VSAT applications. cultivated his passion with DStvEutelsat Star Awards, poster category has wons a research and study, that we are feelelated by the trip for two to visit the South Through the very successful operation of the has resulted in sound myriad of young African African National Space three DTH platforms in Romania (Dolce), k n o w l e d g e a n d minds across our continent Agency and MultiChoice Bulgaria (Bulsatcom) and Serbia (Polaris understanding of the that are tasked to use Media), Hellas Sat and the position of 39o E facilities. The two winning subject matter,” says Paolo satellite technology to schools attended by the have emerged as one of the most popular Nespoli, an European combination in the region, broadcasting more address basic human overall winners will be Space Agency Astronaut c h a l l e n g e s o n o u r rewarded with a DStv than 200 HD and SD TV channels. The who chaired the jury of the number of the households served by the continent.” installation, including dish, Awards. orbital position 39o E is estimated to be in T h i s p a n - A f r i c a n TV set, PVR decoder and excess of 2.5 million. In April 2013, Arabsat This is what the jury c o m p e t i t i o n h a s free access to the DStv acquired a majority stake in Hellas Sat and the members said about invigorated a passion for Education Package. company is now a member of Arabsat Group Priscilla's poster:“The science and technology For this edition, students poster was artistically well a m o n g s t y o u n g e r from secondary (high) or In 2917, Hellas Sat announced the opening of executed, with imaginative generations and will combined schools were its new sales office in Johannesburg, South use of mixed media to culminate with an outreach asked to write a creative Africa, strengthening its presence in the create visual interest. where over 200 Ghanaian essay or design a poster region. The new office allowed Hellas Sat to Consistent with the topic, s t u d e n t s h a v e a n based on the topic: increase the scope of its operations in South the poster depicts how opportunity to ask a real-life “Currently, satellites are Africa, providing a new in-region, direct satellite can be further astronaut questions about being used in a variety of contact for sales and marketing while helping embraced in Africa to outer space. To date the ways but there is always maintain its long-standing relationships within address key continental competition has drawn over room for expansion and the South African telco industry. “In opening challenges, such as 8000 entries across the growth. Write an essay or this new office, Hellas Sat has shown its protection and monitoring continent and has over the design a poster on areas commitment to helping service providers meet of biodiversity, agriculture years created meaningful you believe the full potential the demands of their customers, as well as and mineral resources.” engagement with students, of satellites has not yet illustrating its desire to further its great During her keynote speech the academic community relationships with the industry across the been tapped into or at the Awards ceremony, and the scientific world. embraced.” region.” t h e H o n . P a t r i c i a

7 SPECIAL REPORT E-government: The 'magic' of Nigeria's first Urban GIS revolution

Motivated by the need to electronically control spatial problems, Nigeria's Abuja Geographical Information systems, AGIS since its establishment in 2003, has successfully curbed problems of poor governance, including corruption, land use abuse, forgery of land documents and multiple allocations of plots of land, which were difficult to control manually, according to this report.

In the words of the then FCT Minister, Evidence from direct observation The AGIS project was motivated by the 'receiving Mr. President's directive in August revealed that AGIS AGIS-GIS is need to electronically control spatial 2003, we came to the Painful realization that customized especially for cadastral problems, such as land use abuse, the major bottleneck in land allocation and applications, using propriety software forgery of land documents and multiple administration is the general reliance on and programme built in-house to store, allocations of plots of land, which were manual records that were prone to abuses m a n a g e , i n t e g r a t e a n d s o l v e d ifficult to control manually. The and manipulation from within and outside of environmental problems. Large scale Taskforce, comprised of only government the Ministry and its parastatals, with faulty cadastral maps were produced on a officials and contractor's employees, was and confusing manual records, certificates of scale of 1:2,000 and as built engineering inaugurated in 2003 to solve the occupancy, which are the only legal drawings' on a scale of 1:500 to support problems. instrument to validate title to land, became physical planning and development, Accordingly, the project offers economic easy to forge, because it lacks adequate such as road construction and mass benefit of increasing government security features and a reliable database for housing development. Furthermore, a revenue with notable financial returns its generation'. Land Information System was evident for the Nigeria public service, and developed and linked to the AGIS-GIS. this probably explains why many states After the swearing in of a new President in The AGIS-LIS produced all necessary governments in Nigeria are embarking on May 2007, a new Minister was appointed. A documents including Title Deed Plan similar projects. former project manager became the General and Certificate of Occupancy. A Manager of the project. The influence of document Management system was Indeed, AGIS was able to build a demand Julius Berger, a private company responsible also built and linked to AGIS-LIS and side network that pay for services, this for technical support, on actors in the Ministry AGIS-GIS. offers economic benefits to the federal of Federal Capital Territory became marginal. Earlier, a special account operated to support AGIS had been closed in line with public financial regulations before the former Minister left office.

According to a former Director, AGIS started on a very bad foot because historically the documents that we took over from the defunct MFCT are documents that have been operated manually, the registers, the records, and all the rest of them were done manually, some have been torn, some have been tampered with because of the porousness of the system then, and we found out that even fraudstars took over the operations to an extent of even having a parallel office that runs side by side with the department of land administration and resettlement. A staff of the project contractor remarked that the priority was not pushing files ahead of others, but to stop manipulations and forgery. Regrettably, the demolition of some building with approved building plans demonstrated that white collar malpractices as a form of corruption in the provision of land administration in the FCT has come to it conclusive end. The citizens were lured into purchasing the illegal land and houses by a syndicate of land racketeers who connived with some staff of the FCDA to trade the Garki Village integration scheme quickbird satellite image 2003 properties to unsuspecting buyers. SPECIAL REPORT

government of Nigeria via the federal Another land service capital territory administration. operating before AGIS and to date is the The social returns ultimately offered by processing of consent AGIS are mixed. The design, location and to alienate land. This is construction of an accessible and a process to secure the convenient building for the production and consent of the Minister transaction of business in an orderly of FCT to alienate manner and implementation of AGIS through transfer or offered social returns to stakeholders sublease a statutory including end users. In particular, the right of occupancy. The provision of online services, and especially Land use act stipulates e-payments, delivered socio-economic that during the term of a returns and improvement of governance in statutory Right of terms of speeding up of services such as Occupancy, the holder legal search and tracking of applications. of the right shall have t h e s o l e r i g h t t o The provision of online services uniquely absolute possession of transformed the AGIS network by allowing all the improvements of users to submit some requests from any the land. However, location at any time. This reduced the need transfer, assignment and mortgage of the online application procedure. This to travel to the AGIS office in Abuja, which is improvements on the land are subject to eliminates the need to travel to AGIS office the only location for physical interaction the approval of the governor. In the case to submit a new application. with AGIS. of FCT, the Minister grants his or her In the Area Councils across the FCT, AGIS consent. Therefore an alienation of supports regularization of customary titles' Abuja Geographical Information systems statutory right of occupancy is null and to land in the six area councils of the FCT. AGIS is a public sector geo-ICT project of void in the FCT without the consent of the These are plots not issued by the authority the federal capital territory Administration, Minister. of the Minister of FCT. These include so launched in 2003. The project has called customary letters of grants'. successfully curbed problems of poor In Africa, the process of land However a judicial pronouncement has governance, including corruption, which administration such as registration of declared such customary titles in an has been a critical societal problem in property rights, transfer of title, acquisition urban centre illegal. Nigeria. AGIS has improved the overall of land information, cadastral survey, land quality of governance in Africa's most use planning, granting and issuance of In addition, this agency now rely on the populous country and the political and property rights are vulnerable to various use of geo-ICT to authenticate all plots of economic powerhouse of West Africa. forms of corruption, such as bribery, land allocated within the Federal Capital AGIS presented Nigeria with an excellent nepotism and favoritism, fraud and white Territory before the establishment of AGIS opportunity to tackle the social malaise in collar malpractice and issuance of new CofO from the geo- the public sector of Nigeria. database to ensure their correctness and The provision of land administration protection from forgery. The process Computerization of land services involves costs on citizens in involves the withdrawal of all the old land administration services terms of money, time, and travels, queue, title documents issued since the inception In the Federal capital territory, the problems making payment, customizing a product of the FCT and replacement with new ones in the provision of Land administration by users to personal requirements and that have more security features and are services before AGIS was implemented being able to use a computer. The difficult to replace illegally without been included unattended applications, multiple consumer transaction costs, have been easily discovered. The completion and land allocations, illegal and unclear reduced due to the use of geo-ICT and the issuance of CofO for recertification was situations of land use and forgery of land introduction of electronic land estimated at 90% in December 2008. So documents. In order to solve these administration. For instance, queuing is far, the recertification is as good as problems, AGIS computerized the process reduced through the use of geo-ICT in the complete. of land allocation, property search and collection and processing of requests, The agency also introduces a legal verification of land records as well as the bribery to move a person's request ahead search, a process whereby individuals and preparation and issuance of Rights of of others has also been eliminated organization or their representatives are Occupancy and Certificate of Occupancy completely. The capacity of eland allowed to ascertain the genuineness of evidencing title to the land. administration to support freedom from land properties before committing their corruption, reducing transaction costs resources into land transaction. The law In line with the 1999 constitution of Nigeria arising from misallocations, forgeries and enforcement agents can also conduct a and the Land Use Act, the Governor of each frauds including the security of property search in the process of discharging their state grants a right, called the statutory right rights have been achieved with the official responsibilities. The search of occupancy to a citizen for land situated in introduction of AGIS.. provides first hand and reliable information the urban area. According to the land use about the validity of any title document act, the right is usually witnessed by a The processing and granting of statutory emanating from the land office. The Certificate of Occupancy. The power to right of occupancy is now supported with information from the process includes grant Rights of Occupancy within the the geo-ICT by AGIS. Therefore, name of land occupier, history, restriction, Federal Capital Territory is delegated by the prospective applicants both individuals responsibilities and encumbrances. president to the FCT Minister. The land and organizations for a statutory Right of administration department of the defunct Occupancy can now download an More so, the process of seeking the MFCT was responsible for the processing application form online or fill the form consent to alienate statutory right of of the statutory right of occupancy before online, print it and submit to AGIS office in occupancy or anyAbimbola part Alale, by assignment, the establishment of AGIS. Abuja. It is also possible to follow the mortgage, and Managingtransfer Directorof possession,, NigComSat process tagged easy step for a complete sublease and subdivision of a plot of land

8 SPECIAL REPORT

into two or more parts especially on the new capital city in the early 1990s. It is possible to submit requests for legal devolution by death of the occupier of land, in This forced the civil servants to share searches physically at the AGIS office or the FCT is partially supported with geo-ICT. apartments and led to the growth of online. Nigerians and indeed residents of the Other tasks that are computerized for e-land squatter settlements. in 2002, it became FCT agreed that AGIS has improved the administration are street names and house clear that the implementation of the performance of legal search of title of a numbers, revocation and reinstatement of master plan had been distorted and the potential borrower and users are better Right of Occupancy, and fiscal cadastre for federal capital territory administration served now than before. Many also agreed billing and issuance of payment demand embarked on what is referred to as that processing of the requests by mortgage notice and property valuation. restoration of the Abuja Master Plan. institutions for the verifications of titles to land The electronic land administration is faster and better now. One end user of the electronic land services include preparation and Since its establishment, AGIS significantly administration system revealed that the issuance of certificate of occupancy, enhanced the investigation of title to secure effect of AGIS on fraud is significant. The first preparation and issuance of statutory credits for housing development in the FCT. measure put in place by AGIS to reduce fraud right of occupancy, production and Prior to AGIS, the investigation of title usually was to pay directly to bank and use bank printing of titled deed plan, street naming took several months or indefinitely in cases of tellers for land transactions. Now any and house numbering, provision of missing files, while now can be achieved payment to AGIS is through epayment portal, textual and graphic data such as land within 24 hours. This enhances security of which is difficult to forge. The accounting records, aerial photographs, satellite credits because of the certainty of occupier of system of AGIS is automated. When it accept images, engineering drawings, images the land or ownership of the property being a bank draft, the draft is scanned into the of buildings, property search and mortgaged and have ensure that the same system and a receipt is generated from the verification of land records, applications property has not been previously mortgaged. process. The online services offered by AGIS for land allocation and land and property include opportunity for epayment, which related revenue collections. Strengthening states financial obviously reduce fraud. These efforts have Generally, these services were designed increased the annual income to AGIS from an to support the implementation of the and taxation capacity average of about N250million (USD Abuja master plan, enforce development According to a former General Manager of 1.7million) per annum before AGIS to an control standards, limit squatter AGIS, the agency generated N15 Billion or average of about N 5.2 billion USD settlements, facilitate infrastructure about 100 million USD in 2007 alone. This 34.6million per annum. We observed that the development plan for the FCT satellite trend has continued till today. rejection of cash transaction and workflow towns and rural areas, improve The computerization of the accounting that checks for payment during the sanitation level and greening and system of AGIS makes it easier to create and processing of services is largely responsible improve funding and administration of update ground rent bills, calculate land for reduction in pocketing of land revenue, the FCT. premiums and generate demand notice for thereby reducing financial hemorrhaging in payment. Citizens now have the opportunity the costs of enforcement of property rights by Enforcement of access to to make payment through bank draft or the FCTA. online. A staff of the agency revealed that credit and security for credit revenue increased by up to 21 times in recent A staff of the agency said that the issue of times. AGIS has substantially enhanced multiple allocations is rare now and another Amongst the objectives of the National electronic billing and payment, resulting in observed that AGIS has reduced it to the Housing Fund Act of Nigeria is to increased government revenue. barest minimum malpractices associated facilitate the mobilization of funds for the Even so, the Abuja government FCTA, does with land allocation such as double provision of houses to Nigerians. The not have access to this revenue, in allocation. The management of the Federal Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria was compliance with financial regulation while Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, now established to provide long term credit financial flow back to Abuja government are have more freedom from multiple allocations facilities to mortgage institutions, which determined independently from land because the system is designed to prevent grants the credit to Nigerians desiring to revenue. reallocation of land that has been already acquire houses of their own. According to allocated. The guard against multiple a staff of FBMN, there is no loan that we Improvement of land use allocation is purely database driven. The are going to give out without the end allocation editor, file and Plot validation, Plot users proving that he or she owns a title planning Lookup and other spatial analysis function of to the land that he or she is going to build AGIS-Land Information system can on. We source the find that we give to the As a geographical Information Systems automatically detect and warn against Primary Mortgage Institutions. In order to organization, AGIS analyses the actual land multiple allocation. benefit the NHF loan, NHF Act obliges use in Abuja metropolis. For instance, land that Nigerians working in private or public violation or misuses, such as buildings on sector to contribute 2.5 per cent of his or water mains, encroachment on road Abuja Master Plan her basic salary to the fund. corridors, and loss of Maitama Sport In order to guide an orderly development of Complex to residential use were identified In the federal capital city and the FCT, the Abuja In Nigeria, financial institution often December 2008, the workflow for street Master Plan was approved by the federal investigate title before granting credits to naming and house numbering were fully Government of Nigeria in 1979. Housing was ascertain borrowers' ownership to the computerized, and plots of land or houses re cognized as a critical success factor in the land or property being mortgaged to a with more than one number were corrected. implementation of the master plan by the financial institution as a security, designers of the Master Plan. According to especially to ensure that the same In order to correct land use violations, the them , housing represents the most basic of property has not been previously Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory human needs and has a profound impact on mortgaged, and ascertain that there are Administration, FCTA demolishes houses the health, welfare, and productivity of no other encumbrances on the property. and physical developments, which individuals. Also, residents will judge the city contravenes the Master Plan. Though not only on how the organization of the city This was a very slow exercise before the citizens and civil society have different fits their everyday life, but also on how the coming of AGIS. Some citizens are opinions about the demolitions, and the FCTA demand for housing is provided. frustrated and lost opportunities to claimed it was necessary for over-ridding secure credits simply because their files public interest. Prior to AGIS, it was difficult to meet the land could not be traced. AGIS now supports Please visit www.abujaagis.com and the housing needs of the citizens, the investigation of titles in the FCT especially with the influx of civil servants into electronically through legal searches. IN THE NEWS

Safaricom targets Es'hailSat, BridgeSat bring low-cost laser utility firms in new IoT satellite communications to Middle East network plan

Kenya is on the way to becoming the Es'hailSat, Qatar Satellite complementing RF in MENA region and is a cornerstone community in Africa's ICT Company and BridgeSat h y b r i d n e t w o r k s . major milestone toward landscape as Telecommunications firm announced a strategic Es'hailSat owns and our goal of providing Safaricom plans to develop a smart relationship that will operates a growing organizations worldwide communications network which will enable provide businesses and number of Ka- and Ku- w i t h f a s t , s e c u r e , Kenyans to monitor water and electricity meters governments across the band satellites serving e n t e r p r i s e - g r a d e as well as track their vehicles. Through the Middle East with affordable broadcasters, businesses broadband services,” network, remote sensors will be able to access to laser-based and governments in the said Barry Matsumori, communicate data to mobile phone and s a t e l l i t e b r o a d b a n d MENA region and beyond. BridgeSat CEO. “Like computer screens which individuals and services. Es'hailSat has recognized Es'hailSat, we see businesses can monitor. Safaricom will provide This is the latest milestone t h e g r o w t h o f t h e p a r t n e r s h i p s w i t h a database solution which subscribers can log toward BridgeSat's goal of communications market innovative companies into to access required data. The new Internet providing organizations andMeasat-3b is making the forward worldwide as key for of Things (IoT) network will tap into the firm's worldwide with a faster, looking move to enhance revolutionizing satellite existing 4G network and targets energy, water less expensive and most its capabilities to support communications.” and power firms that use smart meters. secure alternative to the space enterprise. Companies can also use the network to ”Es'hail-1 and Es'hail-2 manage their vehicle fleet. traditional radio frequency (RF) solutions for low earth Under the strategic s a t e l l i t e s a r e f u l l y One key driver for 5G is the emergence of IoT o r b i t ( L E O ) a n d relationship, BridgeSat operational, and we and the vision of Billions of objects being geostationary earth orbit will build its first OGS for recently commenced connected to the internet. This is the enabler to (GEO) applications. the Middle East, which will satellite control and other 'smart cities' and other such 'smart'; b e c o - l o c a t e d a t satellite services from our environments and the emergence of what is “Like Es'hailSat, we see Es'hailSat's new satellite state-of-the-art teleport in called 'Big Data' applications where massive p a r t n e r s h i p s w i t h operations center in Doha, Doha,” said Ali Al Kuwari, amounts of data can be processed to feed a innovative companies Qatar. The new OGS will President & CEO of plethora of new applications. For 5G this worldwide as key for support LEO and other Es'hailSat. “Collaboration implies being able to handle large quantities of revolutionizing satellite satellite systems owned with BridgeSat is a step low data communications efficiently covering communications.”BridgeS by Es'hailSat and other f o r w a r d f o r u s i n widespread sensor networks and M2M at owns and operates a companies that are expanding the type of communications. growing global network of equipped with BridgeSat services we provide to Kenya’s Safaricom, dominates the telcom optical ground stations and other compatible customers in the region, market, with a 70% and 92% share of mobile (OGS) and complimentary space terminals. beyond the traditional and Internet subscriptions enabling Safaricom satellite terminals that satellite services.” to launch initiatives that have rapidly changed provide high-bandwidth, “Our new relationship with the cadence of Kenyan ICT at a retail level. With high-security solutions for Es'hailSat gives us a a widespread and common platform for sending unique applications while critical gateway to the and receiving payments, barriers for e- commerce have come down from both a vendor and purchaser perspective. Viettel pioneers narrowband internet of things “We basically put a lot of effort in the planning and the design of the services that we are technology generating. That covers the network, (and) the functionality of the services…,” said Safaricom Viettel is among only 50 the first quarter of 2019 has been expanded to Chief Technology Officer ThibaudRerolle. telecom companies in the before the company include not just people world to successfully invests elsewhere in Vi?t IoT technology is deployed in diverse but all stakeholders. deploy the narrowband Nam and overseas. industries. In the agricultural sector, some “Under this definition, the Viettel is now also testing greenhouse farms, for instance, use IoT internet of things (NB-IoT), number of customers is in some applications based devices to monitor temperature and humidity a technology developed t h e b i l l i o n s . T h e levels. Water companies use it to monitor water for devices supporting IoT on IoT connectivity and d e p l o y m e n t o f I o T volumes, detect leakages in their pipes and c o n n e c t i v i t y . T h e infrastructure, such as d e m o n s t r a t e s t h e identify places where criminals may be announcement was made s m a r t p a r k i n g , a i r realisation of Viettel's intercepting the flow. Firms are said to lose by the Global System monitoring, location m i s s i o n , o u r between 50 and 70 per cent of their water in M o b i l e A s s o c i a t i o n tracking, and metering commitment, our efforts transit. Safaricom is yet to announce the (GSMA) during the 2019 devices, creating the basis for a smarter society, a timelines for the rollout of the new network Mobile World Congress in f o r d e v e l o p i n g a n d more modern Vi?t Nam.” which will be piloted in major towns before Barcelona. exploiting an IoT services being launched in rural areas. In December, Viettel ecosystem in future. Viettel is ranked among Last year, Internet Service Provider Liquid successfully activated the Having nearly 40,000 4G the 15 largest telecom Telecom partnered with France-based network first 30 base transceiver BTSs around the country companies in the world in provider, Sigfox to set up an IoT network. stations (BTSs) in HàN?i is a major advantage for terms of subscribers and Companies interested in the technology will with the platform set to Viettel. the top 40 in terms of independently hire developers to design their offer services using NB- T à o Ð ? c T h ? n g , t h e revenues. It has invested IoT infrastructure and buy the sensors required IoT technology. The IoT company's deputy general in 10 foreign markets with for the platform. They will then pay Liquid infrastructure and platform director, said Viettel was a total population of 240 Telecom to provide the network necessary to will be ready for customers determined to be a pioneer million in Asia, Africa and link the devices to company databases. in HàN?i and HCM City in in Industry 4.0 in Vi?t Nam. the Americas. “The concept of 'customer'

11 IN THE NEWS

Eutelsat partners SES Network joins SAMENA Council Membership

Ethiopian Middle East leading non- Networks provides managed governmental organization data services to telcos and and other satellite service Broadcasting in the telecom industry, I S P s , m o b i l e n e t w o r k providers. SAMENA Council S A M E N A o perators, cloud solution advocates for resolutions and Corporation Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s p r o v i d e r s , i n - f l i g h t highlights among government Council has announced that connectivity providers and a n d p r i v a t e - s e c t o r Eutelsat Communications has signed SES Networks, with its maritime fleets, energy stakeholders' issues, such as simultaneous multi-year contracts with the extensive geostationary and companies, and government those relating to spectrum, Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation and the non-geostationary satellite agencies. n e e d f o r a c c e l e r a t e d Association of Ethiopian Broadcasters for broadband service footprint The satellite operator's end- digitization and sustainable video capacity on its EUTELSAT 8 West B around the world, has to-end managed solutions digital development through satellite. The aggregate of these contracts become another leading allow organizations to rapidly collaboration, among others, represents multi-transponder capacity, telecom operators to join as deploy and scale networks which are common to both including incremental resources. a member of the SAMENA and services for the cloud era. terrestrial and satellite Leveraging EUTELSAT 8 West B satellite's Council. With its established and operators. dedicated coverage of Ethiopia, according to With the market's only non- industry-recognized aim of Eutelsat, both media groups will enjoy geostationary satellite bridging telecoms ecosystem nationwide coverage for their free-to-air broadband constellation priorities, including on DTH platforms, representing a total of 30 O3b MEO, the largest fleet sustainable investment and channels. Introduced to the local market of geostationary satellites highlighting digital transform back in 2012, Eutelsat's 7/8° West orbital and extensive ground ation needs of the region, position will now broadcast the vast majority infrastructure, SES delivers SAMENA Council actively of Ethiopia's channels thanks to these new reliable, high-performance advocates on behalf of its agreements. communications solutions operator members and works A longstanding client of Eutelsat on the to the world's hardest-to- closely with private-sector HOTBIRD position, the Ethiopian r e a c h p l a c e s . S E S stakeholders, including SES Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) is the country's oldest and largest free-to-air broadcaster. Programming features news, sport, music and other entertainment, Newtec, Wind River collaborate on 5G technology broadcast predominantly in Amharic,the official working language of the federal Newtec has announced that it Newtec Dialog with Wind e n v i r o n m e n t , a c h i e v e government. The Association of Ethiopian is collaborating with Wind River's Titanium Cloud interoperability of networks Broadcasters (AEB), established in River to utilize the Wind River platform will enable our a n d d e m o n s t r a t e t h e September 2018, is a group of privately Titanium Cloud virtualization customers and service functionality, performance owned, licensed broadcasters operating in platform to develop a Newtec providers to scale services and benefits brought by the Ethiopia. Members include Ethiopian 5G solution based on the up or down quickly to use of satellite. A first phase is Broadcasting Service (EBS), Fana TV, Newtec Dialog® multiservice address changing needs. It leveraging existing space and Walta, Kana TV, Arts, Nahoo TV, Afrihealth, platform. a l s o s i m p l i f i e s t h e ground segment assets and OBS, LTV, Ahadu, DWTV, Asham TV and 3GPP has defined a service- architecture and enhances t r i a l l i n g t h e l a t e s t Balageru. based architecture where s c a l a b i l i t y w h i c h i s developments, including with Michel Azibert, Eutelsat's Chief Commercial flexibility and dynamic paramount for 5G.” newer LEO and MEO and Development Director, said: “We are adjustments are the key constellations. proud to be working with leading drivers to meet performance P a u l S e n y s h y n , V i c e broadcasters Ethiopian Broadcasting and cost requirements. This P r e s i d e n t o f “A number of use-cases for Corporation and the Association of Ethiopian architecture defines network Telecommunications at Wind 5G over satellite require close Broadcasters in enriching the FTA functions which can be R i v e r, s a i d : “ We a r e interworking with terrestrial experience for viewers across Ethiopia. triggered by other services, delighted that Newtec has mobile networks where These agreements also highlight the leveraging virtualization and selected the Wind River NFV/SDN technologies are strength of Eutelsat's 7/8° West orbital network slicing. Titanium Cloud platform for becoming key and satellite position. " use in its new 5G satellite architecture must leverage MessayHurissa, EBC's Chief Technology Wind River's complete infrastructure solution. network orchestration, Officer, noted: “We are delighted to be N e t w o r k F u n c t i o n s Titanium Cloud delivers the virtualization and slicing working with an industry leader such as Virtualization (NFV) software high service reliability, ultra- functions to offer a truly Eutelsat as part of our expansion into the platform infrastructure will low latency and low-cost s e a m l e s s c o n n e c t i v i t y untapped broadcasting public sphere within help Newtec Dialog leapfrog deployments that are critical s e r v i c e , ” s a i d our territory and beyond. This partnership these 5G requirements. The f o r s c a l a b l e s a t e l l i t e SemirHassanaly, Market will allow EBC's customers to benefit from a Titanium Cloud platform c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Director Mobile Backhaul at much better performance with high quality delivers the features needed infrastructure. We are Newtec. broadcasting and customer support.” to successfully build and pleased to be collaborating “The integration of Wind deploy a virtualized network with Newtec as it drives River's Titanium Cloud AnmanFissehazion, CEO of AEB, added: running multiple Virtual important innovations in this platform is an additional step “Satellite technology plays a key role in Machines. market.” Newtec is making towards reaching TV households across Ethiopia. 5G. The same architecture One of AEB's goals is to increase and “NFV promises lower-cost, Newtec has signed a joint principles will be also strengthen the number of TV households in highly flexible and scalable statement with the European leveraged in Newtec's our country. This goal can be reached if all infrastructure, as well as Space Agency (ESA) and a terminals in the near future, broadcasters operate from a common orbital providing our customers with n u m b e r o f i n d u s t r i a l paving the way for a 5G position to reach their audiences, such as the ability to get better service companies to carry out trials solution addressing Mobile 7/8° West. Today's signing is a major step in access anywhere in the to demonstrate the use of Backhaul, OTT Broadcast, this venture and I am sure that our contract world,” said Bart Van Poucke, satellite communications Broadband and Mobility with Eutelsat will lead us to many more VP Product Management at capabilities integrated and markets.” successes to better serve our viewers.” Newtec. “The combination of interoperable in the 5G

18 IN THE NEWS ASECNA launches Cobham SATCOM partners Inmarsat to deliver study to supply key L-band ground infrastructure satellite navigation Cobham SATCOM has applications and beyond. mission of improving services in Africa a n n o u n c e d n e w This initiative continues a connectivity for users and partnership with Inmarsat 30-year plus partnership their devices everywhere. The Agency for the Safety of Air Navigation in to provide L-band ground between Cobham SATCOM B y e n s u r i n g g l o b a l Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA) has signed i n f r a s t r u c t u r e f o r and Inmarsat extending availability of reliable safety a contract with Thales Alenia Space, the joint I n m a r s a t ' s I - 6 across land, maritime, services we can help save company between Thales (67%) and Leonardo constellation, currently set space, and aviation. hundreds of lives every (33%), on February 8 in Dakar to conduct a for first launch in 2020. In addition to producing year.” preliminary design study (phase B) for its m a r k e t - l e a d i n g u s e r Peter Hadinger, CTO, program to develop a Satellite-Based Cobham SATCOM's next terminals in all categories, Inmarsat, said: “Inmarsat-6 Augmentation System (SBAS). ASECNA's generation radio access Cobham SATCOM has e x t e n d s I n m a r s a t ' s SBAS is based on European Geostationary n e t w o r k l e v e r a g e s developed and maintained commitment to our L-band Navigation Overlay Service, EGNOS. In line scalable technologies to the L-band radio access customers through the with the agency's strategic plan, it aims to network and constructed 2030s and allows us to enhance navigation and surveillance deliver a more flexible, Inmarsat Land Earth expand the capabilities of operations during all flight phases, as well as digital system, enabling SES’s Operations room at its headquarters in Luxembourg significantly and sustainably improve flight Inmarsat customers to Stations in 17 countries this unique communications safety and efficiency in the areas under its keep pace with market since 1990 architecture to new and responsibility r e q u i r e m e n t s . Paul Kahn, President of i m p r o v e d s e r v i c e s . .Starting in 2021-22, these services will I-6 will be the world's most FarhadC o m Khan,m u n Chiefi c a t Commerciali o n s a n d Of ficerSe,c Yuahsatring the highest improve the positioning performance of existing advanced L-band satellite Connectivity at Cobham, performing and most satellite navigation systems, such as GPS or constellation. commented: “This next innovative hardware for Galileo. The new system will improve precision, The network will extend chapter in our partnership Inmarsat-6 has been a down to within a meter, integrity, availability and Inmarsat's market-leading with Inmarsat builds upon critical focus for us and we continuity, guaranteed for safety-related L-band BGAN offering, our track record of mutual are pleased that the applications. Other business sectors, including delivering additional success and strengthens evaluation showed that our maritime, rail and road transport, as well as capacity while enabling C o b h a m S AT C O M ' s long-term partner Cobham agriculture, could benefit from these services, future capabilities from position as a global market SATCOM could meet our which will help drive economic and social leader in satellite ground rigorous specifications and development advanced global safety i n f r a s t r u c t u r e . B o t h continue to provide us with a The phase B study should enable countries services and low cost belonging to ASECNA to define the best system mobile solutions, to Cobham and Inmarsat sustainable competitive architecture to support the delivery of SBAS Internet of Things (IoT) share the vision and advantage.” services, and to ensure transparency during the following development, deployment and operational phases. The study is being Rwandan new telecom satellite launched financed by a grant from the EU-Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund (EU-AITF), through a Rwanda has successfully financing agreement with the French internet services on a free, Observations for purposes of launched the country's first Development Agency (AFD). The European low-cost, or paid commercial Agriculture. This partnership satellite into space, Rwandan Commission and GSA the European GNSS basis. Government, civil b e t w e e n t h e t w o Ministry of ICT and Innovation. Agency will provide technical assistance as part society groups, businesses, governments is channelled The successful deployment of of an international agreement between community groups, and a n d i m p l e m e n t e d i n Rwanda's first ever satellite ASECNA and the European Union, also others offer public access collaboration with the Japan "Icyerekezo," which means including the French space agency CNES services in a wide range of International Cooperation "vision" in English, is an exciting (Centre National des Etudes Spatiales). places, from public libraries, Agency (JICA), and the milestone, said Kalema. The design study to be carried out by Thales community centres and post J a p a n S p a c e A g e n c y The satellite will enable the Alenia Space will last for 18 months. During this offices, to shopping malls, (JAXA), an organization that Rwandan government to period, the airlines associated with this program cafes, and bus stops. is seeing to it that this race to connect internet to more remote will be able to test a pre-operational service. Recently, the ambassador of space becomes a success. schools across the country, “Today's contract signature marks the Japan to Rwanda, Mr. A model of the Rwandan providing better education and culmination of ASECNA and Thales Alenia Ta k a y u k i M a y i s h i t a satellite prototype was first creating new opportunities for Space's work on SBAS over the last few years, announced that Rwanda displayed in May by the innovators, he said. Rwanda and we are very pleased” said Jean Loïc Galle, would have its own Telecom Japan-Rwanda team of plans to launch another satellite President and CEO of Thales Alenia Space. satellite in 2019, earlier than experts during the 2018 into the orbit before the end of “Following the KASS project in South Korea, its scheduled year of launch, Transform Africa Summit in this year in partnership with them this latest export success for a complex and in 2020.’ This is in line with Kigali, where 100 Japanese J a p a n e s e g o v e r n m e n t , powerful satellite navigation system is the result the implementation of the companies displayed cutting according to the ICT ministry. of our involvement in satnav programs in agreement signed on May edge Satellite technologies. Two years ago, Rwanda Europe right from the outset, in 1996. ASECNA 9th, in 2018 between the The satellite is expected to be announced that it will launch into will be able to draw on our 20 plus years of Rwandan and the Japanese l a u n c h e d f r o m t h e s p a c e i t s f i r s t experience to ensure passenger safety, clearly government on Space I n t e r n a t i o n a l S p a c e telecommunications satellite. reflecting our watchword, 'Space for Life'.” Inclusion in Africa. Six Young Station(ISS) into the orbit Sooner than expected Rwanda Mohamed Moussa, Director General of Rwandans are currently before 2019's transform finallyl propelled into orbit its ASECNA, said: “This contract marks a being trained in Japan A f r i c a S u m m i t w h i c h telecom satellite from the milestone in ASECNA's SBAS program, a key ahead of the Launch. The happens yearly in the Month international space station. catalyzer for Africa's 'Single Sky', which should areas mostly emphasized, of may in Rwanda since its Accordingly, the new telcom eventually enable us to improve landing safety are in the fabrication of local launch. The launch of the satellite will facilitate public and routing flexibility and efficiency, while satellites specialized on the satellite will see Rwanda join access to the internet in spaces making isolated regions more accessible acquisition of Data on the list few countries in Africa without requiring any additional technical and that are open to the public. weather and which could that have placed the devices human resources at airports. This includes the provision of further be extended as Earth into orbit.

12 SPECIAL FEATURE

Demarcating African borders

Since independence, borders have been a source of conflicts and disputes with only one third of African land boundaries demarcated and part of it using inaccurate methods or out-of-date boundary techniques. Today, new technologies are addressing these unique challenges. Based on this report.

Majorly, African boundaries were delimited constituted a boundary and Guinea- Since last decades, geospatial between 1884 and 1904 and the definitive Bissau argued that such line was merely technologies, including Remote Sensing delimitation was completed in 1920. The a line of allocation of sovereignty over data and Geographic Information short period of time used to delimite African islands. Systems have been used for international boundaries and the type of equipment The terrestrial frontier was demarcated b o u n d a r y m a k i n g , d e l i m i t a t i o n , available then, caused errors and lack of by 184 major pillars or beacons, and demarcation and borderlands studies. accuracy which have not been corrected to later, six additional beacons were Also Global NavigationPicture Satellite source Systems ADB date. included between beacons 1 and 2. The (GNSS) receivers have also contributed to Since independence, borders have been a boundary archive includes a list of demarcation and revision of terrestrial and source of conflicts and disputes. However, geographic coordinates calculated for maritime boundaries.Satellite image has the political map of Africa was in general each boundary beacon and a complete now reached high spatial resolution which preserved, with the persistence of colonial description of the boundary line, makes it useful in boundary revision. boundaries as established in 1964, in segment by segment, between beacons. R e c e n t d e v e l o p m e n t s a n d t h e Cairo,Courtesy- by the SpaceXOrganization of African Unity proliferation of Unmanned Air Vehicle (OAU), and confirmed in 2002, in Durban, “Cartographic (UAV), with ultra-high spatial resolution by the African Union. The African body representation of imagery, at a low-cost, are used for recognized that boundaries are a major updated images allowing access to prerequisite for peaceful and cooperation international remote locations. This is a promissory among African States. technology to be used in borderlands In 2011, the African Union Border boundaries is critical studies. Programme concluded that only approximately one third of African land especially in areas “Concerning the boundaries were demarcated and part of it using inaccurate methods or using out-of- disputed by two terrestrial boundary, date boundary techniques. countries”. the lack of a detailed In many areas, boundaries are Boundary beacons demarcation led to demarcated with permanent marks or The challenge of boundary management pillars based in survey beacons. Natural in Africa has been the disappearance of frequent features such as rivers, ridge lines of the survey beacons and pillars. However mountains, hills, ditches, centers of roads maintaining boundary beacons and misunderstandings and other physical features are also used monitoring of the boundary line have to determine boundaries. Therefore over the years prevented unintended requiring field surveys, authorities are expected to protect these invasions and violations of sovereignty milestones to avoid misunderstandings avoiding possible military conflicts. rehabilitation to build and consequent conflicts. A well-defined additional beacons boundary whether international or national In Africa, the disappearance of boundary if respected and maintained defines the pillars is frequent due to natural causes position”. possession and becomes a legal reality. especially sand dunes, muddy soil or In addition, authoritative information, such man-made reasons. In the case of as, treaty text, treaty coordinates, and Border disputes and conflicts between Guinea Bissau frontier, some marks treaty maps integrated into a GIS Guinea Bissau and Senegal were mainly made of loose stones have since database, with updated satellite imagery concerned with the Cape Roxo maritime vanished. The boundary line in Ponta can be a very useful and efficient boundary and has lasted for decades. Cajet was defined along the Cajet river instrument to provide more reliable Since the nineteen century question arises thalweg, in an almost flat and very muddy information to support borderlands between France and Portugal about the region, therefore it is a borderline that disputes, cross-boundary planning, ownership of the maritime territory. In this needs to be monitored and studied. In development and management and to area, the maritime limits were defined by a addition, the areas of Guinea Bissau evaluate historical changes in territory and 1960 agreement. Guinea Bissau argued boundary that goes through forest was borderlands. that the line defined in Article I of the demarcated by opening four meters wide Franco-Portuguese Convention of 1886 trails all have also vanished.

19 INDUSTRY REPORT

Intelsat releases Q4 earnings

Africa’s leading provider of satellite services, Intelsat says its Q4 revenue reflects it’s position as top player in the delivery of broadcast content, broadband, telecom and mobile communications in Africa and globally.

Intelsat, Ltd., the world's leading provider of EpicNG strategy. With our global HTS Intelsat, Ltd., the world's leading provider of footprint in place, and our managed services fixed satellite services, have further platforms fully operational, we are bringing announced its financial results for the three new capabilities to existing and new markets. months and full-year ended December 31, FurtherCombat, troopsin 2019 during ouran operation support of market 2018 providing details with respect to its innovations and use of more flexible software current earnings as well as the types and and standards-based technologies will quantities of satellite capacity utilizations in progress our goals of lowering the capital the media, networking and government intensity of our business and enabling a customers in the year. seamless interface with the telecom sector. This will broaden our market opportunity over Intelsat is today the leading provider of time. fixed satellite services worldwide. For more than 40 years, Intelsat has been delivering In the Network services, revenue grew up to information and entertainment for many of $202.0 million about 37 percent of Intelsat's the world's leading media and network total revenue for the three months ended companies, multinational corporations, December 31, 2018. Total On-Network I n t e r n e t s e r v i c e p r o v i d e r s a n d Revenues increased by $0.6 million to $487.7 governmentalCourtesy- SpaceX agencies. Intelsat's satellite, million as compared to the three months teleport and fiber infrastructure is ended December 31, 2017. Excluding the Jean-Philippe Gillet unmatched in the industry, setting the $25.4 million attributable to ASC 606, total on- standard for advanced transmissions of network revenues declined by $24.8 million, applications declined by $2.4 million due video, data and voice services. or 5 percent, to $462.3 million. primarily to expiring services and lower occasional use. Declines in point-to-point According to report, Intelsat reported Also, ,transponder services reported an trunking services for network services EBITDA1, or earnings before net interest, aggregate increase of $5.3 million, of which customers were offset by $1.8 million in gain on early extinguishment of debt, taxes $23.8 million is attributable to ASC 606 increased revenue from managed mobility and depreciation and amortization, of adjustments. Excluding the impact of ASC services. $408.6 million and Adjusted EBITDA1 of 606 adjustments, the resulting decrease of According to its 2019 financial outlook, $417.9 million, or 77 percent of revenue, for $18.5 million is primarily due to an $7.3 million Intelsat projects growth of 2 percent to a the three months ended December 31, net decrease in revenue from network decline of 1 percent in our government 2018. For the year-ended December 31, services customers and a $9.4 million business; a decline of 3 percent to 6 2018 Intelsat reported EBITDA of $1,634.0 decrease in revenue from media customers percent in our media business; and a million and Adjusted EBITDA of $1,668.5 and a $1.8 million reduction in revenue from decline of 3 percent to 6 percent in our million, or 77 percent of revenue. government customers. network services business. However, Intelsat's average fill rate at “Our fourth quarter financial performance The decrease in network services revenue December 31, 2018 on our approximately contributes to an in-line result with our 2018 was mainly related to declines for wide-beam 1,775 36 MHz station-kept wide-beam annual guidance,” said Stephen Spengler, wireless infrastructure and enterprise transponders was 78 percent, as Chief Executive Officer, Intelsat. “Each of services due to pricing pressure, non- compared to an average fill rate at o u r b u s i n e s s e s d e m o n s t r a t e d renewals, service contractions and end of September 30, 2018 of 79 percent on achievements in 2018 that will support our service, and reduced collection experience in 1,825 transponders. High-throughput plans for 2019 and beyond. Network the three months ended December 31, 2018 satellite Intelsat EpicNG capacity was services is taking share in mobility as compared to the prior year period. unchanged from the third quarter of 2018 at applications, government maintains its These declines were partially offset by approximately 1,150 units. outstanding renewal rates, and our media increases for maritime and aeronautical Similarly, satellite-related services business continues to obtain long-term mobility applications. The decrease in media reported an increase of $1.8 million, or 15 renewals well into the next decade. In revenue was primarily related to non- percent, to $14.1 million. delivering a 2018 Adjusted EBITDA margin renewals and volume reductions from certain Intelsat currently has five satellites covered of 76%, we demonstrated our commitment customers in the North America and Latin by 2019 to 2021 capital expenditure plan, to disciplined cost controls and cash flow. America regions, lower collections and price two of which are in the design and This, combined with our achievement of reductions related to currency fluctuations, as manufacturing phase. For the remaining our capital structure goals, allows us to well as transfers of services to off-network three satellites, no manufacturing enter 2019 with our focus on new and capacity. The decrease in revenue from contracts have yet been signed. During the existing commercial opportunities.” government customers was related to the net guidance period, the company plan for an effect of price reductions from renewed increased proportion of our capital Mr. Spengler continued, “Our operating contracts. priorities for 2019 effectuate the next phase expenditures to be invested in ground infrastructure and tools needed to enhance of our high-throughput satellite Intelsat In addition, managed services for media our delivery of managed services.

20 Courtesy- SpaceX

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

IN THE NEWS ASIA

SpaceX launches operator has expressed an interest in screen services from a single platform to taking part in a planned 700-MHz its 23.5 million subscriber base. Indonesian high- auction scheduled for May, leaving state-owned CAT the only interested Newtec's certified business partner throughput satellite potential bidder. The operator plans to Horizon Broadcast LLP will provide the seek a foreign partner to participate in Newtec modulators which will deliver SpaceX's second mission of the year has the auction with it. advanced, future-proof technology to launched the Nusantara Satu, also known DishTV. Newtec has a long-term and as PSN 6, satellite into geostationary Inmarsat signs deal to trusted partnership with Horizon transfer orbit. Along with the primary Broadcast and has provided its extensive payload were two secondary payloads provide inflight range of equipment to DTH broadcasters organised by rideshare service provider broadband to in India, enabling them to maximize Spacelight, including the Beresheet lunar throughput in a country where bandwidth lander from Israeli non-proitirmSpaceIL. Indonesian Garuda is limited. I The mission, powered by a Falcon-9 nmarsat PLC, a leading global satellite Use of the Newtec modulator will result in rocket, lifted off on Thursday from the communications firm annou8nced it has reduced Operational Expenditure (OpEx) Space Launch Complex 40 at the Cape inked a deal to provide its inflight and improved total cost of ownership. The Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. broadband, GX Aviation, to Indonesian bandwidth savings generated by The primary payload on the mission was national carrier Garuda. Newtec's technology will enable DishTV the PSN-6 satellite, supplied in a turnkey to add more channels, improve picture contract that included the launch by The deal, for which no financial details quality, improve availability and to Maxar Technologies' SSL, for Indonesian were disclosed yet , is in partnership with increase its footprint across the vast satellite operator PT PasiikSatelit with wireless technology provider Indian market. Nusantara. The 4,735-kilogram satellite Mahata Aero Teknologi, Lufthansa was built on the popular SSL 1300 satellite Technik and Lufthansa Systems. The “As the largest DTH service provider in bus and features 26 C-band, 12 extended agreement to supply Garuda Indonesia India, our aim is to provide the best C-band and 8 Kuband spot beam with GX Aviation marks an extension of services to our customers,” said V.K. transponders. PSN-6 is designed to Mahata's existing 10-year contract with Gupta, CTO at DishTV India Limited. provide service throughout Southeast low-cost carrier Citilink, also part of the “Technology and back-end infrastructure Asia and includes a high throughput Garuda Indonesia Group. play a crucial role in providing a distinctive satellite payload for service in Indonesia. customer experience. With the adaptation It is the irst HTS node owned by a private More than 175 Garuda aircraft will be of Newtec satellite communication Indonesian firm. Tony Chan, Commsday equipped with Inmarsat's technology technology, we have taken one more step with Lufthansa Technik responsible for to advance our existing infrastructure and managing hardware, engineering, technology. Newtec, with its high reliability Thailand to move ahead installation design and certification while and efficiency, will enable us to optimize with 5G auctions Lufthansa Systems for software platform the available bandwidth to its core, and integration. Inmarsat shares were ensuring we can deliver high quality Thai telecoms regulator NBTC plans to trading up 1.0% at 377.50 pence each. services consistently across the country.” move ahead with plans to auction off 5G spectrum in the 26-GHz, 28-GHz and 2.6- “When DishTV approached us with its GHz frequency bands later this year. DishTV to deploy upgrade requirements, Newtec's proven heritage and innovative technology was The regulator has assigned a team to draft Newtec technology to evident,” said Sven Bolthausen, SVP auction conditions for the auction, and has achieve significant APAC Sales at MediaKind. “It was very given it until February to draft the initial important that we enabled DishTV to details, the Bangkok Post reported. efficiency gains across maximize the potential of its DTH network According to the report, the move is aimed Indian market both today and into the future. at ensuring operators have access to the Deployment of our state-of-the-art AVP spectrum required for 5G services. 4000 system together with Newtec's Newtec is providing its M6100 forward-thinking technology will ensure Broadcast Satellite Modulator to The regulator is leaning towards that DishTV can deliver the immersive enhance efficiency on DishTV's Direct- services it wants to offer to its customers.” conducting a hybrid auction model, with to-Home (DTH) platform. DishTV is the the winners decided based on both bid largest DTH service provider in India and “We have built a very long-term and close amount and the details of operators' 5G the world's largest single-country DTH rollout proposals. The more commonly relationship with Newtec over the years,” company. The M6100 is part of a wider said KuldeepKaul, Director, CEO, at allocated 3.5-GHz band is currently held upgrade that will enable a next- by Thaicom, but the NBTC expects to be Horizon Broadcast. “As a result, we know generation viewing experience for its the capabilities of the technology and the able to meet the initial requirements of customers. The modulators will provide operators preparing for 5G by allocating huge difference it makes to DTH DishTV with significant cost efficiencies broadcasting in India. Bandwidth is 4,000MHz of bandwidth in the 26-GHz through better bandwidth utilization. and 28-GHz ranges. precious, and broadcasters rely upon a failsafe solution that gets the most out of DishTV has recently decided to upgrade The 2.6-GHz band is meanwhile currently the available bandwidth. Newtec delivers and expand its entire headend platform this, and much more for the future.” held by state owned broadcaster MCOT, with the global media technology leader but the broadcaster has agreed to return MediaKind in order to meet rising “DishTV was looking for reliability and around 150MHz of bandwidth to the demand for a more immersive TV regulator in exchange for compensation. efficiency and, in selecting Newtec, it got experience. This enables the company just that,” said SatishPujari, Sales Meanwhile not a single private mobile to deliver both traditional and multi- 28 IN THE NEWS ASIA

Director, Indian Subcontinent and advanced solutions for commercial and incubate, develop and trial 5G solutions Brunei, at Newtec. “By implementing industrial autonomous vehicles. By for enterprises. Among the students' Newtec's M6100 Broadcast Satellite partnering with a global leader like projects is an autonomous vehicle which Modulators, DishTV will benefit from Argus, we are committed to positioning is being trialled for use on campus. The Newtec's long track record of reliability Singapore at the forefront of connected initiative and Singtel's involvement in the and efficiency that will continue to deliver and autonomous vehicle technologies development of Singapore's next as the company's requirements evolve. for the next generation of smart and generation Electronic Road Pricing With technology upgrades such as our cyber secure vehicles.” system demonstrate the company's drive Equalink® 3 pre-distortion technology, t o w a r d s s h a p i n g a n d s e c u r i n g t h e p e r f o r m a n c e i m p r o v e m e n t Under the MOU, both parties will launch Singapore's future transportation represents up to an additional 10% of a suite of solutions which includes Argus' landscape. data traffic on the same satellite capacity. in-vehicle solutions and technologies, The announcement of the partnership is With Newtec, DishTV can be confident and Argus' stand-alone cyber security timely as the introduction of autonomous that it is optimizing usage of its overall backend platform. This platform vehicles in Singapore is one of the space segment.” collects, correlates and analyses data initiatives which the government has set derived from vehicles, mobile apps, out as part of the Smart Nation plan. The latest generation M6100 Broadcast cellular networks, cloud platforms and Satellite Modulator was designed and other sources, and will be integrated built from the ground up for multimedia with the managed security services Gilat awarded multi-year contribution, broadcast DTH and primary portfolio of Trustwave, Singtel's cyber contract for broadband distribution to head-ends and towers. It security arm. The platform helps solution over ISRO's supports the latest and most efficient automakers and fleet managers to DVB-S2X standard and features the quickly protect vehicles that are already GSAT-11 satellite highest system reliability and service on the road without making any covering India uptime due to its robust design and modifications to them. It will be delivered redundancy solutions. It also features through Trustwave's global network of Newtec's industry-leading Clean 10 Advanced Security Operations Gilat Satellite Networks has been Channel Technology®, Equalink and its Centres, further enhancing its awarded a multi-year contract to provide multi-service capabilities support the capabilities as a leading global equipment and services for broadband transport of today's and tomorrow's managed security services provider. connectivity over ISRO's GSAT-11 across services. India. Larsen & Toubro (L&T), an Indian “We are delighted to partner with multinational company engaged in Singtel, a global technology leader and a technology, engineering, construction, trusted cyber security partner of the manufacturing and financial services, world's leading business organisations. chose Gilat to supply the ground segment This partnership is another important and operate four gateways. leap forward towards delivering multi- Singtel, Argus join The Indian Space Research Organization layered, security solutions and services (ISRO) launched the multi-spot beam forces to strengthen that make mobility intelligent and secure satellite GSAT-11 last month, to provide – in Singapore and around the world,” cyber security broadband coverage over India's says MrOfer Ben-Noon, co-founder and mainland and islands, boosting Chief Executive Officer of Argus Cyber capabilities for connectivity to rural India and chose L&T Security. “We look forward to to supply, install, commission and Singapore's broadening our scope of partnership maintain GSAT-11 ground system with Singtel to include co-creating next transportation sector network. GSAT 11 will enhance public generation of cyber security solutions welfare systems like e-banking, e-health, and services for the autonomous vehicle Singtel and Argus Cyber Security have e-governance as well as provide a industry.” s i g n e d a M e m o r a n d u m o f platform to demonstrate new generation Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on applications. several initiatives to strengthen the cyber As part of the collaboration, Singtel and security capabilities for Singapore's Argus will conduct cyber security L&T chose Gilat's multi-application transportation sector, facilitating the research and development at the Singtel SkyEdge II-c platform to deliver introduction of connected cars and new Cyber Security Institute (CSI) to help broadband services across the country. technologies such as autonomous defend autonomous vehicles against Gilat's hubs will be placed and operated in vehicles. In addition, both parties will sophisticated, evolving cyber threats. the following main and diversity gateway also work together on the research and The partners could also use CSI's sites in India: Ranchi, Delhi, Ahmedabad development of next generation cyber advanced cyber range platform to and Bangalore. “We are gratified by the security solutions for autonomous subject their solutions to rigorous testing trust L&T put in Gilat to deliver the vehicles. and prototyping. This augments baseband equipment and services for the Singtel's ongoing collaboration with the GSAT-11 satellite,” said Abhay Kumar, “This partnership is part of our broader National University of Singapore to Regional Vice President Asia and North vision to create an ecosystem to support develop advanced cyber security America at Gilat. “This is another the development of new technologies solutions for next generation cyber testimony to Gilat's superior solution being and solutions focusing on the threats. chosen by satellite operators worldwide to transportation sector, both in Singapore deliver plentiful, quality and affordable and globally,” said Bill Chang, Chief The partnership comes in the wake of s a t e l l i t e - b a s e d b r o a d b a n d Executive Officer, Group Enterprise at the recent launch of 5G Garage - communication.” Singtel. “With a secure ecosystem, Singapore's first live 5G facility at automobile manufacturers and Singapore Polytechnic. The facility, automotive equipment providers can which is connected to Singtel's latest Ursa and SI Imaging safely collaborate and develop pilot 5G network, allows students to

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The images have a pixel size of 80cm (one carrier rockets. It has a relatively simple Services announce pixel equates to 80cm on the ground) so structure and can be launched in a short further collaboration that details such as individual trees can be time.After leaving port, the rocket could easily seen. be launched within a week, said Jin. The on satellite analytics All three maps are available on an online rocket was estimated to carry a payload Ursa Space Systems, Inc. (Ursa) and SI portal - 'The Queensland Globe'- where of up to 350 kg to a sun-synchronous orbit Imaging Services (SIIS) have signed a images can be viewed and printed. These at an altitude of 700 km and 700 kg to a multi-year contract, establishing Ursa's images are used by a variety of low-Earth orbit at 200 km. It is mainly continued access to KOMPSAT 5 radar Government departments, local agencies used to carry small satellites, and can satellite imagery, distributed exclusively and natural resource management groups take multiple satellites into orbit at the by SIIS. This contract renews a long- to manage and monitor Queensland's same time. standing partnership, extending back to r e s o u r c e s a n d i m p r o v e p o l i c y Ursa's beginnings as a satellite imagery development, investment and planning A seaborne launch has many advantages analytics company and the companies decisions. The map also helps to monitor over a land launch, Jin said. For instance, are excited to continue to partner to environmental changes, and helps with the the launch site is flexible, and falling provide intelligence, analytics, and new planning of long-term land development rocket remains pose less danger. Using insights as Ursa's technology creates strategies. civilian ships to launch rockets at sea new products for a wide range of Earth-i faced strong competition to lead this would lower launch costs and give it a industries. SIIS was an early partner in prestigious project which has set the commercial edge, said Jin. Ursa's global network and their radar standard for Governments across the world It will also help lay the groundwork for imagery is leveraged across Ursa's suite who are looking to use images of Earth developing reusable rockets and of analytics products. taken from space to improve their decision- recovery technologies at sea. The making. seaborne launch technology will help Steve Jacoby, Executive Director of Land China provide launch services for “We had established this partnership in and Spatial Information at the Queensland countries participating in the Belt and May 2017 in order to provide KOMPSAT- Department of Natural Resources, Mines Road Initiative, he added. Another three 5 radar data that helps Ursa provide and Energy, said “Earth-i is an innovative Long March-11 launches on land are also value-added services to customers,” company that combines quality images and planned this year. explained Wook-Hyun Choi, vice analysis with excellent service. The president of SI Imaging Services. “Ursa Queensland Globe is very well used and has been a great partner in using helping to improve the decision making of a mu Space adds new KOMPSAT-5 data and extracting wide variety of organisations.” meaningful information out of it.” Among product to its IoT lineup other things, Ursa's products offer Paul Majmader, Commercial Director of insight into the global oil supply chain. Earth-i, said “Winning this contract for the mu Space is adding a smart tracker to its Their leading product, Global Oil third consecutive time is a tribute to our Internet of Things (IoT) product lineup. At Storage Monitoring provides customers entire team. The DNRME in Queensland is the international conference Pacific with weekly measurements of crude oil showing Governments around the world Telecommunications Council (PTC), mu storage in 150 locations worldwide. The how important regularly updated, high Space CEO and founder James resulting increased transparency in resolution data is in making informed policy Yenbamroong revealed the Thailand- energy markets has improved decision decisions.” As qualified suppliers to other based company is now working on the making for consumers. “SIIS has proved states in Australia, product's design and functionality. a valuable and reliable partner over the Earth-i is helping Australia retain its position course of Ursa's growth,” said Derek as a leader in the development of “IoT is one of mu Space's focus areas. Edinger, Ursa co-founder, and chief geospatial data infrastructure which is We're diversifying our product offering to strategy officer. “The SIIS contribution to driving both economic development and tap into the opportunities provided by this our radar satellite network has enabled good environmental management. growing market,” James said. According us to pursue our mission of providing to mu Space's CEO, the company is accurate, meaningful intelligence to developing a small-sized and sleek smart customers.” China plans first tracker that can provide a more accurate seaborne rocket launch real-time location of things and assets. The device, James said, can be used to Earth-i updates in mid-2019 track the whereabouts of a person, to satellite map of locate lost valuables or for industrial China launchedChina's two satellite first for itsseaborne GPSsystem (Source:rocket Chinalaunch Daily is purposes such as the monitoring of cargo Queensland, Australia scheduled for mid 2019 with a Long March- movement. 11 carrier rocket set to blast off in the Yellow “The smart tracker we'll develop is very The map covers the whole of Sea, according to Jin Xin, deputy chief discreet that people won't know it's a Queensland's 1.9 million km2 and was commander of the rocket. China has tracker by looking at it. You just stick it to a created by Earth-i for the Department of achieved a breakthrough in the key bag, wallet or vehicle, and you can easily Natural Resources, Mines and Energy technologies for seaborne launches, Jin, of locate things by using the smart tracker's (DNRME). The first map was produced the China Academy of Launch Vehicle mobile phone application,” he added. in 2016 with Earth-i reappointed for Technology, during a press conference by updates in both 2017 and 2018. the China Aerospace Science and Aside from the smart tracker, James also Technology Corporation. hinted on other future products that mu Around 6,000 very high-resolution Space is planning to develop: “Included in images from the DMC3 Constellation The Long March-11, with a length of 20.8 our lineup are autonomous sensor were used for the 2018 update of the meters and a takeoff weight of about 57.6 systems and several IoT devices used in map with multiple re-visits to tropical tonnes, is the only rocket using solid smart homes, smart cars and smart areas with heavy cloud cover. propellants among China's new generation farms.” According to the International

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Data Center's latest market research satellite were deployed automatically and advanced network threats and attacks, and on IoT, the worldwide spending on IoT ISRO Telemetry Tracking & Command to help establish unidentified threat will increase from $646 billion in 2018 to Network (ISTRAC) at Bengaluru assumed protection and responses in 5G and IoT $745 billion this year. Consumer IoT control of the satellite. Subsequently,the networks. The ITU has been exploring spending, as stated in the research, will fourth stage (PS4) of the vehicle was defense and detection solutions for reach $108 billion in 2019, making it the moved to a higher circular orbit of 453 km advanced persistent threats since mid-last second largest industry segment. The after two restarts of the stage, to establish year. Last month, the ITU launched an in- leading consumer use cases will be an orbital platform for carrying out depth study into the applications and risks related to smart home, personal experiments. Kalamsat-V2, a student of artificial intelligence and machine wellness, and connected vehicle payload, first to use PS4 as an orbital learning in the field of security. infotainment. platform, was taken to its designated orbit about 1 hour and 40 minutes after lift-off. ZTE offers a range of detection and defense “More and more devices are becoming This flight marked the first mission of solutions for advanced persistent threats. smart and connected, and Asia-Pacific PSLV-DL, a new variant of PSLV with two The vendor may also be hoping that is poised to become one of the world's strap-on motors. spearheading a network defense initiative biggest IoT spenders due to the lower will help it ease some of the security IoT take-up in the past. Consumers and In the previous PSLV launch on November concerns in foreign markets associated companies are beginning to adopt IoT 29, PSLV-C43 had successfully launched with its status as a Chinese vendor technology as they're starting to India's HysIS as well as 30 customer understand its value in automating satellites from abroad. In his post-launch Thaicom announces Full- systems and in simplifying our complex address, Chairman Dr K Sivan said the world,” James said. PSLV-C44 mission was unique as it was Year 2018 Results for the first time ISRO used the last stage of Founded in 2017, mu Space develops the rocket as a platform to perform Thaicom Public Company Limited has space and satellite communication experiments in space. “I hope the student announced financial results for the full-year technologies to accelerate the adoption community will make use of this e n d e d D e c e m b e r 3 1 , 2 0 1 8 . of IoT devices and smart cities. In 2018, opportunity being provided by ISRO. This The Company's consolidated revenue from it started developing the design of its new low cost technology will help samsat- sales of goods and rendering of services for own smart apparel that has a V2 team. Mission Director R Hutton 2018 was Baht 6,008 million, a decrease of temperature control system and that thanked the entire PSLV-C44 team for their 10.2% from Baht 6,689 million for automatically collects historical health relentless efforts in making the launch 2017—mainly due to the worldwide industry data. successful. downtrend and price decline, as well as the “We're on it,” informed James. “We're churn of customers during 2017 now doing design research and testing Earlier on January 24, 2019, Dr Sivan held . on the smart apparel to make sure it's the third edition of Samwad with Students The Company reported a consolidated net safe, reliable and accurate.” (SwS) in Sriharikota. Over 300 students profit of Baht 230 million, taking into from schools in and around the region had account impairment, and improving on last an opportunity to interact with him. SwSis year's net loss of Baht 2,650 million due to the newly-launched outreach initiative of the recognition of gain from sales of shares ISRO to instill scientific temper among of CS Loxinfo Public Company Limited youngsters. The first edition was held in (CSL), a decrease in depreciation and PSLV-C44 successfully Bengaluru on January 1, 2019 and the amortization after the recognition of satellite launched Microsat-R second one at Kochi on January 20, 2019. assets impairment in 2017, and an and Kalamsat-V2 “Concentrate on the present with full improved cost management. sincerity. Dilemmas will disappear. A good tudents to conduct several inspiring student is not afraid of failure. Failures are In regards to Thaicom's future business, experiments in space by attaching their important for learning as they open up new AnantKaewruamvongs, CEO, commented: instruments to the last stage of the avenues,” Dr Sivan told the SwS “Our review of the overall business and rocket,” Dr Sivan said. participants. competitive landscape including key market and technology drivers is enabling He congratulated Kalamsat-V2 team Chinese technology us to determine the long-term strategy of for their perfection in making satellites. the Company. In order to further develop “We must strive for science-oriented vendor establishes ITU- our satellite business, we will utilize next India. ISRO is open to all students T project on network generation satellite technology and seek across India. We want students to bring international partnerships including joint their satellites to us and we will launch threat detection investment in order to reduce investment them.Young scientists will shape the risk and reliance on the concession scheme future of India,” Dr Sivan said. He also Chinese technology vendor has in Thailand. introduced the KalIndia's Polar Satellite established a new project with the ITU L a u n c h Ve h i c l e ( P S LV- C 4 4 ) aimed at developing an international We will also leverage our marketing and successfully injected Microsat-R standard for unidentified network threat technical strengths to develop businesses andKalamsat-V2 satellitesinto their detection and defense. that are adjacent to the satellite business, designated orbits. The PSLV-C44 lifted The project, established at the SG17 7 including satellite consultancy services in off from the First Launch Pad at P l e n a r y M e e t i n g o f t h e I T U ' s the areas of satellite construction, teleport S a t i s h D h a w a n S p a c e C e n t r e Telecommunication Standardization services, sales and marketing, as well as SHAR,Sriharikota in its 46th flight. Sector (ITU-T), is the ITU-T's first standard system integration of satellite and related About 13 minutes 26 seconds afterlift- project in the field of unidentified threat communication networks. Moving forward off, detection and prevention. we will venture into new business areas with a focus on digital and future Microsat-R was successfully injected ZTE said it hopes the project will become technologies to diversify the Company's into intended orbit of 274 km.After one of the core foundations for the portfolio and reliance on the satellite injection, two solar arrays of the telecommunications sectors' responses to business.” 31 IN THE NEWS ASIA

travel thousands of kilometres below, to 24 years old who are online globally, Lao Telecommunications Co., Ltd. (LTC), scanning land and oceans. The and called for concerted action to tackle Thaicom's telecommunication and mobile SpaceDataHighway system then and prevent violence against children and service provider subsidiary in Lao PDR, immediately sends the collected data young people online. reported total mobile subscribers down to Earth from its higher position (excluding fixed wireless) of 1,488,196. In hovering in geostationary orbit, acting as The call comes following a recent January 2018, the country's market leader a data relay node. This process allows the UNICEF poll of young people, which entered into a sale and purchase observation satellites to continuously received more than 1 million responses agreement to acquire 500,000 shares or downlink the information they are over five weeks from more than 160 1 0 0 % o f V i m p e l c o m C o m p a n y gathering, instead of having to store it countries, and suggestions from a series Limited—one of the mobile operators until they travel over their own ground of student-led #ENDviolence Youth Talks under the brand name “BEELINE”—from station. That way, they can send down held around the world. In it, young people the government of Lao . more data, more quickly. provided thoughtful responses about S i n c e t h e e n d o f 2 0 1 6 , t h e what they and their parents, teachers and Airbus and JSAT ink SpaceDataHighway system has, on a policymakers could do to keep them safe - agreement for third daily basis, been transmitting the images - and kindness stood out as one of the of Earth acquired by the Copernicus most powerful means to prevent bullying Space Data Highway programme's four Sentinel observation and cyberbullying. node satellites. It has increased the amount of data the satellites relay down to Europe The Internet has become a fixture of Airbus and Japanese telecommunications by around 50% for Sentinel-1, and young people's lives regardless of income satellite operator SKY Perfect JSAT have reducing the revisit time to map the whole level. According to the International signed a cooperation agreement for the world from 10 days to 5 days for Sentinel- Telecommunications Union (ITU), while design preparation of the EDRS-D node. 2. 94 per cent of young people aged 15-24 in This third communication node of the developed countries are online, more SpaceDataHighway system is to be T h e S p a c e D a t a H i g h w a y i s a than 65 per cent of young people in positioned over the Asia-Pacific region public–private partnership between the developing countries are online. This is before 2025. EDRS-D will lead to a European Space Agency (ESA) and well ahead of the pace of Internet usage significant increase in the system's Airbus, with the laser terminals among the general population. communication capacity and considerably developed by Tesat-Spacecom and the Worldwide, half of the total population, expand its coverage. DLR German Space Administration. regardless of age, is online. EDRS-A, the first SpaceDataHighway This agreement concerns the co-financing relay satellite launched in January 2016, According to UNICEF's 2018 Report of design and development studies for the offers coverage from the American East 'Keeping Children Safe and Empowered satellite payload, as well as of the system Coast to India. A second satellite will be Online', 52.8 percent of young people in as a whole, in addition to the marketing of launched in mid-2019. It will double the Sri Lanka access the internet - with the the SpaceDataHighway service by SKY system's capacity and extend the average age of first access being 13 Perfect JSAT in Japan. With this coverage and redundancy of the system. years. agreement, the total amount of the This online proliferation comes with investment in the extension of the UNICEF commends Sri increased risk, UNICEF says. According SpaceDataHighway stands at nearly to data from UNESCO on the prevalence € 15 million. Lanka making online of cyberbullying in high income countries, The future EDRS-D payload will consist of safety of children a the proportion of children and t h r e e n e x t - g e n e r a t i o n l a s e r priority adolescents who are affected by communication terminals (LCT) to allow cyberbullying ranges from 5 per cent to 21 simultaneous communication with several The United Nations Children's Fund percent, with girls appearing to be more satellites, as well as aircraft and UAVs. (UNICEF) on called for concerted action likely to experience cyberbullying than These laser terminals will have broader to prevent bullying and harassment for boys. b a n d w i d t h , b i - d i r e c t i o n a l a n d the over 70 percent of young people interoperable communication capability online worldwide, commended Sri Lanka with Japanese laser terminals. Thus, for making online safety of children a enabling a greater range for geo-geo priority. SP Telecom launches crosslinks with another geostationary "Sri Lanka must be commended for SD-WAN services in SpaceDataHighway satellites at a distance developing a National Plan of Action, of of up to 75,000 km. This will to offer near which the online safety of children has Singapore real-time relaying of data from the other been made a priority. We all need to now side of the world. accelerate its implementation to ensure VMware has launched Singapore's first software-defined wide area network (SD- The SpaceDataHighway is the world's first that every child in Sri Lanka is protected WAN) services based on the VMware 'optical fibre' network in the sky based on from violence, abuse and exploitation," NSX SD-WAN by VeloCloud solution. cutting-edge laser technology. It will be a UNICEF Sri Lanka Representative, Tim Coupled with SP Telecom's network unique system of geostationary satellites Sutton said. management and consultancy services, permanently fixed over a network of this collaboration will expand SP Telecom ground stations, with the first – EDRS-A – This will fulfill Sri Lanka's commitment to offerings to meet growing customer already in space. Each day, it can relay up the Convention on the Rights of the Child demand to more securely run, manage, to 40 terabytes of data acquired by and the Global Partnership to End and connect any application from cloud to observation satellites, UAVs and manned Violence Against Children, he added. device. The new SD-WAN services will aircraft, at a rate of 1.8 Gbit/s. In a statement to mark the Safer Internet Day today, UNICEF cautioned of the provide businesses with the ability to The relay satellites are designed to lock on dangers posed by online violence, automate and prioritize business-critical to low-orbiting earth observation satellites cyberbullying and digital harassment for traffic to travel over faster, more secure via laser and collect their data as they the 70.6 percent of young people aged 15 connections, as well as set backup options for downed traffic links. This

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optimization of high traffic volume that Revolution.” days in Honolulu, attracts major players enables near real-time access to rapidly According to Hyung-Ju Kim, Director, in the global communications industry. changing data, is a key benefit crucial for Global Strategy Division, Green PTC is a global non-profit membership mission-critical industries such as Technology Center, “Korean expertise organization promoting the advancement telecommunications, financial services, can provide a practical and pragmatic of information and communication and the media and entertainment solution to a wide range of Africa's most technologies in the Pacific Rim, spanning verticals. pressing technology needs: The African more than 40 nations and Island states. SP Telecom's data network offers diverse Development Bank could play a major network paths running along the role here: if we bring technology to the At the conference, ManSat co-sponsored Singapore power grid, enabling network table, the Bank can identify and facilitate the Satellite Leaders Lunch with ManSat resiliency for business-critical functions. bankable projects that can boost CEO Chris Stott co-moderating a six- Furthermore, this data network is technology cooperation between Africa strong panel of satellite industry CEOs, enhanced with superior latency and Korea.” including Mark Dankberg of ViaSat and performance for more efficient processes. With funding from the Korea-Africa Steve Collar of SES, both of whom are This reduces the risk of outage that could Cooperation (KOAFEC) fund, the African active on the Isle of Man in the satellite occur due to power or active equipment Development Bank, in cooperation with industry. Chris also interviewed James failure. Busan Metropolitan City, and the Busan Yenbamroong, CEO and founder of As part of its network consultancy Techno Park, has launched, a pilot project Thailand's muSpace Corp. services, SP Telecom analyses and in Tunisia using drone technology to 'The Satellite CEOs panel was a optimizes the network to deliver cost develop agriculture, including data fascinating discussion exploring key savings and efficiency. The connectivity collection and analysis, monitoring questions facing the global satellite and consultancy services, bundled with irrigated perimeters, aquifers, the effects industry and looking at the role satcom the new SD-WAN offering, will enable of climate change, land degradation, will play in the Pacific over the next 10 businesses to innovate fast and more biodiversity, filling and siltation of dams, years,' said Chris. 'Satellite is absolutely securely by delivering robust performance and overall agricultural production. critical to Island states and digital for cloud applications, all through zero- Korea and the African Development Bank communications across an area as vast touch deployment, the automation of intend to extend the program to other as the Pacific and it is vital that the network infrastructure implementation. countries and regions in Tunisia and industry develops to meet the needs of “Smart and discerning businesses are Africa, and explore the massive market users. competing to offer differentiated end-user potential of industrial zones in other 'James Yenbamroong is one of Asia's experiences, and with advanced sectors. leading entrepreneurs and with his connectivity, they can go-to-market The Bank has invested $1 billion in company muSpace is setting a new quickly and roll out new innovations to AfreximBank, including $ 650 million in standard in digital communications both meet the changing demands of trade finance lines of credit and $ 350 on the ground and in the sky.' ManSat customers,” said Titus Yong, Chief million in trade insurance. The Bank has carries out satellite filings for the Isle of Executive Officer of SP Telecom. also invested $ 630 million in First Rand Man under a contract with the Isle of Man “This is precisely why we are enhancing Bank and AbSA in South Africa to support G o v e r n m e n t ' s C o m m u n i c a t i o n s our portfolio with VMware's NSX SD-WAN expanded access to trade finance for 20 Commission. on VeloCloud, a game-changer that will countries. provide our enterprise customers with the This financing effort includes small and Katherine Gizinski, Vice President of best-in-class network infrastructure that medium-sized enterprises, which Sales and Marketing at ManSat, said: they need to sharpen their competitive represent more than 80% of businesses 'The Conference is a great opportunity for edge and win in a digital era.” in Africa. In this respect, he cited the Asian the global communications industry to example, where large companies relied discuss the latest developments and South Korea to partner on value chains dominated by SMEs critical issues facing the Pacific Rim. including suppliers and subcontractors. Satellite has and will continue to be a Africa on technology The Bank's strategy is to develop large cornerstone in serving the growing needs In partnership with the African companies while connecting them to of users throughout the region. Development Bank, Korea has expressed SMEs for increased value creation. 'As ManSat continues to grow and adapt its readiness to step up technology to innovations in the industry, the PTC transfers to Africa.During a meeting on Adesina, the head of Africa's leading conference was an excellent venue for us potential technology partnerships development finance institution, says, the to engage with industry leaders and b e t w e e n K o r e a a n d A f r i c a , Bank's 2018 Africa Investment Forum in innovators from around the world.’ representatives of Busan Metropolitan South Africa, “secured investment City, Busan Techno Park, and Korea's commitments worth $ 38.7 billion in less Green Technology Center said there was than 72 hours, which provides a strong huge potential for cooperation and indication of global interest in Africa's China improves Long immense opportunities for job-creating emerging markets.” March-6 rocket for bankable projects. The range of business growing commercial options include agriculture, green growth, ManSat Group takes smart urban transportation management, launches and numerous business opportunities. key role at Pacific President of the African Development China announced that it is developing the Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina says, “the Telecommunications modified version of the Long March-6 Future is going to be an exponentially Council conference rocket with four additional solid boosters different future,” and that the Bank intends to increase its carrying capacity. The improved medium-left carrier rocket will to “explore the creation of a strategic The ManSat Group played a key role at be sent into space by 2020, according to partnership with Korea that could lead to the recent Pacific Telecommunications the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight the creation of a Korea-Africa research Council (PTC) conference, the Pacific Technology under the China Aerospace and training Drone Center, that could help Rim's premier telecommunications event. Science and Technology Corporation pave the way for Africa's 4th Industrial The annual conference, held over five (CASTC), which designed the rocket.

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With a short launch preparation cycle, the connectivity to the most remote corners to support the growth of Singapore's Long March-6 has been mainly used for of the world—such as the Cook Islands," space industry. DSO is happy to be able to the academy's commercial launches. said Erwan Emilian, EVP Enterprise & contribute our research and systems The rocket completed two space tests in Emerging Markets, at Speedcast. "By engineering competencies, as well as September 2015 and November 2017, adding a new hub to its connectivity geospatial analytic capabilities to the carrying 20 satellites and three satellites, network, residents and visitors to even success of this vision,” said Mr Cheong respectively. The three-stage rocket is the furthest island in the nation will be Chee Hoo, Chief Executive Officer, DSO 29.3 meters long, with a launch weight of able to contact the main island with high- National Laboratories. 103 tonnes. It has a carrying capacity of quality service." one tonne for sun-synchronous orbit. "Bluesky has a well-established The satellite industry is being disrupted by Fueled by a liquid propellant made of relationship with Speedcast bringing technological advances that enable faster liquid oxygen and kerosene, the Long innovative communications solutions to development and launch of lower cost yet March-6 is China's first carrier rocket that market over many years," said Rob reliable high resolution small satellite uses non-toxic and non-polluting fuel. McFadzien, Chief Technology Officer, at constellations, making large volumes of Bluesky. "The solution offered by satellite imagery readily available. This, Ding Xiufeng, executive manager of the Speedcast and Newtec allows us to coupled with the advancement of data Long March-6 project, said in response to modernize our domestic satellite analytics and machine learning the growing demand for commercial network and extend our existing MPLS technologies, are empowering customers launches, they will have the rockets' service to the islands whilst providing with critical insights to drive business market competitiveness enhanced excellent space segment efficiencies. growth and smart city applications. Some through technical improvements, so that With this upgraded network we are of these include the remote detection of they can provide easier, faster and more laying the foundation for deploying real-time changes of on-site infrastructure comprehensive services to users at updated services to the islands.” development projects; movement of ships home and abroad. for enhanced maritime safety; as well as In January, the China Great Wall Industry ST Engineering, DSO precision agriculture mapping for Corporation, affiliated with the CASTC, enhanced yield and sustainability. signed a multiple launch services Set up JV for analytics agreement with Satellogic to use the and new space The agreement was signed by Mr Cheong Long March-6 and the Long March-2 Chee Hoo and Mr Ravinder Singh at the rockets to launch 90 satellites for a technologies G l o b a l S p a c e a n d Te c h n o l o g y private Argentine company in the coming Convention (GSTC) 2019 today, and years. Singapore Technologies Engineering witnessed by Mr Chan Chun Sing, The first 13 satellites will be delivered Ltd electronics arm has signed an Minister for Trade & Industry, and Mr later this year. It will be the first time for agreement with DSO National Vincent Chong, President & CEO of ST the Long March-6 to provide launch Laboratories (DSO) to set up a joint Engineering. services for an international user. v e n t u r e c o m p a n y ( J V C o ) . S T Engineering's planned investment of The setup of this JVCo is not expected to US$3m (about S$4.1m) is for a 51% have any material impact on the stake in the JVCo, with the remaining consolidated net tangible assets per Speedcast brings 49% to be held by DSO. The JVCo, to be share and earnings per share of ST named ST Engineering Geo-Insights Engineering for the current financial year improved Connectivity Pte. Ltd., will leverage the strengths of its to Outer Cook Islands parent companies to offer analytics, MARii opens first information products and value-added Speedcast International Limited services based on satellite imagery to satellite in Sabah announced that it will replace the Cook address growing global demand for Islands' existing international hub timely insights that enable better and MARii's first centre outside of the Klang termination service with a new domestic faster business decisions. The JVCo Valley opened in Kota Kinabalu , its first hub for data, voice, domestic terrestrial also intends to tap on emerging new ever under the MARii Satellite network, to television distribution and cellular space technologies to pursue potential allow for more extensive reach for backhaul. The hub replacement will business opportunities for low cost small technology adoption within the improve connectivity services for satellites, or smallsat constellation automotive, robotics and Internet of residents of the Cook Islands' remote design, development, manufacturing Things sectors as well as overall mobility. outer islands. Speedcast will deliver the and operation. MARii Satellite Sabah was launched by service with Bluesky, a primary provider Minister of International Trade and of telecommunications services in the “We are excited by this joint venture with Industry, Datuk Darell Leiking. Cook Islands. The Cook Islands is DSO. Leveraging the complementary comprised of 15 individual islands spread strengths of both organisations, we will The six-story MARii Satellite Sabah over approximately 91 square miles in offer advanced geospatial analytics to houses advanced product design, the South Pacific. With a new Newtec the global market and exploit the vast process design, data analytics and Dialog hub solution by Speedcast, Cook possibilities in smallsat constellation for special training facilities, developed to Islands residents on the outer islands will commercial applications. This joint immediately allow participation of have significantly improved capability to venture will enhance the space eco- Sabahans in advanced technology connect to friends, family, health services system in Singapore as we work with a p p l i c a t i o n s f o r a u t o m o t i v e and businesses on the main island, industry partners to commercialise manufacturing, aftersales and overall Rarotonga, and to the rest of the world. geospatial services and new space mobility, which can be commonly utilised The new hub will also lay the framework technologies,” said Mr Ravinder Singh, in other sectors such as furniture, for future network services, such as new President, Electronics, ST Engineering. agriculture, plantation, oil & gas and and expanded cellular services like 3G fisheries. and 4G. “This is DSO's third joint venture with ST “Since its establishment as the Malaysia "At Speedcast, we specialize in bringing Engineering. We share a common vision Automotive Institute (MAI), centres of

34 competency have been established such on the same route in October 2018, and opportunities afforded by space as MADeC, MAReC and NETC within the the final satellite is set to be delivered exploration and development. Through Klang Valley. Technology application that later this year. ANTONOV Airlines also this partnership we will enhance the has been developed by MARii is not just for provides specialised support for capabilities and competitiveness of both the automotive sector, but can also be aerospace cargo from its office in Australian and UK industry, to forge applied within numerous sectors in Sabah”, Houston, USA, last month flying a productive international collaborations said Darell. satellite from Moffett Federal Airfield, and promote investments in space,” He added that yesterday's materials and USA (NUQ) to CAY for twinned launch commented Ian Jones, CEO of manufacturing technology is transforming with the GSAT-31. Goonhilly. towards more advanced materials such as The two organisations share a common composites, carbon-fibre and graphene, v i s i o n : t o f o r g e i n t e r n a t i o n a l while manufacturing technology is Goonhilly partners collaborations and promote investments increasing its levels of automation that in space capabilities and capacities that requires the adoption of robotics and IoT. Australian Space help to accelerate the growth of the MARii CEO, Dato' MadaniSahari further Agency to drive new Australian space economy; to help explained that the MARii Satellite bridges improve the lives of all Australians the geographical divide between opportunities through the development of innovative Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, as it products and services; and to provide allows access to technology adoption worldwide new opportunities by enhancing the which are specific to the needs and Satellite communications innovator and capability and competitiveness of requirements to the localities and space gateway Goonhilly Earth Station Australian industry. communities in Sabah. has inked a partnership agreement with “The Satellite is also a gateway for the Australian Space Agency to Speedcast and Intellian Sabahans to access MARii's expanded collaborate and create new opportunities network of expertise and other facilities in the space economy in Australia, the UK announce Strategic throughout the country”, he added. The and beyond. The new statement of MARii Satellite Sabah is located in strategic intent and cooperation aims to Alliance Donggongon Avenue, only 15 minutes help progress the Australian space sector Speedcast International Limited from Kota Kinabalu International Airport and make the benefits of space more announced that the company will begin and the Kota Kinabalu city centre.. accessible for businesses, governments to offer Intellian's v240MT antenna to its and institutions. One activity forming part Cruise and Energy customers. The of the agreement and already underway v240MT is Intellian's next generation, tri- ANTONOV Airlines is Goonhilly's involvement in the band and multi-orbit 2.4 meter antenna delivers Indian satellites proposed SmartSat CRC (co-operative for use on Ku, Ka and C-band satellites. research centre) space research The antenna will provide Medium Earth initiative. Orbit (MEO) and Geostationary Earth A N T O N O V A i r l i n e s f l e w t h e Orbit (GEO) broadband access to communications satellite, the GSAT-31, for This consortium aims to enhance virtually any satellite constellation within the Indian Space Research Organisation connectivity, navigation and monitoring seconds. (ISRO) and Flywell Aviation, from HAL capability across Australia and to Bengaluru Airport, India (VOBG) to maximise the country's resources by These frequency-agile and orbit- Cayenne Félix Eboué Airport, French solving major satellite system and agnostic capabilities are designed to Guiana (CAY). ANTONOV Airlines advanced communications challenges. future-proof the technology for coordinated closely with Flywell Aviation to Another is Goonhilly's commitment to customers seeking the fastest and most meet all of ISRO's requirements to help develop Australian-based deep reliable broadband connectivity at sea. transport the satellite that weighed a total of space communication assets. Goonhilly Innovative antenna technologies are in 18,000 kg including its specialised opened an office in Australia in 2018, run high demand in the Cruise and Energy container, which measured L 7.80 m x W by industry veteran Bob Gough, and will s e c t o r s t o s u p p o r t d a t a - r i c h 4.54 m x H 4.03 m. invest further in infrastructure and applications. The Intellian v240MT is facilities as part of its wider plan to “We worked with the customer to ensure specifically designed to deliver data support deep space projects globally. that this sensitive equipment was loaded rates exceeding 1Gbps, and will provide The partnership will also help to make and transported safely,” said Michael customers with seamless, high-speed the benefits of space more accessible for Goodisman, Business Development connectivity, essentially giving guests Australian businesses. For example, Director, ANTONOV Airlines. “The and crew the same connectivity speeds Goonhilly's Enterprise Zone status is ANTONOV crew maintained acceptable they enjoy at home, while enabling the unique in the space industry, offering temperatures and pressures while the operator to remotely switch frequency businesses from Australia and beyond aircraft was airborne, as well as during bands or orbits to maximize the the chance to be part of a rich space refuelling stops. operational performance. ecosystem and to build a cost-effective “Together with Flywell Aviation, our European base from which to grow their "This alliance with Intellian is another engineers used data-loggers to record g- business. solid step in building on our foundation forces, pressures, and temperatures so To help accelerate the growth of the as the leading remote communications that ISRO could inspect the data post-flight Australian space economy, Goonhilly is service provider," said Speedcast CEO and give a green light to launch the GSAT- also adopting its tried and tested UK Pierre-Jean Beylier. "Innovation is 31 satellite.” An ANTONOV AN-124-100 business model, which is built around the critical to our success and adding the transported the satellite, completing the development of close working v240MT antenna to our portfolio second in a series of three flights that relationships with local and national enhances our ability to deliver Flywell Aviation has contracted ANTONOV government, academia, business and dependable, high-speed and seamless Airlines to operate, on behalf of ISRO. other industry players. network services in the bandwidth- “Both Goonhilly and the Australian hungry Cruise market and in the Energy Space Agency have a shared market where we see early signs of The first satellite in the series, the GSAT- c o m m i t m e n t t o i n c r e a s e t h e 11, was transported by ANTONOV Airlines recovery." IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

ULA wins competitive The partnership between the two “The combination of the RockAIR and companies is well-founded. In June SkyRouter represents a service of National Security Space 2018, BSN announced the integration of i n c r e d i b l e v a l u e a n d missions for the DoD its cloud-based SkyRouter tracking, c o m p r e h e n s i v e n e s s , t a k i n g communications and fleet management communications and tracking to the next portal within Rock Seven's dual-mode The United States Air Force announced level.” Iridium/GSM RockFLEET tracker. By that United Launch Alliance (ULA) was this means, BSN has been able to awarded a firm, fixed-price contract to reinforce and increase its presence in Maxar Technologies' launch three missions on the company's the maritime market, leveraging the Atlas V rocket. This contract resulted from SSL ends participation RockFLEET's versatility as a standalone a competitive award under the Air Force's GPS tracker with suitability for in DARPA's robotic Phase 1A procurement strategy. permanent mounting on vessels ranging servicing of from yachts and fishing craft to “ULA is honored to be selected to launch commercial ships. Geosynchronous three missions in this procurement block buy,” said Tory Bruno, ULA's president and Satellites Program BSN's SkyRouter solution will also now CEO. “ULA's commercially developed be integrated with the RockAIR. The Atlas V rocket has been a workhorse for SSL has exercised its right to terminate RockAIR unit's small form factor has national security, science and commercial participation in the Robotic Servicing of been designed for easy portability and missions since 2002, launching 79 Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) convenient but unobtrusive positioning missions with 100 percent mission program, a public-private partnership on the dashboards of light aircraft, success and builds on the heritage of more with the U.S. Defense Advanced rotorcraft and land vehicles, with a than 600 Atlas program launches.” Research Projects Agency (DARPA), variety of mounting (and quick-release) citing a need to focus its resources on options. Its least-cost routing capability T h e t h r e e m i s s i o n s i n c l u d e ensuring optimal returns when weighed enables the built-in GSM to use SILENTBARKER, Space-Based Infrared against other capital priorities, such as terrestrial mobile networks wherever System Geosynchronous Earth Orbit WorldView Legion. SSL remains practicable, but the unit will (SBIRS GEO)-5 and SBIRS GEO-6. All will unwavering in its commitment to its automatically switch to the Iridium launch from Space Launch Complex-41 at customers on all existing contracts. satellite network in areas where GSM is Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in inaccessible. Florida. SBIRS GEO-5 is expected to be SSL has notified DARPA that it has With the truly global coverage that this the first mission to launch in March 2021. decided to discontinue its participation in service provides, clients can track and RSGS, an option available at this time communicate with assets in any “The Atlas V has delivered sensitive and under the terms of the Other Transaction location. Obtaining a position via the essential missions including classified Agreement between SSL and DARPA. GPS network, the tracker will defense systems, planetary exploration This decision is consistent with Maxar's subsequently transmit this data (using spacecraft and key commercial assets commitment to disciplined prioritization GSM or Iridium, as appropriate) back to with precise orbital accuracy,” said Bruno. of capital. Maxar remains confident in BSN's SkyRouter system. “We draw on that experience as we the potential of the on-orbit servicing transition to our next-generation Vulcan market and the value of public private The RockAIR also enables full two-way Centaur launch vehicle, designed to meet partnerships. SSL will also be communication from anywhere, in the or exceed the needs of our Air Force terminating its associated contract with form of texts, brief emails or social media customer so we can continue to provide Space Infrastructure Services LLC, posts, with the use of a paired Bluetooth reliable, on-time, assured access to space which SSL was awarded in June 2017 to device such as a smartphone or tablet w e l l i n t o t h e f u t u r e . ” develop a servicing spacecraft vehicle and the RockCONNECT app. Running for the RSGS program. on a 9-30V external power supply, the With more than a century of combined RockAIR features an internal battery for heritage, United Launch Alliance is the Signed in 2017, the Other Transaction back-up, which allows up to a fortnight of world's most experienced and reliable Agreement called for DARPA to develop usage. launch service provider. ULA has the dexterous robotic payload and successfully delivered 132 missions to provide a government-funded launch. “We are very excited to partner with orbit that provide Earth observation SSL was responsible for funding the Rock Seven and bring the capabilities of c a p a b i l i t i e s , e n a b l e g l o b a l development of the spacecraft bus and the RockAIR, along with the robust communications, unlock the mysteries of integrating the resulting robotic features of our SkyRouter command our solar system and support life-saving servicing spacecraft with the launch and control platform, to customers technology. vehicle, as well as providing operations requiring a reliable and flexible tracking staff over the full mission duration. solution,” adds Nick Tucky, BSN's business development director. “The "While disappointed that we are unable Blue Sky Network ability to seamlessly switch between to find an economically viable path to satellite and GSM networks helps our launches RockAIR support RSGS and meet our return clients to save money in their operations criteria, we are dedicated to partnering tracking device in the while benefitting from the safety and with the U.S. government to realize the security vehicle tracking provides.” US aviation marketplace full potential of in-space robotic “There can be no greater validation of servicing of spacecraft, as well as the importance of vehicle and asset Blue Sky Network (BSN), has revealed assembly and manufacturing in space," tracking than BSN's continued that Rock Seven's RockAIR fleet tracking said Richard White, President of SSL enthusiasm to bring Rock Seven's and messaging device is now part of its Government Systems. "At Maxar, we technology to customers in the US,” product portfolio in the US market. are uniquely positioned to leverage says Nick Farrell, Director, Rock Seven. technology and expertise from across

36 IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

Kratos successfully decoupled each EGS service from all communities to develop. At the same other services using the NASA Goddard time, the project helps to provide commands spacecraft GMSEC message bus. healthcare information for these Kratos COTS software was utilized to children. using the Air Force's demonstrate the implementation of EGS The company actively participates in enterprise ground services including Telemetry and various initiatives that can contribute to Command Processing, Automation, User helping people with special needs or in services framework Experience, Orchestration and a Range vulnerable situations, such as Interface. hospitalised children. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. For Elena Pisonero, president of announced that it has commanded an on- TRL 8 readiness means that the actual HISPASAT “it is a source of pride for us orbit spacecraft using the U.S. Air Force's system was completed and mission that satellite technology can form part Enterprise Ground Services (EGS) qualified through test and demonstration of a project like this, bringing framework. This demonstration directly in an operational environment. multimedia contents to hospitalised follows on the heels of three successful The entire test and demonstration was children that help them to have fun, pathfinder studies announced earlier by accomplished working cooperatively with learn and lead a normal daily life to the Kratos for migrating the Command and Millennium Space Systems, A Boeing e x te n t p o s s i b l e , ta k i n g th e i r Control System – Consolidated (CCS-C) Company, and its on-orbit Pathfinder circumstances into account”. ground system to the EGS architecture. spacecraft, Swedish Space Corporation For the director of the ATRESMEDIA CCS-C provides consolidated Military with its worldwide ground antenna Foundation, Carmen Bieger, “it is a SATCOM tracking, telemetry and network and the Air Force's Space privilege to rely on a partner like command capability for 14th Air Force and Management Battle Lab (SMBL) in HISPASAT. Thanks to their support, the 50th Space Wing. Colorado Springs, Colorado. hospitals can enjoy FAN3 programming and help the time in the hospital be as The Kratos demonstration supports the HISPASAT to pleasant and entertaining as possible Air Force's strategic approach to for the kids and their family members” implementing a common service-based collaborate with satellite ground infrastructure that will evolve current satellite ground systems ATRESMEDIA Tesacom signs an into one platform. EGS is a critical Foundation to agreement as enabling technology that is focused on a sustainable, resilient space architecture broadcast FAN3 channel distribution partner of that can respond to emerging threats and Inmarsat in Latin protect space-based assets. Kratos EGS for hospitalised kids software and services commanded an on- America orbit spacecraft and demonstrated HISPASAT has renewed its agreement with the ATRESMEDIA Foundation to multiple capabilities supporting the EGS Tesacom announced the signing of an collaborate in broadcasting the FAN3 framework. These included the EGS agreement that will position the television channel via satellite, dedicated service paradigm and dynamically company as one of the first Latin to hospitalised children. This initiative allocating satellite ground resources and American distribution partners of forms part of the Foundation's executing deployment automation with Inmarsat, the global mobile satellite “Humanising Children's Hospitals” the ability to spin up new satellite provider. The new status will allow Programme. command and control instances in less Tesacom to offer innovative and than 10 minutes. disruptive solutions, supported by The Spanish operator is helping to Larry Lind, Vice President of Kratos Inmarsat's L-band and Ka-band broadcast the channel to more than 180 Federal Program, said, “These services and infrastructure. capabilities are critical to achieving a hospitals from all the autonomous communities which currently benefit from resilient EGS and the agility needed to Distribution partner status gives this initiative. This way, hospitalised survive the new realities of space. In the Tesacom immediate access to new children can access 13 hours of past, the demonstration of a new satellite products, direct access to the operation u n i n t e r r u p t e d , c o m m e r c i a l - f r e e ground command and control station has area for faster quality control and programming, free of charge, from taken months and in many cases years to customer service, as well as the ability Mondays to Sundays from 9:00 a.m. until execute. The test and demonstration of to create more customized solutions. 10:00 p.m. All its contents are supervised this first live contact run out of the Space This set of advantages will allow by the Spanish Paediatric Association Mission Battle Lab was made possible in customers to offer cutting-edge (AEP) and the Official Association of less than three weeks and its success services at a high level of excellence. validated TRL 8 readiness of Kratos EGS Psychologists (COP). technology.” Viviana Fonseca, CEO of Tescacom FAN3 is the first television channel Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is a comments: "Thanks to this new level of designed specifically for hospitalised method of estimating technology maturity alliance with Inmarsat, we will provide children. The channel brings together of critical technology elements of a better value-added services and entertainment contents –series, animated program during the acquisition process. customized solutions, expanding the shows- with informative pieces that help Evidence of TRL 8 was proven in the distribution network at a regional level. children understand the processes they following ways: Signing this agreement between are experiencing and to become familiar Kratos Commercial Off-The-Shelf Tesacom and Inmarsat underlines the with their disease and the hospital (COTS) software natively mapped into the strength of the relationship between environment, in a pleasant manner EGS service paradigm. both companies and will allow Tesacom tailored to their language. The deployment automation solution was to continue to grow its business and The agreement forms part of HISPASAT's shown to work on two different vendor adapt to the changing needs of Corporate Social Responsibility policy t e c h n o l o g y s t a c k s . K r a t o s E G S businesses of the future". and its commitment to help people and integration software completely Paul Gudonis, President of Inmarsat IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

Enterprise, says: “We are pleased to systems and the crew themselves are 19.2 degrees East satellite. Quoting announce Tesacom as an Inmarsat never out of contact.” Mr Börchers added Kartina TV's CEO Andrei Reich, Enterprise distribution partner for Latin that existing terminals on its ships will be Cableman reports that the project has America. We have collaborated closely upgraded with Certus terminals to the working title Kartina Satellite. with Tesacom for a number of years and increase throughput, which he said Although the brand will use the word welcome this closer integration with would be “a game-changer for us.” Kartina, the commercial name will be Inmarsat Enterprise. This agreement Kartina Sat. He added that the service significantly enhances Inmarsat Iridium invested US$3Bn in a new LEO will distribute around 32 international Enterprise's market access to the satellite constellation, which included versions of Russian channels, six of Americas region, meaning more eight launches of satellite groups by which will be in HD, with the start date organizations can benefit from the SpaceX. The final 10 satellites were being April 1. Significantly, the main world's best global portfolio of satellite launched into orbit on a Falcon 9 rocket Russian national channels and online networks, specifically designed for from Vandenberg Air Force Base, US last movie service Start have already agreed customer mobility, along with our month. In total, 75 Thales Alenia Space- to participate, with ivi, Russia's most Industrial IoT (Internet of Things) designed and Northrop Grumman-built popular OTT platform, expected to follow. services.” satellites have been deployed in less The service will be available on a With almost 20 years of experience in than two years. As of mid-January, there subscription basis throughout Europe, the telecommunications industry, and were 60 in operation, six more being with the monthly fee starting at €4.99. with presence in six countries, activated for operation and nine kept as The target audience will be the 850,000 Tesacom search to offer the differential in-orbit spares. Iridium Next comprises households in Europe that already watch for those who need to be connected, no six polar orbiting planes, each containing Russian channels via cable or satellite, matter where they are. Therefore, the 11 cross-linked satellites. This creates a with the aim being to secure at least company sees this alliance as an web of coverage around the Earth, 200,000 in the first year of operation. evolution within the IoT market, including around the poles. Iridium has providing more and better integrated been undergoing a one-for-one communication solutions. replacement through slot swapping, Government of Canada which it said was a highly choreographed awards microsatellite Iridium begins in-space manoeuvre. Six more satellites will remain in storage as ground spares. contract to Space Flight commercial maritime L-band throughput over these satellites Laboratory for arctic broadband service can deliver IP data speeds up to 352 kbps in both directions. Iridium is surveillance planning a firmware upgrade and its I r i d i u m C o m m u n i c a t i o n s h a s partners are developing faster terminals The Canadian Department of National introduced its Certus commercial to increase throughput to 704 kbps. Defence has awarded a C$15 million broadband service for maritime users contract to Space Flight Laboratory after completing its second-generation Eventually, the IP connection speeds (SFL) at the University of Toronto global satellite constellation. Iridium could be increased to 1.4 Mbps, Institute for Aerospace Studies (UTIAS) Certus delivers L-band broadband at supporting IP streaming and short bursts for development of multipurpose sea worldwide through a constellation of data. Iridium is also planning to microsatellites to support Arctic of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and introduce safety services. During 2018, s u r v e i l l a n c e . U p o n s u c c e s s f u l new vessel terminals developed by Iridium and its terminal partners completion and testing of the prototype, CobhamSatcom and Thales. amassed a team of distribution partners two additional microsatellites will be built for Certus and the affiliated Thales' to create a small formation. This broadband can be deployed for Vesselink service. Marlink and two-way remote communications, Speedcast International were the latest On behalf of Defence Minister Harjit S. voice services and internet connectivity to be added to Thales' reseller network in Sajjan, Member of Parliament for York for crew welfare and operational January. Other prominent resellers of Centre Michael Levitt announced the requirements, as a standalone service Iridium Certus include ASL Group, contract on February 1, 2019, during a or as a back-up for VSAT. Iridium NSSLGlobal and Satcom Global, while ceremony held at UTIAS in Toronto. The Certus can also be used for internet of there are many other smaller companies. contract was awarded through Public things applications and critical Thales' terminals include three Services and Procurement Canada communications for first responders dedicated channels for voice services, under the All Domain Situational and search and rescue organisations. an embedded wifi access point and ports Awareness (ADSA) Science & “Adoption of this new service by our to allow up to 12 devices to be Technology (S&T) Program. partners has already begun,” Iridium connected. CobhamSatcom developed chief executive Matt Desch said after its the Sailor 4300 terminal series for Iridium “Space Flight Laboratory is honored to official launch. Certus in 2018. It integrated the Iridium assist the Department of National broadband core transceiver module into Defence in developing next-generation This was announced following beta the antenna of the terminal for more satellite technology that could be used to testing of the L-band service on ships flexible placement, lower installation monitor Canada's vital Arctic region,” during 2018. German shipping group costs and optimised link performance. said SFL Director and Founder Dr. BrieseSchiffahrts was the first to use Robert E. Zee. “We are pleased that this the commercial service with a terminal investment acknowledges SFL as one of on board Petkum, said IT manager SES teams up with the world's preeminent developers of HolgerBörchers. “Iridium Certus is advanced attitude control and formation- delivering real-time connections Kartina TV flying technologies for microsatellites.” everywhere our vessels go,” he said. “ A s a r e s u l t , s h i p b o a r d SES and the OTT service Kartina TV The UTIAS SFL microsatellites being communications, vessel performance have entered into a partnership to deliver Russian channels to Europe on the Astra developed will include multiple sensors IN THE NEWS A MAERMERICASICAS

our businesses to accelerate innovation have an alternative path to access data world. The constantly evolving platform is for the new space economy. We are proud services at all times through SES' satellite responsive and, at a click, the unique of our leadership in space robotics, fleet and the peace of mind that Digicel is custom-built central dashboard provides including our pioneering work in NASA's always working to keep them connected.” graphical real-time visibility of each Restore-L mission to refuel LANDSAT-7, vessel, including VSAT status, UTM and we will continue to pursue leading- Layer 7 traffic, data usage and billing. edge opportunities.” NSSLGlobal and Teekay sign new 4 year maritime “We've been working hard on a smooth Connectivity in Tonga transition of our recent acquisitions into satcom contract the NSSLGlobal family, and our people in restored by SES Singapore, UK, Norway and Germany Networks and Digicel NSSLGlobal announced a record have produced a winning formula of how breaking four year, multi-million enhanced we work seamlessly as a team to support following fibre outage contract for communication and our global customers,” said Sally-Anne entertainment services with Teekay, one Ray, CEO, NSSLGlobal. “Digitalisation Mobile networks and broadband access of the world's largest marine energy and cybersecurity is now an everyday services for business and consumer transportation, storage and production reality for Teekay and we're extremely customers operated by Digicel Tonga companies. proud that NSSLGlobal will continue to were rapidly restored across the The latest contract will provide an play a key role in Teekay's ability to Polynesian archipelago by SES Networks' upgraded bandwidth capability across the manage all vessel comms, safety, managed services following a severe fibre Teekay fleet alongside the installation of security and crew welfare benefits for the outage last week, announced SES NSSLGlobal's new virtualised Cruise next four years. Maintaining such a strong Control+ appliance and the rollout of 15-year relationship can never be taken Under the agreement Digicel, a mobile CrewVision, its crew entertainment for granted. It is built firmly on an absolute network provider operating in the service. The new contract cements the commitment to customer service and an Caribbean, Central America and Asia longstanding relationship between agile approach to innovation that ensures Pacific, uses SES's reliable and NSSLGlobal and Teekay dating back to we're laser-focused on engineering the comprehensive C-band beams to deliver 2004. The winning formula stems from value-added services and breakthrough satellite-enabled and scalable IP transit NSSLGlobal'scommitment to prioritising technologies like our Satlink modem, our trunk circuits between Tonga and Fiji. SES key client relationships and working Cruise Control+ and our INSIGHT Portal Networks' Signature Telecom Solution closely with Teekay to align its that set us apart from the competition.” enabled Digicel Tonga to ensure business developments to Teekay's everyday critical services were available to needs and longer-term strategic Deborah Sloan, Contract/Category customer across the island nation. objectives. Specialist, Strategic Development, Connectivity in the Polynesian country The Cruise Control+ upgrade provides Teekay, said: “As a communications was disrupted when the Tonga Cable Teekay a complete end-to-end solution for partner to Teekay for 15 years, System, an 827-kilometre-long fibre optic t h e s e a m l e s s i n t e g r a t i o n o f NSSLGlobal has developed a hugely submarine cable that links Sopu in Tonga communications, entertainment and IT valuable understanding of our business and Suva in Fiji, was cut in two places on services on board its vessels. New and have proven their ability to deliver a 20 January. The cable cuts occurred in security features include an embedded robust and flexible service that continues relatively shallow offshore water, and it VPN, an integrated Unified Threat to exceed expectations and to plan for has been suggested that the damage may Management (UTM) with enhanced Layer future requirements. The cybersecurity have been caused by a ship's anchor, 7 firewall, gateway anti-virus, deep packet assurance and IT managed services negatively impacting education, inspection, intrusion detection and provided by the Cruise Control+ upgrade commerce and tourism. prevention capabilities. To give will help us to eliminate some of the “We are extremely proud to deliver comprehensive cybersecurity control, challenges created by digitalisation and reliable, high-speed broadband overview and management of all devices give us more freedom to focus on each connectivity to nations that experience being connected to Teekay's vessel vessel's operational and crew welfare unexpected outages, so that their citizens networks, there is also a SIEM and Log priorities.” can continue with daily communications Management capability which ensures and business activities uninterruptedly,” network security logs are centrally Speedcast delivers said Imran Malik Khan, VP, Global Fixed notified, monitored and reported. Data Sales at SES Networks. “We have The Cruise Control+ now also comes with satellite backhaul for worked closely together with Digicel in the CrewVision, a crew entertainment service past in the Asia Pacific region, and now that provides live news, and the latest major US mobile carrier we're able to implement together our films, sports and TV programmes — all Signature Telecom Solution in a record optimised to work efficiently over a Speedcast International Limited time in Tonga. We are especially pleased satellite connection without affecting the a n n o u n c e d t h a t G l o b e c o m m , to help Tongan people get back online vessel's bandwidth. Teekay wanted a Speedcast's recently completed while efforts to repair the Tonga Cable holistic view of their core operational and acquisition, has finished in the System cable are taking place.” performance data on one platform. The development of a nationwide satellite “Our job always is to ensure that our solution was provided through backhaul network for a "Big Four" U.S. customers are as connected as possible. NSSLGlobal's INSIGHT, a single state-of- mobile carrier. The network supports the We have been hugely helped in that by the-art intuitive Management Overview carrier's services in low-density markets SES Networks who provided a reliable and Portal. Working in collaboration with and provides backup protection to flexible solution that could help us Teekay, NSSLGlobal developed INSIGHT primary terrestrial backhaul circuits in the overcome the challenges faced when t o e m p o w e r Te e k a y ' s c e n t r a l event of cable cuts or a natural disaster. trying to get our mobile networks and management to track its VSAT IP@SEA broadband access up and running where service 24/7 across the fleet and per Network design, engineering and and when we needed it in the shortest vessel. INSIGHT allows Teekay to installation took place as the first phase of possible time.,” said Francis Thomsen, instantly filter its business-critical data to a managed services agreement, which CEO at Digicel Tonga. “Our customers manage one of the largest fleets in the also included maintenance, network

37 IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

operations, satellite capacity and to ensure that we offer new and integration into the carrier's backbone. innovative technology, and with 4K, we RCN launches new deliver an enhanced viewing experience "We are proud to support this customer with Ultra HD 4K channels to our customers.” the build out of this network and see “SES is thrilled to play a pivotal role in tremendous growth opportunities through with SES RCN's 4K services launch to millions of partnerships with mobile carriers around c u s t o m e r s f r o m C h i c a g o a n d the globe to extend connectivity services, RCN, an award-winning provider of high- Philadelphia to Boston and Washington, both in developed and developing markets. speed internet, digital TV and phone DC,” said Steve Corda, Vice President of Speedcast uniquely understands the services, has announced its commercial Media Platforms for SES in North mobile carrier ecosystem thanks to our launch of Ultra HD services through a America. “Our SES Ultra HD platform years providing systems integration, partnership with SES, the world's leading represents the world's largest source of network deployment and hosted switching satellite operator. RCN is featuring seven 4K linear content and live events services to rural carriers," said dedicated 4K channels from the North coverage, enabling RCN to offer an ErwanEmilian, EVP, Enterprise& Emerging American SES Ultra HD Platform, which immersive television viewing experience Markets at Speedcast. will be available on RCN's Signature TV like no other.” channel tier for new and existing customers. Myriota partners with RCN's initial 4K launch will feature a Telesat Partners Tyvak to develop and broad range of Ultra HD channels, alphabet's loon to including Insight TV, Travelxp 4K, The launch next generation Country Network, NASA TV UHD, design a Network Nanosatellites C4K360, NatureVision TV, and UHD1, as well as special 4K live events coverage. Operating System To provide this selection, RCN is Myriota Pty Ltd has partnered with Tyvak leveraging the content and reach of the Nano-Satellite Systems, Inc. to develop Telesat and Loon, a subsidiary of SES Ultra HD platform, the world's largest and launch multiple satellites in 2019, Google's parent company Alphabet, single source of linear 4K programming. taking Myriota another step towards its goal have announced a joint agreement The SES Ultra HD Platform, supplying the of having a constellation of 50 under which Loon will deliver a network linear 4K channels, will deliver the nanosatellites. Each satellite will run operating system design that Telesat content over its satellite fleet, which has Myriota's unique, patented software which can use to support its global low earth 100% cable penetration over the United provides reliable, direct-to-satellite Internet orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. The States. of Things (IoT) connectivity for millions of design will adapt and expand on Loon's users worldwide. cloud-based, temporospatial software- The content is delivered seamlessly to defined network (SDN) platform that subscribers without buffering or network "This partnership is an important milestone Loon uses today to deliver mobile data congestion as can be the case with OTT for our company," said Myriota's Chief services over its fleet of stratospheric 4K. Technology Officer and co-founder, Dr. balloons. The new 4K channels will be offered in David Haley. "It represents a valuable next conjunction with RCN's 4K-enabled set step for our business in expanding our Under the agreement, Loon will adapt its top boxes and Advanced TiVo Experience constellation." In speaking about the overall SDN platform design to enable Telesat's and voice remote. To receive the new 4K capabilities, Dr. Haley added, "the satellites LEO constellation to consistently deliver channels, customers must subscribe to we're launching with Tyvak incorporate a fiber-like broadband experience on a RCN Signature Digital TV and have a 4K leading small satellite technology. The global basis to both fixed and mobile TV and 4K set-top box, along with Internet architecture is designed to maximize terminals. The Loon SDN will be service. In addition to the new 4K satellite operational availability, providing specifically customized for Telesat's use, programming, RCN customers can utilize an always-on service for our customers giving its innovative LEO constellation a 4K technology through streaming apps from the moment they launch.” powerful and highly differentiated including Netflix, Hulu, HBOGO and more capability for serving growing – all easily accessible with RCN's set top "The satellites will allow our customers to commercial and government markets. boxes and voice remote. communicate with devices from anywhere The effort will result in Telesat having RCN's network delivers ultra-high-speed on the planet using Myriota's low cost, long access to a scalable and robust network internet, Netflix, Hulu and HBOGO on battery life, secure service while we operating system that Telesat can use to TiVo, personalized video options and continue to build a constellation towards optimize capacity across its global fleet more – all accompanied by the very best providing real-time connectivity." The of LEO satellites while minimizing customer service and the availability of partnership will leverage Tyvak's latency and ensuring reliable internet speeds of up to 1 Gigabit. RCN is experience in satellite development, launch connectivity to end-users worldwide. a three-time winner of PCMag's brokering and on-orbit operations, with “Readers' Choice Award for Best ISP” Myriota selecting Tyvak from more than a “Loon's cloud-based SDN platform is due to its high ratings in satisfaction, dozen worldwide providers for its agile already managing services over the reliability and technical support. In 2018, approach and capabilities, security, and Loon high-altitude balloon network and RCN was ranked fastest ISP in the mission assurance. Telesat is pleased to be working with Northeast. "We are very excited to expand our reach to Loon to have Loon optimize their “With the addition of seven new 4K new territories and applications while solution for Telesat's LEO constellation,” channels, RCN has become the premier contributing to South Australia's ecosystem said Erwin Hudson, Vice President, destination for 4K content. Not only will development. Myriota has been a great Telesat LEO. “Loon has unique customers enjoy a crystal-clear picture partner to work with from day one and experience developing sophisticated for sports, shows and movies, but also will having recently completed the first program network management software that be able to use the 4K technology with review, we look forward to executing this assures delivery of reliable broadband their favorite streaming apps – providing mission and enabling their business services over highly dynamic networks a seamless user experience,” said Chris objectives," said Marco Villa, Tyvak's COO. that undergo constant change. The Fenger, COO of RCN. “RCN will continue addition of Loon brings an entirely new 38 IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

set of capabilities to the world-class opens the door for latency sensitive and supplier team Telesat has built for our high bit rate applications.” NovelSat's compact multi- LEO program – capabilities that will “Gilat is proud to demonstrate outstanding receiver for satellite IP give Telesat a powerful competitive results for next generation maritime advantage in our global broadband communication over Telesat's phase 1 data hubs offers up to service offerings.” LEO Satellite,” said Amir Yafe, Head of 2Gbps per unit “By leveraging our expertise to assist in Global Accounts at Gilat. “This maritime the development of Telesat's advanced test further strengthens Gilat's strategic NovelSat, a world leader in satellite and innovative LEO constellation, we partnership with Telesat and follows the transmission technology, has announced see another opportunity for Loon to recent collaboration on the industry's first availability of their new Multi-Rx Satellite IP pursue our mission of connecting inflight communication over LEO satellite.” people everywhere by inventing and Demodulator, the NovelSat NS HUB4000. The integrating audacious technology,” said NS HUB4000 is a multi-receiver satellite Alastair Westgarth, CEO of Loon. “With Neos selects Viasat In- transmission IP unit designed for mobile billions of people still lacking Internet Flight Connectivity for backhauling and enterprise satellite data access, there's an urgent need for transmission network operators, who want to multiple approaches to solving this Boeing 787 Dreamliners optimize their hub CAPEX and achieve high problem. Telesat has an outstanding transfer rates for inbound data traffic. The NS- record of innovation in commercial Neos announced that Viasat's high-quality HUB4000 houses four internal Rx cards, each space communications. We're excited in-flight connectivity service will now be with 8 satellite receivers, packing up to 32 to work with a global leader like Telesat offered on Neos' fleet of Boeing 787 high-efficiency receivers into a single 1U rack- and expand the number of ways that Dreamliner aircraft. Neos selected Viasat mounted unit. Loon can help bring connectivity to for its industry-leading satellite those who need it.” communications systems, which are The compact NovelSat NS-HUB44000 is the widely-recognized for delivering high- ideal choice for Point-to-Multipoint satellite value, premium in-flight internet network data applications in which a single Gilat Demonstrates performance-at-scale. "Viasat has a NS-HUB4000 hub unit can receive data at an Maritime Connectivity reputation for delivering superior, highly- aggregate inbound rate of up to 2Gbps. Each r e l i a b l e i n - f l i g h t i n t e r n e t of the 32 NS-HUB4000 carriers can over Telesat's Phase 1 experiences—and we are happy to simultaneously receive at up to 120Msps per LEO Satellite provide this level of service to all Neos carrier, saving rack space and reducing guests today and well into the future," said equipment and operating expenses Carlo Stradiotti, CEO, Neos. "We're . Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. The NS-HUB4000 supports automated hot- announced the completion of a e x c i t e d a b o u t V i a s a t ' s g l o b a l communications roadmap—as we'll have standby redundancy plans that eliminate any successful test with a tier-1 maritime single point of failure without any external service provider for maritime access to the world's most advanced satellite systems to help realize our goal: equipment. In addition to multiple receivers, communication over Telesat's low the NS-HUB4000 is equipped with dual power earth orbit Phase 1 LEO satellite. This to deploy fully connected capabilities across our entire modernized fleet." units and dual external interfaces industry-first milestone exemplified The cost-effective NS-HUB4000 includes exceptionally low latency and high bit- To meet the growing broadband demands of its passengers, Neos will have access to built-in IP processing features to improve data rate essential for multiple maritime transmission efficiency. NS-HUB4000 applications. Viasat's current satellite communications systems in North America to the interfaces include Ethernet 1G/10G, dual The remarkable performance with power supply ports, and M&C interfaces such latency as low as 16 msec was Caribbean and tip of northern South America; over the Atlantic Ocean; in as USB ports and an SD card slot for data achieved in the tier-1 maritime service import/export, software upgrade and many provider's teleport in Northern Europe. Europe, through its jointly-owned satellite; as well as the ViaSat-3 satellite o t h e r u s e s . The test was performed with Gilat's LEO modem and a one-meter small constellation under development. "We're driven to meet our airline partners' The NS-HUB4000 is a member of the m a r i t i m e K a - b a n d a n t e n n a , NovelSat Professional Satellite Demodulator demonstrating direct real-time current and future connectivity needs by bringing proven, scalable communications family. It is a major element in the NovelSat line c o m m u n i c a t i o n . O u t s t a n d i n g of Point-to-Multipoint network solutions. performance was achieved in testing technology to their fleets," said Don Buchman, vice president and general Combined with the NovelSat NS300X or video conferencing, over-the-top NS3000 modem series, the NovelNet NMS (OTT) video such as YouTube and manager, Commercial Aviation at Viasat. "In working with Neos, we recognized their (Network Management System), and massive data communication on a NovelSat LIBRA (Dynamic Resource symmetric link. interest to bring a best-in-class and reliable in-flight internet experience to Allocation Solution), the NS-HUB4000 contributes to an optimized and highly efficient “Telesat is pleased to be collaborating every passenger—with fast in-flight web browsing and rich online media streaming. P o i n t - t o - M u l t i p o i n t n e t w o r k . with innovative companies such as Gilat that recognize the potential of We're confident that our system's superior capacity, consistency and growing reach According to Ronen Sadan, NovelSat AVP Telesat's LEO system to transform the Marketing, “The one thing we hear most from maritime broadband communication will meet Neos' long-term in-flight connectivity requirements." our customers is, 'How can we optimize experience, delivering very high bit- satellite hub costs?'. “Between superior rate services for large leisure vessels In addition to tapping into Viasat's high- capacity communications satellite via the bandwidth efficiency and the many signal and supporting applications with critical optimization features offered by NovelSat, and latency requirements,” said Michel latest-generation Viasat in-flight internet equipment, Neos will also work with Viasat now up to 32 receivers in a single box, the NS- Forest, Director of Engineering, HUB4000 is a perfect space saving, cost Telesat. “This demonstration confirms on a customized portal, giving passengers an easy interface to connect to the saving satellite transmission solution for that Telesat's state-of-the-art LEO enterprise satellite IP data service providers.” architecture delivers on tier-1 maritime onboard Wi-Fi system. service provider's requirements and

39 IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

Speedcast delivers technology for a best-in-class solution. Paradigm's range of high-performance Supporting both military and commercial multiband terminals including the Satellite Backhaul for satellite frequencies, the fully integrated lightweight, rugged and ultra-portable major US mobile carrier and highly resilient solution opens up SWARM, the HORNET flyaway terminal, applications such as search and rescue the Communications on the Move or disaster response for Predator-variant Speedcast International Limited (COTM) solution MANTA, and the cost- aircraft. announced that Globecomm, another effective CONNECT100T tripod terminal. Speedcast's partner has recently " H u g h e s d e v e l o p s i n n o v a t i v e The Newtec Dialog VSAT platform completed a nationwide satellite technology to suit customer needs and, provides robust and resilient links which backhaul network for a "Big Four" U.S. in this case, our HM400 was customized are both efficient and affordable thanks to mobile carrier. for GA-ASI's resilient communications- the wideband DVB-S2X forward and the on-the-move requirements for their government-grade frequency hopping The network supports the carrier's SkyGuardian RPA," said Rick Lober, waveform NewtecMx-DMA®, which services in low-density markets and vice president and general manager of includes features such as spread provides backup protection to primary Hughes Defense and Intelligence spectrum and randomization of carriers. terrestrial backhaul circuits in the event Systems Division (DISD). "We're excited “As an established provider of end-to-end of cable cuts or a natural disaster. to be part of GA-ASI's team and starting solutions to address the evolving Network design, engineering and the delivery of HM400 units for their next- requirements of network providers, we installation took place as the first phase generation platform." Ideal for military are always looking to form new of a managed services agreement, operations in harsh or contested partnerships with other industry leaders,” which also included maintenance, environmental conditions, its many said Ulf Sandberg, Managing Director at network operations, satellite capacity benefits include frequency reuse for high Paradigm. “Newtec's new modem board and integration into the carrier's operational efficiency, high data is not only innovative, but flexible enough backbone. throughput rates for HD video and data to provide tailored services to our transmissions, and a low Size Weight customers, powering a range of "We are proud to support this customer and Power (SWaP) profile. applications from mobile Internet access, with the build out of this network and see cellular backhauling and disaster tremendous growth opportunities recovery right through to news gathering through partnerships with mobile carriers Newtec partners and video/audio streaming.” around the globe to extend connectivity services, both in developed and Paradigm to host new Comtech awarded $6.2 developing markets. Speedcast uniquely High-Throughput understands the mobile carrier million funding from ecosystem thanks to our years providing modem board U.S. Army s y s t e m s i n t e g r a t i o n , n e t w o r k Newtec has partnered with satellite deployment and hosted switching communications solution provider Comtech Telecommunications Corp.has services to rural carriers," said Paradigm, which has become the first announced during its second quarter of ErwanEmilian, EVP, Enterprise& company to host its Newtec Dialog® fiscal 2019, that its Command and Emerging Markets at Speedcast. SMB3310 high-throughput modem Control Technologies group, which is part board. The two-way, high-throughput of Comtech's Government Solutions Hughes specialized SMB3310 satellite modem board is now segment, received additional funding of successfully embedded into Paradigm's $6.2 million on the previously announced satellite modems field-proven Paradigm Interface Module three-year $123.6 million contract that power beyond-line-of- (PIM) terminal controller, which provides has subsequently been increased to a common terminal interface for fixed $124.2 million, to provide ongoing sight communications and quick deploy terminals operating on sustainment services for the AN/TSC- for remotely piloted all major satellite networks. 198A SNAP (Secret Internet Protocol Router (SIPR) and Non-classified Through the PIM, the Newtec SMB3310 Internet Protocol Router Access Point), aircraft can interoperate with on-the-pause and Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs). on-the-move satcom terminals for SNAP terminals provide quick and Hughes Network Systems has Government, Defense, Broadcast and mobile satellite communications announced the first shipments of its Mobility markets. The PIM is renowned capabilities to personnel in the field. The specialized, multiband HM400 SATCOM for being easy-to-use and working contract has been funded $45.8 million to m o d e m s t o G e n e r a l A t o m i c s seamlessly with compliant antennas and date. Aeronautical Systems, Inc. powering has a long track record in integrating a beyond-line-of-sight communications for range of terminals. “We are pleased that we have the their next-generation Remotely Piloted “The SMB3310-based PIM combines opportunity to provide continued support Aircraft known as the MQ-9B the efficiency and flexibility of the and hardware to this prime contract in SkyGuardian™. Newtec Dialog platform with the order to continue our support to the U.S. H u g h e s D e f e n s e H M 4 0 0 i s a versatility and reliability of the PIM,” said Army's mission critical needs,” said Fred specialized, software-defined multiband Bart Baekelandt, Product Manager at Kornberg, President and Chief Executive satellite modem to support the General Newtec. “The range of PIM-based Officer of Comtech Telecommunications Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. terminals will allow Newtec Dialog users Corp. “These orders, through the Global SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft. to roll-out a multitude of high-throughput Tactical Advanced Communication Customized to meet specific operational fast-deploy applications on their Newtec S y s t e m s ( G TA C S ) c o n t r a c t , requirements, the specialized Hughes Dialog platform, achieving the highest reemphasizes our partnership in HM400 delivers enhanced satellite- efficiency over satellite, wherever they supporting our warfighters.” based communications for remotely may be.” The Command & Control Technologies piloted aircraft, leveraging an open The integration of SMB3310 and the PIM group is a leading provider of mission- system architecture and software- instantly gives customers access to the critical, highly-mobile C4ISR solutions. definable modem and waveform Newtec Dialog VSAT platform via Comtech Telecommunications Corp. IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

designs, develops, produces and only demonstrated the top performance shaped the history of cutting-edge markets innovative products, systems of our PAZ satellite but its full compatibility technology over the last 60 years, it is also a n d s e r v i c e s f o r a d v a n c e d with TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X. Now actively shaping the future. Today, our communications solutions. The operation in constellation can become a solar array production marks our entry into Company sells products to a diverse reality and we will be able to provide to our the age of Industry 4.0, with the site now customer base in the global commercial customers full set of images and services boasting the largest clean room for optical and government communications with the constellation.” said Miguel satellite integration in Germany. This will markets García Primo, Chief Operating Officer at improve our competitive standing Hisdesat. worldwide and will contribute towards Airbus and Hisdesat safeguarding local jobs,” said Dirk Hoke, successfully processed Airbus invests €25 CEO of Airbus Defence and Space. the first TerraSAR-X / million in the future of Pentagon to evaluate PAZ Radar its aerospace assets certification of SpaceX Interferogram Airbus is expanding its aerospace launch vehicles activities at its site in Ottobrunn Airbus Defence and Space and Taufkirchen, near Munich. It has reached HisdesatServicis Estratégicos, S.A. have two new milestones, with Bavarian The Pentagon will evaluate the U.S. Air generated the first joint TerraSAR-X / PAZ Minister-President Markus Söder and Force's certification of Elon Musk's Radar Interferogram. This milestone Dirk Hoke, According to the CEO, Airbus SpaceX launch vehicles, according to a demonstrates the missions' capacity for Defence and Space the modernisation of memo released recently. cross-sensor interferometry, whose solar array production for satellites, and The new memo reads, "Our objective is to processing is among the most for the commissioning of expanded clean determine whether the U.S. Air Force challenging. Interferograms are typically rooms for optical satellite instruments. In complied with the Launch Services New used to derive the topographic elevation total, the company will be investing Entrant Certification Guide when certifying and deformation of the Earth's surface, approximately €25 million. the launch system design for the Evolved and are created using at least two Expendable Launch Vehicle-class different images acquired at different In February 2019, Airbus will begin SpaceX Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy date. building an Industry 4.0 factory to launch vehicles," said Deputy Inspector T h i s f l a t t e n e d C r o s s - S e n s o r - automate and digitalise the production of General of U.S. Department of Defense Interferogram has been created from a solar arrays for satellites. This will entail a Michael Roark in the memo. mixed image pair with 4 days temporal complete revamp of the production separation acquired by TerraSAR-X and building, during which it will be expanded The evaluation is scheduled in February, PAZ (StripMap scenes from 22 and 26 by 800 m2 to a total of 5,500 m2. A robotic according to the memo. "We will perform November 2018). The area covers the oil assembly line will also be introduced. the evaluation at the Space and Missile and gas production site Burgan (Kuwait) T h i s € 1 5 m i l l i o n i n v e s t m e n t Systems Center, a subordinate unit of Air and parts of the Persian Gulf. The oil field demonstrates the company's ability to Force Space Command, headquartered at is the world largest sandstone oil field with remain competitive on the world market, Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, the total surface area of about 1,000 km². while the automated assembly line will California," said the memo. However, the As PAZ is positioned in the same orbit as allow throughput times and costs to be memo did not give a reason for what TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X and features halved. This state-of-the-art technology prompted the evaluation. exactly identical ground swaths and will safeguard 170 jobs and position the In December, SpaceX launched a new acquisition modes, they all three form a company to maximise future growth breed of GPS satellite for the U.S. military, h i g h - r e s o l u t i o n S A R s a t e l l i t e opportunities such as satellite marking the private space company's first constellation, jointly exploited by c o n s te l l a ti o n s o r ' N e w S p a c e ' national security space mission for the Hisdesat and Airbus. With the launch of approaches. Furthermore, ongoing country. PAZ, the observation repeat cycle has cutting-edge research will be supported, been divided by half, which improves the particularly in the area of scientific Lockheed Martin opens monitoring of fast ground deformation satellites, such as the Jupiter mission or phenomena that can endanger lives and missions to the Sun or Mercury. Cyber Innovation Lab in infrastructures. University of Central “This is a major step towards achieving In addition Airbus will use the clean room the implementation of our TerraSAR-X / (expanded by 250 m2 to a total of 1,700 Florida campus PAZ Radar Constellation. The level of m2) for the integration of satellite-based Lockheed Martin and the University of accuracy obtained with this interferogram optical instruments, an area in which Central Florida (UCF) celebrated the is a guarantee for our customers to Airbus has invested over €10 million at its grand opening of a new Cyber Innovation continue to rely on the high quality Ottobrunn/Taufkirchen site. The new Lab on UCF's campus that will help meet standard we have set with TerraSAR-X clean room will be used by some of the the growing local and national need for and TanDEM-X, but with an improved 150 employees in the Optical Instruments cybersecurity talent. The lab's opening m o n i t o r i n g c a p a c i t i y ” s a i d business unit to build the MERLIN was celebrated with a ribbon cutting, a HanjoKahabka, Head of Production and instrument (Methane Remote Sensing demonstration by UCF's Collegiate Radar Constellation Manager at Airbus Lidar Mission). MERLIN is a Franco- Cyber Defense Club (Hack@UCF) and a Defence and Space, Intelligence. German satellite project to measure the panel discussion with US military and methane concentration in Earth's Lockheed Martin cyber experts about “In Hisdesat we are very proud of atmosphere to improve understanding of technology trends and how students can reaching this milestone. Interferometry is climate change. prepare for a career in the growing field. one of the most technically demanding applications and thanks to this successful “ T h e a e r o s p a c e s i t e i n "This lab will serve as the campus' primary joint exercise with Airbus we have not Ottobrunn/Taufkirchen has not only hub for students to develop and expand IN THE NEWS AMERICAS their information security skills, preparing LeoStella inaugurates recently Iridium NEXT, making Thales Alenia them to enter this high demand field and Space the worldwide leader for take on the cyber security threats of the state-of-the-art constellations.” future," said UCF President Dale Whittaker. "We are grateful for Lockheed smallsat production Martin's longtime partnership and strong facility Viasat and Facebook commitment to our students' success." collaborate to expand The National Institute of Standards and LeoStella announced the official Technology estimates there are more than inauguration of its production facilities Internet connectivity in 13,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs in in Tukwila, Wash. The company is a rural Mexico Florida alone. That trend will continue, as joint venture between Thales Alenia the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts Space, joint venture between Thales Global communications company Viasat jobs for information security analysts will (67 %) and Leonardo (33 %), and and Facebook have announced a grow 28 percent by 2026. Seattle-based Spaceflight Industries. collaboration to accelerate the deployment Formed in March 2018, of affordable, high-speed, high-quality "The future battlespace will be heavily internet to communities that lack reliable reliant on cyber… even more so than we're LeoStella has been developing a internet or have no connectivity at all. Viasat seeing today," said Stephanie C. Hill, state-of-the-art production facility to and Facebook are working together to make deputy executive vice president of construct smallsats cost-effectively the internet accessible to more people in Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission and at scale. rural areas around the world. The Systems. "By working with institutions like “With the growing number of collaboration will help accelerate the UCF, through labs like this one, we'll all constellations, there is a large demand deployment of Viasat's market-leading better understand and accelerate our for efficient smallsat production and satellite-enabled Community Wi-Fi hotspot shared capabilities and potential to adapt LeoStella is uniquely positioned to service, which is an innovative, proven and innovate in the fifth domain. address that demand,” said Chris approach to bringing high-speed, affordable Chautard, LeoStella CEO. “LeoStella Wi-Fi directly to consumer's devices, where " In 2018, Lockheed Martin donated $1.5 is a unique blend of deep knowledge internet service was previously unavailable million to UCF to help create the Cyber and expertise from Thales Alenia or ineffective. The Viasat service requires Innovation Lab and encourage the next- Space and innovation and agility from minimal local infrastructure, is highly- generation of science, technology, Spaceflight Industries. With the new sustainable and rapidly scalable in engineering and math (STEM) talent to facility, we are equipped to design and emerging markets where large gaps exist collaborate and solve today's challenging manufacture smallsats efficiently.” among demand, affordability and availability cyber problems. The company's donation The first satellite produced by of internet services. will fund software and technology support LeoStella will be an Earth-observation As part of this collaboration, Viasat will place to the lab, and employees will also provide satellite for BlackSky's constellation. It h i g h - s p e e d s a t e l l i t e W i - F i cyber training and professional mentoring is scheduled to be completed by the hotspots—delivered as an affordable pre- to engineering students. end of Q1 in 2019. The company is paid service—at thousands of rural contracted to manufacture the next 20 locations. Facebook is investing in the roll- "Having a centralized space will satellites in BlackSky's constellation. out and working with Viasat to help identify streamline the way we organize our “LeoStella is positioned to disrupt the optimal deployment locations within Viasat's meetings and practices," said Hack@UCF smallsat industry,” said Brian O'Toole, current and planned satellite coverage. President David Maria, a senior studying president of Spaceflight Industries and computer engineering. "With this lab, we CEO of BlackSky. “The company is “Facebook is committed to working with can practice for competitions, host critical to BlackSky's success as we industry partners around the world to help workshops and speakers, provide cyber work to get our constellation on orbit bring more people online to a faster security tools and resources, and give our quickly. Part of making space more internet,” said Dan Rabinovitsj, vice student members a sense of community accessible is lowering all the costs president, Facebook Connectivity. “Viasat's and help get them ready for future careers. associated, including the design and rapidly growing Community Wi-Fi hotspot It's not just a practice space. It's a home for construction of the assets placed on service, already available to over one million us." The 970-square-foot lab is located in orbit. LeoStella will make constellation people in rural Mexico, is an example of a UCF's Engineering I building and will serve production lean, nimble and model that can help overcome the global as a learning hub for the more than 350 affordable.” connectivity challenges of accessibility and students participating in cyber programs at affordability, particularly in hard to reach UCF. Hack@UCF, a four-time national When operating at capacity, rural areas. We are excited to partner with an champion in competitions like the LeoStella's production facilities will industry leader like Viasat to accelerate Wi- Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition enable the company to produce up to Fi network deployments. Our joint initiative and the U.S. Department of Energy 30 satellites a year, ranging from will enable more people to connect with CyberForce Competition, will also use the Earth-observation and telecom friends and family, share knowledge and lab as its primary practice center. satellites. Additionally, LeoStella has access education and career opportunities.” spent the last year selecting its The collaboration will initially focus on In Orlando, Lockheed Martin employs suppliers and forming partnerships Mexico, bringing internet connectivity to approximately 2,500 UCF graduates, with with key vendors. remote regions of the country, with an plans to expand its cyber workforce. The “LeoStella is fully in line with Thales opportunity to expand globally. “Enabling the company's local Cyber Solutions business Alenia Space's strategy to match the next four billion internet users to come online grew 400 percent over the past five years new needs for new space,” said is one of the grand challenges of our time – and expects that growth to continue as the Viktoria Otero Del Val, EVP Strategy at and participating in that is also one of the nation seeks offensive and defensive Thales Alenia Space. “It will most exciting and rewarding opportunities of cyber security capabilities to address the complement and leverage its the mobile internet era,” said Mark evolving cyber threats. undisputed experience of mass Dankberg, chairman and CEO, Viasat. production for constellation with its “Rural communities, especially in emerging success of Globalstar, O3B and more markets, are often the hardest to serve IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

economically, yet are a vivid example of from Kourou in French Guiana, provides logistical support to the how Viasat's innovative space Baikonur in Kazakhstan, and Vostochy National Science Foundation-managed communication systems can bring i n R u s s i a . United States Antarctic Program through broadband communication services to OneWeb Satellites – a joint-venture the Antarctic Support Contract (ASC). the places that need it most, at the lowest between OneWeb and Airbus Defence DataPath's support to the US Antarctic bandwidth costs. We are pleased with and Space – is the prime contractor of Program includes installation of the the support that Facebook is bringing to the constellation. RUAG Space AB, on Company's MaxView® EnterpriseTM our initiative and excited about the the other hand, is in charge of the network monitor and control software. opportunity to accelerate the pace at development and production of the MaxView provides ground terminal which we can scale.” innovative dispenser system that will operator interface and management carry the six satellites and the four functionality to earth station equipment Mass Flight Simulators aboard Flight by collecting real-time and historical data Viasat is seeing rapid growth in its VS21. As for APCO Technologies, it is from field locations. Community Wi-Fi service in Mexico. In responsible for designing and building Under terms of the contract, Datapath less than one year since launch, Viasat the four Mass Flight Simulators.? has been designated as the software has already brought the internet within subcontractor for the Ross Island Earth reach to more than one million Mexican Station (RIES) project. RIES is a multi- citizens—delivering up to 100 Megabit CETel secures phased construction effort to establish a per second speeds at affordable prices. capacity on SES-12 new geosynchronous communications Today the Viasat Community Wi-Fi satellite earth station at the National service leverages the world's most Science Foundation's McMurdo Station, advanced high-capacity satellite, CETel has signed a substantial lease contract for satellite capacity with its the Antarctic Program's logistics hub. ViaSat-2, and the Company is currently RIES is a component of the larger building a global constellation of three strategic partner SES Networks. The capacity is secured on the recently McMurdo Commercial Satellite next-generation ultra-high-capacity Communications Modernization satellites, known as the ViaSat-3 class of launched satellite SES-12, which is one of the largest geostationary p r o g r a m . T h e R I E S c o n c e p t satellites, to bring affordable high-speed, incorporates a new antenna that meets high-quality internet connectivity to the satellites that SES has procured. The satellite carries six wide beams and 72 or exceeds the gain of a 13-meter class hardest to reach places on earth. For antenna system. more information on how Viasat's high-throughput spotbeams serving regions from the Middle East to the The RIES will be installed on a small, Community Wi-Fi service works to tabular, volcanic plateau immediately strengthen local communities and global Asia-Pacific. “We committed to this capacity to adjacent to McMurdo. The installation economies, watch this video of a recent site is located at the southwestern base deployment in Mexico. assure that our customers benefit from powerful and reliable satellite of the feature designated as Crater Hill communications," explained CETel's on Ross Island, Antarctica, which affords U.S operator OneWeb Managing Director, Guido Neumann. an optimum view of the geosynchronous to orbit next-generation "The demand for encompassing satellite arc to the north. The antenna will connectivity solutions, especially in be located approximately 1,500 feet from satellite constellation the Middle East is tending upwards. the primary equipment room, which is Securing this capacity is key to our located south of the antenna site. For its second mission of the year — and business, particularly for the oil & gas DataPath is tasked to integrate its the initial flight in 2019 with the Soyuz and mining sectors. Automation and MaxView Monitor and Control medium launcher — Arianespace will digitalization in these industries feed application with the RIES Equipment to perform the first launch for the OneWeb the demand for data transmission and provide remote control and monitoring, constellation. CETel is best prepared to deliver and logging of all system events. broadband-like connectivity to even DataPath is also tasked with fully Flight VS21, the 21st Soyuz mission from t h e h a r s h e s t a n d r e m o t e s t integrating the new RIES MaxView the Guiana Space Center, will put six environments to fuel ERP and thus instance into the USAP MaxView OneWeb F6 satellites for U.S operator improve operational results." The Enterprise environment. Integration will OneWeb into a circular low Earth orbit at coverage reaches from Cyprus in the include terminal satellite contact 1,000 km. (close to their operational West to Japan in the East, and South a u t o m a t i o n b a s e d o n t h e orbit), along with four Mass Flight to Australia and North to Russia. Its DataPathMaxView Maestro automation Simulators (MFS) that will not be excellent coverage enables CETel to tool. separated from the launcher's dispenser provide optimized solutions from its Leidos administers a satellite system. OneWeb's mission is to deliver own communications hub located in communications ground network on global communications through a next- the UAE. behalf of the Antarctic Program. The generation satellite constellation that will ground network includes satellite earth bring seamless connectivity to everyone, stations at permanent locations, everywhere. including Christchurch, New Zealand DataPath to Support and at each continental Antarctic station: With its system deployed, the OneWeb Communications for McMurdo, Amundsen-Scott Station, constellation will enable user terminals Palmer. capable of offering 3G, LTE, 5G and Wi- the US Antarctic Infrastructure at each of these earth Fi coverage, giving high-speed access Program stations includes at least one instance of around the world – by air, sea and land. DataPath, Inc., has been awarded a the DataPathMaxView® EnterpriseTM p r i m e c o n t r a c t f r o m L e i d o s network monitor and control (M&C) Composed of approximately 650 Innovations Corporation of Reston, software application and related satellites, OneWeb initial constellation VA to provide software and integration computer server hardware. The will be orbited by Arianespace using 21 support to communications program MaxView application provides ground Soyuz launchers operated through 2020 located in the Antarctic. Leidos terminal operator interface and management functionality to earth AMERICAS

station equipment. A centralized M&C BGAN system – is an integral part of VSAT service maintain a high-quality, server that collects and aggregates real- this new capability that the joint venture uninterrupted IP session whilst crossing time and historical data from field locations determines to bring to the global multiple spot beams within a short period is operated at the Leidos office and USAP aerospace industry. Addvalue has of time. In addition, the platform boasts Enterprise wide area network (WAN) data more than 15 years of proven track carrier class redundancy, supporting the center in Centennial, Colorado. record in the development a wide range reliability of the Aura network. of communication terminals for mobile The upgrade has significantly enhanced Wavestream announces satellite systems (“MSS”) that includes Aura VSAT coverage and capacity by t h e I n m a r s a t B G A N s y s t e m . providing access to an increased number the first in a series of Ka- Addvalue's deep capabilities in the of satellite wide beams, as well as global Band solutions for development of Inmarsat BGAN access to hundreds of spot beams on terminals, including in particular the SES' three recently launched High LEO/MEO Gateway recently developed spacequalified Throughput Satellites (HTS). The market Inter-Satellite Data Relay System addition of JCSAT-15 in the Indian Ocean (“IDRS”) technologies, shall provide region is key for connectivity across major Wavestream announced the first in a series the inimitable technological support to shipping lanes linking Africa, Europe and of Ka-band solutions for LEO/MEO Avionica's plan for the development of Asia, while additional coverage provided gateway market. Wavestream has the new generation of SBB terminals. by Astra 4A enhances existing multi- released an industry-leading Ka-band Under the Contract, Addvalue will beam coverage over typically busy 160W Peak Envelope Power BUC for develop the main components of the European waters. SES-1 and SES-10 LEO/MEO gateway applications. The new satellite connectivity while Avionica will now provide improved coverage across BUC provides 65W of linear power. develop the avionic components of the the Americas, with particular focus on the Leveraging Wavestream's patented system and be responsible for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Panama and Spatial advantEdge™ technology, this new system integration and project the Caribbean. gateway-focused BUC reaches power management for the FAA certification Alex Stewart, Chief Operating Officer at levels that could previously be achieved process S a t c o m G l o b a l c o m m e n t e d : only by traveling wave tube amplifiers. Dr Colin Chan, Chairman and CEO of “SES Networks and iDirect are leaders in Using the latest in GaN chips, Wavestream Addvalue remarked: “The partnership their field, and the migration to Velocity BUCs provide best-in-class performance with Avionica signifies a watershed in provides us with a state-of-the-art w i t h t h e s m a l l e s t S W a P . the history of Addvalue as it extends platform by which to deliver seamless The 160W BUC provides major technical our business portfolio into the exciting broadband connectivity that is both and operational advantages for satellite and fast growing aviation market. Apart flexible and scalable. It is important to us operators with global LEO/MEO f r o m r e n d e r i n g t h e t e r m i n a l to invest our time and resources in constellations. development and production support technological developments to ensure we “As satellite operators move to low orbit service to Avionica, Addvalue is also have futureproof solutions, enabling us to constellations, the market is demanding able to provide the related after-sales meet the needs of our growing Aura innovative solutions with high volume and maintenance service support to customer base.” manufacturing, to support a significant Avionica's clients in the region here.” Aura services were transitioned from growth in the number of ground teleports,” iDirect Evolution to Velocity, on a vessel said Bob Huffman, General Manager at Mr Sean Reilly, Vice President of by vessel basis, monitored by the Satcom Wavestream. “As the industry leader in Ka- Business Development Avionica: “We Global VSAT Solutions team, who worked band SSPAs, Wavestream is now at the appreciate Addvalue's years of closely with SES Networks and iDirect on forefront of providing new state-of-the-art experience in developing SATCOM the migration to minimise disruption to solid state power amplifier technology to systems. This Partnership will provide c u s t o m e r s . P l a n n i n g f o r H T S meet these customer needs.” Avionica with a high-quality, cost- implementation from inception, Satcom effective SBB terminal to address the Global Aura was developed with Velocity- Addvalue innovation growing demands for real-time flight ready iDirect X7 modems as a key data services for the worldwide aviation component. This facilitated a seamless signs design contract market.” 'over the air' migration for Aura early with Avionica LLC adopters, enabling them to take Satcom Global advantage of the new technology with Addvalue Technologies Ltd, announced ease, leveraging the advantages of the that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Addvalue upgrades Aura VSAT hybrid Ku HTS, without the need for Innovation Pte Ltd, has formalised a to iDirect Velocity physical hardware upgrades. significant design contract with Avionica SatcomGlobal's Director of Solutions and LLC, a world leader in innovative, Platform Technical Support, Josh Bolton added: miniaturized aircraft data collection and “We're delighted that the migration to wireless data transmission equipment, to Satcom Global announced the Velocity is now complete, providing us jointly develop a new generation of Swift successful migration of its Aura VSAT with multiple new tools to assist us in Broadband (“SBB”) terminals to support network to the iDirect Velocity platform, expertly managing and supporting the the growing demands for real-time flight enabling customers of the high-speed Aura network. The Pulse network data services for the worldwide aviation Ku-band service to benefit from higher management platform, enhanced beam market capacity per vessel, improved satellite selection capabilities and fast blockage Avionica announced a joint venture with network management, as well as the reacquisition capability assist in GE Aviation in May 2018 to maximise the ability to fully capitalize on the delivering a consistent quality value of aircraft data usage through the coverage and additional capacity of connectivity to customers.” combined use of more real-time and primary network supplier, SES iDirect Velocity was specifically designed reliable data connectivity and data Networks. to enable satellite operators like Satcom analytics expertise. The development of The Velocity platform equips the Aura Global to deploy managed HTS and the new generation of SBB terminals – network with advanced mobility multi-spot beam architectures, consisting based on the highly reliable Inmarsat capabilities, ensuring vessels using the of increasingly more beams, frequencies