Ghana upbeat as GTV adopts advanced media technologies

VVVolVolVolVol o6 o6 66l l. .No. NoNo. No77 N N 55 oo5.. 818 September 2018 2019

AFRICA

SPECIAL REPORT How petroleum firms manage communication SPECIALSPECIAL REPOR REPORT T WsystemsSPECIALhy oil a nREPORd failures gas fTirms choose Sduringatcom d operationsuring catastrophic crisis

BY ANTHONY DOUGLAS

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

Driving Africa’s single digital market Editor in-chief Aliyu Bello Intelsat, Africa Mobile Networks reach milestone to connect Executive Manager Tonia Gerrald rural communities in sub-saharan Africa SA to the editor in-Chief Ngozi Okey Intelsat releases second quarter 2019 results Head, Application Services M. Yakubu SES announces half year 2019 results Editorial/ICT Services John Daniel Eutelsat Communications full year 2018-19 Usman Bello financial results Alozie Nwankwo Juliet Nnamdi Speedcast, Sasol awarded deal for fully-managed Client Relations Sunday Tache communications solutions and IT support in Mozambique Lookman Bello AsiaSat approves privatisation proposal Safiya Thani Africa’s broadcast regulatory review Marketing Offy Pat It doesn’t rain, it pours in Warri Tunde Nathaniel UK, US collaborate on satellite deployment over Africa Wasiu Olatunde Three years after, AMOS-17 replacement satellite successfully launched Media Relations Favour Madu Still Africa’s largest TV Network Khadijat Yakubu Intelsat, Stratosat power business expansion across Central Africa Zacheous Felicia Finance Folarin Tunde Why oil and gas firms choose Satcom during catastrophic crisis Ghana upbeat as GTV adopts advanced media technologies Space Watch Magazine is a publication of Communication Science, Inc. All correspondence should be addressed to editor, space Watch Magazine. Abuja office: Plot 2009, Awka Street, UTC Building, GF 11, Area 10, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria Tel: 234 80336471114, 07084706167, email: [email protected]

LEGAL CONSULTANTS Idowu Oriola & Co. Garki, Abuja

DISTRIBUTION CONTACTS Ade Adejo

ABIJAN INTERNATIONAL Suleija, Abuja

AYO DISTRIBUTION AGENCY Emir Road, Ilorin Olumayowa Ojo

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

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

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

MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTION AGENCY Jos, Plateau State. Cover photo: Indian Oil depot fire

1

Editorial

Driving Africa’s single digital market

by Daniel Obam

The African continent is suffering from low areas where wireline facilities are not resulted in the development, through a mobile broadband connectivity with less feasible Kenya's preparatory process for collaborative effort between the than 30% of Africans having access to WRC-19 began in early 2016 when government, it's agencies and the private broadband. The majority of Africans members of the National Preparatory sector, of the Kenya Digital Economy access the Internet mostly via mobile Committee (NPC) who had attended Blueprint for Africa which outlines the phones. Internet access anywhere and at WRC-15 held a one day workshop to brief factors that are behind the digital any time is pivotal to the successful other stakeholders on the outcomes of transformation of the economy. growth of a knowledge economy. African WRC-15. . Thereafter, the National governments will continue to invest in Preparatory Committiee for WRC-19 was Kenya's national development priorities infrastructure for universal, always-on, constituted. The main objective of the are enshrined in the Kenya Vision 2030 high speed, wireless data connectivity for NPC was to prepare the country position and the Big Four Agenda. The Kenya every citizen. for the WRC-19, taking into consideration Vision 2030 aims to create “a globally the results of ITU studies, current national competitive and prosperous country with a Nonetheless, ICTs and broadband spectrum use and priorities. The high quality of life by 2030”. It also aims to access are expected to play significant membership of the NPC was drawn from transform Kenya into “a newly- r o l e i n e n h a n c i n g A f r i c a ' s organisations that utilize the radio industrializing, middle income country competitiveness in the implementation of frequency spectrum resource. providing a high quality of life to all its the African Continental Free Trade Area citizens in a clean and secure (AfCFTA). The is reported to be world's The Communications Authority of Kenya environment”. The Vision identifies ICT as largest free trade zone — a 55-nation (CA), by virtue of its mandate as the a key enabler in the achievement of bloc worth $3.4 trillion. The AfCFTA country's radio frequency management economic pillars and a critical factor in agreement was signed in Kigali Rwanda agency, plays a pivotal role in the driving the economic, social and political on 21 March 2018 and by July 2019, 54 preparations of the WRC-19 by providing development in our country. African States had signed up. Kenya and the chairmanship and secretariat for the Ghana were among the first countries to NPC as well as logistical support for all the On the other hand, the Big Four Agenda is ratify the Agreement and the ratification preparatory activities. The NPC holds its an accelerated five-year development plan requirement was reached in good time meetings before major international designed to fast-track the realisation of the and the agreement was launched on 8 preparatory meetings such as EACO Vision 2030 and focuses on four pillars, July 2019 in Niamey Niger by African Preparatory Meetings, ATU Preparatory namely Food and Nutritional Security, leaders. Meetings, CPM and Inter-Regional Universal Healthcare, Manufacturing, and Workshops while the associated Affordable Housing. The Big Four agenda The trade pact aims to create a single subcommittees hold several meetings can be directly related to the Sustainable African continental market for goods and depending on the volume of allocated Development Goals (SDGs) services and boost cross-border trade by work in order to deliberate on the WRC- The Blueprint defines the Digital Economy reducing or eliminating duties and red 2019 agenda items in an effort to come up as “the entirety of sectors that operate tape with free movement of business, with final positions. using digitally-enabled communications persons and investments. This is and networks leveraging internet, mobile expected to expand intra-Africa trade, and other technologies”, and identifies expedite the continental integration 5G technology is expected to increase pillars that are driving the digital process and enhance competitiveness at opportunities for developments brought transformation of the economy. the industry and enterprise level. All these about by technologies such as Internet of will contribute towards the African Region Things (IoT), Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Kenya sees the Digital economy as fulfilling its obligations and commitment to communications, Virtual Reality, Artificial opportunity to leapfrog and grow its the international sustainable develpment Intelligence and mission critical economy, and transit to a Knowledge goals as well as making the economies of communication. It is also expected to based economy. It expects to reap benefits African countries become stronger and enhance overall capacity, speed and in economic growth (GDP growth, much bigger and the mutual benefits of latency of the mobile networks and drive sustainable development , job creation, trade elevating Africa's economic industrial and societal transformation and reduced poverty, and innovative development status. economic growth globally. homegrown solutions), socio-economic development (enhanced quality of life and Therefore, African governments are Kenya has achieved much in the digital basic needs leading to citizen satisfaction), looking at making broadband accessible transformation of its economy; although a and in improved governance(transparency and affordable to enable citizens to utilize l o t m o r e w o r k r e m a i n s t o b e and accountability, greater efficiency digital technologies to access public accomplished. In the SMART Africa forbetter public service delivery and services and transact business Alliance whose aim is to use ICT to drive increased public participation in decision effortlessly on online platforms. WRC-19 the achievement of Africa as a Single making) presents a critical opportunity for African Digital Market, Kenya has the countries to work with like minded responsibility to promote the Digital Daniel Obam is the Communications Secretary National Communications Secretariat, Kenya countries to finalize identification of Economy Pillar. During the Transform spectrum that will enhance the delivery of Africa Summit held in Kigali, Rwanda in . services across various industries, but May 2019, Kenya decided to review the especially wireless broadband, to rural factors that are driving the digital and remote un-served and underserved transformation of its economy.The review 5 INDUSTRY REVIEW

8k is right on track

8K is right on track. That was the key conclusion of Michael Cioni, SVP Innovation at Panavision in a talk given at theO;ED & Advanced Display Summit in Hollywood. He based this on an analysis of previous generations of technology from multiple disciplines. Not only is 8K right on track, its adoption is essentially inevitable and he is now starting to think about 16K and even 32K! in 2001, SD resolution was mainstream, but by 2009, 4K resolution was introduced in professional markets. This time frame corresponds to 8 years or 4 Moore cycles. SD resolution is about 0.3 megapixels, so doubling that four times leads to a resolution of 2.4 megapixels, which is very close to DCI-4K resolution of 2.2 megapixels. Continuing the concept for another 4 Moore cycles leads to the conclusion that displays with 38.4 megapixels should be introduced expansion.” announcement related to 8K planned. Sharp in 2015. In 2015, 8K faced a lot of issues, 8K refers to the latest and highest- will be bringing a super-large 120-inch 8K but Cioni helped put together initial resolution standard for content creation, LCD TV to the show. TCL's launch of its first solutions to these challenges, thus distribution and television displays that 8K LCD with miniLED has been postponed supporting his analysis. Three years later, enables over 33 million pixels of resolution, but it will probably be on display at IFA consumer 8K TVs with 33.8 megapixels are which is 4 times sharper than the UHD / 4K anyways - as will its new 4K X10 series based available. From this analysis, Cioni standard. The new 8K TV specification on the same technology. concluded that 8K resolution is not too high now defined by the 8K Association Roku CEO, Anthony Wood, has been but just another step along the path toward includes recommended performance announced as one of four Keynote speakers ever increasing resolutions. levels for High Dynamic Range (HDR) and at IFA 2019. Panasonic and Philips will be While 8K production is more expensive than Color performance along with interface highlighting 'multi-HDR' support as they are 4K or 2K, on a relative basis, the cost is requirements to help ensure consumers the first to support both HDR10+ and Dolby exactly the same as it was at the have confidence in their newly purchased Vision. We expect other brands to once again introductory stage of 2K and 4K. That's a 8K TVs. A compliance test set will be tout extreme HDR peak brightness numbers powerful conclusion and points to the need developed next by 8K Association that do not translate into reality simply to educate the professional community on members, thus enabling a transparent because a few hundred LED dimming zones these aspects of 8K. testing process. The 8KA plans to promote are spread thin across more than 8 million So despite the naysayers on 8K, technology a logo on any member's 8K TV that meets pixels - and soon 33 million pixels. We are evolution and display side push means 8K or exceeds the newly defined technical getting the impression that everyone will come to market. The only question is: standard. involved are getting tired of these silly will it penetrate at the same rate as 4K? Along with the newly defined performance exaggerations. standard, the 8K Association continues its rapid growth with its broad membership 8K Association having more than doubled over the past Hollywood gets involved announces months. The organization's newest members span video capture, television From "the wild west" to advanced modern Performance chipset technology, audio and video TVs. In recent years, TV technology has technology providers, and video leapfrogged cinema. 4K resolution is fast Specification for entertainment creators—all with an eye becoming the norm and HDR - High Dynamic Consumer Tvs toward efforts to promote the rapid growth Range - is starting to take off. While there are of 8K content, delivery, and displays. Dolby Cinemas and other initiatives to make According to data from top market some form of HDR - or EDR (Enhanced The 8K Association (8KA), the cross- researchers, the 8KA membership now Dynamic Range) as critics prefer to call it - industry group focused on facilitating the includes TV brands that hold over 40% of available to cinemagoers, the HDR growth of the 8K ecosystem, is pleased to st the TV market in the United States in the 1 revolution is happening in our living rooms. announce that key performance attributes half of 2019 and an estimated 90% of 8K Hollywood is starting to acknowledge the for 8K televisions have been defined as part panel production to date. change. of the 8KA technical program. Performance criteria were created in concert with the However, technology is only one part of the association's membership which include IFA 2019 preview: What equation. All of this technology must be leading consumer electronics brands, panel tamed in order to remain true to the content manufacturers and other leadership to expect creators and industry standards, filmmakers companies within the 8K ecosystem with a argue. "With all the advances in today's strong pulse on current and future Europe's biggest tech show starts this televisions, now is a great time to introduce technology trends. September. The major TV makers will be at Filmmaker Mode. It's just impossible to “Defining the key attributes for an 8K TV IFA 2019 in Berlin to show off their latest ignore what the technology can do," said specification demonstrates the 8KA's focus and greatest TVs and technologies. Here Paul Thomas Anderson, director of There to quickly define a critical step in the growth is what to expect. Will Be Blood and Phantom Thread. "We can in next-generation video technology,” noted At last year's show, Samsung launched its use these capabilities to preserve the intent 8KA Executive Director, Chris Chinnock. first 8K TVs in Europa, and the TVs were of the filmmaker, preserve the purpose of the “To reach this milestone is a great testament later brought to the US. Unsurprisingly, we art." The Filmmaker Mode is a "clean to the cooperative spirit the members of the hear that 8K will be a theme at IFA 2019. expression of what the movie was meant to 8K Association enjoy along with our shared LG will launch its first 8K TVs, including 8K look like" in up to 4K HDR - and beyond in the enthusiasm for the 8K ecosystem O L E D , a n d P a n a s o n i c h a s a n future. APOINTMENTS

responsible for operational and launch GTMaritime appoints Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi services activities. As a senior executive Keng Teen to drive state and the fifth director general of NITDA. of innovative high technology Aerospace He, in the past worked with the Galaxy and Defense companies dedicated to growth in Asia-Pacific Backbone Limited and has a number of t h e d e s i g n , d e v e l o p m e n t a n d professional certifications manufacturing of state-of-the-art Keng Teen (KT) brings more than 15 years' systems, Schneider is recognized as a experience of delivering satellite Mr Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi, is a leader within the small satellite industry. communications and maritime software MassachusettsSource: Airbus InstituteDefence ofand Technology Space - MIT platform solutions to clients across Asia Sloan - trained strategist with 14+ years of Pacific Region to GTMaritime, accumulated Speedcast announces across terrestrial and maritime segments. new Board and Beginning his career as a provider of internet backbone solutions combining satellite and Management changes terrestrial pipes to serve remote regions in Prof Seidu Mohammed Asia, he went on to join Marlink Singapore. Speedcast International Limited has Libby Barr publicly announced the following update Initially tasked with identifying opportunities Adewale Adeyipo on its Board renewal process and for expanding Marlink's mobile satellite management changes. In July 2019, services to local and regional broadcasters, Russell Reynolds was appointed by the Keng Teen gained his first exposure to the Board! Of Speedcast to undertake a maritime sector by promoting Inmarsat fleet formal global search process for services to Singaporean luxury yacht owners. additional non-executive Directors as From that point on, the shipping and offshore part of Speedcast's Board renewal energy sectors became one of the key process. focuses for Keng Teen's career. He became As part of this process, the Company has Regional Sales Manager for a maritime determined that two current non- software platform designed to optimise ship- executive Directors would resign and shore data transmissions, building a deep four new non-executive Directors would understanding of the issues and challenges be appointed. In line with this approach, of connectivity at sea, before taking up a experience in IT operations, business the Company announces the following senior role at Eutelsat and drive efforts to transformation and solution architecture, initial changes to its Board: develop business across Asia in both across both private and public sectors. He John Mackay resigned as Chairman, maritime and terrestrial verticals attended Leadership and Management effective immediately but will remain on . courses at Harvard University in the USA, the Board as a non-executive Director The appointment at GTMaritime coincides University of Cambridge in the UK and IMD until 30 September 2019 to ensure an with escalating demand for effective cyber- Business School in Switzerland. orderly transition to the new Chairman security solutions and a mounting regional In 2014 he joined Nigeria's Apex Bank (CBN) In his place, StepheWilks has been maritime appetite for digitalisation and data- as a Technology Architect, where he appointed to the Board and elected centric vessel operation, according to dedicated his time to developing Technology Chairman, effective immediately Mr GTMaritime Sales & Marketing Director Mike Architecture Repository that gives 360 view Mackay has been Chairman of McNally. “More than 40% of the world's of the Bank's IT infrastructure and easy Speedcast's Board since the Company's merchant fleet is operated and owned by decision on new IT investment. He was part IPO in July 2014, and has provided shipping companies in APAC, while, six of the of the team that executed software license committed leadership at the Board level 10 biggest liner shipping companies are rationalization which has increased cost throughout his tenure. Mr Mackay's based in APAC,” said Mr McNally. “KT has savings for the Bank in license annual resignation as Chairman is effective extensive technical understanding of satellite subscriptions. Mr. Inuwa was a key resource immediately, and he will remain on the connectivity and digital platforms managing in the development of IT standards for the Board as a non-executive Director until s h i p - s h o r e d a t a c o m m u n i c a t i o n s , Bank which has reduced mean time to 30 September 2019 to ensure an orderly networking, storage and integration of deploy/integrate new system by over 20%. . transition and knowledge transfer to the software solutions. Combined with his ability new Chairman. to build customer loyalty and his eye for Further, the Company is pleased to detail, this skillset makes him the perfect fit for announce that StepheWilks has GTMaritime's next phase of growth.” Firefly Aerospace Names accepted the invitation from the Board to Brad Schneider as Chief become Speedcast's Chairman, effective immediately. Kashifu Abdullahi Revenue Officer appointed new NITDA Firefly Aerospace announced today that it Commenting on the changes, Mr has hired Brad Schneider as the Chief Mackay said: "I would like to take this chief executive Revenue Officer. Schneider has more than opportunity to thank my fellow board 35 years of experience in corporate members, the management team and operations, business, and strategic staff of Speedcast. Over the past five The Federal Government of Nigeria has marketing within the aerospace and defense years, the Company has grown from an appointed Mr Kashifu Abdullahi as the new industry, focusing the last two decades on under-scaled Asia-Pacific focused Director General and chief executive officer the development of small satellite and remote telecommunications provider to of the National Information Technology launch vehicle technologies. an industry leader with unique global Development Agency (NITDA). . capabilities, scale and infrastructure. I The appointment of Abdullahi was sequel to Schneider has previously held senior am delighted that Stephe has accepted the nomination of Dr Isa Pantami, the leadership roles, including Chief Financial the invitation to become Chairman and outgoing director general of the agency as a Officer, Chief Operating Officer, General am confident that with his successful minister designate by the President. Manager and Consultant for leading private track record, telecommunications sector Abdullahi until his appointment was a start-up companies and has had extensive experience and direct approach to principal officer at the Central Bank of Nigeria public sector experience with Lockheed business, the Company will be in good (CBN) who was on secondment to NITDA as Martin and Raytheon. Prior to joining Firefly, hands." - It is anticipated that another a Technical Assistant to Pantami. he was one of the first executives with Director will retire from the Board once a Born on Feb. 21, 1980, he graduated from Rocket Lab USA Inc., serving as Executive suitable appointment is made. Vice President of USA operations Intelsat, Africa Mobile Satellite internet startup chooses SpaceX Networks reach for its first commercial launch milestone to connect Astranis, the San Francisco- What makes Astranis costs by "up to three times" rural communities in based satellite internet satellites more cost- and triple the capacity of the s t a r t u p b a c k e d b y efficient is the fact that network. sub-saharan Africa Andreessen Horowitz, Y they are easier to make Though this is going to be Combinator, and other due to their relatively their first satellite launch with Silicon Valley venture small size. This alters the SpaceX, Falcon has already Intelsat S.A. and Africa Mobile Networks, capitalists, is set to launch its e c o n o m i c s o f sent one up in space through an integrator of mobile network f i r s t c o m m e r c i a l deployment in terms of a demo launch last year just infrastructure, announced that a milestone in telecommunicate satellite connectivity provider so it can prove that its tech would work. bringing mobile connectivity to unserved aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 partners and potential The approach that Astranis communities in sub-Saharan Africa has rocket. A launch time frame carriers. Astranis' approach has hopes would work long term been reached. Building upon a partnership Q 4 2 0 2 0 h a s b e e n scheduled. opened doors for a is to focus on making announced in the fall of 2018, in less than a partnership with Pacific satellites that will stay in a year, approximately 525 remote cell sites "It's a major milestone for the Dataport, a subsidiary of fixed orbital position relative have been connected, with the goal of Microcom based in to the area on the ground expanding mobile coverage to other parts of company," says Astranis CEO and cofounder John Anchorage created to wherein service is provided. the region by the end of 2019. Gedmark. "We're one step improve and expand This is very different from the “As both a global corporation and a global closer to having our first satellite broadband typical approach, including citizen, Intelsat is committed to investing in commercial satellite up and access in Alaska. the Starlink project by accelerating the adoption of mobile solving this problem of SpaceX, which uses a huge connectivity in sub-Saharan Africa — and internet connectivity.” With the company's constellation of low Earth throughout the world — and closing the digital Astranis' goal is to address d e b u t l a u n c h w i t h orbit satellites. divide,” said Jean-Philippe Gillet, Intelsat vice those who don't have access SpaceX, the company This is how coverage is president and general manager, networks. to broadband internet, which hopes to achieve the offered because one or more “Through this partnership, we are now is still a huge number in a same thing. Falcon 9 will are bound to be over the providing access to mobile coverage for the global scale. The company deliver a single satellite coverage area at any given time as they orbit the Earth, first time to approximately 1.7 million people aims to provide affordable to geostationary orbit, handing off connections from living in remote communities across several internet by using low-cost which should add more than 7 Gbps of speed to one to the next. Over the past countries that many thought were impossible satellites, which can be built i n t e r n e t p r o v i d e r s . few years, Astranis is but one to connect.” and launched must faster than existing spacecraft as According to Astranis, its of several satellite internet Until now, the cost of expansion and efforts should reduce startups that have emerged. geographic complexities in remote rural areas well. of Africa have made establishing connectivity for the communities, individuals, and businesses in these regions extremely NSR: Satellite M2M/IoT to reach $11.6 billion difficult. AMN has developed a low-cost solution, powered by a highly reliable small market over next decade cell solar-based system that can be rapidly NSR's M2M and IoT via deployed in less than six hours. Combined crucially small with the power, performance and efficiency Satellite, 10th Edition ( M 2 M / I o T 1 0 ) r e p o r t , s a t e l l i t e delivered by the three high-throughput published, forecasts $11.6 constellations, Intelsat EpicNG satellites, as well as the 23 billion in revenues will be e n t e r t h e additional satellites covering the African generated over the next 10 market. continent, AMN and Intelsat are delivering a years. All M2M and IoT mobile network infrastructure that is fast, cost- applications will grow, with Agriculture and effective, reliable and able to easily scale to total retail revenues to rise Construction meet emerging data demands. at 6.6% CAGR over the m a r k e t “Intelsat shares our vision of installing a cell coming decade, with a segments see site in every African village,” said Michael 14% CAGR for in-service the strongest Darcy, AMN chief executive officer. “Like us, M2M/IoT units during this i n c r e a s e s d r i v e n b y Crisp, NSR Senior Analyst they recognize that when you close the same period. And, while partnerships with heavy and report lead author. connectivity gap in sub-Saharan Africa, you significant attention is paid machinery makers, but Traditional MSS and VSAT can bring about significant positive change in to emerging IoTsmallsat other segments, like Energy satellite IoT services remain and Maritime, will also people's lives. Using Intelsat's technology, constellations, NSR found a core opportunity, but small contribute to the future our two companies can make that vision a MSS and VSAT offerings satellite IoT constellations continue to play a solid role r e v e n u e p i e . will disrupt the market longer reality.” “Existing satcomIoT Intelsat is a leading provider of fixed satellite in the M2M/IoT growth term. Lower cost satellite story. offerings will grow strongly, architectures, with lower total services (FSS) with a diversified, premier although operators are cost of ownership for end customer base. We operate a global fleet of Transport & Cargo has preparing for longer term users, will drive new over 50 inservice satellites, eight teleports been the main M2M/IoT strategies with increased customers to these services. and the IntelsatOneSM terrestrial market driver traditionally; distribution, dual-mode This is especially the case architecture. Our satellite communications however, a change in the o ff e r i n g s a n d h i g h e r where there is a pressing network covers 99% of the world's populated mix of applications driving bandwidth, as well as need for connectivity and the regions, including market access in revenue will occur as new targeting new applications e c o n o m i c s h a v e n o t approximately 200 countries and territories technologies, such as and offering more end to previously stacked up, or Iridium Certus, new flat end solutions combined with there were issues integrating panel antennas, and most analytics,” stated Alan existing form factors. MARKET REPORT Intelsat releases second quarter 2019 results In the second quarter of 2019, Intelsat made progress, including expansion of our managed services platforms. The global footprint of our Intelsat EpicNG-based managed services has continue to addresses aeronautical, maritime, wireless infrastructure, enterprise and government broadband requirements, according to Stephen Spengler, Intelsat's Chief Executive Officer.

Intelsat S.A. announced financial results for In addition, at June 30, 2019 our fleet the three and six months ended June 30, services, media and government sectors. included approximately 1,200 36 MHz units 2019. Intelsat reported total revenue of $509.4 Our customers use our services for of high-throughput Intelsat EpicNG capacity, million and net loss attributable to Intelsat S.A. broadband connectivity to deliver fixed and as compared to 1,475 units at March 31, of $529.7 million for the three months ended mobile telecommunications, enterprise, 2019, reflecting the April 2019 failure of the June 30, 2019. The net loss reflects a $381.6 video distribution and fixed and mobile Intelsat 29e satellite. In the second quarter of million asset impairment charge incurred in government applications. 2019, Intelsat conducted no satellite the second quarter of 2019 for an in-period launches. As at June 30, 2019, Intelsat's satellite failure. Intelsat reported EBITDA1, or So far, network services revenue was contracted backlog, representing expected earnings before net interest, gain on early $185.2 million (or 36 percent of Intelsat's future revenue under existing contracts with extinguishment of debt, taxes and total revenue) for the three months ended customers, was $7.5 billion after adjusting for depreciation and amortization, of a loss of June 30, 2019, a decrease of 7 percent known reductions to backlog related to the $52.1 million and Adjusted EBITDA1 of $373.8 compared to the three months ended June Intelsat 29e satellite failure, as compared to million, or 73 percent of revenue, for the three 30, 2018. However, media revenue was $7.9 billion at March 31, 2019. months ended June 30, 2019. Free cash flow $223.5 million (or 44 percent of Intelsat's used in operations1 was $45.2 million. total revenue) for the three months ended June 30, 2019, a decrease of 5 percent C-Band Alliance Intelsat's Chief Executive Officer, Stephen compared to the three months ended June The C-Band Alliance, of which Intelsat is a Spengler, said, “In the second quarter of 2019 30, 2018. In addition, government revenue founding member, submitted several we made progress on our operational was $93.3 million (or 18 percent of Intelsat's significant filings in response to the Notice of priorities, including the expansion of our total revenue) for the three months ended Proposed Rule Making issued by the FCC, managed services platforms. The global June 30, 2019, a decrease of 5 percent GN Docket No. 18-122. Since April 30, 2019, footprint of our Intelsat EpicNG-based compared to the three months ended June the CBA added additional detail to its managed services addresses aeronautical, 30, 2018. proposal, building consensus on its plan to maritime, wireless infrastructure, enterprise clear our licensed C-band spectrum to and government broadband requirements. Meanwhile, Intelsat's average fill rate at support U.S. leadership in 5G while also Reflecting our emphasis on the wireless June 30, 2019 on our approximately 1,750 protecting essential television, radio and data sector, we ramped up services on our 36 MHz station-kept wide-beam services currently using C-band spectrum. enhanced point-to-point solutions and on our transponders was 78 percent, stable as The filings included our proposed band plan, new satellites. In particular, we signed new compared to our average fill rate at March and a series of technical filings business on the Horizons 3e high-throughput 31, 2019 of 78 percent with no change in demonstrating our expertise on the current satellite, which provides infrastructure for transponder count. state of U.S. networks using C-band several of the largest wireless operators in spectrum. Asia, as well as Intelsat 38, which is providing new services for government applications.”

Spengler concluded, “Over the past two months we significantly increased the public details of our C-Band Alliance proposal under the U.S. Federal Communications Commission C-band proceeding. We added to the record a committed plan for protecting incumbent users, expanded the detail of our plan for rapid implementation, and submitted additional technical analyses supporting interference mitigation. We will continue to enhance our plan, with a goal of demonstrating that the CBA plan represents the fastest path to cleared spectrum for 5G in the U.S., while maintaining the reliability of the U.S. television and radio ecosystem.”

Second Quarter 2019 Business Highlights Intelsat provides critical communications infrastructure to customers in the network MARKET REPORT

Intelsat 29e satellite failure renewals of certain task orders. compared to $303.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018. The increase was Furthermore, direct costs of revenue principally due to: On April 7, 2019, the Intelsat 29e satellite (excluding depreciation and amortization) an increase of $17.8 million corresponding to the experienced an anomaly that resulted in the increased by $19.0 million, or 25 percent, decrease in fair value of the interest rate cap total loss of the satellite. As a result, in the to $95.4 million for the three months contracts; and a net increase of $3.4 million in second quarter of 2019, Intelsat recorded ended June 30, 2019, as compared to the interest expense primarily resulting from our debt an impairment to asset charge of three months ended June 30, 2018. The refinancing activities in 2018; partially offset by a approximately $381.6 million. For further increase was primarily due to an increase decrease of $1.6 million from higher capitalized details regarding the financial and of $15.0 million in cost of sales, of which interest primarily resulting from increased levels operational impact of the loss of Intelsat $11.1 million related to the entry into of satellites and related assets under 29e, please see our Quarterly Commentary. service of two uncapitalized satellites in construction. Managed services reported an aggregate the first quarter of 2019, with no The non-cash portion of total interest expense, decrease of $7.2 million, primarily due to a comparable amounts in the second net was $49.8 million for the three months ended decrease of $3.4 million from media quarter of 2018, and $4.0 million in June 30, 2019, primarily consisting of interest customers for occasional use and managed increased costs for purchases of expense related to the significant financing video solutions, and a decline of $3.2 million restoration capacity related to the Intelsat component identified in customer contracts, the from government customers resulting from 29e satellite loss. In addition, staff-related loss resulting from the decrease in fair value of the non-renewals and lower pricing related to expenses increased in the three months interest rate cap contracts we hold, amortization 2018 contract renewals. Increases in ended June 30, 2019 by $3.4 million as and accretion of discounts and premiums and managed services for network services compared to the three months ended amortization of deferred financing fees. customers, primarily for maritime June 30, 2018. applications, were more than offset by a Gain on early extinguishment of debt. No gain or decrease in managed services for trunking Selling, general and administrative loss on early extinguishment of debt was applications and adjustments stemming expenses increased by $6.0 million, or 12 recognized for the three months ended June 30, from the Intelsat 29e satellite failure, a percent, to $55.9 million for the three 2019, as compared to a gain of $22.1 million for portion of which were restored on off- months ended June 30, 2019, as the three months ended June 30, 2018, consisting network services.. compared to the three months ended of the difference between the carrying value of June 30, 2018. The increase was debt repurchased and the total cash amount paid Financial results for three primarily due to a $4.9 million increase in (including related fees and expenses), together months ended June 30, 2019 bad debt expense largely relating to with a write-off of unamortized debt issuance customers in the Latin America and costs. Europe regions and a $4.7 million The total revenue for the three months increase in staff-related expenses. The Other expense, net was $28.7 million for the three ended June 30, 2019 decreased by $28.3 increases were partially offset by a $3.2 months ended June 30, 2019, as compared to million to $509.4 million, or 5 percent, as million decline in professional fees largely $2.8 million for the three months ended June 30, compared to the three months ended June due to costs incurred in 2018 relating to 2018. Other expense, net for the three months 30, 2018. By service type, our revenues liability and tax management initiatives. ended June 30, 2019 was primarily related to a net increased or decreased due to the total On- Depreciation and amortization expense loss of $32.0 million related to a change in value of Network Revenues decreased by $30.5 decreased by $9.8 million, or 6 percent, to certain investments in third parties. million to $461.5 million as compared to the $163.8 million for the three months ended Benefit from income taxes was $7.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018. In June 30, 2019, as compared to the three three months ended June 30, 2019, as compared addition, transponder services reported an months ended June 30, 2018, primarily to $0.3 million for the three months ended June aggregate decrease of $22.8 million, related to the write-off of the Intelsat 29e 30, 2018. The increase was principally primarily due to a $17.2 million decrease in satellite. attributable to the implementation of a series of revenue from network services customers Satellite impairment loss. We recognized internal transactions and related steps that as a result of non-renewals and service an impairment charge of $381.6 million reorganized the ownership of certain of our assets contractions for enterprise and cellular during the three months ended June 30, among our subsidiaries in 2018 and the tax backhaul applications primarily for services 2019 relating to the failure of Intelsat 29e. benefit related to the satellite impairment loss in delivered in Latin America and for Europe to The impairment charge consisted of the second quarter of 2019. Africa routes. Transponder services also approximately $377.9 million related to According to the document, cash paid for income declined in Latin America due to lost the write-off of the carrying value of the taxes, net of refunds, totaled $4.8 million and revenue and adjustments stemming from satellite and associated deferred satellite $37.8 million for the three months ended June 30, the Intelsat 29e satellite failure, a portion of performance incentive obligations, and 2019 and 2018, respectively. The net Income, Net which moved to off-network transponder approximately $3.7 million related to Income per Diluted Common Share attributable to services. prepaid regulatory fees. Intelsat S.A., EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA The aggregate decrease also reflected a Also, net loss attributable to Intelsat S.A. was $7.5 million decline in revenue from media Interest expense, net consists of the $529.7 million for the three months ended June customers, primarily for distribution gross interest expense we incur, together 30, 2019, compared to a net loss of $46.8 million services in Latin America, North America with gains and losses on interest rate cap for the same period in 2018, primarily due to the and Europe. The declines were offset in part contracts (which reflect the change in $381.6 million asset impairment charge related to by a $1.9 million increase in revenue from their fair value), offset by interest income the failure of the Intelsat 29e satellite, as well as government customers. The total Off- earned and the amount of interest we lower revenue and higher costs of operations. The Network and Other Revenues increased by capitalize related to assets under net loss per diluted common share attributable to $2.2 million, or 5 percent, to $47.9 million, as construction. As of June 30, 2019, we held Intelsat S.A. was $3.76 for the three months compared to the three months ended June interest rate cap contracts with an ended June 30, 2019, compared to net loss of 30, 2018 due to the transponder, MSS and aggregate notional amount of $2.4 billion $0.38 per diluted common share for the same other Off-Network services revenues to mitigate the risk of interest rate period in 2018. increased by an aggregate of $1.1 million to increases on the floating-rate term loans $37.7 million, primarily due to $5.0 million in under our senior secured credit facilities. EBITDA was a loss of $52.1 million for the three increased off-network services largely The cap contracts have not been months ended June 30, 2019, compared to related to the Intelsat 29e customer designated as hedges for accounting earnings of $408.5 million for the same period in restoration process, partially offset by a $4.1 purposes. 2018, primarily due to the $381.6 million asset million decrease in off-network services Interest expense, net increased by $17.5 impairment charge related to the failure of the primarily due to lower sales for certain million, or 6 percent, to $320.7 million for Intelsat 29e satellite, as well as lower revenue and government applications as a result of non- the three months ended June 30, 2019, as higher costs of operations. IN THE NEWS

SES announces half Euroconsult predicts 10-year growth cycle year 2019 results for government space programs SES S.A. announced its financial results for the six months ended 30 June 2019 with According to Euroconsult's B o c h i n g e r , C O O o f European national spending performance in line with SES' expectations, newly released research, E u r o c o n s u l t . “ O u r and has overtaken Japan with continued growth in Networks' revenue and Government Space Programs: G o v e r n m e n t S p a c e the fourth largest government financial outlook unchanged.Steve Collar, Benchmarks, Profiles and Programs research provides space budget in 2018. President and CEO, commented: “We've had Forecasts to 2028, global key evidence of the large Among other interesting a solid first six months with financial results in government space budgets and growing opportunities findings, the research shows line with our expectations, with continued are in the early stages of a ten for leading and emerging that growth drivers are revenue growth in Networks, strong control year growth cycle with total space countries around the reversing from the recent past, over cost and discretionary spending and world expenditures reaching world with both concise with defense budgets now important progress towards reshaping SES $70.9 billion in 2018, and summaries and in-depth expected to outpace civil with the objective of delivering exceptional forecasted to grow to $84.6 focus, commented Simon budget expansion. services and driving customer success. billion by 2025. Seminari, Senior Consultant Our Networks business continued to expand and Editor in Chief of this The report shows that civil on the back of another strong performance in The report, which is trusted by research.” budgets worldwide will grow Mobility and Government while we've built hundreds of organizations According to the research, moderately at an average of further commercial traction that can support around the world, provides t h e U . S . g o v e r n m e n t 1 . 6 p e r c e n t p e r y e a r our Fixed Data business. Of note in H1, important detail on how much continues to be the world's throughout the 2020s, driven we've added again to our market-leading investment is expected by largest investor in space largely by leading powers position in cruise – with more ships for region with profiles of space programs, with China, i n v e s t i n g i n s c i e n c e , Genting and the announcement of premium programs in 86 countries. It Russia, France and Japan exploration and manned flight. brand Ritz-Carlton; we've secured Teleglobal includes analysis of seven following in that order. However, short-term budget as an anchor customer for SES-12 in different application areas for growth will be fueled by Indonesia; expanded connectivity services in each country including Earth The U.S. budget for space in defense programs in the U.S., Colombia and Brazil; while also restoring o b s e r v a t i o n , s a t e l l i t e 2018 totaled $40.9 billion, 58 Asia and the Middle East with connectivity to citizens in Papua New Guinea navigation, space science and percent of the world market, an average of 4.2 percent following a major earthquake. With exploration, space security, down from 75 percent of the annual increases until the mid- encouraging levels of demand across our communications, launch world market in the early 2020s. Networks segments, I'm looking forward to v e h i c l e s a n d m a n n e d 2000s. China solidified its Two records were broken in the contribution from the additional O3b spaceflight. second-place ranking, with 2018, with more government satellites, which very recently came into “To support strategic planning an estimated $5.83 billion satellites launched than ever operation, as well as being that much closer initiatives, governments, budget, as it looks to before and more governments to the launch of O3b mPOWER in 2021. companies and investors look c o m m e r c i a l i z e a n d launching satellites. Going While the market environment in Video to Euroconsult research for internationalize its space forward, the report estimates remains challenging, we've delivered value unbiased analysis of the sector. Russia's budget has an average of 150 government t o c u s t o m e r s a c r o s s o u r c o r e markets that interest their decreased from its highs in satellites will be launched neighbourhoods and are starting to see stakeholders,” said Steve 2013 and France tops each year for the next decade. benefits of bringing together our infrastructure and MX1 businesses into a single operational unit. In the period, we signed further renewals in our core Eutelsat Communications full year 2018-19 neighbourhoods; grew our video platforms financial results with new customers in Ethiopia, Brazil and Ivory Coast; expanded our managed The Board of Directors of segment with some major early. Our efforts remain services relationship with Discovery in Eutelsat Communications, commercial wins. focused on maximising Germany; and MX1's Sports & Events team chaired by Dominique cash generation, with the were instrumental in bringing the Women's D'Hinnin, reviewed the In the context of a two recent successful bond World Cup and Eurovision Song Contest to financial results for the year challenged operating issuances reducing interest viewers across our neighbourhoods. ended 30 June 2019. e n v i r o n m e n t w h i c h by circa €34 million per Looking ahead, our priority for H2 is to deliver RodolpheBelmer Chief on our financial outlook and the revenue continues to weigh on the annum, the reduction of expansion implied. We achieved this in H2 Executive Officer of Eutelsat revenues of our core over €70 million in our 2018 and we are on track to do so this year. Communications, said: “On businesses, the effective annual tax burden, and a We've now secured 90% of the expected the operational front, the execution of our financial follow-on cost-savings revenue for 2019 and have good visibility of past year was notable once strategy has enabled us p r o g r a m a i m e d a t future revenue across Video and Networks. again for the resilience of once again to meet or generating additional With respect to C-Band and our ongoing core Broadcast, supported exceed all our other savings of €20 to 25 million market-based engagement in support of the by rising channel count and financial objectives with, by FY 2021-22. rapid deployment of 5G services in the U.S., HD penetration. notably, a record level of through the C-Band Alliance, we have made EBITDA margin supported We are setting a new further progress this quarter. The CBA has The successful launch of b y t h e s u c c e s s f u l Discretionary free cash been extremely active with all stakeholders EUTELSAT 7C will bring completion of our LEAP 1 flow target with an objective as focus and intensity around the incremental capacity to the cost-savings plan, and the of circa €500 million in FY repurposing of spectrum gathers dynamic African market. In attainment of our Net debt / 2021-22, and enhancing momentum. I believe the record clearly Fixed Broadband, our shows that our proposal remains the only one EBITDA target. our remuneration policy by that appropriately balances the support to the Konnect Africa operations maintaining our dividend at 120 million U.S. TV and radio households are now up and running and By leveraging all elements 1.27 euros per share and with the need to quickly, efficiently and safely our new distribution strategy of cash-generation, we committing to a share repurpose mid-band spectrum for 5G. I'm in Europe is starting to bear produced a further strong buyback program of at least encouraged by the comments of the FCC fruit. In Mobile Connectivity, rise in Discretionary Free- €100 million by end-June Chairman who believes that there will be we have carved a strong Cash-Flow, enabling us to 22.” 'results to show' in the Fall.” foothold in the maritime exceed our target a year IN THE NEWS

Speedcast, Sasol Media Broadcast Satellite reports successful awarded deal for fully- satellite uplink amplifier field trials managed MBS installed the amplifier class outdoor model from Rohde & Schwarz R&S communications outdoors in a real uplink March 18 to May 15 and PKU100 satellite uplink system in order to test its found all of its requirements amplifier combines the best solutions and IT mechanical and electrical perfectly met. A major focus of two worlds in a single integration. The Hessian was on thermal stability. The device: the unbeatable support in service provider recorded amplifier exhibited virtually strengths of solid-state a n d a n a l y z e d a l l constant gain despite strong a m p l i f i e r s a n d t h e Mozambique operational parameters fluctuations in ambient compactness and low with its own management temperature. weight of tube amplifiers. Speedcast International has been awarded a system, i.e. the R&S The R&S PKU100 Ku-band Should individual transistors new multi-year contract to provide PKU100 was deployed amplifier offers excellent fail, the amplifier will communications and onsite IT support services under real-world broadcast efficiency, even when continue operating at at four operations camps for Sasol's oil & gas conditions. compared to tube amplifiers. reduced power. exploration and well delivery camps operating This saves energy and cost, in Mozambique. The R&S PKU100 is a doing away with the need for The R&S PKU100 is a world This contract marks Speedcast's first project for solid-state Ku-band power extra air conditioning, for premiere, featuring optional this South African-based customer and the amplifier delivering 400 W example. Peak efficiency, i.e. adaptive linearization at the sixth project in Mozambique, where Speedcast o f p e a k p o w e r a n d the efficiency of the amplifier RF to deliver unparalleled was the first to market in the establishment of a p r o v i d i n g e x c e l l e n t as a whole, is better than 20 spectral purity. Linearization local entity, Speedcast Mozambique Lda. efficiency in an extremely %. It is expressed as the ratio is used to modify the input Under this entity, Speedcast will deliver a wide compact design. MBS with of output power to input signal in order to optimally range of fully-managed services to Sasol's four headquarters in Usingen, power. compensate amplifier base camps housing crew working on near Frankfurt, Germany, is "During the entire field nonlinearities, significantly exploration and well delivery projects in- a global satellite and testing period, switchover to improving signal quality in country. The solution is set up to account for terrestrial communications backup was never needed," the satellite uplink within potential harsh weather with C-band VSAT p r o v i d e r d e l i v e r i n g says Michael Hirschle, RF and outside the bandwidth connectivity as well as terrestrial fiber optic a d v a n c e d n e t w o r k Engineering Expert at MBS. of the wanted signal. backhaul, satellite phones and a terrestrial technologies and managed " D e s p i t e t e m p e r a t u r e radio infrastructure including mobile data services to businesses, fluctuations as large as 20°C, Adaptive linearization backup and portable radio over IP using a u t h o r i t i e s a n d the gain of the R&S PKU100 considerably improves Inmarsat BGAN. Value-added solutions include broadcasters, and offering remained nearly constant signal quality, enabling internal and external voice services, Wi-Fi and hosting services via its within a range of ±0.5 dB.” network operators to crew welfare communications to each site. teleport. transmit significantly more Speedcast will provide 24/7 onsite IT support T h e a m p l i f i e r r a n data over the same signal managing internet, firewalls, document M B S , r e n o w n e d f o r continuously under full load bandwidth – ideal even for storage, printing, VoIP and teleconferencing. absolute reliability, tested throughout the test phase transmitting 8K video. the R&S PKU100 400 W without any malfunction. The "Sasol has made a large investment in exploration in Mozambique, and we are proud to be the provider selected to support their critical operations and IT services in-country," AsiaSat approves privatisation proposal says Keith Johnson, Speedcast's EVP of Energy. "We were referred to this customer by another one of our long-standing global Energy Bowenvale Limited and cash. Proceeding to the next due to nonrenewal of certain customers, which is truly an honor and a A s i a S a t e l l i t e step of the privatisation, customer contracts in mid- reflection of the quality of service our customers Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s AsiaSat will seek the 2018, and the impact of experience working with the Speedcast team. Holdings Limited jointly sanction of the Scheme at continued pricing pressures We look forward to a long and mutually a n n o u n c e d t h a t t h e the court hearing of the from capacity oversupply in rewarding partnership and strive to bring the p r o p o s a l f o r t h e petition on 30 August 2019.. some key markets and best available networks and technology privatisation of AsiaSat by A s i a S a t e l l i t e increased competition from solutions to Sasol, to maximize their investment way of a scheme of Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s terrestrial networks, 1H profit in this growing region." The first camp will be arrangement has been Holdings Limited, is Asia's attributable to owners up 4% completed and commissioned in November approved at the Court leading satellite operator. to HK$223 million (2018: 2019, followed by additional sites ! in 2020. Meeting. Assuming the Scheme is HK$215 million), as a result Additional services will be commissioned as the A p p r o x i m a t e l y 9 9 . 9 8 approved by the court, it is of cost controls, favourable project scope progresses. percent of the shares held expected that the Scheme currency fluctuations and Customer demands are driving significant by the shareholders of the will become effective on 3 reduced tax expenses, developments in our industry and changing the C o m p a n y o t h e r t h a n S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 9 , Strong cash flow with cash landscape for communications providers. Bowenvale were voted in whereupon AsiaSat will and bank balances at Digitalization, IoT, and automation have made person or by proxy at the become a private wholly- HK$938 million as at 30 June high-quality connectivity the foundation of Court Meeting were voted in o w n e d s u b s i d i a r y o f 2019. Overall capacity business operations. Our customers now want favour of the privatisation Bowenvale, and the listing of utilisation of AsiaSat's core reliable and worldwide services from a single and a majority of the the shares in AsiaSat on The fleet of AsiaSat 5, AsiaSat 6, service provider across all their locations shareholders voting in Stock Exchange of Hong AsiaSat 7, AsiaSat 8 and globally. Speedcast's service offering gives our person or by proxy on a Kong Limited will be AsiaSat 9 stood at 70% (128 customers access to an unmatched network of headcount basis also voted withdrawn on 5 September t r a n s p o n d e r s networks: global satellite coverage leveraging in favour of the privatisation. 2 0 1 9 . I n 2 0 1 9 , t h e utilised/leased) as of 30 June different orbits and frequencies, complemented Subject to the Scheme c o m p a n y ' s f i n a n c i a l 2019 with fibre, microwave, and LTE networks. becoming effective, the highlights reveal 1H Around the world, we provide 24/7 coverage for Scheme Shareholders will revenue down 5% to more than 2,000 customers in more than 100 receive a cancellation price HK$693 million (2018: countries via 40 teleports and 70+ satellites. of HK$10.22 per share in HK$730 million), primarily REGULATION

A frica’s broadcast regulatory review

In Bostwana, the case between the Broadcasting Board and Multichoice Bostwana became a landmark decision that challenged the Board to re- define the scope of broadcast regulation especially in the new era of digital technologies.

In April 2007, the Lobatse High Court presided over a case between MultiChoice Botswana and National Broadcasting Board currently BOCRA in which the Board argued that MultiChoice, a pay television must be regulated like all other broadcasters because they are providing television John Ugbe CEO, MultiChoice Nigeria content to the public. MultiChoice went to the Court to seek clarity if indeed they should be regulated like a television station.

According to a report, the case went back and forth between Broadcasting board and Multichoice Botswana and became a landmark in the history of broadcasting in Botswana. During this period, lawyers of the two organizations read their points of arguments in hotly contested court case. Ruling over the case, Justice Lakhvinder Walia of the Lobatse High Court ruled that services provided by MultiChoice do not amount to broadcasting in the context of the magazine form as well as electronically communities, country governments, the Broadcasting Act 1999. available on-screen. business and partners?. The programme Based on the submission of the company, Currently, MultiChoice is the only pay employs a digital satellite technology MultiChoice Botswana gets its content from television which is offering its subscribers platform to support and enhance the other television stations, producers and bouquet such as the DStv Premium learning and teaching experience in distributors and sells the content to its Austinbouquet, Okere, DStvFounder Compact,, CWG PlcDStv Compact selected schools. subscribers. MultiChoice Africa is Plus, DStv Family, DStv Access and DStv The programme has been rolled to schools responsible for packaging the programs on FreeView bouquet and the television is mostly remote areas where there are no the DStv services for up-linking of broadcast currently not regulated as the Authority is resources, and only one school was signals. In issuing his verdict, Justice Walia still drafting new broadcasting regulations. selected in the capital city of Gaborone. ruled that “in issuing a broadcasting licence The pay channel is perhaps the most There is no particular reason given for the to an entity not providing a broadcasting popular in Bostwana because Multichoice selection of school based in the city, which service, the Board acted ultra vires its can access international sporting codes is close to technological resources. powers. Its decision therefore stands to be such as English Premier League These 21 schools include Lehututu Junior set aside”. (football), Spanish football League, Seconday School (JSS), Tsabong JSS, The ruling of the High Court was a wake-up National Baskeball Association league Mmathete JSS, Kodibeleng primary school, call to the Authority and was a landmark (NBA), International news channels like and Marang JSS, just to mention a few. decision that challenged the Broadcasting BBC, CNN, SKY, NBC, ABC and reality According to Maphanyane, the participating Board to define the scope of broadcasting programs such as Big Brother amongst schools are provided with resources such regulation especially in the new era of digital several other stations. as television sets, Videocassettes technologies. Consequently, the new Recorders (VCRs), digital satellite Authority, Botswana Communications decoders, and the DStv Education bouquet. Regulations Authority began working on MultiChoice social new policy and regulations that will include responsibility The programme plays an important role in the licensing and regulating of cable The court case between MultiChoice and providing information access to schools television, pay television, internet and other the National Broadcasting Board did not particularly in rural areas, thereby helping to media platforms. deter the pay television station hence bridge the digital divide between schools MultiChoice Africa is a broadcast-publisher MultiChoice devised a school program to with access to information and those and subscription manager. The company, it give back to different communities. This without. The DStv bouquet is delivered to said packages channels from United States, social responsibility is designed to the participating schools at no cost as part Europe or Asia, others compiled from contribute to children?s educational of the corporation?s social responsibility. imported programming together with locally development under the station?s The corporation argues that the use of commissioned programming through its Corporate Social Investment programme. technology is a vehicle for improving sister company, M-Net, and broadcasts In its website, the pay television station education by providing world-class these as channel 'bouquets' to subscribing states that they chose to focus on a key children?s television content to students in clients. These clients are served with government priority in all countries, under-resourced areas. programme guides, both printed in namely education to maximize benefits for REPORT

It doesn’t rain, it pours in Warri

In Warri metropolis, Southern Nigeria, heavy rainfall have continued to influence the reception quality of MYTV and DSTV signals due to its attenuation, raising concern for rainfall monitoring through state-of-the-art technology platforms, according to this report

Warri and many other places in the Niger one does not even need to subscribe shows good reception quality but not as high Delta area of Nigeria, subscribers of digital directly to major distributors/dealers like as DSTV. satellite TV products such as, MYTV and Poyen Nomovo, but with as little as DSTV have observed poor image quality on N500.00 some smaller dealers can get According to a study, during peak rainfall, TV screens, poor videos and ceasing audio every household in the proximity most of the channels go off air on MYTV quality copiously during long rains. In some neighbourhood connected. As such completely but few channels still retains cases, the LNB of these satellite TV dishes satellite dish antennas are found on signal such as Emmanuel TV, Press TV, Muvi are blown by thunderous storms that virtually every roof top in the metropolis as TV (African Unit) while onEclipse DSTV of, mostthe sun of the characterize the onset of the rainy season in a result of both legal and illegal stations also goes off air at 51%-58% signal these areas. Some equipment will show a connections from youths who have quality with the exception of Channels like garbled picture with significant damage, perfected the act. Super Sports 4,Super Sports 5N, Super while other devices may go directly from Sport 7, Africa Magic Hausa, Africa Magic perfectly decodable video to no video at all Socio-economic activities (Yoruba), Mira, Cartoon network, BBC World, or lock up. Africa Magic and Africa Movies which goes off at 50% signal strength level. The rainfall patterns in Warri metropolis Warri is an oil city with many multinational show that Warri has been experiencing the oil companies such as Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), This is the reason behind the level of heavy amount of torrential rainfall that differences experienced by subscribers to spans 12 months annually over the years. Chevron, and home-based oil and gas companies such as Warri Refinery and these networks. Most of the channels that This have had a significant effects on continue to receive reception at these low television signals received in the area Petrochemical Company (WRPC), Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation level of signal quality in either MYTV or especially in the face of a changing climate. DSTV-fed channels in which additional This climatic mix accounts for the general (NNPC), exploiting oil and flaring of gas. In addition, service companies in Warri are satellite Dish and LNB are deployed to tap attenuation of satellite TV signals into DSTV channels by positioning the dish to characteristic of the area. Changes in signal varied and numerous among which are Banks such as Oceanic Bank Plc, Zenith face DSTV signal reception axis in the EMS. reception from factors such as degrading Thus, DSTV, therefore, has more resistance antenna connections as a result of Bank Plc, Intercontinental Bank Plc among others, which provide banking ability to the vagaries of climate. However, changing weather conditions is gradually this study has been able to show that climate reducing the quality of a Television signal. service and Insurance companies in the area. The Insurance companies include parameters especially rainfall has a great IGI Insurance, Equity life Assurance, role to play when it comes to signal reception Thus, during the peak of the rainy season, strength and quality. signal reception of a properly aimed and Intercontinental-Wapic Insurance, Investment and Allied Assurance to wired satellite home system are affected. According to the researchers, there are some The effects normally last for the period or mention but a few. Warri metropolis boosts many Satellite TV connections to other stations that can withstand rainfall time of the rainfall. In some cases, it lasts effect to a certain level as a result of its high longer after the rainfall period especially homes in the different parts of the metropolis. signal strength and can be watched at the when there is a heavy downpour and likely presence of this weather anomaly, except to occur more often in regions with when the rainfall becomes more intense. It significant annual rainfall. As a result, the There are also ones provided by the Delta State Government for the public. In Warri has also been observed that the higher the poor reception of digital satellite signals signal strength, the lower the effects of persist unabated in the area. metropolis, almost every big registered and unregistered establishment are rainfall on the above satellite cable modems. According to a recent report, there have users of one or more of these satellite TV company products. All banks, Hotels, oil The study recommends that rainfall been tremendous growths in population in monitoring through satellite and ground the area from a rural to urban. Warri Companies found in Warri are connected to DSTV or MY TV or all in most cases stations should be intensified with a view of metropolis is one of the rapidly growing daily prediction and communication to users cities in Nigeria, with its population rising because of specific programs and channels provided by these stations. For of cable satellite television products to know rapidly from 280,000 in 1980, 500,000 in what signal quality to expect at the event of 1991 to 638,250 in 2006, 730, 000 in 2010, football lovers, DStv is the favourite; for home movies, it is MY TV, and for major an anomaly in climate elements especially in and estimated at 2 million in 2016. It has a the face of a changing climate. high population density that is concentrated international news channels, DSTV is in the core areas of the city. These areas most preferred though they all share some programs/channels in common. Monthly In addition, the subscription to any of the TV include; Warri-Sapele road, Agbassa, network should be borne on a clear Okere, Okumagba Avenue, Egbudu, Iyara, subscription for MYTV is N1900.00, and this makes available 20 channels to the understanding of the polarity and band of Jakpa, Airport road, P.T.I. Road, Udu and operations in the electromagnetic spectrum Ekpan. subscriber. However, signal quality of DSTV showed a very good reception in all whether KU on the high or low band. Finally, Thus, the increase in the population of the there should be constant monitoring of area has led to increasing in the demand of the zones and within each of the time.The signal quality of MYTV, on the other hand, modems sold to new subscribers to rid the satellite TV products patronage. Presently, market of fake products. IN THE NEWS

SES pioneers cloud UK, US collaborate on satellite based network deployment over Africa automation and service orchestration U k s a t e l l i t e c o m p a n y, Inmarsat, has joined forces with a Washington D.C non- S E S , a w o r l d l e a d e r i n s a t e l l i t e profit organisation called communications with a vast satellite footprint RESOLVE to put its satellites in Africa announced it will create an open, t o w o r k o n b e h a l f o f standards-based network automation and endangered wildlife in Africa. service orchestration platform, built on Open The initiative will use artificial Network Automation Platform (ONAP) and intelligence (AI), satellites, powered by Amdocs' network functions a n d l o c a l c a m e r a s t o virtualization technology. With today's a p p r e h e n d p o a c h e r s . announcement, RESOLVE has developed a technological approach to SES is the first satellite network solutions defending wildlife. provider to adopt ONAP, an open software platform designed for orchestrating the The non-profit has developed creation and delivery of new services in an a system called TrailGuard AI, automated operational environment. SES is which is being funded and implementing ONAP with Amdocs on deployed by the Leonardo Microsoft Azure, the industry's scalable and DiCaprio Foundation and can respond to would-be protecting wildlife were flexible cloud services platform supported by National Geographic Society poachers and stop them in gunned down by poachers Microsoft's expansive global network. With in curbing the menace of their tracks.” between 2009 and 2016 ONAP operating on Azure, SES can extend wildlife poaching, reports Wild animals are being while in the line of duty. In the network services and activate virtualised Greg Nichols in a publication poached on a massive Democratic Republic of the network functions quickly and at scale, on ZDNet. scale, with millions of Congo's Virunga National accelerating time-to-market and improving TrailGuard AI uses an AI- individual animals of Park, at least 170 rangers service agility for customers anywhere on the powered camera to detect thousands of species have been killed during the globe. In addition, SES is partnering with humans in nature reserves w o r l d w i d e k i l l e d o r past two decades. Amdocs, a leader in developing and (recording 97 per cent captured from their native The first deployment of the integrating ONAP solutions on Microsoft accuracy) and instantly habitats. Poaching poses a TrailGuard solution, at the Azure. Together, Amdocs and Microsoft transmit images to park g r o w i n g t h r e a t t o Singita-Grumeti reserve in represent best-in-class ecosystem partners to rangers' facilities, enabling elephants, rhinos, and Tanzania in 2018, resulted in deploy open, cloud-based network them to identify would-be other charismatic animals. the arrest of around 30 automation and orchestration. poachers and intervene. Some animals, such as poachers and the seizure of Inmarsat's network plays a b i r d s , r e p t i l e s , a n d quantities of bushmeat. As the first satellite network solutions provider key role. The concept relies on primates, are captured live Having identified the 100 to adopt ONAP, SES is continuing its the company's L-band, global, so that they can be kept or parks with the highest risk of leadership in driving open networking m o b i l e s a t e l l i t e sold as exotic pets. poaching, RESOLVE aims to initiatives into the satellite industry, advancing communications network to Slaughtered animals, on deploy the TrailGuard AI its vision to make satellite networks a ensure the transmission of the other hand, have devices at ten 'chokepoints' – seamless extension of the global these images to rangers, commercial value as food, poacher intrusion hotspots – communications ecosystem. SES is a compensating for the lack of jewelry, decor, or traditional within each of these parks by founding member of Linux Foundation reliable terrestrial connectivity medicine. The ivory tusks the end of 2020. Networking (LFN), which hosts the ONAP in most remote nature of African elephants, for Alastair Bovim, Vice project, an initiative with widespread adoption reserves. TrailGuard AI example, are carved into P r e s i d e n t ( M a n a g e d as the preferred platform for open network utilises Inmarsat's mobile trinkets or display pieces. Services) of Inmarsat automation and orchestration. BGAN terminals, which are The meat of apes, snakes, Enterprise, commented: simple to set up and connect and other bush animals is “We are delighted to be By standardising on the same orchestration to the units, and can also considered a delicacy in j o i n i n g f o r c e s w i t h platform as leading telcos and mobile network withstand unfavourable parts of Africa. RESOLVE to help support operators, SES will make it easier and faster weather and ecological s u s t a i n a b i l i t y a n d Poaching has devastating for its customers to deliver services over its conditions. biodiversity in Africa. Our consequences for wildlife. high-performance satellite-based network. collaboration will ensure “Wildlife poaching in Africa is In some instances, it's the that when TrailGuard at epidemic levels, but despite primary reason why an “Our vision is to make satellite-based networks detects a poacher, rangers a seamless and wholly integrated part of a the best efforts of dedicated animal faces a risk of rangers, the large park extinction. This is the case are notified immediately of global, cloud-scale network ecosystem. their exact location and can Central to this vision is an open, automated boundaries and rough terrain with the African elephant, i n i t i a t e a n e ff e c t i v e operational environment that allows our mean that they often only find more than 100,000 of which customers to easily create and deliver new, out about poaching when it's were killed between 2014 response, no matter how innovative services anywhere,” said JP too late,” says Dr. Eric a n d 2 0 1 7 f o r i v o r y. r e m o t e t h e Hemingway, CEO of SES Networks. “To make Dinerstein, Director of Poaching has also had a environment…Africa's our vision a reality, we are pleased to be the WildTech and the Biodiversity catastrophic impact on poaching problem won't be first satellite operator to develop ONAP with and Wildlife Solutions rhinos, with more than a solved overnight, but if we Amdocs on Microsoft Azure. SES envisions Program at RESOLVE. “The thousand slaughtered a can prevent even a small delivering cloud-scale connectivity services TrailGuard solution acts as an year for their horns. There's proportion of attacks, it will and virtualised network functions such as SD- early warning system, also the tragic ways in have a hugely positive WAN, virtualised Evolved Packet Core transitioning ranger teams which poaching affects impact on the continent's (vEPC), security and more, creating massive into fully mobile, rapid- people. In Africa, nearly incredible wildlife.” value for our customers well into the future.” response units so that they 600 rangers charged with Yusuf Kazaure Three years after, AMOS-17 replacement satellite successfully launched

just three years after the loss of Amos 6, International, AMOS-17 is 6.5-ton high- successful market development of such Spacecom has repositioned with a power, HTS, satellite designed specifically inexpensive satellite connectivity services replacement satellites. On September 1, t o m e e t A f r i c a ' s f a s t - g r o w i n g will require more than the most advanced 2016, international space exploration communication demands. AMOS-17's satellite technologies. It will require the company SpaceX suffered a failure during the advanced digital payload will provide collective understanding and support by all static test fire of the Falcon 9 rocket. Designed extensive C-Band HTS, Ka-band and Ku- role players including regulators, service to transport satellites, Falcon was scheduled band capabilities, enabling the combination providers, distributors and end-users. It will to haul the AMOS-6 satellite into of broad regional beams and high require service providers experienced in geostationary orbit. The rocket suffered an throughput spot beams to maximize taking niche technologies to the market, who unspecified failure in the second stage's LOX throughput and spectral efficiency. It will can provide on-site customer support and tank during the test, and both rocket and offer connectivity between Africa, the s e r v i c e d e l i v e r y f o r l a r g e - s c a l e satellite were destroyed. Middle East, Europe, India, China and as deployments, according to Dr Dawie de Wet, Today, Spacecom operator of the AMOS far west as Brazil. CEO of Q-KON. satellite fleet has confirmed the successful Spacecom today is an established market launch of its AMOS-17 satellite from Cape Like Amos 6, Amos 17 included a leader in Europe, the Middle East with the Canaveral, Florida. AMOS-17 soared upward particularly strong focus on Africa and had 4°W orbital slot 'hot spot', has established a aboard a SpaceX Falcon-9 launch vehicle at the potential to deliver broadband at an significant footprint in Africa and North 02:23 Israel time (23:23 UTC) on August 6, impressive R0,05c/MB (current LTE America and is now expanding to Asia. 2019 (UTC time). En route to its 17°E orbital services are typically 18c/MB). That's Spacecom has an excellent reputation in the position, the satellite separated from the satellite connectivity at 30% of LTE pricing. market with an experienced and stable launcher's second stage at the 33-minute It is possible and it will be a reality in the management and strong financial backing. stage following ignition and, as planned, is in near future. Our collective vision is to position Spacecom constant contact with its ground station. It takes pioneers and brave entrepreneurs as an international satellite services provider to open new markets, to push new limits — one that operates a constellation of During the next weeks, AMOS-17 will and reach new frontiers. These individuals advanced satellites at multiple orbital Spacecom CEO and president David Pollack are responsible for innovations that change locations and maintains its personalized stated, “AMOS-17 places us directly into the the world for the better and offer long term attention to itscustomers over a wider range exciting growth of Africa's Sub-Saharan benefits to humanity. Dave Pollock, CEO of of territories. vibrant markets. As a leading multi-regional Spacecom must be commended for their The loss of Amos 6 left a very really gap in satellite operator, Spacecom is introducing visionary work and steadfast execution the market and has result in some delay in the most technologically advanced satellite says Dr Dawie de Wet, CEO of Q-KON. the market growth for broadband satellite with HTS beams to service Africa where Different space operators are following services. However, Amos 17 satellite will AMOS-17 will deliver a large selection of different architectures. Spacecom step into the gap and execute on the designed the Amos 17 satellite specifically services to a variety of broadcast, broadband vision of Dave Pollack. It take some time and telecom clients.”begin its testing to empower Africa with broadband for the industry to fill this gap. processes in orbit. connectivity. Manufactured by Boeing Satellite Systems However, the effective delivery and IN THE NEWS

Angola Cables set to Intelsat, Stratosat power business expansion launch Angola's first across Central Africa live gaming portal Intelsat S.A. has announced mining, and agriculture and applications that are not an agreement with Stratosat c o m p a n i e s . S t r a t o s a t supported by traditional Multinational telecoms company, Angola Datacom that provides for NextGen will also enable networks. Cables, has announced that, through their the delivery of high-speed multi-national enterprises to “Because connectivity is ultra-low latency submarine fiber cable broadband services to sites engage and connect with essential to supporting the routes, they will provide a new Live Gaming across Central Africa by their partners and customers growth of local and regional Portal in Angola. This will be open to all i n t e g r a t i n g m a n a g e d throughout the region, driving economies, Intelsat is eSports and gaming communities in Africa, connectivity from Intelsat's b u s i n e s s a n d o v e r a l l c o m m i t t e d t o m a k i n g offering the lowest latency experience ever. high throughput global economic growth. broadband connectivity more The introduction of the Gaming Portal network with valued-added attainable for businesses, marks Angola Cables' fist incursion into the e n g i n e e r i n g a n d Intelsat's FlexEnterprise is a communities, and individuals eSports arena, made possible through a management services from s e c u r e , m a n a g e d across Africa,” said Brian partnership with eSport and gaming Stratosat. Together, the connectivity service with Jakins, Intelsat's Regional specialists, QwattieSports. companies will bring broad global coverage that Vice President, Africa. The partnership has been concluded internet and Virtual Private removes the complexity of “Stratosat is the first of following the increasing demand from the N e t w o r k i n g ( V P N ) d e l i v e r i n g h i g h - s p e e d broadband services to Intelsat's FlexEnterprise youth population for premium (less lag) connectivity to markets Measat-3b across the region that have enterprises. FlexEnterprise p a r t n e r s t o f o c u s o n gaming experiences - not just at country traditionally lacked access d e l i v e r s a s u p e r i o r e x p a n d i n g b r o a d b a n d level, but worldwide. The new gaming to reliable communications experience while reducing connectivity in the Central portal will feature tournaments across capabilities. the total cost of ownership African region.” “Stratosat multiple platforms, including consoles, and improving the economics Datacom is pleased to partner mobile games and, of course, computers. The Stratosat NextGen of network expansion by up with Intelsat to bring Also, an interactive tool to facilitate m a n a g e d s e r v i c e — pairing high-throughput unique connectivity to the expertise and knowledge-sharing within powered by Intelsat's connectivity from Intelsat's Central Region in Africa. We the gaming community which will virtually FlexEnterprise — can be space-based network with are highly committed to connect gaming enthusiasts and users rapidly deployed and will smaller, more capable ground empower local service from across the world. dramatically improve the hardware. providers to offer cost- “The gaming portal is a first step in reach and performance of effective broadband solutions connecting African gamers in the region networks for small, medium, This delivers dramatically to end-users,” said Dieter with users in America, Europe, and Asia.” and large businesses in the enhanced network speed, K o v a r , S c h a u e n b u r g CrisóstomoMbundu, Product Manager at region, including schools, coverage, and security, International – Africa Group Angola Cables said that the new SACS hospitals, financial firms, enabling access to services CEO. cable, with data centres at each end of the cable network, is capable of providing connections to events taking place in America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Facebook announces new updates Africa. “SACS offers a compelling service proposition for the global gamers and the to enhance Instagram security eSport community; gaming producers and providers of streamed events seeking interactive experiences with low latencies.” Facebook is announcing two report potential abuse so and receive bounty awards for Angola Cables provides an extensive and updates to further strengthen action can quickly be taken. e l i g i b l e r e p o r t s . T h e reliable infrastructure to support gaming Instagram's security and Just like the bug bounty researchers who are helping activities leveraging the capacity of SACS, help protect people who use program, reports will be test this feature have rewarded based on impact previously submitted high- Monet and WACS subsea cable systems. the platform. First is expanding its Data Abuse and quality. Since the Data quality research to the bug The company currently links Europe, Africa Bounty programme to Abuse Bounty is the first of its bounty programme. Since and the Americas, reaching Asia through include Instagram; second is kind, Facebook continues to launching the bug bounty partners' routes. “Given the combined, introducing an invite-only welcome feedback on how to p r o g r a m m e i n 2 0 1 1 , robust IP network and the several bug bounty program for help the programme improve Facebook has worked with the agreements we have in place with major Checkout on Instagram and grow. s e c u r i t y r e s e a r c h e r CDNs and Points of Presence within major before it expands beyond the community to help identify and telco hubs, users will benefit from a greater US, said a statement. The second update is for fix potential issues in products online experience and lower latency while Checkout on Instagram, and services. gaming,” notes Mbundu. L a s t A p r i l , F a c e b o o k which allows people to GuilhermeFraga, Product Management launched the Data Abuse purchase products directly This programme is one of the and Product Development Director at Bounty programme to help on Instagram without leaving longest-running in the industry Qwatti said that the combination of the identify potential violations of the app and is currently only and has received thousands Angola Cables' high-performance network the platform's policies and available in the US. To of bug bounty reports from continue to ensure this researchers around the world. with Qwatti's international expertise in the reward people who report misuse of Facebook data by feature's security as it Facebook is exploring other global eSports market holds tremendous a p p d e v e l o p e r s . T h e expands globally, a select opportunities to tap into the promise and potential.” “The platform will programme is expanding to g r o u p o f s e c u r i t y expertise of researchers who also have a strong impact in empowering Instagram, it said. researchers has been invited consistently submit high- the Angolan gaming industry, narrowing the to stress test it. quality research to the bug gap for users in the Southern Hemisphere The goal is to help protect the bounty program and invites and giving African gamers the opportunity information people share on As part of their participation, them to test new features prior to compete with very good pings Instagram and encourage the researchers will receive to launch. worldwide.” concluded Mbundu. security researchers to early access to the feature VSAT at Isiolo Girls High School SPECIAL REPORT ASTRONOMY TOURISM Why oil and gas firms choose Satcom during catastrophic crisis

In Africa, the transmission networks for Oil and Gas facilities have been facing several kinds of catastrophic hazards during operations in different locations of fields .While it appears that each transmission technology behaves differently to different kind of hazards, the resulting system unavailability often lead to revenue loss, environmental and health impacts, loss of life for the employees working at the field and nearby local people, according to this report

Since 1999 oil industry has become critical faster decision making based on instant volumes of visualization, monitoring and to the economy and stability of Sudan update of process data which may help in control for information, ability to manage Republic for both export and local the identification and prevention of extremely high capacity as data demand consumption. And with the increasing potential problems. has grown accordingly, faster decision demand for new oil discoveries to increase Since 1999 oil industry has become critical making based on instant update of production and the challenges of to the economy and stability of Sudan process data which may help in the maintaining production volumes from older Republic for both export and local identification and prevention of potential fields and reducing production loss; consumption. And with the increasing problems. companies are being forced to search for demand for new oil discoveries to increase As the main stay of rthe economy, the oil oil in more remote regions which present a production and the challenges of and gas industry has been facing natural range of challenges maintaining production volumes from catastrophic problems since decades in information exchange such as the older fields and reducing production loss; and engineers are continuously availability of high volumes of visualization, companies are being forced to search for developing more and more robust models monitoring and control for information, oil in more remote regions which present a t o a v o i d t h e d a m a g e s . T h e ability to manage extremely high capacity range of challenges in information communication systems relying on as data demand has grown accordingly, exchange such as the availability of high wireless transmission technologies are

6 AFRICAN REPORT

vulnerable in severe weather conditions. normally if shut down took place at night, Man and Natural catastrphic events are operators can't move outside camp until uncontrollable and can cause severe during and after the the next day morning which means that d a m a g e s d e s p i t e i n t e l l i g e n t catastrophic events”. production loss can reach up to 15 hours. engineering.In Sudan, Petro Energy is an In rainy season also longer time is oil operating company owned by China required to reach the well. National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) During oil exploration and after the and SUDAPET, investing in block#6 geological survey, rigs begins drilling for If the wells need to be shut down for any which is located in the northwest of the seismic data acquisition, if the reservoir is reason such as high water content in Muglad basin in west Kordofan, Block #6 feasible, then testing, completion work is production, manual shut down may lead covers an area of 17,875 square initiated. However, catastrophic events to delay in water process stoppage then kilometers and the block is about 700 KM such as oil spill, leakage, explosion etc are more water will be injected for far from Khartoum. The overall average associated with telecommunication processing which will degrade the daily production is 60,000 BOPD From failure, and the production loss increases production efficiency. which 20,000BOPD is exported through necessitating further communication with Portsudan marine terminal #1 and the support team for further action Exploration security is always a 40,000BOPD are transported to challenge since it takes place in remote Khartoum refinery for local consumption. During daily operation, whenever there is areas. They normally use VSAT, satellite a shutdown in any field, all submersible Thurya and GSM, if area is covered to During exploration and production, the oil pumps inside wells had to be restarted communicate with outside world. In case and gas starts from the well heads again as soon as possible to resume these systems failed due to power failure through the flow lines and gathered in the production. These pumps in remote or any other reason, people on the rig will oil gathering manifolds, the separation scattered wells can be restarted from field be isolated and heating process completed in the control room immediately since each well fields and central processing facilities is connected with the control room via Oil production is made safer and more then the overall daily production sent communication links. efficient by constructing a Shutdown though the pipeline and pump stations to valve system to monitor the operation of export or Khartoum refinery. In case of telecom system failure, these well heads which is linked to the control wells had to be restarted manually from room with Microwave or Fiber. In case of well location which means operators an emergency, the system triggers the “Satellite would move by cars and bring those wells Emergency Shutdown Device to shut back to production one by one. This will down the Processing fields and Oil and communication has take at least 2 hours in best cases which Gas wells head automatically when fewer chances of mean 2 hours production loss weekly, emergencies such as pipeline since shut down due to power failure is explosions or fires occur. In case of equipment failures experienced 4 times monthly as average. telecommunications failure, and in case Moreover those wells may not be of hazard shut down would be done and network outages accessible due to security issues and manually and locally. Delay in reaching SPECIAL REPORT the well may lead to disaster. also may lead The complexity of optical communication to huge delay of information transfer for In oil and gas exploration and production, grows as the network grows, with more further manual shutdown actions. the Public Address and General Alarm traffic utilizing the transmission network, system is vital for safety enabling users and cost of the network also increases For pipelines leak detection system is used to communicate by voice; send pictures with distance. Operations and to detect any leakage along pipeline and and messages and so-on. During maintenance activities become difficult determine its location exactly to take an emergency evacuations, the public with increasing number of add drop immediate action. During catastrophic address and general alarm system multiplexers. Any damage caused to the event, information measured by field automatically broadcast alarm signals fiber core carrying most of the traffic can instruments is transferred to a central with different tones depending on the affect all other nodes in the network, location in real time using the type of alarm. However, this can strongly since in many cases they share the communications links. In case of Fiber optic drive a public reaction causing an bandwidth on the same core. Similarly failure, leakage will not be detected increase in the use of the cellular microwave LOS has its limitations due to immediately, unless the pressure drop network, often resulting in the cellular weather problems, distance between the down reached a considerable level in the network overload and may compromise field, limited coverage and installation next station, this means 3-5 hours are emergency calls. costs. Weather problems and distance, required to patrol the pipeline by cars and form the major limitations of microwave determine the leakage segment to fix it. The In Petro Energy, telecommunication technology. oil leakage or spill during this time usually systems provide necessary voice and not high to cause an economic loss but can data communications through reliable As a result, intermediate repeaters and lead to an environmental problem or telecommunication service for each regenerators are needed for distances human/animals diseases which may lead facility in the field and the oil pipeline and l o n g e r t h a n 7 0 k m . S a t e l l i t e to serious legal issues since oil and gas meet the basic telecommunication communication is an exception, despite companies are regulated by governmental requirement of production management its bandwidth limitations and latency obligations towards environment and local and maintenance management between problems, satellite has the major communities. the Plant and Operation locations, advantage of geographical coverage of company and outside world with the anywhere and everywhere, while with In addition, the The CCTV system provides Partners, Vendors, as well as the the advancing coding techniques and life monitoring of each area of exploration communication with mobile operating Performance Enhancing Proxy (PEP) and along the pipeline. Using this device, equipments, vehicles and personnel application satellite operators claim monitoring systems are set up so that (exploration, patrolling and emergency better performance. security and maintenance workers can get repairs supporting computer data a real-time seen of every part of the plant. networks in office and data transmission Vulnerabilities of The video and signal of CCTV is service for control systems. Communication systems tr a n s m i tte d to c o n tr o l r o o m b y telecommunication network then the Telecommunication System Control Center can get a real-time seen as Though utilized as an emergency I n o r d e r t o m e e t t h e o v e r a l l backup, satellite communication tends to well. CCTV system is also used to observe communication needs, VSAT System is the gates and fence for plant security. be more robust against catastrophic designed to support the communication failures. Satellite communication has Cameras are linked with monitors by backbone for both data and voice coaxial cables for near areas and by fewer chances of equipment failures and communication. When fiber optic system network outages during and after the communications links for the far ones. In failure is detected the traffic case of failures these areas will not be catastrophic events. As a matter of fact, automatically switched to VSAT system satellite communication is reliable but at monitored lively which will be a hazard in via the router.. The satellite offers data case of emergencies like attack. the cost of delay or latency. and voice communications between the Geographical coverage of satellite stations, control centers in field and the communication is an added advantage Without supervisory control and data main earth station (central management acquisition, with the consequent loss of over microwave LOS and optical of the network) in Khartoum Terminal. communication. Satellite communication monitoring of the entire plant, failures will Band width of 4.8 MHz is leased from not be detected timely and the longer has less vulnerability due to natural authority and annual fees are paid. The catastrophic problems on earth but very failures are left undetected the more bandwidth is allocated dynamically by damage they may leave, the more time and sensible to the space weather problems. the network management system for the Like other technologies, satellite links resources are required to fix the failure. voice and data so as to be fully utilized. In case of the shutdown of the plant, one of are also affected due to severe weather conditions on earth. the biggest fears of plant managers is that In addition, microwave is also used as a the plant's Distributed Control Systems will redundant system in the upstream shut down the system because of a failure Communication dishes and towers get environment together with the VSAT. And damaged, antenna alignment gets at a single seemingly inconsequential point to connect wells remote terminal units, in the system. disturbed due to severe weather RTUs to the processing facility for conditions; fractional variations in wellheads speed monitoring and control. Even redundancies are there, supervisory antenna alignment angles might affect It acts as point to point communication the overall link performance. Flooding, control and data acquisition and Distributed within short distances not more than 50 Control Systems forms a relief source for fire and explosions due to weather can km. also damage the transmission operators and managers that any threat, During operation, Microwave LOS error or failure is detected and alarmed equipment. technology provides high bandwidth to However, microwave LOS is the most timely to avoid emergency shutdowns that support different kind of services, delays the production process. widely used transmission technology all satellite is however, more robust against over the world, offering reasonable various geo-calamities, while optical bandwidth and low operational costs, Even if the failures were detected without communication fulfills the bandwidth these systems it can't be controlled making its attractable in the oil and gas requirements but is difficult to install and industry as the major transmission remotely and as such control will be manual repair. only. technology. SPECIAL REPORT

technical staff.

However, satellite communication copes with these issues reasonably well since transmission medium is only unavailable during extreme weather conditions, and repair activities can be performed on platform immediately after the event, which means that the repair time for the satellite communication in catastrophic and normal situations is marginally same. Failure of optical and microwave communication networks can be disastrous, in case the transmission medium is severely damaged due an event. The mean time to repair of optical transmission medium in general is much higher than the transmission medium vulnerabilities of microwave and satellite communication.

The telecommunication infrastructure of Petro Energy E&P is a cooperative network between Canartel, Sudatel and After the catastrophic events, systems state of the art technology for the GNPOC, and the infrastructure is must be back in service to continue moving rigs. Satellite communication shared by network operators. The three production. For a robust transmission also has some major advantages over backbone made up of fiber optic system, technology, the repair and the replacement microwave LOS and optical networks. V S AT S y s t e m , d e s i g n e d a s activities should be easy, quick and cost The oil fields communication telecommunication back-up for both effective. In general, these transmission infrastructure also may be damaged data and voice communication, and the technologies have different repair and due to the heavy rains followed by flood. microwave used as a redundant system replacement requirements, and while time for fiber optic in the upstream together in to repair or reinstall, and related costs, are addition to the VSAT. also different. An optical link requires more Offshore wireless links suffer rain time and man hours than satellite and effects, which degrade the signal microwave LOS links. Similarly microwave quality. The microwave and satellite “In Sudan, GNPOC LOS requires more time than a satellite communication links face attenuation, network. More so, the cost to repair or noise temperature and polarization and Sudatel networks replace damaged accessories for satellite problems due to rain. are used to complete networks is less than that a microwave LOS, and microwave LOS costs are less In robust network designs, rain induced the ring”. than optical communication. impairments can have significant impacts on received signal quality. The rain increases the system noise In case of any problem from the service temperature; the electromagnetic “Satellite provider the traffic can be routed to the signals suffer attenuation due to other service provider. and is maintained scattering and absorbing effects; and communication by service provider for the repair and the polarization of electromagnetic replacement costs are shared by all oil performs better than signals may change as the rain droplets and gas operators. Repair and rotate due to wind and other forces. In replacement costs for Satellite any other technology in practice, rain attenuation has significant transmission links are usually much effect on signal quality. calamitous situations”. lower than optical and microwave links, since most of the catastrophic calamities In addition, interference during satellite occur on earth. In normal conditions, all three technologies communication is caused by the carriers generated from neighboring satellites give acceptable availability and The cost of microwave transmission link and earth stations. The antenna side robustness. However, distinguishing is equal to satellite transmission link lobes often produce interference. The technical aspects and installation and when the distance between station and information signal carrying such noise operating costs might attract one other station is less than 70 km and less type interference is amplified by the technology over another. Typically, than the repair and replacement costs transponder and the receiver earth microwave LOS is chosen as cost effective for optical cable. In general for each station receives the combined uplink and robust, if the facilities are near to each technology have fixed repair and and downlink interference as noise. other, provided suitable weather conditions replacement costs, while other added according to the statistics of ITU rain cost depends on the applicable field regions. Similarly depending on the seismic For natural or manmade catastrophic distance such as transportation usually changes due to geographical location and calamities, the mean time to repair can with emergency helicopter and technical the type of reservoirs, the operators deploy vary from few hours to days, weeks and assistance. optical solutions because of its enormous months. There are many factors which bandwidth advantage. affect the repair time including distance Additional reports by Mohamed Alnoor Abubaker of the field, type of damage, and Satellite communication is always availability of transportation, equipment, considered as an emergency backup or the accessories, spare parts, tools and IN THE NEWS

NSR reveals the “new Kwesé Free TV gets green light from normal” in satellite South African regulator manufacturing & South Africa's media and and general entertainment BafotengMetix owning a launch communications regulator content. The JV has 45% stake and Mosong ICASA has confirmed that propsed the launch of five Equities holding 35%. Satellite manufacturing and launch markets are it is granting a commercial channels: Kwesé Free The regulator made the evolving at rates never seen before. With a bevy free-to-air TV licence to Sports HD, Kwesé Brave award in the face of of actors entering the satellite market at different Kwesé Free TV. opposition from public levels of the value chain, the new dynamic is Kwesé Focus. Kwesé changing the way this industry measures growth The watchdog said that Vibes and Kwesé Drama. broadcaster SABC, which – with the number of satellite orders and price/ kg K w e s é F r e e T V ' s complained that the losing relevance as market indicators. In this p r o p o s e d s e r v i c e The award of the licence to award of additional third market dynamics where customer preference complied with the relevant Kwesé Free TV comes multiplex capacity could and priorities vary greatly, from time to orbit to South African laws and despite the collapse of hamper a seamless low cost, quick adaptability and prudent pricing met a market need. It also Kwesé TV, the pan-African digital migration. ICASA strategies by the players may be the key to future judged that the outfit's satellite TV service owned said it was still of the view market success. business plan and means by Econet Media, one of t h a t l i c e n s i n g a n Declining capacity prices seen in the past years of financial support were the Kwesé Free TV JV additional individual free- and uncertainty around the long-term success of adequate and that the partners. t o - a i r c o m m e r c i a l LEO constellations has resulted in declining group had the expertise The Zimbabwe-based b r o a d c a s t e r w o u l d number of GEO satellite orders in the recent and experience necessary Kwesé TV foled in August, stimulate competition and years. As the industry looks for a new normal, to run a broadcasting w i t h E c o n e t M e d i a add to the variety of TV different operators are adopting different business. services available to the strategies, ranging from high cost, high b l a m i n g e c o n o m i c throughput satellites to generic, software- Kwesé also secured a conditions in Zimbabwe country's citizens. defined and small GEO satellites. The ability of related radio frequency and the difficulty in satellite manufacturers to meet the tailored spectrum licence giving it securing foreign currency ICASA received five needs of the market has certainly increased the 55% of the country's third to pay suppliers. applications for the third demand to an average of 13 – 15 GEO digital multiplex. multiplex frequencies: communication satellite orders per year, as NSR The granting of the licence Kwesé Free TV is 20% Kwesé, Laedza TV, reported in its recently released Satellite opens the way for Kwesé owned by Econet South Tshwaranang Media, Manufacturing and Launch Services, 9th Edition to offer a bouquet of A f r i c a , w i t h R o y a l Infinity Media Networks report. channels offering sport While demand for GEO orders over the next is expected to remain stable, overall market revenues will continue to experience an overall Argosy announces IP networking and fibre decline as manufacturers aim to lower their efficiency ratio by adopting more cost-efficient infrastructure wins processes. As such, satellite order numbers are A r g o s y , a l e a d i n g Broadcast with over a n d l o n g - s t a n d i n g no longer a relevant market indicator, and revenues only tell one side of the story. The ease international supplier of 200km of digital video strategic partnerships and speed at which players adapt to this fast broadcast cables and cabling coaxial cables, with suppliers of critical changing environment, through M&A's, cost infrastructure products, i n c l u d i n g D r a k a ' s infrastructure solutions, efficient processes and flexible product recently provided a selection e x c l u s i v e - t o - A r g o s y has equipped them with offerings, will determine success of the players of IP and fibre-based cabling, Image 360 and Image the ability to deliver end- and the overall market. n e t w o r k i n g a n d r a c k 1000 coaxial cables and to-end signal distribution The satellite launch market is at the same time technology to support dB large volume of Neutrik solutions from the rack to going through a period of transition and will Broadcast in the IP migration BNC connectors, suitable the network experience more competition and diversity over of some of the UK's leading f o r 3 G H z 1 0 8 0 p . the next decade. Depending on the diverse broadcasters and media transmission for these customer priorities, such as the target orbit, services companies. projects over an 18month “IP infrastructure and altitude, time to orbit and cost, the launch service period . Additional S M P T E f i b r e - b a s e d providers are offering different options from "We chose Argosy products, materials included 150km systems are the fastest- dedicated launch to rideshare to dedicated not only because of their of digital audio cabling growing areas in our rideshare. In addition, launch providers are adopting different approaches including consistency and first-class made up of various types project portfolio,” said reusability, sea launches and partnerships with service, but also because of single and multiple pairs Chris Smeeton, director at companies offering last mile delivery to lower the they have the ability to make of cables. Argosy. “Our increasing internal costs and offer better services to the available large stock levels to e x p e r i e n c e a n d customers. enable multiple shipments, Argosy also provided dB knowledge in this capacity Bottom Line as required to support Broadcast with network enables us to provide truly The emergence of “New Space” players is complex projects like these," cables and SMPTE fibre i n s i g h t f u l changing the way the growth of the satellite said Tom Swan, sales & equipment as part of the recommendations that manufacturing and launch markets is assessed. marketing director, dB creation of a flexible, our customers can trust. The traditional indicators and standards such as Broadcast. "Argosy shipping dynamic 24/7 news We're incredibly proud the number of satellite orders and $/kg are their products directly to site platform for a European that we're able to retain an rapidly becoming obsolete to give way to for projects has reduced our headquarters. extremely high level of adaptability and innovative pricing. In the end, need to hold such a large Argosy is at the forefront of repeat business in these the growth of the overall market will rely on how inventory at our own the industry's continued areas, amongst others – well the different market players can adapt to this rapidly changing environment and tailoring warehouse and has helped migration to IP and with which also comes down to pricing strategies based on customer type and us with our logistical organisations' increased the exceptional customer their priorities. planning." investment in SMPTE services that we offer.” A r g o s y p r o v i d e d d B cabling. Argosy's unique

7 INDUSTRY REPORT

Nigerian Television Authority Still Africa’s largest TV Network

The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) is the National Television Network for the people of Nigeria, and presently has bureaus in different countries of the world, including the United Kingdom, Washington DC, Ottawa, Canada, Accra, Ghana, Cairo in Egypt, Germany and China. As a global network, its signals could also be accessed in all countries.

What is today known as the Nigerian Television The Weekend Deal remains a flagship Authority started as the Western Nigerian in 7 countries of the world, including the breakfast show of mixed grill interviews that Television Services (WNTV), which beamed its United Kingdom, Washington DC, Ottawa runs for two and half hours. It is easily the first signals to the people of Nigeria and the (Canada), Accra (Ghana), Cairo (Egypt), most engaging TV weekend breakfast show entire Africa on 31 October 1959. By the Germany and China. These Bureaus are on air nationwide. One of the segments,'15 beginning of 1962, the three regional manned by experienced reporters who Minutes Studio', is the most entertaining; as Governments that existed in Nigeria had set up cover Nigerian-related events around the it features a lively personality interview of a the Nigerian Television world. The Authority is also perpetually celebrity or dignitary. Other segments Service. Then with the creation of twelve States committed to recreating its network include fascinating features from all over in Nigeria, more television services were programmes, not only to satisfy the the country, quick cuisine and lots more. established and by 1976 when all television yearnings of millions of TV viewers, but particularly to strengthen it in fulfilling its stations were taken over by the Federal International partnership Government under Decree 24 of 1977, the crucial role as a pillar and enhancer in the development of a shared national Another key responsibility of the Nigerian Television Authority was born as the Programmes Directorate is its lead in sole entity responsible for Television consciousness, cohesion and identity of the Nigerian nation State. International relations with large TV broadcasting in Nigeria, beginning with ten networks which has led to significant stations. It later added twenty more stations, collaboration for productions and bringing it to thirty stations by 1999; and today, Rich library of programmes acquisition of new programmes, to further the organization boasts of one hundred and one NTA's classics like the 'Village liven up the screen. Through these efforts, stations following the decision by the Federal Headmaster', 'Cock Crow at Dawn', NTA now partners with BBC Media Action, Government of Nigeria to further expand 'Behind the Clouds', and 'Masquerade' Discovery +234, CNBC International television services in the year 2002 for wider treated several moral, family and societal among others. reception, especially to the rural areas. These issues; thus promoting the appreciation of There are other local partnerships with developments have given NTA the status of the indigenous values. Soap operas like 'Mirror indigenous Producers and organizations largest network in Africa. in the Sun' and 'Ripples' were chart busters with similar objectives; like the 'Centre for that viewers rushed home to watch weekly. Black African Arts and Culture (CBAAC)'. The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) is the NTA is always open to such meaningful and National Television Network for the people of The live musical programme, 'Band Stand' mutually beneficial partnerships for the Nigeria. Its key function is to provide had for years attracted thousands of live enhancementDr of. Abiodunthe broadcast Olusesi industry. independent and impartial television audiences of different age The news ChiefDire Consultant,ctorate eNationalHospitalnsures that groups and societal purposeful communicationAbuja, Nigeria of development standing. Other musical and activities within the country, other parts shows like 'Stars of the of the African continent and global Tube', 'The Bala Miller community are brought to the attention of Show', 'ASAA' and so the populace. The Directorate deploys both m a n y o t h e r s a l s o its core News and Current Affairs belt to the promoted mental and actualization of Government's policies and physical relaxation. In the programmes. g e n r e o f c h i l d r e n ' s The News Directorate covers assignments programming, the ever both locally and internationally with the aim expressive and didactic of bringing the activities of Government folk-drama programme, nearer to the people; with its broad reach 'Tales by Moonlight' throughout the nation and globally. remains the longest There is an array of not less than 30 Current running TV programme Affairs programmes handled by highly that extols the aesthetics trained professionals in various areas. of African/Nigerian folk- These programmes are structured to lore. In its quest to meet up provide an information-rich environment with current realities in TV through robust discussions to deepen the e n t e r t a i n m e n t , t h e democratic process and culture. For broadcasting for general reception in the Programmes Directorate in recent times instance, the programme 'Good Morning interest of Nigeria. No other Television `Station embarked on the creation of new Nigeria' is easily the in Nigeria is charged with the same social programme concepts and redesigning of most watched political and current affairs responsibility of public interest broadcasting. some old programmes to elicit more programme in the country. With a no holds Accordingly, the NTA seeks to serve as a tool for viewership and sustain the interest of bar interview format and distinct style of national integration. Aside the 36 Stations and different target audience. These presentation, the programme x-rays Abuja, NTA runs 62 Community Broadcast programmes include 'Weekend Deal', 'Life government policies, issues of national Stations, Digital Multi-Channels and subsidiary Stories', 'The Street', 'No OrdinaryGarki VDay',illage integrationintere sschemet, de quickbirdvelopm satelliteents, imagegove 2003rnment companies. 'Guest Chef', 'My Music and I', and activities, politics etc. As a global network, NTA presently has bureaus 'Boundaries and Transit'. IN THE NEWS

HAPSMobile joins Airtel signs up 100 million customers in Africa Facebook's HAPS flight demonstration in South Airtel Africa has announced experience. "The positive global telecommunications Africa that it has surpassed the 100 momentum we have seen in company, we are building million subscriber mark in customer acquisition, the network of the future. Africa, as the company looks further underpins our Network that is more HAPSMobile Inc., a subsidiary of SoftBank to expand its offerings medium-term aspirations heterogeneous, flexible Corp., announced that it joined Facebook's across the continent.Airtel for revenue and profit and attuned to evolving High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS)flight Africa is present in 14 growth. I would like to take customer expectations. demonstration in Oudtshoorn, South Africaas c o u n t r i e s a c r o s s t h e this opportunity to thank all We are migrating to a more part of a collaboration between the two continent, with a particularly the teams that have worked granular network quality companies to accelerate the development and strong presence in Eastern hard to get us here,” said model that enhances a d o p t i o n o f H A P S c o m m u n i c a t i o n Africa. Raghunath Mandava, Airtel t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d technologies. Often considered the world's Africa's chief executive reinforces customer trust The companies share a vision of leveraging last frontier, Africa has officer. on the brand. Our multi- H A P S s y s t e m s t o b u i l d s t a b l e continued to demonstrate Airtel Africa recently raised l a y e r e d a n d m u l t i - $ 750 million at its initial technology network is a Internetconnectivity environments at locations c o n s i d e r a b l e g r o w t h Measat-3b unserved by telecommunication networks, potential in key economic Public Offering in London, futuristic and highly including mountainous terrain, remote islands sectors. Prospects are earlier this year, as the complex architecture. and developing countries. HAPSMobile joined particularly bright in the company looked to raise Therefore, in order to funds to expand its mobile Facebook's High Altitude Platform Station communications sector. maintain and improve the n e t w o r k s a c r o s s t h e network experience, we (HAPS) flight demonstration conducted on “I am delighted to report that continent. Airtel will invest have embarked upon August 8, 2019 in Oudtshoorn, South Africa. A Airtel Africa has crossed the 100 million subscriber mark. the money into boosting the innovative tools for near smallgeneral aviation aircraft was equipped T h i s a c h i e v e m e n t i s number of 4G sites in its real-time optimisation with Facebook's advanced communication testament to the hard work of ever-increasing footprint, as through Self Optimisation system. our employees and a clear well as consolidating its 3G Network (SON) and geo- For the flight demonstration, a small general reflection that customers networks. analytics. aviation aircraft flying at analtitude of 4km was value our network, service equipped with Facebook's advanced offerings and customer As the world's leading communication system.The test flight utilized the same 26GHz and 38GHz HAPS spectrum Video Progetti announces debut of L'Opera's bands thatwill be considered for HAPS at the WRC-19 (World Radio Conference) in Egypt latest state-of-the-art outside broadcast van inOctober 2019. Italian broadcast distributor national right owner would distribution systems.“We're The flight demonstration showcased how the and systems integrator u se i t fo r i n -co u n try v e r y l u c k y, ” I n f a n t e HAPS system couldprovide mobile backhaul V i d e o P r o g e t t i h a s coverage, while the other c o n t i n u e d . “ W e ' r e to enable mobile operators to extend announced that OB7, the one would be broadcasting passionate about the broadbandconnectivity to rural areas that have state-of-the-art outside to its international viewers. industry, passionate about either been entirely unserved due tolack of broadcast van it has Each would also want to sport, passionate about backhaul or allow them to upgrade 2G or 3G designed and built for deliver some streams in w h a t w e d o – a n d base stations to today'sbroadband speeds p r o d u c t i o n c o m p a n y 4K/UltraHD resolution. passionate about being given this source of high capacity backhaul. L'Opera Broadcast Video able to contribute to the “We partner with companies across the Service, will see its first live “That meant that we needed economy of our region. We industry to bring affordable Internetaccess to action in the first week of an OB van with some pretty love what we do.” more people, faster,” said Dan Rabinovitsj, September. It has been spectacular capabilities – under construction since Vice President ofFacebook Connectivity. “Our and that's what Video L'Opera's OB7 is an late Spring. Progetti delivered,” said work with HAPSMobile and this flight impressive 14 metres in Michele Infante, co-founder demonstration length (it weighs 39,000kgs L'Opera's specialises in the and CEO of L'Opera. “OB7 is fully loaded) that delivers is an example of how we can share knowledge production of television a real achievement for us up to 61 square metres of and best practices from ourinvestment in coverage for a broad range being our first dual client working space at full HAPS to connect more people and further of sports – football, outside broadcast van that is extension of its three catalyze the industryaround next generation volleyball and motor racing going to meet any demand unfolding walls. It can broadband connectivity.” among others - as well as for key sports events. We accommodate a team of “Facebook has been working in the HAPS concerts, entertainment love it – it's everything we 35. industry since 2014 and has manyinsights into events and conventions. hoped it would be – and the The van comprises seven related technologies,” said Junichi Miyakawa, whole L'Opera team is production suites, each RepresentativeDirector & CTO of SoftBank The company's clients looking forward to working w i t h i n d e p e n d e n t Corp., and also President and CEO of include key players in the with it.” temperature control, with HAPSMobile.“Our collaboration with national and international the only shared facility broadcast industry such as Facebook has been fruitful to HAPSMobile's The new van is equipped being the camera control the BBC, CCtv, CNN, LA7, with cutting edge UHD/HDR efforts topromote the adoption and room, from which up to 28 Mediaset, NHK, RAI and technology - and OB7 is also development of HAPS. Building on this cameras can be controlled. Sky. The challenge faced by designed to deliver 100% “We have been working flightdemonstration, HAPSMobile will continue Video Progetti was that the availability, with complete with L'Opera for many to develop technologies andstandardize new OB van for L'Opera was mirroring/redundancy of all years,” said Carlo Struzzi, spectrum for HAPS with the aim of destined for a very specific equipment for easy failover CEO of Video Progetti, revolutionizing the world'smobile networks.” application: it would be in the event of equipment “and we have grown shared concurrently by two malfunction. Furthermore t o g e t h e r t h r o u g h broadcasters to cover the i t ' s b u i l t w i t h t w o generations of broadcast same football matches. The i n d e p e n d e n t p o w e r technology.

11 IN THE NEWS

Nigeria have the capacity to run ZEE5 Global ties up with EUROSTAR Group E-learning Reaching these audiences A Nigerian University Chancellor, Prof ZEE5 has announced its including Bollywood Abdullahi Bala has observed that the partnership with UAE- blockbusters and World through every touchpoint to FederalUniversity of Technology, Minna has the based digital retail giant, the Digital Premieres like enable them to discover and capacities for e-learning, during the exit EUROSTAR Group to Simmba, Kedarnath, experience ZEE5 is critical meeting with the National Universities enable people across the Veere Di Wedding, TV a n d e n a b l i n g o ff l i n e Commission (NUC) officials who were in the GCC countries to access shows like Sembaruthi, subscriptions via retail is a University for the Pre-Validation Exercise of the ZEE5's library of 100,000 C h e m b a r u t h i a n d key initiative. We are very institution's proposed Centre for Open Distance hours of entertainment K u m K u m B h a g y a , happy to announce our and E-Learning (CODeL) at the Vice- c o n t e n t t h r o u g h Originals like Kaafir and partnership with Eurostar, Chancellor's Conference Room, Main Campus. s u b s c r i p t i o n p a c k s The Final Call and more. one of the leading digital Prof. Bala disclosed that the institution has available at any of Eurostar The bouquet also has 60+ retail Groups across the invested massively in infrastructure needed to and its partner outlets L i v e T V c h a n n e l s , G C C t o m a k e Z E E 5 run the programme seamlessly with robust across GCC. Customers in including ZEE TV, ZEE available through their internet bandwidth as well as training and the UAE and other GCC Keralam, ZEE Tamil, ZEE outlets.” retraining of staff of the Centre, while noting that markets can now buy a M a r a t h i , t o p n e w s the commencement of the open distance e- ZEE5 subscription pack channels and others. ShaanJethwani, Executive learning programme in the University was long Director of Eurostar said, overdue. The Vice-Chancellor said the Centre f r o m t h e i r n e a r e s t "We are thrilled and has the full support of the University EUROSTAR retail outlet ArchanaAnand, Chief Management while noting that some of his and choose from ZEE5's Business Officer, ZEE5 privileged to join hands with predecessors in office also laid solid foundation daily, weekly, monthly and Global said: “With the Z E E 5 . T h e c u r r e n t towards the actualization of the Centre. annual subscription packs. largest range of Indian p a r a d i g m s h i f t o n He commended the NUC team for doing a content, including 2000+ consumers TV watching, thorough job within three days to access the A subscription to ZEE5 will movies and exclusive TV coupled with Eurostar's University's preparedness for the kick-off of the p r o v i d e E U R O S TA R shows across genres, l e g a c y o n P a y T V proposed Centre and assured that all the customers in the GCC ZEE5 is fast becoming the distribution along with observations raised by them would be looked access to content in 17 go-to destination for Z E E 5 ' s u n m a t c h a b l e into immediately. The VC expressed languages, including Hindi, Indian content for multiple content prepositions are appreciation to NUC for sending a team of Malayalam, Tamil, Bangla audience segments in the poised for sure success and experts in the areas of open distance and e- and Marathi. ZEE5's GCC who want compelling it's going to create a new learning, adding that the observations raised in content catalogue spans stories in the language of experience for audiences in their preliminary report showed that they are all across 2000+ movies, their comfort. their living room.” committed to the University's quest to provide more access to education for people. Speaking earlier, the leader of the team, the Executive Secretary, NUC, Prof. Abubakar Hughes launches new solutions to extend Rasheed said they have concluded their assignment in the University and further LTE coverage using Helicopters, UAVs appreciated the University Management for the superb hospitality and support accorded the v i s i t i n g t e a m . Hughes Network Systems, edge-centric approach to s o l u t i o n p r o v i d e s a n Represented by the Director, Open Distance LLC, the global leader in positively impact lives and extended cellular coverage a n d E - L e a r n i n g , N U C , D r . M r s . broadband satellite networks keep critical missions radius of tens of kilometers, OlamideAdesina, the Executive Secretary said and services, in partnership connected. Additionally, a with the satellite terminal NUC is desirous of ensuring quality in Nigerian w i t h V i r t u a l N e t w o r k new 5G solution is on our backhauling the mobile traffic education system, particularly in the area of Communications, Inc. (VNC), development roadmap and to and from the network core. content delivery through the use of technology. a n n o u n c e d n e w j o i n t w e l o o k f o r w a r d t o The solution can also scale to Presenting the preliminary report, Prof. solutions to extend mobile integrating it with the support more than 100 Abdullahi Junaid of the Department of network connectivity using an Hughes JUPITER platform.” simultaneous active users on Computer Science, Ahmadu Bello University integrated combination of a single, layered system who is also a member of the team commended VNC's deployable LTE Government & Military architecture. the University for all the facilities put in place for technology with Hughes : “Adaptable for rotary-wing the take-off of the programme, saying that the JUPITER™ and HM satellite D e s i g n e d t o p r o v i d e aircraft and UAVs, the team noticed some areas which are minimal systems. wireless coverage for HeloCell Solution is ideal for that the University needs to improve upon The new solutions support soldiers or first responders, e x t e n d i n g m o b i l e towards ensuring that the Centre comes into various global applications for the new Hughes HeloCell™ connectivity in a disaster fruition. government, militaries, first Solution integrates VNC's area or warzone,” said In his vote of thanks, the Director, Academic responders, and commercial LTE technology with the Wayne Marhefka, senior Planning, FUT, Minna, Prof. Amuda Yusuf Mobile Network Operators Hughes HeloSat™ Solution, d i r e c t o r o f b u s i n e s s Yahaya thanked the team for their thorough (MNOs). “We're excited to which provides Beyond Line development for Hughes assessment of the proposed Centre's work with Hughes to help o f S i g h t ( B L o S ) Defense Division. “Together courseware materials, facilities and other expand high speed 4G communications on rotary- with VNC, Hughes can essentials, adding that they have done a good services cost-effectively in wing aircraft. For military and extend connectivity to job and posterity would never forget them. underserved parts of the emergency applications, the soldiers and first response “You are building a world not a nation because world, as well as providing the H u g h e s a n d V N C teams who need wireless you cannot project the number of students that tactical edge for military and technologies combine to communications to carry out would benefit from this Centre when it finally first responders,” said Mohan form an “airborne cell tower” their missions, especially in takes off. I want to thank God on your behalf for Tammisetti, chief executive when installed aboard a remote and disconnected being part of the history of the Centre,” Prof. o ff i c e r o f V N C . “ V N C helicopter or an Unmanned environments. Yahaya disclosed. developed this innovative, Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The

18 SPECIAL REPORT

Ghana upbeat as GTV adopts advanced media technologies

Picture source ADB

Courtesy- SpaceX

Ghana Television's news gathering, production and delivery processes have changed to reflect the current operations as its concludes digital migration. According to Gahan Broadcasting Corporation, Reporters in the regions have now been trained to load their footages onto YouTube so that video editors in Accra can download and edit for bulletins.

The Ghana Broadcasting Corporation broadcast. Photos taken were processed writing, editing text,recording and editing popularly called GBC began television through chemicals and projected for voice, playing and archiving video footages transmission in 1965 using the monochrome transmission. and the autocue for reading news on live TV. technology. Television was transmitted in The Z5 cameras record images onto chips. Accra using three main band I 5kw The U-matic cameras introduced in 1984 The video was downloaded onto a computer transmitters at Ajangote in the Greater Accra were part of preparation towards the and edited using Sony Vegas version nine region, Jamasi in the Ashanti region and Kissi introduction of colour transmission. He said, and played on air using the Que series. in the Central region and a 500 watt Band III Ghana Television replaced the U-matic in transmitter in Northern regional capital, 1998 with BETA Cam. The technology, Tamale. though now outdated, was so durable that Competition and the station was able to use it until 2005. technological change The station further installed small-power Band BETA Cam was an analogue technology, I and Band III television transmitters to extend therefore editing was done by dubbing Ghana Television has always been under coverage to about half of the country's relevant portions of the footage needed for a state support; government is the major geographical area via microwave links that story on one BETA discs to be played during financier of the state broadcaster. Since carried television programme from Accra. the bulletin. News and relevant footages are television was introduced in July 1965, the At the time, the process of news gathering at archived on the BETA discs. state had enjoyed monopoly until parliament the time required that reporters attend passed the NCA Act of 1996, (Act 524) which assignments with cameramen using cameras The head of GBC 24, the dedicated all-news was later repealed by Act 769 in the 2008. for still photography. According to the Director channel on GTV's digital platform Johnny The NCA Act provided for the establishment of Technical Production, Oscar Nchor, before Aryeetey, observed that GTV introduced the of Frequency Registration Control Board the introduction of video cameras in 1984, still Z5 cameras and Que series software 2010. (FRCB), a body to receive and vet photographs were used for television The software combines properties for applications for the allocation of frequencies

19 SPECIAL REPORT

to citizens and organisations equitably. The Transformation of GTV the Show Editor for editing before a voice clip work of the FRCB led to Metro TV breaking the is recorded. The audio clip is consequently state broadcaster's monopoly in July 1997. newsroom sent to the editiNutor Bibini Nutor observed However, the station was partly owned by that reporters are no longer passive According to Johnny Aryeetey, in an GBC. Again, to access Metro TV's signals observers in the news production interview the Ghana Television newsroom then, television owners needed antennas. process, particularly, editing footages. He Later that year, has gone through about five generations of cameras over its period of existence. The explained that reporters now begin editing TV3 launched the first full free-to-air private their stories from the field. “We need to television station in October 1997. Members camera technology has moved from eye decide the shots that will better tell our of the public could contribute to TV reflex films to U-matic, BETA CAM, XD discussions through letters, request coupons CAM and now the Z5. However, over the story from the field before arriving at the and in the very recent past, digital platforms last decade the station has used two newsroom”, he said. The reporter further which have made it possible to send text cameras. GTV in the last decade used XD stated that news professionals had to messages to short codes or make phone-ins CAM and later switched to Z5 cameras produce their scripts using computer- as forms of feedback or to contribute to because in the explanation of the Director based applications. discussions. The broadcast media also of Technical Production, Z5 cameras were invited citizens with expertise on various more compatible with the Que series. Edward Nyarko agreed that reporters are subjects to share their thought on various EboSackey, a cameraman in a personal now able to record their audio clips issues. interview (13th October 2014) stated that without waiting for sound operators. input devices including tapes, discs and Reporters claim recording sound GTV's adoption of new chips for previous cameras had limited previously was not always smooth, storage capacity, but Z5 addresses those especially, when sound operators closed shortfalls. technology from work or were on break. Reporters The acting Director of Television Betty Apau- needed to wait for them before audio clips Oppong in an interview stated that GTV Comparatively, the Z5 cameras are more introduced new technologies because the `user-friendly. They are easy to operate could be recorded, this put undue state broadcaster was committed to providing and have two input devices. According to pressure on reporters. However, the viewers quality pictures and programme the Cameraman, using the chip is better situation has improved greatly with the content. According to the acting Director of because it has bigger storage capacity. The introduction of the new technology. Television, though new technologies do not chip is easier to handle and the breaks that According to the manager of Graphics, always address all challenges of those they occur with video tapes do not occur when two set designers in the department who replace, they keep the station ahead of using the chip system. were unable to learn computer competition. Oscar Nchor, in a personal The Channel Manager for GBC 24 stated applications for set design, were moved to interview also explained that over the years, that changing from one technology to the another department. Throughout the the station has introduced a number of new other was always as a result of study, they were the only professionals, technologies to improve news gathering, management's desire to keep abreast with whose roles changed with the introduction production and delivery and above all, ensure changing technology to remain relevant in of Que series in the year 2010. Reporters viewer satisfaction. The Director of Technical the industry. The Director of Technical also have become more involved in the Production further indicated that in order to explained that some of the technologies process of producing news stories for have been introduced to reduce cost and sustain viewer interest, the station invests in airing.ng bench, where the video editor increase efficiency. For instance, when modern technology and equipment. Over the matches the voice clip with the video rashes cost of electricity was increasing the station last decade, the station has introduced new before it is finally sent to the MCR for onward decided to invest in camera that required cameras to improve picture quality as well as play, with the click of a button. less light to produce quality pictures. This new software writing stories, editing video, However, with the introduction was a cost saving measure. sound and text. GTV also currently has a of Que series, the process of producing network server for archiving footages. The news stories has been simplified. The Barbara Gaisie, a news editor with the GTV Channel Manager for GBC 24, Johnny reporter now downloads the footages stated that the newsroom migrated from Aryeetey, stated that cameras have changed gathered from the field onto the server, the use of typewriters to computers with from XD Cam to Z5 now and the Que series where it can be accessed by the Show Microsoft applications for text processing has replaced the different application Editor, with the aid of the Que series. Voice but since the year 2010 reporters have software for various departments whose work clips are also saved under labels and the switched to the Que series, a software that contribute to news gathering, production and reporter working on the story then gives the combines various features for processing delivery in the television newsroom. assigned label to the video editor for easy various aspects of television news stories. The Que series harmonised the operations of identification. The edited story is sent to the The current software combines properties the individual units to ensure a coordinated Master Control Room with the click of a for processing text, audio and video and platform. Whereas reporters and video editors button. This process eliminates the need to also makes the final content available for believe the primary reason why the state physically carry elements of a television on-air delivery. The software makes it broadcaster over the years, introduced story to various units within the production possible for the editor, reporter and technologies was to improve the picture and process. programme quality as well as stay ahead of newscaster to access a story in real time. This means when a reporter is working on a competition, Director of Technical Production The acting Director of Television, Betty story, the editor can simultaneously access revealed that sometimes the station is Apau-Oppong explained that though the the script on the work station. compelled to introduce new technologies objective of station has been to invest in new because existing equipment may not have technologies to improve the quality of Edward Nyarko, a Business news editor in parts readily available on the market. He pictures, the Que series has been fraught a personal interview also explained that by explained that manufacturers sometimes with many challenges. The station the end of video editing, the story is ready keep all components of equipment out of introduced Que series because we wanted for on-air play with the click of a button. The market to compel users to abandon them for to move with the times. However, though reporter added that the Que series has new models. Oscar Nchor further stated that each step brought a level of improvement in eliminated the need to physically carry to remain up-to-date in the industry, the output; there have also been many scripts, edited voices and videos footages station needs to keep pace with technology. challenges. Despite the technology being to either the video editing bench or the He however, conceded that financial modern, video footages sometimes become Master Control Room (MCR) for on-air play. constraints have made it impossible for the still on air. The experience is not a pleasant Until the introduction of the new software, station to keep up-to-date with the ever one, especially because the technology is reporters carried hard copies of scripts to growing changes in technology. barely five years, the acting Director of SPECIAL REPORT

Television said.

Video editing is no longer cutting and joining of tape or recording parts of video onto another input device to play. Video editing now requires using software to cut and join footage, audio clips and text to tell stories. The new technology also has a server for storing all footage, both raw and edited. In the server for archiving videos, all footages are labeled and categorised for easy identification. This makes it easy for video editors to import any video or audio for editing. Nutor Bibini Nutor, a reporter, said that the new technologies have made their work easier. He however, was unhappy that the Station failed to consult the end-users of the technologies to solicit their input before such technologies are introduced. For instance, he said the thumbnails offered by the disc of the XD CAM made it hardware, there are other changes in the set designers in the department who were easier to locate footages, but he conceded newsroom arrangements to ensure fluidity unable to learn computer applications for that the Que series is more user-friendly in their operations. Reporters, he said have set design, were moved to another and more efficient. been assigned to desks such as political, department. Throughout the study, they Richard Dellali, a supervising video editor business, entertainment, health, education were the only professionals, whose roles also revealed that indicated that video and sports among others. This was changed with the introduction of Que series editing software has made their work occasioned by the introduction of new in the year 2010. Reporters have become easier. For instance, now we are able to technologies and management decision to more involved in the process of producing easily effect corrections on the edited broadcast every hour, unlike the twice daily news stories for airing. work. Again, how we work has changed news broadcasts. greatly, the server stores all the stories so I Furthermore, the introduction of technology According to the Channel Manager for GBC can work with speed and accuracy. All has also changed news professionals' 24, reporters now plan their stories before stories are labeled and sent to the server attitude to work. According to him, until the they set out. They are expected to capture instantly. The edited stories are cued on 24 hour service began, we only came to only the shots that enables them tell their the Show Editor's line up with a click of a work at 8:30am, but presently, our first stories accurately. This means that footages button. The Director now sees the list of news bulletin is at 7:00am. This means that sent to the editing bench are shorter, stories running and by the click of a button, reporters need to do more, but they have because cameramen now take shots a story is invited on air. adjusted without any complaints. The same relevant to telling a particular story. reporters who used to produce one story a Reporters also need to work with video John Ocloo, the Manager of television day, now produce two stories each, during editors to ensure that footages tell the story graphics explained that the department their eight-hour shifts. The morning bulletin accurately. has migrated from physical set design to also provides that reporters arrive early Johnny Aryeetey further explained why the the use of computer-based applications each day to work but may leave late when twenty four-hour news channel requires for set design. Over the last decade we there are trending stories and features that reporters to produce more content within the have designed sets using software. We must be produced for the 7am bulletin. same timeframe. He explained that We can use any design including the flagstaff However, breaking stories are produced in have a bulletin every hour, hence the need house as our set. We only need a photo of the morning for the bulletin. to produce enough stories for every bulletin. it. The current set design is done using Unlike previously when we had only two software such as Cinema 4D, 3D, Changes in roles at GTV bulletins, the current structure provides for Studiomax, Adobe after effects. We also producing fresh and compelling content for use CorelDraw, Illustrator and Photoshop newsroom every bulletin. for image enhancement. Nutor Bibini Nutor observed that reporters are no longer passive observers in the The Graphics department is also news production process, particularly, Multi-tasking and multi- responsible for webcasting. All news editing footages. He explained that skilling programmes are delivered live on the reporters now begin editing their stories According to a study, BBC TV news World Wide Web on www.ghanatvon.com. from the field. “We need to decide the shots reporters across regional newsrooms learnt Web delivery of news content has become that will better tell our story from the field to shoot and edit their news stories. But possible since the new technology was before arriving at the newsroom”, he said. reporters at GTV newsroom still maintain introduced at Ghana Television. GTV's The reporter further stated that news their roles before new technologies were investment in technology was aimed at professionals had to produce their scripts introduced. Even though some reporters cutting cost and meeting the global using computer-based applications. have learnt video shooting and video deadline for migrating from analogue editing, their job description remains the television content delivery to delivering Edward Nyarko agreed that reporters are same. Work schedules at GTV also remain television content to digital platforms. now able to record their audio clips without the same, despite the introduction of new waiting for sound operators. Reporters technologies; however, reporters are now Acting Director of Television also indicated claim recording sound previously was not expected to produce at least two stories that the job schedule of newsroom always smooth, especially, when sound during their eight-hour daily shifts. professionals has changed. For instance, operators closed from work or were on Furthermore, news features production is reporters produce a minimum of two break. Reporters needed to wait for them encouraged and reporters working on stories during their eight hour daily shifts. before audio clips could be recorded, this features are given enough time and space Stories have become shorter in length and put undue pressure on reporters. However, to research and produce those elaborate more precise because edited stories the situation has improved greatly with the stories. cannot go beyond one and half minutes. introduction of the new technology. Aside from the changes in software and According to the manager of Graphics, two Two out of three reporters interviewed in the SPECIAL REPORT study indicated that though they can shoot Johnny Aryeetey explained that the Challenges of new and edit their stories, they are not permitted to downside to the new arrangement is that do that officially. The state broadcaster still reporters in the regions do not have the technologies maintains a policy news professionals opportunity to identify the specific shots that A few staff in the news production chain concentrating on their core jobs. They must accompany their stories on the editing switched roles due to the introduction of explained that any attempt by reporters to bench. However, if reporters limit their shots new technologies. The typists in the shoot and edit stories will be seen as invading to the essentials, the editors' final work is newsroom were the first group of staff to the professional territory of cameramen and likely to reflect the story regional reporters leave the newsroom when computers were video editors. Edward Nyarko explained that intend telling with the footages. Internet introduced in the newsroom. With because we are not allowed to produce such connectivity was identified as a major subsequent introduction of technology, two stories at work, whenever I want to promote a challenge to using the FileZilla. other professionals in the graphics particular story, I edit them myself and post department were the only casualties. They them on my blog and also share them on FileZilla is an internet based storage facility had to relocate to the props department social media. Editing and sharing stories on that allows people to share videos. Regional because they could not use the computer- social media gives them more mileage. reporters were required to share their based applications for set design. All other stories through this medium until it became newsroom professionals struggled to use The Que series also requires reporters to type more costly and less efficient. Regional the software when they are introduced. their stories. This is a major shift from what reporters now have access to laptops with Richard Dellali explained that: existed before computer-based application Internet connectivity to enable them upload for processing text was introduced in the their stories to YouTube. Reporters are also It was difficult from the onset but most newsroom. Nutor Bibini Nutor also indicated encouraged to use other social media tools people learnt to use the software with time. that he learnt to shoot video to avoid missing like Facebook, Twitter and Whatsapp to Now, most professionals are familiar with out on big stories if his cameraman blacked- share footages. aspects of the technology related to their out on the field. He said currently, GTV's These were previously not part of the jobs. According to the Director of Technical policy provides that newsroom professionals station's news gathering, production and Production, the introduction of the new concentrate on being efficient at their core delivery processes. The Channel Manager technology, was to ensure a single jobs. However, some reporters have created of GBC 24 explained that the station now newsroom, where reporters worked for both social media accounts to further promote their has many news spots to fill therefore the TV and radio to ensure efficiency. This stories. These accounts serve as platforms to need to be more efficient in producing meant audio could be generated from share stories to further promote their work. stories. Again, other media houses television footages for radio stories. Sharing of stories via social media has sometimes cover the same stories, However, though the broadcaster become possible after Voice of America therefore to compete favourably in the succeeded in housing the two newsrooms trainers trained GTV reporters on promoting competitive television industry, GTV must within a common space, there is not much stories through social media. tell timely stories. Finally, GTV's mandate of collaboration between them. Oscar Nchor providing voice to all shades of opinions in stated that both newsrooms still send According to the Director of Technical the Ghanaian society requires that those individual reporters to cover the same Production, GTV adopted the gradualist stories are told to reflect diversity. The 24 event, even though one person could cover approach to digital migration because media hour news cycle imposes a huge such assignments for both platforms. organisations in various parts of the world that responsibility on the station to ensure that it attempted full-scale migration failed to carry tells stories that are relevant and also reflect Barbara Gaisie also stated that though the professionals along. He said news our diversity. radio and TV work in the same newsroom, professionals play an important role in the each department has its own structure, success of digital migration; therefore, it is Training to adopt new therefore it is not practical to assign a radio important to train them adequately before reporter to cover a television assignment implementing full scale migration can be technologies and vice versa. The news professionals implemented. Both the acting.We are looking R e p o r t e r s a n d o t h e r n e w s r o o m also objected to one director of news and at a two-man crew covering events rather p r o f e s s i o n a l s c r i t i c i s e d t r a i n i n g current affairs responsible for radio and than the current four-man teams. Elsewhere, programmes that accompany the television, the two units currently maintain we know redefinition of roles is a feature of introduction of technologies. They were separate hierarchies. She further explained digital migration. On the same subject of displeased that such training programmes why news professionals were opposed to multi-skilling for multi-tasking, the acting are often done after the technology has running a single newsroom for both radio Director of Television conceded that roles been introduced. Newsroom professionals and television with the introduction of the have not changed because there is no policy believe many of the infractions committed new technology: to train people for multi-skilling and multi- on air could be avoided if training for the use tasking. She stated that though some of technology preceded its use by all However, the biggest challenge to reporters can edit their own videos, video professionals. For instance, Barbara Gaisie introducing technology into the news editors continue to edit all stories. in an anecdote explained that it is important production process is raising the needed for changes in software to be gradual so that financing to replace equipment, news professionals will become familiar whenever they breakdown or become Editorial policy and changes before the software is fully adopted. If the in technology training is organised after the new obsolete. The broadcaster depends on government for major financing. The GTV's news gathering, production and technology is introduced, errors made by delivery processes have changed to reflect news professionals feed into negative existing TV license fees paid by television the current operations. Until the current perceptions about the station. owners and dealers are not enough to system was introduced, reporters in the equip the state broadcaster. This means regions sent their written scripts along with The acting Director of Television indicated that the station must depend solely on the video tapes through public transport. that the introduction of every new benevolence of central government to According to the Channel Manager for GBC technology is accompanied by training finance major investment in equipment 24, the all-news channel, tapes sent through programmes. The training is designed to and infrastructure. Management public transport could take a number of days, cater for the needs of various departments. indicated that it is committed to raising especially, those coming from northern parts Cameramen's training will cater for their more Internally Generated Funds (IGF) of Ghana. Reporters in the regions have now work within the value chain and the same to contribute meaningfully to major been trained to load their footages onto arrangement is done for all departments of investments to keep up to date with YouTube so that video editors in Accra can GTV that will use the technology technology. download and edit for bulletins. Courtesy- SpaceX

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

China plans to build result of reduced satellite utilization and launched its IPTV service. SK Broadband special price adjustment for a major ended 2018 with 4.73 million IPTV homeport for seaborne customer. The company's net loss for subscribers, which represented a growth Q2/2019 was THB 135 million resulting of 10 percent year-on-year. Of the overall rocket launch from extra expenses of THB 137 million IPTV customer base, more than half used including foreign exchange loss, the premium UHD services, the operator China plans to start the construction of a additional recognition of past service said. SK Telecom's online video service homeport for seaborne rocket launches in cost (employee compensation) in Oksusu reached 9.73 million subscribers Yantai, east China's Shandong Province accordance with Thailand's Labor at 31 December 2018. this year, according to the China Protection Act (No. 7) B.E. 2562, and the Aerospace Science and Technology writing-off of deferred tax asset. The SK Broadband recently unveiled plans to Corporation (CASC). The project aims to company has normalized net profit merge with domestic cable TV operator t- make seaborne rocket launches a excluding the impacts of loss from such broad. Via its planned merge with t-broad, frequent occurrence, said CASC. Relying extra expenses of THB 2 million. SK Broadband seeks to expand on the on the favorable geographical location The combined utilization rate of the local media market. The deal is estimated and conditions of Yantai, the project will company's conventional satellites t o b e w o r t h K RW 4 . 7 t r i l l i o n include construction of R&D and (Thaicom 5, 6, 7 and 8) was 53% and (approximately USD 4 billion). SK manufacturing centers for rockets, remained at the same level as at the end Broadband and t-broad will be merged at satellite payloads and offshore launch of Q1/2019. For Thaicom 4, the a ratio of 3 to 1. Following the completion platforms, as well as a satellite data company's broadband satellite, the of the merger, SK Telecom would hold a application and development center. utilization rate was 24%, down from 31% 74.4 percent stake in the merged entity, as at the end of Q1/2019. while t-broad would own the remaining The project is also expected to push 16.8 percent. The merged company forward the development of intelligent Anant Kaewruamvongs, CEO, would serve t-broad's cable TV manufacturing, logistics, new aerospace commented: “The company has been subscribers and SK Broadband's IPTV materials and aerospace-themed focusing on effective cost management users, to reach 8 million TV customers or tourism, said CASC. China successfully to offset shrinking revenue. Regarding 23.8 percent of the country's pay-TV launched a Long March-11 rocket from a the investment in new satellites, the market. mobile launch platform in the Yellow Sea company is in the process of performing off Shandong Province on June 5. It was a feasibility study to review the PHSAT expands China's first space launch from a sea- possibility of using foreign satellite based platform. The rocket was licenses, while simultaneously pursuing connectivity in transported to the launch site from licenses from the Philippines with Hughes Haiyang Port in Yantai. Thai Government. We strongly believe that we can extend our know-how in Jupiter System Launching a carrier rocket from an ocean- satellite marketing and service based platform has many advantages operation to develop an effective public- over a land launch. For instance, the private partnership for the future of the PHSAT Telecom Solutions chose the launch site is flexible and falling rocket Thai satellite industry. In addition, the Hughes Network Systems' Jupiter remains pose less danger. Using civilian company has expanded its business to System to enable internet services for its ships to launch rockets at sea would lower adjacent business areas in order to Small-to-Medium Enterprise (SME) launch costs and give it a commercial diversify and reduce the reliance on its customers. PHSAT, providing domestic edge, according to experts. During a satellite business. and international telecommunication recent meeting between Wu Yansheng, services to businesses throughout the board chairman of CASC, and Ling Wen, With Nava, the company provides a Philippines, selected the Jupiter System vice governor of Shandong Province, Ling maritime service platform for high-speed to help improve the efficiency and expressed the hope to deepen broadband connectivity and with value- performance of satellite broadband cooperation between the two sides to added services. At present, 104 ships services to its customer base while laying simplify the procedure of offshore are in operation including backlog.” Lao t h e f o u n d a t i o n f o r f u t u r e 4 G launches to lower the cost and promote Telecommunications Co., Ltd. (LTC), implementations. PHSAT aims to provide space industry development. Thaicom's telecommunication and internet service to underserved and mobile service provider subsidiary in unserved areas in the Philippines and Lao PDR, reported total mobile increase internet speed and reliability subscribers (excluding fixed wireless) of throughout the nation.“We decided to Thaicom reports 1.45 million. The country's leading partner with Hughes because of their Q2/2019 financial mobile network operator reported a global presence and longstanding market share of 56.5%. leadership in the marketplace,” said Roy results Daantos, Vice President for Operations, SK Broadband passes PHSAT. “The Hughes JUPITER System is Thailand's first satellite operator, helping us achieve connectivity that is announced its financial results for the 5 million IPTV vital to us and our fellow Philippine second quarter ended 30 June 2019. citizens, and we look forward to a Thaicom reported a net profit decrease subscribers milestone successful relationship for many years to compared to the previous quarter and the come.” same quarter of last year due to the South Korean operator SK Broadband “We are proud to work with PHSAT to help recognition of several extra expenses. has hit 5 million subscribers to its IPTV reach their connectivity goals with our Thaicom reported revenue from sales and service dubbed 'B TV', The Korea Times J u p i t e r S y s t e m e n a b l i n g h i g h services for Q2/2019 of THB 1,217 reports. SK Broadband, a subsidiary of performance and efficiency for their million—down by 18.6% from Q2/2018 mobile operator SK Telecom, said the satellite services,” said Vaibhav Magow, and down by 6.6% from Q1/2019—as a achievement came 13 years after it associate vice president, International

28 IN THE NEWS ASIA

Division, Hughes. “The benefits our efficiencies that tap into the group's support 5G frequencies (the 3.7 GHz service provider customers realize wider strategy for ICT, says MrBoele. band, the 4.5 GHz band, and the 28 GHz through the Jupiter System ultimately “We are delighted to build on our band). Moreover, regarding the apply to their customers, increasing relationship with KOTUG International fronthaul(6) interface, these products are quality of life through Internet access in as an Inmarsat client of many years compliant with global standard schools, workplaces and communities standing,” says Gert-Jan Panken, VP of specifications (O-RAN fronthaul interface around the globe.” Merchant, Inmarsat Maritime. “KOTUG specifications) set by the O-RAN already deploys Fleet Xpress off West Alliance(7). Supporting the above open Africa, and this new commitment interface, Fujitsu's products can connect confirms that vessels anywhere in the to various vendors CU/RU products. Fleet Xpress leads the world and of all sizes can secure the Furthermore, these products also support operating efficiency and crew welfare the specifications set out in 3GPP's line as KOTUG gains available from Fleet Xpress with Release 15(8). This will enable 5G International commits our global, reliable coverage.” operators to smoothly begin the c o m m e r c i a l 5 G s e r v i c e . APAC services to high- KOTUG uses its own antennas and speed connectivity smart boxes on board, while its business F u t u r e P l a n s critical decisions are supported by IT Fujitsu has been working with NTT tools that manage the business from its DOCOMO to develop a CU and RUs that Successful trials of Inmarsat Fleet headquarters in the Netherlands. comply with the O-RAN fronthaul interface Xpress off Western Australia have Inmarsat's MrPanken says that another specifications. The company aims to persuaded global tug operator KOTUG compelling driver for transition to Fleet strengthen its partnership with NTT International to select the high-speed Xpress has been that it is achievable DOCOMO, supporting the launch and broadband solution for this area of the within its existing vessel management expansion of the commercial 5G service. Asia Pacific region. Following trials on architecture. “Our efforts to enable The company will also encourage the board the 100-ton bollard pull tug digitalisation in shipping engage with greater use of open fronthaul standards, Roebuck Bay, the towage service stakeholders at the level of their thereby promoting an invigoration of the company has confirmed that the unique choosing, whether through Fleet ecosystem and further technological Fleet Xpress combination of Ka-band, Xpress, Fleet Secure cyber protection, innovation globally. Moreover, Fujitsu will c o n t i n u o u s l y b a c k e d u p b y Crew Xpress connectivity with a fully continue expanding the business activity FleetBroadband, has significantly managed 'Fleet Hotspot', or the to local 5G areas, supporting its enhanced both the stability of Application Programming Interface we customers in their digital transformation communications and available uptime. enable through Fleet Data,” he adds. and the creation of new services through KOTUG will now phase in Fleet Xpress the application of 5G in various industrial connectivity to cover towage services Fujitsu delivers fields, including smart factories, remote supporting Shell's Prelude floating LNG medical care, and autonomous driving. platform via a flexible plan agreement complete set of 5G that includes 'Confirmed and Maximum Information Rates' for data transfer and base station products crew connectivity. The package also to NTT DOCOMO for incorporates a comprehensive onboard SA satellite maker calls m o v i e / s p o r t s / n e w s c o n t e n t commercial 5G service for national approach to entertainment package.KOTUG grow industry Corporate IT Manager Hans Boele Fujitsu Limited announced that it has examined requirements and assessed begun delivery of 5G base station feedback on the trials over a six-month products, comprising of Central Unit Australia's fledgling satellite sector needs period. He says that the long-term (CU, 1) and Radio Unit (RU, 2), to NTT to work closer together and take a more company commitment to Western D O C O M O I N C . f o r t h e collaborative approach if it wants to win Australia demands a lasting connectivity commercialization of the fifth generation major international business in future – solution that is “future proof and mobile communications system. The 5G that's the view of Matthew Tetlow, CEO of scalable”.“It's our mission to provide CU products that Fujitsu has started South Australian small satellite sustainable towage services that exceed delivering realize the 5G system through manufacturer Inovor Technologies. Inovor clients' expectations and people are our a proprietary software design from the recently moved into the Lot Fourteen high- greatest strength when it comes to company using software-defined radio tech precinct in Adelaide, putting it in close achieving that. Equipping our vessels (SDR, 4) technology, which can proximity to the Australian Space Agency with well-functioning broadband i m p l e m e n t d i f f e r e n t w i r e l e s s and fellow South Australian space supports our crew because it enables technologies on the same hardware. companies such as Myriota and Neumann them to keep in contact with their This makes it possible to deploy 5G Space. While that brings a lot of relatives and our HQ and it provides network quickly and at low cost, using advantages to Inovor, Tetlow told Space & uninterrupted access to the onboard existing 3G, LTE, and LTE-Advanced Satellite AU that a national outlook and e n t e r t a i n m e n t s y s t e m . base station equipment with a minimum collaboration with other states is more h a r d w a r e c h a n g e s . important for the sector overall. “We also needed terms that took account “This is not a single state thing, it's a of flexibility on usage, because the In addition, the 5G RU products have national program and it's really important demands placed on the service can vary b u i l t - i n a n t e n n a s ( w h i c h h a d that Australia very quickly realises that the as towage assistance, personnel conventionally been installed externally) competition is not the other side of the transfer and standby duty needs change. equipped with beam forming(5), state line – the competition is outside of In addition, KOTUG's vessels provide enabling efficient network deployments. our borders and you need to be medical support and facilities.” Fleet These RU products have a lineup consolidating and working together to find Xpress connectivity will also pave the consisting of 3 types of equipment that our niche and collaborate as much as we way to deploy vessel management can to go after the international market,” 29 IN THE NEWS ASIA

Tetlow said in an interview at the or tries to talk to NASA on their own and as it will definitely promote the cultivation company's new premises. NASA is dealing with 100 entities of Colombia's telecommunications Inovor Technologies has had some approaching them and that's a very bad talents and industry development.” strong wins itself over the past 12 look internationally. That's not how anybody ZTE set foot in Colombia in 2003. To date, months. Earlier this year it was awarded else works. It should be the space agency is the company has over 800 employees, of a $272,000 Defence Innovation Hub the front door and they go and negotiate which over 95% are local employees in grant to work on its technology for a and then go back to industry,” Tetlow said. Colombia, and has created more than control system to stabilise small And on the domestic front, he said it was 5,000 job opportunities for local partners. satellites. It is hopeful that it will lead to equally important that government By virtue of the in-depth cooperation with Defence adopting the technology for its agencies looked to support Australian major Colombian telecoms operators, own small satellites. space ventures. ZTE has widely deployed its wireline, Inovor has also won a contract with the “There's always a temptation to say lets just energy, service and mobile device CSIRO to design, assemble and build its buy something from overseas and pay them products in Colombia. CSIROSat-1 – which will be Australia's to set up a headquarters here,” Tetlow Ricardo García Duarte, Rector of UDFJC first CubeSat designed to detect infrared noted. “I think that doesn't benefit all of the University said, “This cooperation light. The satellite aims to extend the downstream industry and all the other agreement will promote the development CSIRO's Earth observation capabilities support industries around. So I think it's of the next-generation 5G mobile by allowing users to “see” features that really, really important that they say we can telecommunications technologies in can't otherwise be seen using satellite make it in Australia. There's more than Colombia.” imagery in the visible spectrum. enough brainpower in Australia and effort to do this, so we should do it here and I think AsiaSat Reports 2019 The Inovor CEO said the CSIROSat that they should support us doing it here.” – build was progressing well after a slow Geoff Long, Commsday Interim Results start, with the critical design review now completed. “We are now procuring all of ZTE sign 5G cooperation Asia Satellite Telecommunications the sensors and we've procured most of Holdings Limited, Asia's leading satellite the COTS hardware and we're basically agreement with operator, today announced its interim in a situation now where we are pulling esteemed university in results for the six months ended 30 June everything together and starting to 2019. manufacture the actual flight hardware. Colombia The company's financial highlights So it's moving along well and still on reveal 1H revenue down 5% to HK$693 target for delivery early next year,” he million (2018: HK$730 million), primarily said. ZTE Corporation, a major international due to nonrenewal of certain customer Tetlow said that the company would use provider of telecommunications, enterprise contracts in mid-2018, and the impact of its work for Defence and the CSIRO to and consumer technology solutions for the continued pricing pressures from position itself for bigger and more Mobile Internet, has signed a five-year 5G capacity oversupply in some key markets frequent contracts on the international cooperation agreement with Universidad and increased competition from stage. He said in other parts of the world, Distrital Francisco José de Caldas of terrestrial networks, 1H profit attributable particularly Europe and the US, defence Colombia (UDFJC University) to establish a to owners up 4% to HK$223 million (2018: agencies and national space agencies 5G Joint Innovation Research Center in HK$215 million), as a result of cost were critical in supporting small Colombia.Universidad Distrital Francisco controls, favourable currency fluctuations companies and allowing them to go on to José de Caldas is a public, coeducational and reduced tax expenses, Strong cash further commercial success – something research university based in Bogotá, flow with cash and bank balances at he hopes can happen in Australia. Colombia and is also the first university in HK$938 million as at 30 June 2019 (31 Colombia to have set up the electronic December 2018: HK$547 million) and “I'm hoping that's what Defence are engineering career, which lays a profound Interim dividend of HK$0.18 per share doing – and it's not only us, other groups foundation for Colombia's 5G exploration. (2018: HK$0.18 per share) as well. Get everybody up to a stage where we've actually flown stuff, As per the agreement, both sides will be Operational Highlights: demonstrated our technology and committed to mutual educational and Overall capacity utilisation of AsiaSat's everything has worked and now we're in technological support while building up a core fleet of AsiaSat 5, AsiaSat 6, AsiaSat a position where we can go after the big cooperative relationship in line with the 7, AsiaSat 8 and AsiaSat 9 stood at 70% global space economy, and that's very framework initiatives of training, project (128 transponders utilised/leased) as of much what we're going after. But initially d e v e l o p m e n t , i n n o v a t i o n a n d 30 June 2019 (31 December 2018: 72%, our focus for the next two or threeChina years launched technology two satellite for.As its anGPSsystem end-to-end (Source: 5G China supplier Daily , 131 transponders utilised/leased). The will be let's get this flying, demonstrated, ZTE will be fully involved in the initiative to transform AsiaSat 9 into a iron out all the problems and then push development of 5G in Colombia by training video 'hotbird' continues to gain traction, for international opportunities,” he said. 5G talents together with UDFJC University, with new channels in Mandarin, Korean aiming to make technical preparation for the and Nepali added and market access And when it comes to tapping into 5G deployments in Colombia expanding across the Asia-Pacific international opportunities, Tetlow . believes that the `Australian Space "ZTE is intensifying its investment in the With extended C-band satellite spectrum Agency should take on a bigger role on Colombian market. We will apply our rich being repurposed for 5G services in behalf of industry, rather than individual experience of building innovation centers various countries at different paces companies or departments all going with other universities to Colombia to set up causing a tightening supply of C-band after the same European Space Agency the talent training bases and technology capacity, the company has resorted to or NASA contracts. innovation centers,” said Wang Haifeng, commercial and technical solutions “It's really important that the industry has Vice President of ZTE. “We believe that the including 'traffic re-grooming' to optimise a single voice. Up until now everybody cooperation with UDFJC University will available capacity for video distribution goes and tries to talk to ESA on their own make fruitful achievements in the long run Introduction of a new 5G bandpass filter

30 IN THE NEWS ASIA that has been proven effective in "5GX In-building Solution" that is capable t h e B e i j i n g C o m m u n i c a t i o n s protecting customers' existing C-band of doubling the speed of 5G data transfer Administration. The 5G network in the s e r v i c e s a g a i n s t o u t - o f - b a n d inside buildings and effectively dispersing newly-built Beijing Daxing International interference due to 5G network data traffic to prevent overload on base Airport will be put into use when the airport deployment Page 2 of 16 stations in crowded areas such as starts operation at the end of September, Proposed privatisation of AsiaSat by shopping malls and subway stations. the administration said. way of a scheme of arrangement and The nation's top mobile carrier said the More Chinese cities are adopting the 5G delisting from the Stock Exchange of new technology will be applied to its network to meet public demand. For Hong Kong Limited announced on 27 commercial 5G networks after the third example, the southern Chinese metropolis June 2019, which is subject to approval quarter of the year Guangzhou has built and opened more by the scheme shareholders at the . than 5,000 5G base stations. In June, China Court Meeting and Special General "We expect 80 percent of data traffic to be granted 5G licenses for commercial use, Meeting on 23 August 2019 from inside buildings in the 5G era," said marking the beginning of a new era in the Park Jong-kwan, who heads 5GX Labs at country's telecom industry. According to the AsiaSat's Chairman, Gregory M. SK Telecom. "We will continue to give China Academy of Information and Zeluck, commented, “It is useful to note efforts to provide users with seamless, Communications Technology, 5G that satellite remains as the video high-quality 5G services inside buildings technology is expected to create more than delivery method of choice in the Asia- and in crowded areas. 8 million jobs by 2030. Pacific while new terrestrial services " such as over-the-top (OTT), video-on- The company said its new system features PHSAT selects the demand (VOD) and subscription video- "Active Antenna" technology that allows on-demand (SVOD) continue to 5G small cells, which refer to small indoor Hughes JUPITER System operate at a low revenue base. As of base stations, to be equipped with eight now, though the impact of OTT and transmission and reception antennas. to power efficient and other digital terrestrial platforms This will double the speed of 5G data reliable connectivity for remains limited, we expect them to transfer as existing indoor base stations grow rapidly and the Group will are capable of operating four transmission businesses in the continue to evaluate and explore a n d r e c e p t i o n a n t e n n a s . Philippines various opportunities with our KT has also been working hard to expand customers to provide new OTT 5G coverage inside buildings H u g h e s N e t w o r k S y s t e m s , L L C services as value added extensions of (HUGHES), the world's leading provider of our existing video distribution services. In May, the nation's largest broadband broadband satellite networks and services, service provider and second-largest today announced that PHSAT Telecom In the first half of 2019, low-flexibility mobile carrier interlocked 5G repeaters Solutions, Inc. (PHSAT), has chosen the high-throughput satellite (HTS) with commercial 5G networks in Hughes JUPITER™ System to enable capacity has been deployed by some cooperation with small and medium Internet services for its small-to-medium regional operators, causing an b u s i n e s s p a r t n e r s . enterprise (SME) customers. PHSAT, increase in supply vis-à-vis demand for Installed inside buildings where radio providing domestic and international data services. Such excess of low- waves from base stations can hardly telecommunication services to businesses flexibility capacity has put pressures on reach, the device helps improve the quality throughout the Philippines, selected the the commercial viability of this type of of 5G service JUPITER System to improve the efficiency HTS and some applications in KT is in charge of expanding 5G coverage and performance of satellite broadband traditional fixed satellite service (FSS) in 95 large buildings out of 119 nationwide, services to its customer base while laying data services, thus reaffirming the such as airports and KTX stations, in a joint t h e f o u n d a t i o n f o r f u t u r e 4 G Group's decision to adopt a cautious project by the three mobile carriers. implementations. "We decided to partner approach to our plans for future data with Hughes because of their global satellites to be designed with a cost- LG Uplus, the smallest player, also has presence and longstanding leadership in effective HTS architecture that could been active in installing repeaters in small the marketplace," said Roy Daantos, Vice meet market needs for customised data and medium buildings and underground President for Operations, PHSAT. "The services.” parking lots to expand 5G coverage. Hughes JUPITER System is helping us achieve connectivity that is vital to us and The company is planning to expand the our fellow Philippine citizens, and we look SKT, KT, LGU+ in race application of beam-forming and multi- forward to a successful relationship for user MIMO (multiple-input and multiple- many years to come.” to boost 5G data speed output) technologies to its 5G networks inside buildings nationwide. "We are proud to work with PHSAT to help reach their connectivity goals with our J U P I T E R S y s t e m e n a b l i n g h i g h SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus, which 5G base stations in performance and efficiency for their satellite have been in cutthroat competition to Beijing to reach 10,000 at services," said Vaibhav Magow, associate improve the quality of their fifth- vice president, International Division, generation (5G) network services, are year-end Hughes. "The benefits our service provider now in a race to boost 5G data speeds customers realize through the JUPITER i n s i d e b u i l d i n g s . More than 10,000 5G base stations will System ultimately apply to their customers, Their move comes amid growing have been built in Beijing by the end of the increasing quality of life through Internet complaints over disappointing 5G year, the municipal telecom authorities has access in schools, workplaces and network coverage since the next- said. As of July, the capital city had already communities around the globe." PHSAT generation mobile network services constructed over 7,800 5G base stations, aims to provide Internet service to were launched in early April. mainly located in its urban core zones, underserved and unserved areas in the venues for the horticultural expo and the Philippines and increase Internet speed SK Telecom said Wednesday it has 2022 Winter Olympics, as well as its sub- and reliability throughout the nation. The completed the development of the center of Tongzhou District, according to JUPITER system, with terminals capable of 31 IN THE NEWS ASIA

300 Mbps of throughput plus acceleration improves lives. It broadens social and population, environment, tourism and of 16,000 TCP sessions, will help support entertainment options that brings people companies of the region a real PHSAT in achieving those goals. close together. These opportunities are experience.Using interactive showcases, made possible to the geographically visitors could enjoy a 360-degree live Intelsat, edotco Group diverse countries of South and Southeast view of the “Wörthersee” tourism region Asia when access to cost-effective, high- with virtual reality glasses and marvel at partner for Connectivity speed connectivity is made available to the revolutionary high-speed transfer in Asia has access all. The combination of Intelsat and speeds of up to one gigabit per second edotco's coverage, leadership and with a live demo of the latest 5G innovation has the potential to provide the smartphone from the ZTE Axon 10 Pro Basic connectivity is recognized around infrastructure to make this a reality. series. the globe as a critical factor in driving sustainable development and economic Christian Woschitz, Msc, CEO of ZTE growth. And as the internet becomes more Drei, ZTE and the Austria: "With the introduction of 5G in essential to the day-to-day activities of Federal State of Pörtschach, today we are enabling the businesses, governments and individuals, future of telecommunications in Carinthia providing universal access takes on Carinthia start 5G by pointing out the promising future greater importance. But how do you operations opportunities by means of smart ensure that nearly 500 million people applications. Thus, the existing spread across some of the vast and cooperation between ZTE and the state of Carinthia, together with our long-standing geographically diverse countries of South In 2016, ZTE and the federal state of partner Drei, will be raised to the next and Southeast Asia have this access – a Carinthia entered into a digitisation level. ZTE Austria sees it as an important challenge made even more difficult partnership with the aim of making task to strengthen Carinthia as a business because less than half live in urban areas, Carinthia the digital flagship region of and tourism location with international and thus have limited or no access to Europe. In October 2018, this partnership knowledge and generate local added reliable services. was advanced with the clear objective of value in Carinthia through co-operations, strengthening Carinthia as a location for such as the one with IoT40 Systems. With Recognizing the impact that connectivity mobility, tourism and business through the intensification and expansion of our has on quality of life, Intelsat is dedicated to the use of 5G technology. Throughout the partnership, we will make an important finding new and innovative ways to deliver course of this partnership and in contribution to Carinthia's tourism, connectivity, and the benefits that ensue, to cooperation with the project "Smart environment and society". everyone, whether they live in the most Urban Region Austria Alps Adriatic connected, modern metropolis or in the (SURAAA)", the first intelligent lighting most remote regions of the world. For the masts in Austria and autonomous driving China enters new space people, communities and businesses systems were put into operation in across South and Southeast Asia, Intelsat Pörtschach / Wörthersee in 2017 as a era with successful and Malaysia's edotco Group are working leading Austrian project. In 2018 the orbital launch to provide the access essential to enabling innovation room,“see:PORT”, followed in sustainable development. Pörtschach with a focus on digitalisation, Chinese private aerospace company, i- Satellite operators and tower owners Smart City and start-ups. In June 2019, Space, successfully launched its own share a common goal of providing MNOs the presentation of automated air taxis carrier rocket SQX-1 into orbit, giving new easy access to infrastructure and services (passenger drones) was launched. momentum to the development of the that enable network extension and private aerospace industry.This is the first upgrade. The combination of Intelsat's As a result of this declaration of intent, to successful orbital launch of a commercial global network and edotco's regional further strengthen the region and to rocket carrying multiple satellites by a portfolio of more than 29,500 towers expand the first 5G tourism community in private Chinese company. It also across Malaysia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Austria, Drei, ZTE, SURAAA and the completed its assigned tasks of Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Pakistan, federal state of Carinthia took the next big advertising in space and sending back promise to find new, fast, cost-efficient step in the implementation of future footage. Unlike previous rockets methods of delivering connectivity and telecom technology in Austria. On 13 developed by state-owned aerospace new services across of Asia. August 2019, live operation of 5G in institutions for major space missions, in Pörtschach / Wörthersee begun. the future, private rockets can be used for Potential applications that Intelsat and purposes other than scientific exploration, edotco can deliver include:cellular DI Jan Trionow, CEO of Drei Austria: which will greatly boost development of backhaul solutions via satellite to tower "While others are still talking about "5G the domestic aerospace industry. sites ready", the digital future in the flagship 3G and 4G end-to-end managed services region of Wörthersee is already a reality. In recent years, every progress China that connect rural and remote areas With the start of the fifth mobile radio made in the field has attracted worldwide creating cell site edge data centers to bring generation in Pörtschach, Drei will offer a attention. And the launch of the SQX-1 extra computing power and content to the more efficient Internet supply for rocket is no exception. It was reported that towers across edotco's footprint Carinthian households and companies. Elon Musk also cheered for the launch. 5G, IoT, smart cities, wi-fi and other The support of innovative regions is a The U.S. commercial rocket industry has enterprise solutions disaster recovery large request to us as 5G helps to reduce developed for nearly 20 years. In contrast, solutions for first responders and recovery the digital divide between the city and China's private aerospace sector has only organizations. country and creates important new existed for a few years. However, the Access to reliable broadband connectivity impulses for tourism, transport, medicine Chinese mainland is now home to more creates opportunities for businesses, and agriculture."During the press than 100 private aerospace companies, communities and individuals. It drives conference at see:PORT, the project w h i c h h a v e m a d e r e m a r k a b l e economic growth by empowering partners presented smart applications in achievements in their development. Last companies of all sizes. It delivers access to order to make the new advantages for the year alone, four private sounding rockets telemedicine and tele-education that were successfully launched from China.

32 IN THE NEWS ASIA

The reason behind the boom is not difficult Z5 Global said, “As we move forward with and Regulatory Officer, ShahedAlam to discern. From 2014 to 2016, the our global expansion and deepen our were also present at the programme. Chinese government released several presence in key markets, establishing Robi and Airtel customers can choose policies to encourage private funding of meaningful conversations in these between a daily or a weekly subscription commercial rocket launches, so as to markets will be key. We're very pleased to pack to enjoy the content available on promote fast growth of a commercial be here in Bangladesh to formally ZEE5. The daily pack is priced at 7 taka aerospace industry, and to step up announce our partnership with Robi-Airtel and the weekly pack is priced at 45 taka military-civilian integration in the sector. and share the various plans we have for only. Through this partnership, Because of these preferential policies, this very important market.” customers will also be able to easily pay more professional personnel, advanced for a ZEE5 subscription from their mobile technologies and venture capital have ArchanaAnand, Chief Business Officer- balance, if they are pre-paid customers, been attracted to the commercial ZEE5 Global said, “Bangladesh is a or have it included in their monthly bills, if aerospace sector. The current progress hugely important market for us and we are they are post-paid customers of Robi and should be attributed to preferential thrilled by the tremendous response we Airtel. government policies, firm public support have got already. We have a fabulous and a favorable business environment as Bangla content bouquet especially Robi and Airtel subscribers can access a whole. curated for Bangladesh including ZEE5 from five different devices at a time, Originals across genres, Movies, TV allowing them complete freedom to Before the SQX-1 rocket soared aloft, two Shows and Live Streaming channels like watch the world class entertainment private carrier rockets were launched in ZEE Bangla. We've also got several content on mobile phones, tablets, China, but both failed to reach orbit. Yet, initiatives in the pipeline to work with the laptops, desktops, smart TVs, etc. They the public has remained supportive. This local talent and production houses here can use Robi's countrywide 4.5G network shows the public attitude is tolerant and for our shows and closely collaborate with or any WiFi network to avail the service. positive. Meanwhile, this process proves them to showcase all this on our global As part of the ZEE5 subscription pack, that China's private aerospace industry is platform.” Robi and Airtel customers will have not rushing heedlessly ahead. Every step access to over 1,00,000 hours of forward was made after numerous trials, Commenting on the launch of ZEE5 for entertainment content across 17 via drawing on experiences from the Robi and Airtel customers, Robi's languages, including a vast library of failures. M a n a g i n g D i r e c t o r a n d C E O , Bengali content across TV Shows, MahtabUddin Ahmed said: “We are Movies. Originals across genres like This year marks the 50th anniversary of confident that ZEE5 is going to be an crime, thrillers. drama, comedy etc. the Apollo 11 landing on the moon. The absolute delight for Robi and Airtel ZEE5's rich library also includes more exploration of outer space is in full swing. c u s t o m e r s l o o k i n g f o r q u a l i t y than 60 LIVE TV channels, including the China is working hard to catch up in the entertainment content. The richness and much loved channel ZEE Bangla. private aerospace sector. It's certain that, variety of its content that includes wide in the future, the country will play a big role ranging Bangla content will surely satisfy Australia's NBN to in bringing outer space closer to human our customers' entertainment appetite. beings. With easy payment process, our provide unmetered customers can sit back and enjoy their satellite broadband for ZEE5 to take favourite shows from ZEE from a variety of digital devices. With the launch of ZEE5 homes and small Bangladeshi content to in Bangladesh, we are also very proud to have created an opportunity for the local businesses global audiences entertainment industry to collaborate with an international entertainment giant like, NBN, Australia's wholesale broadband ZEE5 along with RobiAxiata Limited has ZEE5, for taking our local content to the provider announced the launch of its Sky announced its plans to take Bangladeshi global audience.” Muster Plus wholesale product, designed entertainment content to global Also present at the occasion were to provide homes and small businesses audiences. ArchanaAnand, Chief MoinulHasan Nobel, the Bangladeshi in the nbn satellite footprint to access Business Officer, ZEE5 Global, shared the singer from ZEE Bangla's show 'Sa Re Ga unmetered data for essential online platform's vision of establishing a deep Ma Pa', and Ushasi Ray, the actress who activities. The ability to stream partnership with Bangladesh by working plays the title role in the popular drama entertainment with the confidence it will closely with local talent and local serial, Bokul Katha. Among Bangladeshi not affect day-to-day activities such as production houses and giving them a c e l e b r i t i e s w e r e a c t o r internet banking and email was an global platform. The announcement came ChanchalChowdhury, model and actress important factor for residential at the formal launch of the service for Robi Airin Sultana and television presenter, customers. People who use the internet and Airtel subscribers in Bangladesh. model and actress MasumaRahman for business or work, whether regularly or ZEE5 said it would be launching six Nabila. from time-to-time, made up two-thirds of projects in Bangla over the next one year. The event saw an acoustic performance the survey sample, and were particularly For these projects, it will work with some by Nobel. Commenting on this marquee satisfied with Sky Muster Plus compared leading artistes from the local moment for ZEE5, he said, “ZEE and to their previous service. entertainment industry. Besides, it will also ZEE5 have given many artistes like us a organize a talent hunt programme for global platform, giving us international Activities including select web browsing, fresh new faces who will get a chance to exposure and opportunities. With ZEE5 email, and PC and smartphone operating work in these shows. This talent hunt will now in Bangladesh, the talent here will system updates do not count towards the be rolled out in association with also have a great opportunity to plan's monthly data allowance. All other RobiAxiata Limited. Details of the talent showcase their work to audiences across online activities such as video and audio hunt programme will be shared in due the globe and build up their fan-base streaming remain subject to monthly course. internationally.” peak and off-peak metered data Commenting on the announcement, Robi's Chief Commercial Officer, allowances, with wholesale speeds being AmitGoenka, CEO, ZEE International and PradeepShrivastava and Chief Corporate slowed if data limits are exceeded.

33 IN THE NEWS ASIA

Luokung Technology a wide variety of industries. “Remote rapid growth as the U.S. company makes connectivity has long been the missing heavy investments in creating its own Corp. announces piece of the puzzle for IoT across shows and streaming Korean TV shows. strategic cooperation industries like logistics and farming, and According to market tracker Wise App, the we are thrilled to partner with Optus number of Netflix's paid subscribers in with CRESDA Business to provide a comprehensive Korea is estimated at 1.84 million as of connectivity offering,” Dr Grant said. June. This is a threefold growth compared Luokung Technology Corp. announced to 630,000 a year earlier “Previously, satellite connectivity has not its strategic cooperation to provide cloud . been available or affordable for services based on image data from "We will do our best for the new service to businesses with remote assets, but remote sensing satellites to manage data play the role of protecting the domestic nanosatellites are providing a more unification for the China Centre for media and contents industries," an SK attainable and affordable solution.” “By Resources Satellite Data and Application Telecom official said. Industry officials combining Optus' national networks with , thus to further achieve more reliable, said, however, a number of conditions our nanosatellite capability, we are able safer and efficient data cloud service. which FTC placed on the Wavve may to offer a truly holistic IoT solution and Based on Luokung and CRESDA's h a m p e r t h e n e w s e r v i c e ' s help solve connectivity issues being advantages and resources, both parties competitiveness. While approving of the faced in regional Australia,” he expect to actively investigate and steadily merger, the FTC prohibited the three continued. The two companies have a advance in deep cooperation. Both broadcasters from ending or changing shared history, with 2018 seeing Myriota parties will jointly establish an industry content providing contracts without a secure US$15 million in Series A funding leading remote sensing spatial temporal "proper reason," and obliged Wavve to from companies including Singtel big data cloud service platform to provide negotiate with its rivals "in a diligent Innov8; the venture capital arm of Optus' advanced products, applications and m a n n e r " w h e n r e q u e s t i n g t h e parent company Singtel. technology services for customers in the b r o a d c a s t e r s ' c o n t e n t . fields of land resources management, "Let's say Netflix wants to stream content environmental protection, water SKT, broadcasters created by SBS and Wavve wants a conservancy, surveying and mapping, Netflix show," an industry official said. marine, agriculture and forestry, allowed to launch joint "Netflix can dismiss the request, but Wavve has to negotiate the request. This online video service means the advantage of having exclusive Optus Business content will not be applicable for Wavve." partners Myriota to SK Telecom and the three major The SK Telecom official said it could have broadcasters here have received the been better if the FTC approved Wavve bolster remote IoT green light to start a new online video unconditionally, but it respects the coverage service called Wavve, which is expected antitrust agency's decision. to be the strongest home-grown contender to challenge Netflix's fast ICT based services Optus Business has entered into an growth in the country, industry officials agreement with Myriota, the global leader said The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) expand in Bangladesh in nanosatellite Internet of Things (IoT), said it had approved SK Telecom's with a view to providing remote and acquisition of a 30 percent stake in CAP, Use of information and communication regional connectivity for IoT devices and which runs the POOQ online video technology expanded significantly in all applications. An Australian first, the major service. spheres of life in Rajshahi division to telco-nanosatellite provider agreement supplement the efforts of building a digital will bring together Optus' premium CAP is a joint venture of the three Bangladesh. People are getting e- national networks and digital enablement broadcasters ― MBC, KBS and SBS ― services related to various emergency capabilities with Myriota's direct-to-orbit and POOQ streams content created by issues including national identity card, technology to allow for massive scale, them land documents, training, education and low-cost communications for IoT devices CAP will absorb SK Broadband's video health. across remote Australian geographies. service Oksusu, and merge it with The arrangement will offer low-cost, long POOQ to create Wavve, an "over-the- Like many other sectors, the education battery life connectivity for millions of top" service platform. Wavve is expected sector has witnessed revolutionary devices across multiple industries. The to be the largest home grown online changes including introduction of devices will allow companies to track video service provider, given Oksusu multimedia classrooms and imparting assets across Australia, even in the most has approximately 9.5 million education through developing digital remote areas. subscribers and POOQ has 3 million. content. Commissioner of Rajshahi Their combined market share reached division Nur-Ur-Rahman said that 563 Optus Business Managing Director, 44.7 percent last year. Following the union digital centres, 61 municipality Chris Mitchell, said he was excited to see transaction, SK Telecom becomes the digital centres and 30 city digital centres the impact that collaborating with Myriota largest stakeholder of CAP, and CAP will were functioning in eight districts under would have for Optus customers. run the Wavve service by transiting the division in order to reach the public “Working with innovative startups like Oksusu subscribers to Wavve. Wavve is services to the doorsteps of grassroots Myriota allows Optus Business to help expected to begin its service on Sept. 18. people. our customers capture the business Officials said the two platform's merger improvements of next generation will create a massive online video He said more than 5,828 multimedia technologies,” Mr Mitchell said. “We are service provider which can check the classrooms were installed in educational excited by the possibilities this fast growth of Netflix in Korea. institutions in the division opening up a agreement presents.” CEO and co- new door of expediting the process of founder of Myriota, Dr Alex Grant, said Though Netflix's share in the domestic modernisation in education system. the agreement would unlock new online video service market remained at Multimedia classrooms were installed in opportunities for IoT applications across 4.7 percent last year, but it is showing a 484 colleges, 2,415 secondary schools

34 IN THE NEWS ASIA and 2,929 primary schools. Sheikh Russell spectrum bands(1). The two parties Digital Laboratories were established in successfully conducted Network-Device Kacific taps ABS' 102 colleges, 375 secondary schools and Vendor Interoperability Testing (NV-IOT) ground infrastructure 12 primary schools in order to create skilled for NTT DOCOMO, INC., leveraging workforce in the country. Rahman said use Fujitsu's commercial 5G base station for its Gateway of ICT, particularly introduction of (gNB) products together with a mobile Services to the multimedia classroom, was making smartphone form-factor test device, classrooms more interesting among the powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon Philippines and the students. X50 5G modem and antenna modules greater Pacific region with integrated RF transceiver, RF front- Multimedia had made difficult texts easily end and antenna elements. These latest As Kacific plans for the launch of its understandable to the students through NV-IOT testing bi-directional data calls, Kacific1 satellite later in the year, it has visual contents, he added. He further compliant with the 3GPP release 15 s e l e c t e d A B S f o r i t s g r o u n d added that digital Bangladesh was one of specifications, were completed in mid- infrastructure. ABS' teleport in Subic the 10 special initiatives of prime minister July at Fujitsu in Japan. Bay, the Philippines, will host, operate Sheikh Hasina. There is multimedia and provide first level support for its classroom in BCSIR Laboratory High gateway hub. Kacific1 will be a School at Binodpur in Rajshahi city where This achievement marks a significant pioneering High Throughput Satellite classes are being held through projector milestone to build a successful 5G end- (HTS) to be located over Asia-Pacific regularly. to-end ecosystem in Japan, composed of using Ka-band spot beams for extremely 5G network infrastructure from Fujitsu cost-efficient broadband delivery. Its 56 Students are getting education in an easy and a broad range of 5G user devices powerful high throughput beams will method of seeing picture and video through using Qualcomm Technologies' modems cover select areas over the Pacific multimedia. 'We are being benefited and RF Front-end solutions. Islands and South East Asia, with six enormously in this modern method,' said beams covering The Philippines HamidaAkter, a student of class nine. "These data calls bring 5G technology archipelago and a further 21 beams Alamgir Hossain, a teacher of the school, one step closer to commercial rollout," covering Indonesia, Timor-Leste and said the students were becoming more said DurgaMalladi, Senior Vice President Malaysia. attentive for the multimedia classes in and General Manager, 4G/5G, comparison to the conventional ones. Like Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. "These “Kacific chose to locate its ground other parts of the country, e-commerce has live tests deliver on the commitment of infrastructure in the Philippines because been promoted in Rajshahi region Qualcomm Technologies and Fujitsu to it is a priority market for us,” says Kacific significantly. Learning and earning, make 5G a commercial reality in 2019 CEO, Christian Patouraux. “Our beams freelancing, outsourcing, e-shopping, b- and are major milestone in driving 5G will reach 100 percent of the nation's cash and rocket have created massive network launches around the world. We population across its many islands, scopes of financial transaction and income look forward to continuing our making affordable connectivity available generation. Sowmik Sen Gupta, 26, a collaboration with Fujitsu, enabling 5G to all those who are currently unserved resident of Ghoramara area in the city, is networks and providing consumers with or underserved. ABS is an ideal partner doing works of outsourcing through transformative 5G experiences starting as they have a proven track record and, development of various online and IT this year.” like us, have also made a commitment to sector-based software and webpage the Philippines.” designs. He said, 'I earn more money than that of any regular job by dint of the efforts "5G networks will accelerate Fujitsu's ABS has its primary space operations of building digital Bangladesh.' human centric innovations through co- center for its entire fleet of six satellites in creation with our customers," said Subic Bay. Its teleport facilities operate He attributed that the present government Masayuki Seno, Senior Vice President, with extremely high availability, with opened up new doors for the young Head of Network Products Business Unit, triple redundant power supply and fiber generation through flourishing of the ICT Fujitsu Limited. "We have been connectivity to Tier-1 IP international sector. 'I'm doing works of outsourcing. I developing gNB products (O-CU, O-DU peering points. In keeping with Ka-band have learnt how to earn money through and O-RU) compliant with global operating norms for tropical regions, outsourcing. Now, I'm self-reliant. My s p e c i f i c a t i o n s a n d O - R A N ABS has arranged a diversity site to be incomes meet up my educational fronthaulinterfaces(2). Going forward, located nearby at the Clark Freeport expenses side by side with helping my F u j i t s u w i l l p e r f o r m f u r t h e r Zone. The teleports will operate on an family,' said LabonyAkter, a student of interoperability tests together with active diversity basis using state-of-the- R a j s h a h i C o l l e g e . Z i a u l H a q u e , Qualcomm Technologies to make art connectivity via a dedicated fiber entrepreneur of Huzripara Union Digital significant strides in developing 5G route to directly optically connect the two Centre of Paba, has become a successful commercial network products.” gateway hubs. freelancer who earns more than Tk 75,000- 80,000 per month. Fujitsu and Qualcomm Technologies look This ensures that commercial traffic to continue to strengthen relationships would have a reliable transmission from with companies that aim to provide 5G one of the sites if, for example, rain Fujitsu and Qualcomm commercial services. Accordingly, the degradation was impairing the two companies are committed to support functionality of the other. ABS' complete 5G data calls in customers worldwide - encouraging the Philippines teleport is equipped with the sub-6 GHz and mmWave development of digital technologies and latest technologies and platforms. It new innovative services utilizing the fast serves as one of the major satellite hubs spectrum bands speeds, large capacity and ultra-low over the Asia-Pacific region, hosting F u j i t s u L i m i t e d a n d Q u a l c o m m latency supported by 5G. more than 50 antennas. As satellites Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of provide a complementary role to 5G Qualcomm Incorporated, have achieved connectivity, the Subic facility is poised non-standalone (NSA) 5G New Radio (NR) to be a gateway for future 5G services data calls on sub-6 GHz and mmWave especially to remote areas. The facility is IN THE NEWS ASIA

managed by professional personnel and International Partnership Programme Content is stored on an Imagine experienced engineers providing round- (IPP), to help protect and restore up to Versio™ IOX SAN high-performance the-clock services, 24 x 7 customer support 300 million hectares of tropical forests by online storage system, connected to the and a dedicated customer program improving forest monitoring in six partner Versio array over 10 gigabit fiber management team countries through advanced uses of ethernet. The Versio software also satellite data. IPP is part of, and funded provides the broadcast graphics, and a from, the Department for Business, Nexio® Motion™ workflow engine Indonesian space agency Energy and Industrial Strategy's (BEIS) provides content management. Global Challenges Research Fund Imagine and Composite Technology partners Ecometrica on (GCRF): a £1.5 billion fund announced delivered the project as a turnkey deforestation data by the UK Government, which supports supply, with strong continuing support cutting-edge research and innovation on from Imagine's local and regional Downstream space and sustainability global issues affecting developing engineering teams company Ecometrica has made a long-term countries. . commitment to collaborate with Indonesian For Imagine Communications, Mathias National Institute of Aeronautics and Space Eckert, SVP & GM, EMEA & APAC, (LAPAN) and Bogor Agricultural University The Philippines' Cignal added, “An MCR is the mission-critical (IPB) beyond the Forests 2020 project, by hub for broadcast operations — any signing a memorandum of understanding. TV expands playout downtime means lost revenues. It The agreement will ensure the company's capabilities with needs to be a highly reliable and continued involvement in Indonesia and its efficient workplace that is automated as role in supporting sustainable forest Imagine far as possible and easy to operate, management and the conservation of Communications monitor and maintain. Our software- tropical forests.The UK-based firm, whose defined solutions allow us to precisely advanced platform allows data from Cignal TV, the leading satellite tailor systems to provide a path to IP as satellites, such as the Sentinel broadcaster in the Philippines, has and when Cignal TV wishes to make constellations, to be used to track changes expanded its playout capacity using the this transition.” of forests, has been helping to monitor the fully integrated Versio™ modular playout effects of palm oil plantation and other solution from Imagine Communications. Department of agricultural sectors on Indonesia's tropical Cignal TV broadcasts premium content rainforests, while guiding efforts to reverse on both television and radio to more than Intellectual Property deforestation through the UK Space two million subscribers across the (DIP), Ministry of Agency-funded Forests 2020 initiative. country. To meet the expectations of its audience, Cignal TV continually adds Commerce (MOC), Its MoU, signed at a conference in high-quality content and channels. The Asia Video Industry Saarbrucken, Germany with LAPAN and new playout system gives the IPB, means that these two Indonesian broadcaster increased scalability and Association (AVIA) and organisations will work with Ecometrica for speed to market with a future-proofed, many years beyond 2020. software-based solution. “Our growth in TrueVisions host Anti- Adrian Smith, chief finance officer of both television and radio meant that we Piracy Summit. Ecometrica and signatory to the MoU, said: needed to add playout channels as “The agreement is a long term commitment quickly as possible,” said Benedict V to work together and make sure that the Galang, First Vice President Network The Department of Intellectual Property technology and methods that we have Engineering & Operation, Cignal TV. “It (DIP), Ministry of Commerce (MOC), developed these last years through Forests was vital that the additional capacity Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) 2020 are not only sustained, but are made slotted seamlessly into our existing and TrueVisions hosted the Digital available to as many potential users as operations to minimize disruption. Content Anti-Piracy Summit which was possible. This is crucial to ensuring efforts to Imagine Communications demonstrated held at the Ministry of Commerce protect the Indonesian rainforest are as it could provide a solution quickly, fitting Building in Nonthaburi. effective as they possibly can be.” precisely into our workflow and, through the redundancy, ensuring the reliability The anti-piracy summit was attended by “This is a partnership that will enable us to and security we required. With the new over 130 delegates from government, further develop the digital services of installation we can make a positive step the content industry and the media. remote sensing satellite technologies and towards the IP transition when the time Streaming piracy and the illicit applications for the benefit of Indonesia and comes. streaming device (ISD) ecosystem is beyond,” explained Dr. OrbitaRoswintiarti, ” impacting all Thailand international Deputy Chairman of Remote Sensing Imagine Communications worked with businesses involved in the production Affairs of LAPAN. s y s t e m s i n t e g r a t o r C o m p o s i t e and distribution of legitimate content. It Technology Inc. on the geo-dispersed is affecting every aspect of the video “We recognise the urgency in addressing Versio solution, which expands the ecosystem, from the independent Thai the wider challenges we all face, therefore, system to 4+1 channels, providing production companies, the start-ups partnerships with international agencies all redundancy on every channel. The that are never being born, to technology over the world are needed. We expect our channels have the capability of live and service providers that are now an work with Ecometrica and its partners could broadcasting, switching via Cignal's integral part of the content industry. support us to achieve the Sustainable existing Platinum™ VX router. Imagine's Development Goals (SDG) for the market-proven ADC™ automation The anti-piracy summit was an environmental, economic and social system ensures reliable, flexible and opportunity for government and senior benefits.” efficient operations across the entire executives from both the Thai and Forests 2020 is a major investment by the workflow international content industry to discuss UK Space Agency, as part of the the current landscape of intellectual IN THE NEWS ASIA

property protection in Thailand and also blocking, how technology can be used Bridge, which was also an adaptation set debate effective anti-piracy strategies to protect live sport events and working in Southeast Asia. that have been adopted in Thailand and with intermediaries to prevent the flow of Ms. Janice Lee, Managing Director of around the Asia Pacific region. illicit revenue. PCCW Media Group, said, "We engage KhunThosaponeDansuputra , the local audiences by creating and adapting Director General of the Department of “Content theft on its current scale is stories that have strong relevance. Pretty Intellectual Property (DIP) commented simply unsustainable, and country after Little Liars is a proven show that that, “The Royal Thai Government has c o u n t r y w i l l p u t resonates with younger viewers with given priority to promoting digital measures into place to curb this. It is similar profiles to our Viu audience, and economy policy in order to increase value happening already and the problem will we are pleased to begin our journey with and productivity for Thai businesses to be be solved. There is a golden opportunity WBITVP and bring it to our audience and able to compete globally. for Thailand to be at the forefront of platform. In line with our strategy to invest doing what is fair and proper. The time in creating content assets, in 2019 we will Thailand's digital contents are for change is now”, said Mr. Louis have a mix of Viu Original productions continuously growing and have played an Boswell, Chief Executive Officer of Asia and will work with international partners important role in economic development. Video Industry Association (AVIA), who on local adaptations that resonate with In 2018, Thailand's digital content market co-hosted the summit. audiences in Asia.” was valued at 26 billion baht. The Royal Thai Government wants to support and Mr. Neil Gane, General Manager of Mr. Andrew Zein, Senior Vice President, protect the growing digital content AVIA's Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) Creative, Format Development and industry that plays an important role in s a i d , “ T h e c o m m e r c i a l Sales, WBITVP, said, "Viu is one of the our economic development. The damage that content theft does to the market leaders in local storytelling, and Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) creative industries is without dispute. we are excited to partner with them in has been assigned by the Deputy However, what is less apparent to both transforming Pretty Little Liars into a M i n i s t e r o f C o m m e r c e , M r . consumers and government regulators Southeast Asian show that builds on the WeerasakWangsuphakijkosol, to is that digital piracy can also represent a original, yet is also uniquely its own story, prevent and suppress intellectual serious risk to consumers. The appetite entertaining millions of people.” property violations both online and for free or paying cheap subscriptions offline. We have been coordinating with for stolen content often blinds The series is expected to begin airing late the public and private sectors in order to consumers from the very real risks of this year. Keeping with the tradition of improve the efficiency of law malware infection” multi-market, globally appealing shows, enforcement and increase awareness Pretty Little Liars is an Indonesia and and understanding of intellectual Malaysia Viu co-production and will be property rights and will continue to do so. Viu collaborates with available in all 17 of Viu's worldwide These efforts have the added benefit of markets simultaneously. Set in the strengthening Thailand's economy.” Warner Bros. fictional town of Amerta, the series will be International filmed entirely on site in Indonesia's Mr. ChulathaiSaligupta, Director of crown jewel of Bali, and directed by Sports Programming at TrueVisions Television Production award-winning filmmaker Emil Heradi Group Co., Ltd, said that, “TrueVisions to remake Pretty Little (The Night Bus, Sagarmatha). has always emphasized the importance of intellectual property and have always Liars in Asia The cast represents the true diversity and strictly complied with the regulations for talent of the region, headlined by Anya all content categories, from films, music, Viu, a leading pan-regional OTT video Geraldine as Hanna, EykaFarhana as entertainment and especially the live service from PCCW Media Group, has Ema, Valerie Thomas as Sabrina, Shindy broadcast rights of world-class sporting teamed up with Warner Bros. Huang as Aria, and Yuki Kato as Alissa, events. However, despite our efforts, we International Television Production as the famed lead quintet. have seen an evolution of piracy in (WBITVP) to produce the latest . Thailand from small local cable networks international adaptation of the global to large criminal syndicates that use phenomenon Pretty Little Liars. EM Solutions selected online and mobile networks. If these Localized in Bahasa and filmed in Bali, by Thales for supply of types of violations continue the global the series follows a group of four rights owners will eventually terminate estranged undergrads whose group satcom radio their broadcasting signals to Thailand. As had fallen apart when their former subsystems a result, Thai football fans would no leader went missing. The girls come longer have access to popular live back together in the face of danger, matches from the English Premier when they begin receiving messages EM Solutions has been awarded a AUD$ League, the FIFA World Cup and many from a mysterious figure known as "A", 6.5M contract by global prime contractor other high quality international programs. who threatens to expose their darkest Thales for the supply of satellite radio On the other hand, if Thai audiences secrets. systems to support a major connectivity understand and respect copyright and project. EM Solutions' ability to make intellectual property, it would not only Viu's strategy is to produce compelling timely modifications to their commercial ensure that the Thai people can continue regional content with international off-the-shelf products to suit Thales' to enjoy their favourite programs, but it production quality. In line with this, it will specific customer requirements was a would also protect the Thai content take Pretty Little Liars, which ran for key factor in determining the contract industry and help push Thailand to a s e v e n s e a s o n s o n A B C award. In 2016 a framework agreement leadership position in the growing digital Family/Freeform in the United States was signed between the two companies economy.” and garnered 36 Teen Choice Awards to streamline ordering, and in 2018, EM The anti-piracy summit included during its run, and adapt it for Southeast Solutions' work was again recognised sessions to discuss digital piracy and Asia. This follows Viu's success with the when they took out Thales Australia's consumer risk, the efficacy of site Viu Original, Endemol Shine's The Supplier of the Year award for Export IN THE NEWS ASIA

Achievement. licensed format, which is produced in Grausam, A1's CEO, said, "8K video Thales and EM Solutions have been association with Viu, will complement streaming will be among the applications collaborating through the work of the our growing slate of HBO Asia Original that require maximum bandwidth. High- Thales Global Supply Chain team. Anne productions that are available to a definition videos are extremely hungry Munro, who heads Thales' GSC team, global audience.” for data and would bring the existing said that “Thales has built trust with EM Ms. Janice Lee, Managing Director of networks to their limits of performance. Solutions over an extended period and it PCCW Media Group, said, “Our At this premiere, we show what will be is as a result of good communications and partnership with Endemol Shine and possible in the A1 5Giganet.” An 8K film its proven track record that Thales has the HBO Asia on the second season of The equates to around 100GB of data across confidence in EM Solutions to deliver” Bridge is taking our collaboration to a the network, according to A1. For EM Solutions, the success in winning higher level. We are excited to extend export business through the Global on the success of the first season with a In preparation for the demo at the Supply Chain program has meant an storyline that resonates with audiences Alpbach event, which takes place every expansion of its test and assembly in Asia and take it even further by year in the Tyrolean mountain village of capacity. Dr. Rowan Gilmore, CEO, said adding new elements.” Alpbach, A1 “massively expanded” its “Because of this business, EM Solutions mobile infrastructure in the area and has expanded its capacity, purchased Ms. Rashmi Bajpai, Executive Director upgraded the four existing outdoor additional equipment and hired new staff Asia of Endemol Shine International, transmitters with 5G massive MIMO to meet delivery requirements. We are said, “We are thrilled about Viu's faith in antennas. The event venue was delighted to extend our near-decade long renewing The Bridge. It has been a equipped with an indoor transmitter. track record in working with Thales stellar example of knitting together the ??The upgrade enables speeds of up to globally”. nuances - culturally, creatively and 1.2 Gbps and the five transmitters are Similar products to those supplied are commercially to produce a drama that connected to the internet at 10 Gbps. A1 also in use in several of EM Solutions' has worked in a diverse region. The says hundreds of communities across own on-the-move satellite terminals for a commissioning of the second season Austria will be connected with 5G over range of land and maritime applications, reinforces our belief in the potential of the next few months. including the Cobra X/Ka tri-band scripted formats in Asia and we hope Maritime Satellite Terminal which is now this will pave the way for many more co- A1 Telekom Austria Group CEO, operational on a number of different productions.” Thomas Arnoldner, commented,"5G is classes of Navy vessels both in Australia the basis for all future developments of and internationally. Thanks to its The Bridge is licensed from global the mobile Internet and will open up collaboration with Thales, EM Solutions is producer and distributor Endemol unimagined possibilities for new positioning to win further global business Shine Group. Viu is also working with services. In addition to industrial and extend its reach into other projects. longtime partner Double Vision to applications, the Internet of Things and produce season two, as it did with the r e a l - t i m e c o m m u n i c a t i o n f o r HBO Asia and Viu first season autonomous vehicles or drones, even The second season will be available on higher bandwidths and faster response announce second Viu in all its markets as well as on HBO times will open up new applications for season of Endemol Asia's network of channels and private customers, such as virtual reality services, including HBO, HBO GO and or cloud gaming. Shine Group's The HBO ON DEMAND, across 24 "In the future, 5G will also play a key role territories. in supplying rural areas with Gigabit- Bridge The Bridge was originally created and capable connections.” written by Hans Rosenfeldt as a joint Viu, a leading pan-regional OTT video production of Sweden's Filmlance EUTELSAT 5 West B service from PCCW Media Group, and International, part of Endemol Shine HBO Asia jointly announce their Group and Denmark's Nimbus Film. delivered to Baikonur partnership in the second season of Viu The Bridge (Bron/Broen) was produced Cosmodrome for pre- Original's The Bridge, which will begin in co-production with Sveriges shooting its second 10-episode season Television, DR, ZDF German Television launch preparation this year and will be simulcast on Viu and network, ZDF Enterprises Gmbh, Film i Skåne, NRK, Copenhagen Film Fund, HBO Asia's channels and services in Eutelsat Communications announces early 2020. Lumiere Group, Stiftelsen Ystad Österlen Filmfond, Norvision and in co- the safe arrival of EUTELSAT 5 West B at the BaikonurCosmodrome in Loosely based on the second season of operation with Malmö Stad. It has aired in more than 188 territories/countries Kazakhstan, where it is due for launch on the original series, season two will pick up a Proton Breeze M rocket on September one year after where the story ended in and spawned localized remakes in the U.K/France, the United States/Mexico, 30, overseen by International Launch season one. A yacht registered in Services. Built by Airbus Defence and Singapore drifts ashore in Johor with a Germany/Austria, Russia/Estonia and Serbia/Croatia. Space and Northrop Grumman, deceased Indonesian family on board. EUTELSAT 5 West B will serve video Investigating the slew of serial killings that markets in Europe and North Africa from ensue, the characters become mired in a A1 streams 8K video the key 5° West orbital position where it web of treachery, deceit and personal over 5G in Austria will replace the EUTELSAT 5 West A tragedy. satellite, providing business continuity and improved service quality via a Ku- Mr. Jonathan Spink, Chief Executive At this week's European Forum band payload of 35 equivalent 36 MHz Officer of HBO Asia, said, “HBO Asia is Alpbach 2019, A1, working in transponders. delighted to once again partner with Viu partnership with Nokia and Samsung, is and PCCW Media Group on the second streaming 8K video via its 5G network season of The Bridge. This series, an for the first time in Austria. Marcus Asian adaptation of the successful IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

Gilat achieves critical internet for the children's health and (eFRI). The program was initiated by the safety, and commended Gilat as follows: Ontario government to fund studies that milestone in Peru “I want to emphasize that the support the development of decision collaboration of the government with the support tools linking the eFRI to forest Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd., a worldwide private company, Gilat, brought about management and operational planning. leader in satellite networking technology, the successful fiber optic project, and GSI's technology can be used to support solutions and services, announced today that without Gilat's commitment, work customers including landowners, asset that it has reached a critical milestone in and faithful fulfillment of responsibilities managers and commodity brokers, to Peru with approval to enter the operational the state could not make this project help them answer crucial questions, phase of the three-region telecom project happen,” Said MaríaJara, Minister, such as where and when to harvest awarded in 2015. for an aggregate value of Transport and Communications.“ crops; crop health, damage or value; $285M. This phase enables the start of tree canopy height and density; delivery of broadband internet services to Global Surface calculating biofuel within a production over half a million people in the three plant; pipeline security; mapping illegal regions. Entering the operational phase Intelligence secures land use; and forest damage caused by will enable Gilat to unlock access to natural disasters, amongst many others. revenue of ~$12M per annum of six-figure Canadian operations fees, for a period of ten years, project as well as to start selling services over the SmartSky networks network. receives milestone Global Surface Intelligence (GSI), the “I am most pleased to receive approval Scottish-based geospatial analytics 130th patent advancing from the government of Peru, to enter into company providing global resource next-gen connectivity the operational phase of the projects in business intelligence, has secured a six- Huancavelica, Ayacucho & Apurimac,” figure remote sensing agreement in the and a better passenger said AriehRohrstock, General Manager province of Ontario, Canada. GSI experience Gilat Peru and Corporate VP. “This harnesses next generation artificial significant milestone marks the realization intelligence to transform satellite optical of our objective to turn Peru into a source and radar data, UAV and ground survey SmartSky Networks, the provider of of secure, multi-year, profitable revenue, data into actionable insights on forestry, next-generation inflight connectivity both from operational fees as well as the land mass, and agriculture assets for solutions for business and commercial sale of additional services over the businesses. aviation, today announced it has network, as we deliver on our corporate received its 130th patent supporting the values of contributing to bridging the digital Having secured funding from the development of its advanced air-to- divide in Peru and worldwide.” Forestry Futures Trust (FFT), GSI will ground (ATG) network. Titled, provide robust data analysis of the “Architecture for Simultaneous The inauguration events in Peru for start Romeo-Malette Forest in Ontario for its Spectrum Usage by Air-to-Ground and of delivery of broadband internet in project partners, the Ontario Ministry of Terrestrial Networks,” SmartSky's latest support of social development, e-health Natural Resources and Forestry and patent is part of an exclusive rights and e-learning were widely celebrated in Rayonier Advanced Materials (formerly portfolio at the core of its unique and the presence of Peru's President, the Tembec), offering insight into forest innovative ATG technology. SmartSky Transport & Communications Ministry and regeneration, tree species composition, has several patent families covering the Regional Governments. The huge and natural disturbance threat network architecture and spectrum project will supply connectivity to one detection. Analysing 630,000 hectares usage in North America and beyond thousand towns in the three regions, of the entire Romeo-Malette Forest, GSI which enable an ATG network to operate through the deployment of almost 5,000 aims to provide key data, derived from in harmony with terrestrial users of km of fiber optic and the use of Information innovative and cost-effective methods identical frequencies in the same and Communication Technologies (ICT). through its powerful machine learning geography. The network will also provide cellular a l g o r i t h m s , t o s u p p o r t f o r e s t backhaul to allow mobile network management decision-making for on the “SmartSky is focused on launching our operators to reach distant villages for ground practitioners and policy makers. U.S. ATG network and providing the 3G/4G broadband mobile services to best-connected experience in the sky, satisfy the need for the same mobile Gavin Tweedie, CEO of GSI said: and our relentless pursuit of new and connectivity services as in the urban “Canada has an abundance of naturally patented solutions is driving much of the regions. Furthermore, during the project's regenerated forests, making it difficult to technology leadership and innovation operation, over 4,000 representatives of establish good statistics due to its vast behind the SmartSky advantage,” said schools, health, post and police stations area and mix of tree age and species in Ryan Stone, President of SmartSky will receive training. these forests. Using earth observation Networks. “With 91 additional patents data, we can help quantify these currently pending, our development The President of Peru, Martin Vizcarra elements and detect changes over time pipeline will continue to deliver the high- said in the inauguration speech: “We are to draw out valuable insights on the performance network that passengers committed to working on the physical health and productivity of the forest. want and need aboard their business roads that connect us with cars, trucks and Data is necessary to support effective and commercial flights.” buses, but we need to move forward in the business and policy decisions.” technological race as well, which is optic With innovation built into its DNA, fiber, the broadband that through a wire, The projects are part of the FFT's SmartSky continues to explore new carries the knowledge.” K n o w l e d g e T r a n s f e r & To o l ways to elevate the passenger Development (KTTD) program and e x p e r i e n c e w i t h p a t e n t e d In the inauguration ceremony in Apurimac successful results will contribute advancements that ultimately open up the Transport and Communications towards the advancement of Ontario's new possibilities for a better journey, Minister discussed the focus on delivery of Enhanced Forest Resource Inventory better network and the ability to access and receive more data during flight. 36 SmartSky's network, which incorporates a mix of 4G LTE and 5G technologies, has been developed using patented innovations, such as advanced beam forming, low latency, and a bi-directional link with the capacity to quickly transfer large amounts of data to and from the aircraft. IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

Airbus delivers mass- step in the company's continued and long- bandwidth, and cutting edge ultra-low standing growth in US manufacturing, job latency will support real-time, multi- produced satellites to creation and investment. The company player and immersive gaming utilises 450 suppliers in the US in more experience. We look forward to this OneWeb constellation than 40 states and has spent more than new cooperation with Tencent Games US$187 billion in the country since 1990. to enrich lives and transform gaming OneWeb Satellites, the joint venture of Airbus spending in the US supports more behaviours on a global scale.” OneWeb and Airbus, have announced the than 275,000 American jobs. opening of the world's first high-volume, As mobile technologies evolve and high-speed advanced satellite production “Airbus is manufacturing products in the consumer appetite for enhanced facility. The site, located in Florida, US, is US from all of our business divisions: mobile gaming experiences grows, the already working on delivering 900 commercial aircraft, helicopters and now need for stronger relationships across satellites for the OneWeb constellation satellites,” said C. Jeffrey Knittel, the mobile gaming industry is becoming designed to bring transformative internet Chairman and CEO of Airbus Americas. even more important. By utilizing connectivity to everyone, everywhere. “We take seriously our partnerships in the Qualcomm Technologies key products Historically, satellites are custom-built, communities where we do business, and & technologies based on Snapdragon costing tens of millions of dollars to build, we're proud to contribute our aerospace platforms, and Tencent's game and taking more than a year to produce a manufacturing expertise to the Space development expertise & resources, single one. The OneWeb Satellites facility Coast with 250 new high-tech jobs in both parties aim to develop popular, is the first to employ industrial-scale Florida. We are equally excited to high quality games that can be mass-production techniques for satellites, welcome these new employees to the experienced by consumers across a enabling dramatically reduced costs and Airbus OneWeb Satellites team in the US.” variety of Snapdragon platforms and production times that can deliver one Airbus said OneWeb Satellites' game- devices. With the advent and satellite per production shift or two a day, changing manufacturing technology and integration of 5G applications marking while significantly expanding internet facility also represent a tremendous the new generation of connectivity, the connectivity and making space opportunity for other commercial and landscape of mobile gaming will forever technology far more accessible. government customers, "providing end- be changed as real-time and immersive users with dramatic cost savings and gaming becomes faster and more “OneWeb Satellites and its partners are opening the door to missions that were powerful. transforming the satellite and space previously unthinkable". industry. By producing high-quality EUTELSAT 65 West A satellites at a fraction of the cost and Qualcomm, Tencent to schedule of traditional manufacturers, we selected by Ultra DTH are not only enabling OneWeb to connect partner on gaming, 5G for new pay-TV the planet, but we are also making space dramatically more accessible to Qualcomm Wireless Communications platform across the everyone,” said Tony Gingiss, CEO of Technologies (China), a subsidiary of Caribbean and the OneWeb Satellites. The facility's Qualcomm Incorporated has signed an production capabilities will first support agreement with Tencent Games, a global Andean region the rapid scaling of the OneWeb network, gaming leader, for strategic cooperation in starting with a constellation of 650 the field of digital entertainment. The Ultra DTH Inc. has signed a multiyear, satellites and scaling to 1,980 satellites cooperation includes joint efforts delivering global connectivity. multi-transponder agreement with anticipated to optimize future projects Eutelsat Americas, a subsidiary of With half the world's population including Qualcomm Snapdragon based u n c o n n e c t e d a n d i n c o n s i s t e n t Eutelsat Communications (Euronext mobile gaming devices, game content and Paris: ETL) for capacity on the connectivity persisting as people travel performance optimizations, Snapdragon more at sea and in the skies, the high- EUTELSAT 65 West A satellite to Elite Gaming enhancements, cloud support the launch of a white label DTH performance communication satellites gaming, AR/VR, 5G gaming use case built in this facility will enable high-speed platform across the Caribbean and the developments and additional relevant Andean region. Ultra DTH will leverage internet access that can unlock technologies. Steven Ma, senior vice healthcare, education, and economic EUTELSAT 65 West A's exceptional president at Tencent, said: “Tencent has Ku-band coverage to reach millions of advancements. worked closely with Qualcomm “This is a defining moment in the history of households in the Caribbean and the Technologies and we are very pleased A n d e a n t e r r i t o r i e s . C h a n n e l OneWeb, and the space industry. With that the strategic cooperation announced today's opening, we are one step closer to aggregation, encoding and ground today has deepened and expanded the infrastructure will be provided by United connecting the unconnected for the relationship between the two parties. We benefit of societies all over the world,” said Teleports. hope that fostering cooperation between Strategically headquartered in San Adrian Steckel, CEO of OneWeb. “As we both parties can utilize our respective gear up for more satellite launches at the Juan, Puerto Rico, Ultra DTH will rely technologies and R&D expertise to further on a network of key country pay-TV end of the year, this facility will ensure we innovate the game industry, thereby can begin delivering global connectivity in operators to commercialise its platform bringing better game quality and across several markets in the some areas as early as next year and interactive experience to users.” globally in 2021.” Caribbean and the Andean region. The 105,500 sqft production facility, which These partner operators will benefit Frank Meng, chairman of Qualcomm from Ultra DTH's expertise for ease of has two production lines capable of China, said: “With 30 years of innovation producing two satellites a day, is helping deployment and expansion within their under our belt, we're ushering in a new markets, while retaining the freedom to to revitalize Florida's Space Coast with age of gaming. Mobile gaming, an 250 new high-tech jobs and 3,000 indirect rebrand the platform to fit the specific important 5G use case, will soon take demands of each audience. The low- jobs through the supply chain. advantage of the next generation of For Airbus, this new facility is the latest cost service will allow pay-TV operators connectivity. “Faster speeds, more to give access to content from across IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

the globe, combining a unique avionics systems. Skyworks is excited to Technologies (ICT). The network will also international offering with content in introduce advanced products that provide cellular backhaul to allow mobile English, Spanish, French, Dutch and operate seamlessly under severe network operators to reach distant Hindi to respond to the diverse demand conditions,” said AchimSoelter, general villages for 3G/4G broadband mobile from the Caribbean islands and Andean manager of defense and space for services to satisfy the need for the same region. Skyworks. “With the expansion of our mobile connectivity services as in the Ricardo Dias, CEO of Ultra DTH, said: portfolio, we continue to push the urban regions. Furthermore, during the “Our DTH service will be able to provide performance envelope, powering project's operation, over 4,000 multilingual content to millions of mission critical functions across representatives of schools, health, post households. By allowing partner navigation, communication and radar and police stations will receive training. operators to create a full range of networks that must work day-in and day- The President of Peru, Martin Vizcarra country specific line-ups, we aim to out without fail.” said in the inauguration speech: “We are unlock previously unexplored markets at committed to working on the physical all price points” According to an estimate from BCC roads that connect us with cars, trucks Research, the global satellite and buses, but we need to move forward Mike Antonovich, CEO of Eutelsat communications market, one segment of in the technological race as well, which is Americas, added: “We are delighted to the aerospace and defense industry, is optic fiber, the broadband that through a be joining forces with Ultra DTH to take estimated to reach nearly $7.5 billion by wire, carries the knowledge.” pay-TV further in the Caribbean and the 2022, up from nearly $4.6 billion in 2017, A n d e a n r e g i o n , e s p e c i a l l y i n or a compounded annual growth rate of In the inauguration ceremony in underserved areas where audiences 11 percent. A p u r i m a c t h e T r a n s p o r t a n d are eager for content in their native Communications Minister discussed the language. This agreement highlights the Gilat unlock access to focus on delivery of internet for the benefits that satellite can bring to children's health and safety, and sparsely populated areas with a need for new revenue streams commended Gilat as follows: “I want to diverse content on a single platform.” in Peru Telecom project emphasize that the collaboration of the government with the private company, F o u n d e d i n 1 9 7 7 , E u t e l s a t awarded in 2015 Gilat, brought about the successful fiber Communications is one of the world's optic project, and that without leading satellite operators. With a global Gilat'scommitment, work and faithful Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. has reached fleet of satellites and associated ground fulfillment of responsibilities the state a critical milestone in Peru with approval infrastructure, Eutelsat enables clients could not make this project happen,” to enter the operational phase of the across Video, Data, Government, Fixed Said MaríaJara, Minister, Transport and three-region telecom project awarded in and Mobile Broadband markets to Communications.“ communicate effectively to their 2015 for an aggregate value of $285M. customers, irrespective of their location. This phase enables the start of delivery Over 7,000 television channels of broadband internet services to over U.S. satellite operators operated by leading media groups are half a million people in the three regions. urge Commerce broadcast by Eutelsat to one billion Entering the operational phase will viewers equipped for DTH reception or enable Gilat to unlock access to revenue Department to revise connected to terrestrial networks. of ~$12M per annum of operations fees, Headquartered in Paris, with offices and for a period of ten years, as well as to proposed commercial teleports around the globe, Eutelsat start selling services over the network. “I remote sensing assembles 1,000 men and women from am most pleased to receive approval 46 countries who are dedicated to from the government of Peru, to enter regulations delivering the highest quality of service. into the operational phase of the projects in Huancavelica, Ayacucho & Apurimac,” U.S. satellite operators Maxar Skyworks launches said AriehRohrstock, General Manager Technologies, Planet Labs, HawkEye Gilat Peru and Corporate VP. “This 360, BlackSky Global and Spire Global high reliability military significant milestone marks the urged the U.S. Department of Commerce and space solutions realization of our objective to turn Peru to revise its proposed commercial into a source of secure, multi-year, remote sensing regulations, which as profitable revenue, both from operational drafted would put U.S. firms at a Skyworks Solutions, Inc. unveiled its fees as well as the sale of additional significant disadvantage in the global latest high reliability solutions for services over the network, as we deliver marketplace. Maxar, Planet, HawkEye demanding military and space on our corporate values of contributing to 360, BlackSky Global and Spire Global applications with stringent operating bridging the digital divide in Peru and recently submitted a joint response to the requirements. Skyworks' hermetically worldwide.” Commerce Department's Notice of sealed, broadband low-noise and The inauguration events in Peru for start Proposed Rulemaking objecting to the impedance-matched amplifiers function of delivery of broadband internet in newly proposed rules. While U.S. in harsh environments and can be support of social development, e-health satellite operators appreciate the l e v e r a g e d i n a m u l t i t u d e o f and e-learning were widely celebrated in Department's recognition of the risk to communication platforms. With all the presence of Peru's President, the American leadership in space that peripheral components integrated into Transport & Communications Ministry comes from overly burdensome an optimized ceramic QFN package, and the Regional Governments. The regulation, the proposed regulations these devices simplify the design huge project will supply connectivity to would undermine U.S. competitiveness, process and reduce board space while one thousand towns in the three regions, impair U.S. innovation and deter delivering robust performance for next through the deployment of almost 5,000 investment in the U.S. commercial space generation aerospace and defense km of fiber optic and the use of industry. Commenters urged the applications such as satellites and Information and Communication Commerce Department to significantly IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

revise the proposed regulations to take a more narrowly tailored approach to MDA to advance Inmarsat hails US FAA ensure the pressing need for continued Artificial Intelligence U.S. leadership in commercial space is commitment to more appropriately balanced with other technologies for improved aircraft regulatory interests. Agriculture surveillance The U.S. commercial space industry provides critical products and services MDA announced its partnership in a network team led by Alberta Innovates The United States Government and that support disaster and humanitarian Accountability Office recently crisis response, national and global that was selected by the Government of Canada for a Strategic Innovation Fund published a report confirming that the security interests and enhance the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) location-enabled services that billions of (SIF) investment. The Canadian Agri- Food Automation and Intelligence has committed to use enhanced people around the world use every day. Automatic Dependent Surveillance- Addressing the lack of transparency, Network (CAAIN) will bring technology and agri-food companies together with Contract (ADS-C) technology to o p e r a t i o n a l u n c e r t a i n t y a n d achieve reduced distances between institutionalized delays that impair the academic partners to create new solutions that improve competitiveness aircraft, called minimum separation ability of the U.S. industry to bring standards, in U.S. oceanic airspace as innovative products and services to and drive growth in both the agriculture and technology sectors. part of its commitment to implement market should be the primary focus of the new international standards by 2022. Commerce Department's efforts. The SIF investment, totalling CAD ADS-C, powered by Inmarsat's SB-S $49.5 million over five years, was and Classic Aero services, has been For example, license requests to bring selected by the FAA as the technology new commercial satellite imagery announced on July 22 in Edmonton by N a t u r a l R e s o u r c e s M i n i s t e r of choice for aircraft surveillance in the capabilities to market can take years to region (voice and data communications approve, operators have little visibility into AmarjeetSohi, on behalf of Innovation, Science and Economic Development are also available to all aircraft using the decision-making process and SB-S and Classic Aero services). operating licenses are subject to Minister NavdeepBains. retroactive modifications after investment "MDA is excited for this opportunity to The decision by the FAA, which has already been made and systems are regulates the largest aviation market in operating. By failing to address these co-invest together with our partners and the Government of Canada to drive the world, was driven by an in-depth issues, the proposed regulations put at analysis of the cost and benefits of both risk continued U.S. leadership in the innovation in the agri-food sector, particularly in relation to artificial ADS-C and space-based ADS-B global commercial space industry, technologies. including the satellite imagery market, intelligence and emerging sensor technologies,” said Mike Greenley, which is alone projected to reach $3 billion The report, titled 'FAA's Analysis of by 2020. group president of MDA. “We look forward to working collaboratively with a Costs and Benefits Drove Its Plans to broad ecosystem of Canadian industry Improve Surveillance in U.S. Oceanic “The U.S. commercial space industry Airspace', confirms that space-based needs smart regulations that promote and academic partners to advance state-of-the-art technologies.” ADS-B is not suitable for surveillance innovation, encourage competitiveness use in U.S. oceanic regions due to its and bolster national security, and limited capability and high cost. The u n f o r t u n a t e l y t h e C o m m e r c e Within the network, MDA will conduct a program of research and technology report states that the “FAA decided to Department's draft regulations fall far proceed with enhanced ADS-C in the short of these goals,” said Dr. Walter Scott, development to advance enabling Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies near term because the efficiency Maxar CTO. “Maxar, Planet, HawkEye benefits to airspace users exceeded 360, BlackSky Global and Spire Global with applications in the agriculture sector. the costs of more frequent location urge U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur reporting and air traffic control system Ross and the National Space Council to upgrades by 2 to 1. In contrast, FAA intervene and ensure that new regulations MDA will also advance core data collection and data management determined that the costs of using allow American space firms to continue to space-based ADS-B in U.S. oceanic lead in this dynamic global industry.” technologies that use multiple sensor types, including hyperspectral imaging. airspace outweigh the efficiency In cooperation with its network partners, benefits by 6 to 1.” “The draft regulations represent a three- Important findings decade step backward,” said Robbie MDA will field the core AI and data technologies in a series of information Schingler, Planet's Co-founder. “This is Significant concerns are outlined with cold water thrown onto a thriving service demonstrations, including those targeted at applications related to the safety and operational challenges ecosystem with rapidly changing space presented by the use of space-based architectures, many new entrants and precision farming and supply chain management. ADS-B, and how it could be applied in novel business models. We strongly urge U.S. oceanic regions. The report states regulators to take a strategic view and that space-based ADS-B will not be create a forward-leaning environment that The CAAIN network is committed to selecting projects through transparent implemented in the near-term until opens up near-Earth space to efficient, these issues are resolved. John secure and trusted commercial competitive processes. Administration of projects and the CAAIN network will Broughton, Inmarsat Aviation's Senior enterprise. Building new industries Vice President of Aircraft Operations bolsters American competitiveness and be provided by Alberta Innovates. Project-based matching industry and Safety, said: “We hail these grows the economy, which fuels national important findings from the GAO. This security. Should this rule progress without funding will ensure that projects are directed at developing solutions for independent report recommends ADS- significant modification, it will represent a C technology based on a proven record direct threat to 21st century U.S. national opportunities and challenges facing the agri-food sector in Canada. of safety and affordability, and reveals security.” space-based ADS-B as a very

37 IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

expensive solution looking for a problem. of reliable connectivity to vital The MissionLinkTM by Thales terminal h u m a n i t a r i a n o p e r a t i o n s . uses the Iridium CertusSMservice to “ADS-C, supported by Inmarsat's Classic The Iridium Certus service is now the provide a multi-feature experience Aero and now SB-S services, has been the newest addition to IEC Telecom's especially useful for first-response cornerstone of oceanic aviation safety for comprehensive portfolio of satellite teams that need a reliable broadband more than two decades. This report communications solutions.Providing connectivity solution offering internet reiterates the significant value of those truly global pole-to-pole coverage, and email, high-quality voice, location solutions for aircraft operations and safety, Iridium CertusSM is highly reliable, due tracking, data transfer and messaging and underscores our continuous innovation to the advantages of the network's capabilities regardless of geography.” and ability to deliver value to our unique architecture. Located in low Earth customers.” orbit (LEO), with crosslinks enabling cross-satellite communication and L- Mainstream Data band end-user transmissions, the expands satellite Speedcast delivers network is resilient to adverse weather expanded connectivity conditions, does not rely on local ground communications infrastructure and has very low levels of business based on and applications for latency. Goodwood Vessels iDirect platform For the humanitarian sector and land- based customers this means access to Speedcast will deliver Ku-band VSAT ST Engineering iDirect, Inc., a company r e l i a b l e , h i g h - q u a l i t y s a t e l l i t e of ST Engineering North America, services for an additional six vessels in the connectivity anywhere on the planet, Goodwood fleet, as well as providing voice announced that Mainstream Data is regardless of the size of the terrain, and expanding its business continuity and services and enterprise applications with real-time communications – helping the industry-leading SIGMA Gateway private networking services based on the mission critical information to be passed iDirect platform. platform. With the addition of these six on clearly and effectively. vessels Speedcast is now providing Ku- band and Fleet Xpress VSAT services and The additional satellite IP networking IEC Telecom is well-established in the infrastructure will enable Mainstream SIGMA Gateway to a total of 25 Goodwood field of humanitarian aid. The company vessels. Data to meet growing connectivity provides a range of carefully-developed demand from both existing and new satellite communications solutions, customers in the healthcare and banking "We are excited to announce this expanded enhanced by its value-added services, to agreement to provide connectivity services sectors across areas in the United enable aid agencies to rapidly deploy S t a t e s , i n c l u d i n g a r e a s w i t h for the Goodwood fleet," said AthinaVezyri, efficient mobile communications in Executive Vice President of Maritime for underdeveloped communications disaster zones, manage end-to-end infrastructure. To serve their customers Speedcast. "Goodwood is an existing communications for disaster recovery, Speedcast customer that wanted e s t a b l i s h d u r a b l e a n d r o b u s t Speedcast's service for an additional six today, enterprises are increasingly communication systems in refugee dependent on uninterrupted IP network vessels that were previously served by camps and ensure front-line staff in another provider. Speedcast will provide connectivity, driven increasingly by hazardous locations have reliable Software as a service (SaaS) Ku-band VSAT connectivity, as well as communications. GwenaelLoheac, Speedcast's SIGMA Gateway connectivity applications and cloud computing. As a Managing Director of IEC Telecom, said: result, communications service platform and value-added services. SIGMA “We are delighted to be able to offer Gateway will support the customer's providers are expanding their investment customers our value added services on in network infrastructures that support requirements today, and the SIGMA top of Iridium CertusSM one of the most Gateway roadmap ensures that the higher access speeds and provides innovative platforms with the greatest resiliency in the event of connectivity customer's future needs will be met as they coverage. demand more applications and services. failures. However, many communities in rural North America remain underserved Goodwood's migration to SIGMA Gateway “Iridium is a trusted provider of reliable demonstrates the platform's leadership by terrestrial IP infrastructure, leaving a and robust satellite communications. By critical gap in enterprises' ability to position in the market." using Iridium CertusSM our customers "Goodwood is looking forward to expanding maintain their connections with will benefit from an enhanced user customers, data centers, and partners. Speedcast's connectivity solutions onboard experience, thanks to the system's on our fleet," said Capt A.R. Sabnis, greater mobility and very low levels of “If a company loses access to mission- Managing Director at Goodwood. latency – giving them real-time "Connectivity services enhanced with critical applications that are hosted in the communications with less room for error. cloud or VoIP connectivity, the business Speedcast's SIGMA Gateway and value- “This solution is easily deployable and added applications will increase the screeches to a halt,” said Scott Calder, will work everywhere, giving users the CEO of Mainstream Data. “This is operational efficiency and ease service confidence they need in their critical management on board." especially true for hospitals and banks, connections.” for whom being online 100 percent of the time saves lives and preserves business. IEC Telecom adds Josh Miner, Vice President of the Land- As one of the largest fully-integrated Iridium Certus Mobile Line of Business of Iridium said: satellite-based Internet Protocol (IP) “We are happy to sign this partnership connectivity providers in North America, connectivity with IEC Telecom, which is a leader in the we continue to build our network around humanitarian communications sector. ST Engineering iDirect because its Iridium CertusSM is an ideal solution for technology allows us to deliver the Satellite communications specialist IEC humanitarian organisations, which highest possible quality at an affordable Telecom has successfully completed an require highly-mobile vehicular or cost to our customers.” interconnection with the Iridium CertusSM transportable solutions that can connect service enabling it to provide superior levels instantly with omni-directional antennas. Through an IP networking solution built

38 IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

on the iDirect platform, Mainstream behind the SmartSky advantage,” said Iridium®,skippers will be able to stay Data monitors customers' primary IP Ryan Stone, President of SmartSky connected and access the fastest upload link and provides a fully-managed Networks. “With 91 additional patents and download speeds available in this backup connection over satellite currently pending, our development segment of satellite communications. whenever the primary connection pipeline will continue to deliver the high- suffers degradation. The company performance network that passengers No matter where they sail, skippers with the leverages ST Engineering iDirect's want and need aboard their business and VesseLINK solution will have these faster advanced Quality of Service (QoS) commercial flights.” connectivity speeds at their fingertips for capability, prioritizing latency-sensitive more enhanced communication allowing t r a f f i c t o s u p p o r t c r i t i c a l With innovation built into its DNA, them to think smarter and act faster during communications. To support its SmartSky continues to explore new ways the races for safety and piece-of-mind while e x p a n s i o n , M a i n s t r e a m D a t a to elevate the passenger experience with at-sea. “We are very proud to announce purchased what will be its third iDirect patented advancements that ultimately Thales and Iridium as the 'Official hub. open up new possibilities for a better Communications Partners' of the IMOCA “It is always great working with partners journey, better network and the ability to Class. like Mainstream Data, who work hard to access and receive more data during The Iridium Certus satellite broadband serve critical organizations that keep flight. SmartSky's network, which service combined with the Thales our citizens healthy and our economy incorporates a mix of 4G LTE and 5G VesseLINK solution modernizes the running with constant connectivity,” said technologies, has been developed using communications capability of IMOCA yacht Darren Ludington, Regional Vice patented innovations, such as advanced skippers sailing around the world. The President, Americas, ST Engineering beam forming, low latency, and a bi- skippers of the IMOCA Class are preparing iDirect. “Satellite is a reliable means of directional link with the capacity to quickly for several races over the next two years. c o n n e c t i n g e v e n t h e m o s t transfer large amounts of data to and from The preparation also includes one of the geographically diverse sites with critical the aircraft. greatest challenges in sport: The Vendée IP connectivity, as it is essentially Globe, which is a singlehanded, nonstop, immune to ground-based outages and around the world yacht race. We see a network compromise. We look forward synergy in our mutual core values, to continuing to help Mainstream Data Thales becomes the technology, performance and human grow its business in key vertical markets decisive technology endurance. The partnership is the start of a w h e r e m a i n t a i n i n g a l w a y s - o n valuable relationship between Thales, connectivity is a cornerstone of their partner for IMOCA Class Iridium and the IMOCA Class,” Antoine brand promise.” vessel connectivity Mermod, President of IMOCA. SmartSky networks Global Surface receives milestone Thales has announced it has become the official communications partner for Intelligence secures six- 130th patent advancing IMOCA through 2021 to support the big figure Canadian project next-gen connectivity ambitions of skippers competing in the I M O C A G l o b e S e r i e s W o r l d and a better passenger Championship. Now more than 30 world Global Surface Intelligence (GSI), the class skippers worldwide will rely on Scottish-based geospatial analytics experience Thales for decisive connectivity company providing global resource technologies as they pilot their vessels in business intelligence, has secured a six- figure remote sensing agreement in the SmartSky Networks, the provider of extreme, open-sea environments. province of Ontario, Canada. next-generation inflight connectivity Mastering the complexity of providing solutions for business and commercial global, offshore connectivity to skippers GSI harnesses next generation artificial aviation, today announced it has anytime, anywhere, Thales will be intelligence to transform satellite optical and received its 130th patent supporting the installing its VesseLINK™ solution on all radar data, UAV and ground survey data into development of its advanced air-to- IMOCA Class vessels. This rugged, actionable insights on forestry, land mass, ground (ATG) network. Titled, small, and light-weight solution will and agriculture assets for businesses. “Architecture for Simultaneous support competitors as they push the Having secured funding from the Forestry Spectrum Usage by Air-to-Ground and human spirit to the-edge in a series of Futures Trust (FFT), GSI will provide robust Terrestrial Networks,” SmartSky's latest races recognised as the world's foremost data analysis of the Romeo-Malette Forest patent is part of an exclusive rights circuit for shorthanded offshore and in Ontario for its project partners, the Ontario portfolio at the core of its unique and around-the-world racing – including the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry innovative ATG technology. SmartSky 2020 Vendée Globe. and Rayonier Advanced Materials (formerly has several patent families covering Tembec), offering insight into forest network architecture and spectrum “Skippers in this circuit face some of the regeneration, tree species composition, and usage in North America and beyond most extreme weather conditions on the natural disturbance threat detection. which enable an ATG network to planet and our VesseLINK solution will be Analysing 630,000 hectares of the entire operate in harmony with terrestrial users right there with them to make their Romeo-Malette Forest, GSI aims to provide of identical frequencies in the same journeys better, and keep them safer. We key data, derived from innovative and cost- geography. are excited for the upcoming races and are proud to be able to support the IMOCA effective methods through its powerful machine learning algorithms, to support “SmartSky is focused on launching our Class.” Mike Sheehan, CEO of Thales forest management decision-making for on U.S. ATG network and providing the Defense and Security, Inc. The Thales the ground practitioners and policy makers. best-connected experience in the sky, VesseLINK solution will allow skippers to and our relentless pursuit of new and access the highly reliable Iridium Gavin Tweedie, CEO of GSI said: “Canada patented solutions is driving much of the Certus®network for the only truly global has an abundance of naturally regenerated technology leadership and innovation satellite communications network. With the full worldwide coverage offered by forests, making it difficult to establish good

39 IN THE NEWS AMERICAS statistics due to its vast area and mix of important to gain access to a wide range tree age and species in these forests. of user hardware to respond to Telesat reports results for Using earth observation data, we can challenging operational and system the quarter and six help quantify these elements and detect specifications. The demonstrated ability changes over time to draw out valuable to take the currently available u7 and have months insights on the health and productivity of it connect with our satellites makes the the forest. Data is necessary to support Kymeta ESA a great addition to our Telesat announced its financial results for the effective business and policy decisions.” growing portfolio of compatible three and six-month periods ended June 30, antennas.” 2019. All amounts are in Canadian dollars The projects are part of the FFT's Kepler's Global Data Service (GDS), and reported under International Financial K n o w l e d g e T r a n s f e r & To o l currently enabled by Kepler's first two Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) unless Development (KTTD) program and satellites in orbit, is a high-capacity data otherwise noted. For the quarter ended successful results will contribute communication service. Covering every June 30, 2019, Telesat reported towards the advancement of Ontario's part of the globe, from pole to pole, GDS consolidated revenues of $231 million, an Enhanced Forest Resource Inventory allows the movement of Gigabytes of data increase of 9% ($19 million) compared to the (eFRI). The program was initiated by the to and from the user's location at same period in 2018. When adjusting for the Ontario government to fund studies that economic rates. The store-and-forward impact of foreign exchange rate changes, support the development of decision nature of the solution makes it suitable for revenue increased by 8% ($16 million) support tools linking the eFRI to forest delay-tolerable data such as large compared to the same period in 2018. The management and operational planning. multimedia files, high-resolution videos increase was due to higher revenue related GSI's technology can be used to support and imagery, and other bandwidth- to the Telstar 19 VANTAGE and Telstar 18 customers including landowners, asset intensive data within the maritime, oil & VANTAGE satellites, which entered into managers and commodity brokers, to gas, tourism, and scientific communities. commercial service in August 2018 and help them answer crucial questions, October 2018, respectively, combined with such as where and when to harvest an increase from short-term services crops; crop health, damage or value; Airbus selects provided to other satellite operators. tree canopy height and density; exactEarth as AIS calculating biofuel within a production Operating expenses of $38 million for the plant; pipeline security; mapping illegal partner for new quarter were 5% ($2 million) higher than the land use; and forest damage caused by Maritime applications same period in 2018. When adjusting for the natural disasters, amongst many impact of foreign exchange rate changes, others. platform operating expenses were 3% ($1 million) higher. The increase was primarily related to Kepler Exactearth Ltd., a leading provider of higher cost of sales. Adjusted EBITDA1 for Satellite-AIS data services, announces the quarter was $197 million; an increase of Communications that it has been selected by Airbus 10% ($19 million) compared to the same demonstrates LEO Defence and Space (“Airbus”) as AIS period in 2018. When adjusting for foreign partner to support its Ocean Finder exchange rate changes, Adjusted EBITDA1 tracking and data maritime service. Under the terms of this increased by 9% ($16 million). The Adjusted transfers on Kymeta's 2-year agreement, exactEarth will provide EBITDA margin1 for the second quarter of Airbus with live and archived data from 2019 was 85.2%, compared to 84.3% in the electronically steered exactView RT, the Company's second- same period in 2018. antenna generation real-time satellite-AIS data service, including data from exactEarth's Telesat's net income for the quarter was high performance AIS payload hosted on $135 million compared to a net loss of $6 Kepler Communications, a pioneer of the PAZ radar satellite. million for the quarter ended June 30, 2018. nano-satellite telecommunications The $142 million difference was the result of solutions, announces that it has “We are very pleased to be chosen by a higher non-cash gain on foreign exchange s u c c e s s f u l l y d e m o n s t r a t e d Airbus, one of the world's most arising principally from the translation of compatibility between its low-Earth orbit recognised aerospace corporations, as Telesat's U.S. dollar denominated debt into (LEO) satellites with a commercially- AIS partner for their new and innovative Canadian dollars, gains on financial available, flat-panel satellite antenna maritime applications platform,” said instruments, and higher operating income in purchased from Kymeta. Peter Mabson, CEO of exactEarth. “Our the second quarter of 2019. exactView RT system offers both world- This testing marks the first time a leading performance and long-term For the six months ended June 30, 2019, Kymeta antenna has been used to reliability and we look forward to revenue was $454 million, an increase of 2% demonstrate integration with an supporting Airbus to utilise this capability ($9 million) compared to the same period in operational LEO satellite system. a s they bring advanced maritime 2018. When adjusted for changes in foreign Kepler was able to successfully track applications to the global market.” exchange rates, revenues were slightly and exchange data with Kymeta's u7 higher ($2 million) compared to 2018. The electronically steered antenna (ESA) “This AIS data will definitively boost our increase was primarily due to revenue a n d K e p l e r ' s t w o t e c h n o l o g y Ocean Finder service. Fused with our related to the Telstar 19 VANTAGE and demonstration satellites, achieving data satellite imagery and additional Telstar 18 VANTAGE satellites, offset by transfer speeds of 15 Mbps down and 5 intelligence information, it will improve the lower short-term services provided to other Mbps up, in repeated trials. production of analytics, alerts and satellite operators, lower equipment sales reports,” said François Lombard, Director and lower revenue from certain customers in “We are truly excited about the future of Intelligence Business at Airbus the resource sector. Operating expenses applications that can now be enabled by Defence and Space. were $77 million, an increase of 4% ($3 Kymeta's u7 antenna and our high- million) from 2018. The increase was capacity, low-cost LEO platform,” said primarily due to higher, non-cash, share- Wen Cheng Chong, Chief Technology based compensation expense. Adjusted Officer at Kepler. “For our customers it is EBITDA1 was $384 million, an increase of IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

3% ($11 million) or, when adjusted for satellite network solutions provider to Communications & Power Industries foreign exchange rates, an increase of 1% adopt ONAP, an open software platform LLC has entered into an agreement to ($5 million). The Adjusted EBITDA designed for orchestrating the creation purchase SATCOM Technologies, the margin1 for the first six months of 2019 and delivery of new services in an antenna systems business of General was 84.7%, compared to 84.1% in 2018. automated operational environment. SES Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc., a is implementing ONAP with Amdocs on business unit of General Dynamics. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, Microsoft Azure, the industry's scalable SATCOM Technologies designs, net income was $307 million, compared to and flexible cloud services platform manufactures and installs satellite a loss of $21 million for 2018. The supported by Microsoft's expansive global communications antenna systems used increase in net income for the year-to- network. With ONAP operating on Azure, in commercial, defense and scientific date was principally the result of foreign SES can extend network services and applications, as well as provides related exchange gains in 2019, arising from the activate virtualised network functions radio frequency products and translation of Telesat's U.S. dollar quickly and at scale, accelerating time-to- electronics, including feed components, denominated debt into Canadian dollars market and improving service agility for amplifiers, converters, antenna control compared to foreign exchange losses in customers anywhere on the globe. systems, and engineering and 2018, and greater gains on financial installation services. This business will instruments in 2019 when compared to In addition, SES is partnering with complement CPI's existing portfolio of 2018. Amdocs, a leader in developing and c o m m u n i c a t i o n s p r o d u c t s f o r “I am pleased with our financial and integrating ONAP solutions on Microsoft government, military and commercial operating performance in the second Azure. Together, Amdocs and Microsoft applications. “Satellite communications quarter of 2019,” commented Dan represent best-in-class ecosystem technology plays a vital role in modern Goldberg, Telesat's President and CEO. partners to deploy open, cloud-based communications, serving the seemingly “Our Telstar 19V and 18V satellites, as network automation and orchestration. insatiable thirst for more bandwidth and well as certain short term satellite services As the first satellite network solutions greater speeds,” said Bob Fickett, provided to another satellite operator, provider to adopt ONAP, SES is continuing president and chief executive officer of contributed to top line growth relative to its leadership in driving open networking CPI. Q2 last year, and our continued operating initiatives into the satellite industry, discipline resulted in an increase in both advancing its vision to make satellite “Acquiring SATCOM Technologies Adjusted EBITDA1 and our Adjusted networks a seamless extension of the enables us to provide CPI's customers EBITDA margin1. In addition to a global communications ecosystem. SES is with a wide range of complementary favorable second quarter, we also a founding member of Linux Foundation products, capabilities and resources to continue to make strong progress on our Networking (LFN), which hosts the ONAP support this dynamic and growing advanced Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite project, an initiative with widespread market, making it an excellent fit for CPI. constellation. adoption as the preferred platform for open These capabilities and resources include network automation and orchestration. By extensive expertise in VSAT (very small Last week we signed a Memorandum of standardising on the same orchestration aperture terminal), large and medium Understanding with the Government of platform as leading telcos and mobile communications antennas, and very Canada (GoC) to ensure access to network operators, SES will make it easier large, complex antenna systems. We a ff o r d a b l e h i g h - s p e e d I n t e r n e t and faster for its customers to deliver look forward to welcoming the business's connectivity across rural and remote services over its high-performance management and employees to the CPI areas of Canada via the Telesat LEO satellite-based network. family.” The acquisition is expected to Constellation, an arrangement we expect close before the end of calendar year will generate $1.2 billion in revenue over a “Our vision is to make satellite-based 2019, subject to customary closing 10 year period. Additionally, the GoC will networks a seamless and wholly conditions. Financial terms of the contribute $85 million to Telesat to support integrated part of a global, cloud-scale agreement were not disclosed. the development of the Telesat LEO network ecosystem. Central to this vision Constellation through the Strategic is an open, automated operational Innovation Fund (SIF). Looking ahead we environment that allows our customers to “Affordable and remain heavily focused on continuing to easily create and deliver new, innovative sustainable spectrum increase the utilization of our in-orbit services anywhere,” said JP Hemingway, satellites and executing on our key growth CEO of SES Networks. “To make our sharing technologies initiatives, particularly our LEO vision a reality, we are pleased to be the are crucial for digital program.” first satellite operator to develop ONAP with Amdocs on Microsoft Azure. SES inclusion and rural envisions delivering cloud-scale SES, Amdocs to connectivity services and virtualised connectivity,” says DSA operationalise the first network functions such as SD-WAN, President Martha virtualised Evolved Packet Core (vEPC), ONAP orchestration security and more, creating massive value Suárez platform for our customers well into the future.” Competitive access to spectrum resources will result in a thriving fixed SES announced that it will create an open, C o m m u n i c a t i o n s & and mobile marketplace that can deliver standards-based network automation and power industries to new, innovative services, according to service orchestration platform, built on Dynamic Spectrum Alliance (DSA) Open Network Automation Platform acquire satellite antenna President Martha Suárez. Speaking at (ONAP) and powered systems business of the TVWS workshop in Buenos Aires, co- organised by the DSA and the Secretary b y A m d o c s ' n e t w o r k f u n c t i o n s general dynamics of Information and Communication virtualization (NFV) technology. With Technologies (SeTIC) in Argentina, today's announcement, SES is the first Suárez highlighted that harnessing IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

spectrum sharing technologies like TV was signed between DSA and the RF analytic products by 2021. Round White Space (TVWS) is key to enabling Argentinian Government Secretariat of participants include new investors Airbus rural broadband.“Traditional digital Modernization, with the purpose of and Esri, existing investors Razor's Edge inclusion efforts have been tried and they highlighting mutual areas of interest and Ventures, Allied Minds, and Shield have fallen short of the expectations, with promoting the study of dynamic Capital Partners, and additional over 4 billion people still left unconnected s p e c t r u m a c c e s s a n d t h e undisclosed parties. With this Series B to broadband,” said Suárez. “By making implementation of regulatory models financing, HawkEye 360 will focus on spectrum abundant for broadband enabling its application within Argentina. scaling its business to provide the fastest connectivity, the industry will be able to This MoU will facilitate cooperation and most relevant RF analytics in the stimulate wireless innovation for next- amongst the parties and support the market to support rapidly growing generation broadband and accelerate an execution of spectrum sharing projects customer demand. Today, HawkEye 360 inclusive digital economy.”Digital in Argentina. is delivering products to customers using inclusion and digital transformation are its first cluster of three formation flying key to economic growth and societal Gilat to provide aero satellites and fabricating a second development, explained Suárez, but they satellite cluster for launch in early 2020. will only be possible with additional antennas to a tier-1 innovative, affordable and sustainable This financing supports the development connectivity schemes, such as TVWS business aviation and launch of four additional clusters, and other technologies promoted by the service provider forming a fully operational constellation of DSA. 18 highly capable satellites with rapid global revisit. “Portions of spectrum in the VHF and Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd., a “Receiving an investment of this size, UHF bands allocated to the broadcasting worldwide leader in satellite networking especially for a pioneering space start- service are unused in given geographical technology, solutions and services, has up, reaffirms the value investors place on areas and are known as TVWS. TVWS announced that it will provide aero the advanced capabilities of our satellites can be used to provide cost-effective antennas with an initial agreement for and the highly innovative RF data analytic broadband services and Internet of tens of millions of dollars to a Tier-1 products we are delivering to customers,” Things connectivity that help drive digital business aviation service provider. This said John Serafini, Chief Executive inclusion,” said Suárez. “With a greater expands Gilat's aero offering into the Officer, HawkEye 360. “This financing not coverage area, a greater obstacle business aviation market with a leading only capitalizes the development of our penetration in difficult terrain and non-line tail-mount antenna for business jets. full constellation, but also provides of sight operation available, TVWS has The high-speed satellite-based global exceptional access to European markets been proven to provide rural broadband connectivity service being developed through our new investor and distribution as an effective solution for backhaul, IoT will be enabled by Gilat's aero terminal partner, Airbus. We are honored to have for agriculture and emergency which includes a 12” tail-mount Ku band such a phenomenal group of investors c o m m u n i c a t i o n s . ” W i t h T V W S antenna, and Gilat's industry proven supporting our work, our team, and our technology proven and a demand for Taurus aero modem. vision for the future of space-based RF broadband services growing rapidly, analytics.” Suárez believes the adoption of TVWS is Gilat's solution is designed to provide poised to accelerate. the user experience this demanding Since being founded in 2015, HawkEye market requires. The service for 360 has now raised over $100 million in “DSA principles and techniques are business aviation will be provided over funding. HawkEye 360 launched its first being employed across a range of one of the largest aero networks satellite cluster in December 2018 and spectrum bands to improve utilization,” operating worldwide. “Gilat's expansion brought its first product, RFGeo, to said Suárez. “Governments and from commercial aviation into the market in April of this year. RFGeo regulators have a key role to play in market segment of business aviation is identifies and locates the position of a realising the full potential of spectrum a major milestone in our IFC strategy,” broad range of RF emitters, such as X- SSTL sharing. The DSA would like to see said Ron Levin, VP Mobility and Global band navigation radars, VHF push-to-talk governments allowing shared access to Accounts at Gilat. “This achievement, of radios, satellite terminals, and TVWS spectrum, enable regulatory a potential of hundreds of terminals, emergency beacons. The company's framework and encourage innovative further strengthens Gilat as a major IFC pioneering geospatial data layer reveals business models.”“Spectrum is a limited player in this fast-growing satellite patterns of activity and provides valuable resource and public policy decisions can communication market.” i n s i g h t s f o r m a r i t i m e , either make it scarcer or improve d e f e n s e / i n t e l l i g e n c e , accessibility. In recent years, science has HawkEye 360 secures telecommunications, and crisis response allowed us to make available more applications. frequencies we have not used before, as $70 million in series B well as a making spectrum usage more financing “The capital markets are now determining e ff i c i e n t t h r o u g h r e - u s e . N e w the leaders of the emerging commercial technologies and regulations will enable space marketplace. This funding a better use of spectrum, as is the case HawkEye 360 Inc., the first commercial demonstrates the strength of HawkEye with dynamic assignment,” said Hector company to use formation flying 360's team, business plan, and ability to Huici, the Secretary of Information and satellites to create a new class of radio execute on commitments,” said Mark Communication Technologies, SeTIC. frequency (RF) data and data analytic Spoto, Chairman of HawkEye 360's Additionally, he announced that a public products, today announced that it has Board of Directors and Managing Director consultation will soon be published, with secured $70 million in Series B at Razor's Edge. “This company's a proposal to gradually implement TVWS financing. This financing capitalizes the exceptional leadership and hardworking in Argentina. company's business plan to include team of innovators have accomplished a buildout and launch of the HawkEye 360 series of major milestones. The Board At the end of the TVWS Workshop, a commercial satellite constellation and and investor syndicate look forward to Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) development of the company's line of further successes as HawkEye 360 IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

continues to expand services both in the commend them for their commitment Webb's round 0.74 meter diameter U.S. marketplace and internationally.” to advancing the state of global secondary mirror to the Optical Telescope “We are joining the funding of HawkEye communications.” Element (OTE). The OTE's large mirror, 360 at an important time in their growth,” Intelsat 39 is equipped with both C- known as the primary mirror, is comprised s a i d E v e r t D u d o k , H e a d o f band and Ku-band transponders, and of 18 hexagonal segments making up the Communications, Intelligence and is based on Maxar's decades-proven 6.5 meter diameter mirror. The OTIS acts Security & Member of the Executive 1300-class platform, which offers high as the eye of the observatory with the OTE Committee at Airbus Defence and Space. power, reliability and flexibility to acting as the lens, gathering light coming “Analytics from space is a game-changer support a broad range of applications from space and providing it to the science for the industry and HawkEye 360's and technology advances. The instruments, which act as the retina. satellite data are highly complementary to satellite will maintain its position using Webb's secondary mirror is the second Airbus' global portfolio of optical and all-electric propulsion, which provides surface that light from the cosmos hits on synthetic aperture radar satellites. efficiency for satellite operators by its path into the telescope. Therefore, we believe our investment will reducing launch mass while increasing support accelerating their plans and be of spacecraft flexibility and performance. The secondary mirror is supported by three mutual business benefit to our companies struts that extend out from the large in the future.” “For many years, we've trusted Maxar primary mirror. The struts are hollow tubes to consistently deliver innovative and made of carbon fiber composite that is PJT Partners LP served as exclusive reliable satellites that exceed our about 40-thousandths of an inch (about 1 financial advisor and placement agent to expectations, and we're delighted to millimeter) thick, built to withstand the HawkEye 360 in connection with the c o n t i n u e o u r l o n g - s t a n d i n g extreme temperatures of space. Every S e r i e s B c a p i t a l r a i s e . ? W e i l , collaboration with Intelsat 39,” said interaction with Webb is complex, Gotshal&Manges LLP acted as legal Ken Lee, Intelsat's Senior Vice especially building and testing it in a 1-G counsel for the company in connection President, Space Systems. The environment where gravity affects with the transaction. operations of DigitalGlobe, SSL and everything. Webb is designed to work in a Radiant Solutions were unified under zero-G environment, therefore testing Maxar's 1300-Class the Maxar brand in February; MDA deployments on the ground requires c o n t i n u e s t o o p e r a t e a s a n offsetting and negating the effect of gravity communications independent business unit within the to simulate on orbit conditions. Maxar organization. satellite built for Intelsat The deployment was the first time Webb's performing according to NASA's James Webb secondary mirror's deployment and latching motors were driven by the plan after launch Space Telescope electronics in the spacecraft bus, which ‘ secondary mirror used the flight software reading the flight Maxar Technologies, a trusted partner and telemetry in the exact same way that it will innovator in Earth Intelligence and Space deploys for the first be done in flight. In this joint effort, electrical Infrastructure, announced that the high- time using the and mechanical engineering teams across power Intelsat 39 communications NASA and Northrop Grumman worked satellite, built for Intelsat, successfully spacecraft flight together to successfully execute this launched today and is performing milestone. This was also the last time the according to plan. Intelsat 39 began electronics SMSS will be deployed on the ground—the receiving and sending signals following a next time will be after launch in space. launch aboard an Ariane 5 rocket from the NASA's James Webb Space Arianespace launch base in Kourou, Telescope's Secondary Mirror Support LeoLabs unveils French Guiana. Tomorrow, the satellite will Structure (SMSS) was deployed for begin firing its thrusters to propel toward the first time using the telescope's commercial satellite its final orbit at 62 degrees East longitude. flight electronics at Northrop tracking service for Once in service, Intelsat 39 will provide Grumman's clean room in Redondo video distribution and broadband Beach, California. The milestone smallsat and cubesat connectivity services across Africa, Asia, marks another major interaction of the operators Europe and the Middle East. The satellite Observatory (Optical Telescope and will also enhance mobile connectivity for Integrated Science Instrument [OTIS] aero, maritime and government users module and the Spacecraft Element LeoLabs, Inc., announced LeoTrack™, the operating in the Indian Ocean region. [SCE]), working together as they will in world's first commercial satellite tracking orbit. service tailored to the unique needs of “Intelsat 39 replaces Intelsat 902, which today's smallsat and cubesat operators. was also built by Maxar and launched in “Moving into a phase where we can LeoTrack, delivered as a web-based 2001. By the time of its replacement, begin using Webb's actual flight subscription, offers satellite operators a full Intelsat 902 will have exceeded its electronics in the spacecraft to operate range of monitoring capabilities, including expected 13-year design life by six years, all elements in the remainder of the precision tracking of satellites, orbital state or 45% – a strong testament to the observatory is remarkable,” said Scott vectors, predictive radar availability, reliability and on-orbit longevity of our Willoughby, vice president and scheduled passes, and real-time orbit 1300-class product line,” said Megan program manager, James Webb visualization for constellations as well as Fitzgerald, Maxar's Senior Vice President Space Telescope, Northrop Grumman. individual satellites. "A new generation of and General Manager of Space Solutions. “The deployment of the SMSS marks a space operators need more data to support “Intelsat 39 is the 52nd satellite that Maxar successful milestone for Webb, as we responsible operations and informed has built for our long-term customer, move towards full integration of OTIS decision making in an increasingly Intelsat. I'd like to thank the team at to the SCE later this year.” congested LEO setting," said Dan Intelsat for their enduring partnership and The SMSS is the tripod connecting Ceperley, CEO of LeoLabs. "As the leading IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

commercial provider of LEO monitoring different universities (Morocco, Mexico enterprise workflow automation; GSI's and SSA services, it's a natural fit for us to & UK) and schools with the ability to patented technology processes raw data - serve these emerging new players.” transmit IoT command from Earth to including optical and radar satellite space, and vice versa. This mission is imagery, fixed wing and UAV imagery and "Operators need a reliable service that considered the world's first near space a wide range of other datasets - into delivers high-quality orbital data and the mission of its kind.The Stratos Satellite valuable knowledge and insight that helps ability to demonstrate visually how their CubeSat experiment will focus on companies make informed decisions operations are managed," continued stratospheric studies across the ozone about their assets. Ceperley. "This is precisely what layer and beyond to conduct scientific LeoTrack delivers. You simply subscribe experiments to collect data on the The customer information is delivered via to the service, and LeoLabs does the effects of global warming. personalised cloud-based portals or API provisioning. The key is simplicity and integration. Gavin Tweedie, CEO of GSI quality, and we believe LeoTrack Additionally, KSF Space is preparing to commented: “Over the last 18 months, we exemplifies the emerging model for launch a new near space small satellite have placed significant focus on refining satellite constellation management." mission supporting microbiology testing our products to target key customers and in microgravity on the 19th of October sectors where we believe our products LeoTrack builds on LeoLabs' multi-year 2019. The mission will offer medicine can make a real impact. Using our history of providing satellite and space and biotechnology students the technology and geospatial analytics, we debris tracking services for leading opportunity to send their experiments to can create compelling economic constellation operators in LEO. outer space to be observed in micro- intelligence that can be used to improve Supporting missions ranging from g r a v i t y a b o a r d K S F ' s “ S p a c e crucial business decision making. advance earth observation to IoT Capsule”.Dr. Kayyali Says “We connectivity, LeoLabs already serves w e l c o m e e x p e r i m e n t s a n d “Each product can be configured to suit a such diverse commercial leaders as nanosatellites from universities and specific application and this unique Maxar, BlackSky, Planet and Swarm schools to join our future missions; we approach to delivering geospatial Technologies. LeoTrack now extends are always open to help and guide intelligence in a practical and reusable that same value proposition to the entire academic research all over the world”. manner is what will allow us and our smallsat community. customers to scale quickly and utilise the GSI launches first suite technology more effectively and more "At Swarm, we rely on the LeoTrack frequently." GSI is also committed to service to get accurate position of geospatial aligning its products to the UN's information for all of our 1/4-U satellites", Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) said Sara Spangelo, CEO of Swarm intelligence products and companies engaged in achieving Technologies. "Having access to this their own corporate environmental, social data is key for us at initial deployment and Global Surface Intelligence (GSI), the and governance initiatives are already throughout the lifetime of the satellites. E d i n b u r g h - b a s e d g e o s p a t i a l showing a high level of interest in how the We use it for operational purposes, to intelligence company, has launched its GSI Now family of products can help.” share with other space operators and for first product range. Available the general public on our website.” immediately, the GSI Now suite of geospatial intelligence products has Telesat reports results been designed to deliver practical and for the quarter and six Northrop Grumman's measurable near-real time business Cygnus spacecraft intelligence on the state, condition, months value and sustainability of natural and departs International man-made assets. There are three space station, begins products in the GSI Now portfolio – Telesat announced its financial results for CropNow, ForestNow and LandNow – the three and six-month periods ended secondary mission which are suitable for use by a broad June 30, 2019. All amounts are in range of sectors and stakeholders Canadian dollars and reported under including asset managers, commodity International Financial Reporting Northrop Grumman Corporation brokers, insurance companies, Standards (“IFRS”) unless otherwise announced that its Cygnus™ spacecraft certification companies, carbon finance, noted. For the quarter ended June 30, has successfully unberthed and departed corporate and institutional sustainability 2019, Telesat reported consolidated from the International Space Station managers and NGOs. revenues of $231 million, an increase of (ISS), beginning its secondary mission 9% ($19 million) compared to the same before it reenters Earth's atmosphere. The products can be used across a period in 2018. The NG-11 Cygnus spacecraft, named in multitude of applications including crop honor of Apollo 1 astronaut and space identification and parametric insurance When adjusting for the impact of foreign visionary Roger Chaffee, left the ISS after planning, identifying unauthorised exchange rate changes, revenue a 109 day stay at the station. While deforestation, driving decarbonization increased by 8% ($16 million) compared docked at the orbiting laboratory, and green energy adoption. However, to the same period in 2018. The increase astronauts unloaded approximately the portfolio is not limited to this and was due to higher revenue related to the 7,000 pounds of vital supplies and during extensive tests has also been Telstar 19 VANTAGE and Telstar 18 scientific equipment. used to manage oil and gas pipeline VANTAGE satellites, which entered into security, biofuel location detection, crop commercial service in August 2018 and They then loaded approximately 5,300 trading and food security viability, October 2018, respectively, combined pounds of disposable cargo on to Cygnus sustainability adherence management, with an increase from short-term services for removal from the station. The next windfarm efficiency monitoring and the provided to other satellite operators. phase of the mission will demonstrate mapping of illegal land use. Created by Operating expenses of $38 million for the enhanced capabilities Cygnus offers that a team of specialists in environmental quarter were 5% ($2 million) higher than go well beyond cargo supply and science, remote sensing, AI and the same period in 2018. When adjusting disposal. The spacecraft will deploy for the impact of foreign exchange rate IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

changes, operating expenses were 3% Goldberg, Telesat's President and solutions.” ($1 million) higher. The increase was CEO. “Our Telstar 19V and 18V primarily related to higher cost of sales. satellites, as well as certain short term Adjusted EBITDA1 for the quarter was satellite services provided to another $197 million; an increase of 10% ($19 satellite operator, contributed to top ATLAS Space million) compared to the same period in line growth relative to Q2 last year, and 2018. When adjusting for foreign our continued operating discipline Operations extends exchange rate changes, Adjusted resulted in an increase in both global reach with nine EBITDA1 increased by 9% ($16 Adjusted EBITDA1 and our Adjusted million). The Adjusted EBITDA margin1 EBITDA margin1. In addition to a new ground stations for the second quarter of 2019 was favorable second quarter, we also 85.2%, compared to 84.3% in the same continue to make strong progress on ATLAS Space Operations, Inc.,has period in 2018. our advanced Low Earth Orbit (LEO) brought online nine new ground stations satellite constellation. Last week we in its network. This brings the total to Telesat's net income for the quarter was s i g n e d a M e m o r a n d u m o f thirteen ground stations, with an $135 million compared to a net loss of Understanding with the Government additional seventeen sites planned by $6 million for the quarter ended June 30, of Canada (GoC) to ensure access to 2020. These new stations have all 2018. The $142 million difference was affordable high-speed Internet become fully operational in the span of the result of a higher non-cash gain on connectivity across rural and remote the last two quarters – a rapid and foreign exchange arising principally areas of Canada via the Telesat LEO unprecedented broadening of ground from the translation of Telesat's U.S. Constellation, an arrangement we communication capabilities that indicates dollar denominated debt into Canadian expect will generate $1.2 billion in growth in the satellite industry and dollars, gains on financial instruments, revenue over a 10 year period. demand for ATLAS' solutions. “Due to the and higher operating income in the locations of the sites we prioritized, our second quarter of 2019. Additionally, the GoC will contribute customers can realize near real-time $85 million to Telesat to support the latency when it comes to getting their For the six months ended June 30, development of the Telesat LEO valuable and time-sensitive data.” 2019, revenue was $454 million, an Constellation through the Strategic increase of 2% ($9 million) compared to Innovation Fund (SIF). Looking ahead The additional stations expand ATLAS' the same period in 2018. When we remain heavily focused on global presence and will help facilitate the adjusted for changes in foreign continuing to increase the utilization of growth of its customer base in both the exchange rates, revenues were slightly our in-orbit satellites and executing on public and private sectors. To date, higher ($2 million) compared to 2018. o u r k e y g r o w t h i n i t i a t i v e s , ATLAS has added to its global network The increase was primarily due to particularly our LEO program.” one new ground station per month, and revenue related to the Telstar 19 will continue the pace moving forward. VANTAGE and Telstar 18 VANTAGE With its automated scheduling, allowing satellites, offset by lower short-term Gilat awarded $7 for set-and-forget tasking, ATLAS saw an services provided to other satellite million dollar contract over 100% increase in the amount of operators, lower equipment sales and passes in second quarter 2019, and are lower revenue from certain customers in for US Army's on track to quadruple that rate in the third the resource sector. Warfighter quarter. By increasing the number of sites available in the network, Operating expenses were $77 million, Information Network- an increase of 4% ($3 million) from Tactical program ATLAS can reduce the amount of time 2018. The increase was primarily due to between when a satellite can higher, non-cash, share-based communicate with its owners. This compensation expense. Adjusted Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. translates to faster data and reduced EBITDA1 was $384 million, an increase announced that its subsidiary costs to the customer. The new ground of 3% ($11 million) or, when adjusted for Wavestream received orders for over stations cover a range of polar and foreign exchange rates, an increase of $7 million for the US Army's WIN-T equatorial locations, including: 1% ($5 million). The Adjusted EBITDA (Warfighter Information Network- Sodankyla, Finland; Cedar, Michigan; margin1 for the first six months of 2019 Tactical) program. WIN-T was Harmon, Guam; Mojave, California; was 84.7%, compared to 84.1% in established to provide anytime, Chitose, Japan; Tahiti, French Polynesia; 2018. anywhere connectivity via the US Longovilo, Chile; Ningi, Australia; and DoD's WGS satellite network. Usingen, Germany. Coming soon in Sept For the six months ended June 30, Wavestream's Solid State Amplifier 2019 are Brewster, Washington and 2019, net income was $307 million, (SSPA), ruggedized to withstand the Albuquerque, New Mexico. compared to a loss of $21 million for harshest environments, enables the 2018. The increase in net income for the Satellite Transportable Terminals “The new locations are highly strategic year-to-date was principally the result of (SSTs) to deliver a “Communications- and enhance the geographical dispersion foreign exchange gains in 2019, arising on-the-Halt” solution across diverse of the ATLAS ground network,” said Sean from the translation of Telesat's U.S. climates and conditions around the McDaniel, CEO and Founder of ATLAS. dollar denominated debt into Canadian globe. “Due to the locations of the sites we dollars compared to foreign exchange prioritized, our customers can realize losses in 2018, and greater gains on “We've deployed thousands of BUCs near real-time latency when it comes to financial instruments in 2019 when to US armed forces for more than a getting their valuable and time-sensitive compared to 2018. decade,” said Bob Huffman, data.” Notably, eight of the new stations Wavestream's General Manager. “We are capable of receiving data in S and X- “I am pleased with our financial and take pride in supporting our troops, band frequencies. This allows for much operating performance in the second wherever they are, with field-proven, faster transfer rate of large files whose quarter of 2019,” commented Dan highly reliable telecommunications value depends on timeliness, such as the IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

high-resolution data generated from Hardware Engineering Matt Ninesling. As artificial intelligence, machine learning earth observation satellites. “This Spectra solution, leveraging and predictive analytics become more ATTO's XstreamCORE 8200, enables efficient and more useful for businesses, In addition to faster data, pairing the new cost savings due to the ability to use data science is becoming an increasingly sites with ATLAS' FREEDOM™ platform lower-cost SAS half-height tape drives, crucial field to study. That's why Viasat has offers other benefits. FREEDOM™ delivering faster tape library partnered with UC San Diego's recently enables autonomous constellation performance with the addition of more established Halıcıoğlu Data Science management, reducing the human cost tape drives for the price.”With ATTO Institute (HDSI). of having to manage satellites and xCORE hardware acceleration and schedule connections through multiple ATTO SpeedWrite™ technologies, The company recognizes the growing need ground stations. With a secure, cloud- XstreamCORE ET 8200 facilitates tape for data scientists, analysts and engineers based platform, customers can log into writes that are 20% faster than direct- and wants to help foster the education of ATLAS' entire network through a single attached SAS, allowing data backups those venturing into the new field. Kristi VPN, at up to 4800 MB/s using iSER and Jaska, Viasat Vice President of Engineering, giving them the power to get their data on 2500 MB/s using iSCSI to 16 tape said corporate engineering determined that their terms. ATLAS has enabled drives. analytics is one important area across the customers to get that data even faster entire company. with the new locations in its network. "XstreamCORE allows organizations to utilize their iSCSI infrastructure for “It's a myth that Silicon Valley is the only ATTO technology maximum flexibility while also taking place to do data science. That's why we advantage of the lossless iSER want to elevate the San Diego region as a XstreamCORE ET 8200 protocol for maximum performance," data science hub and compete for the best SAS to ethernet said Timothy J. Klein, president and talent, while we continue to build on our CEO, ATTO Technology. “It's an ideal reputation of being an employer of choice for protocol converter match for the broad portfolio of tape data science and engineering, according to adopted by Spectra solutions provided by Spectra Logic.” Ben Wilson Logic Nevion adds JPEG XS “We are a data-driven company,” Jaska said, “The need for data science is so ATTO Technology, Inc., a global leader of video compression to pervasive across our business areas, even network and storage connectivity and Virtuoso media node outside of engineering. We're doing well, but infrastructure solutions for data-intensive we want to stay on the cutting edge. And we want to see what's going on at universities to computing environments for over 30 Nevion, award-winning provider of attract more talent in that area.” Jaska noted y e a r s , a n n o u n c e d t h a t AT T O virtualized media production solutions, that Viasat is not just using data to improve XstreamCORE® ET 8200 has been announced that it has added a new its products and services, but has evolved to adopted by Spectra Logic as a key JPEG XS encoding and decoding include data analytics in its efforts to component to their Spectra® Swarm media function to its flagship software- improve its business development. The solution. Spectra Swarm adds Ethernet defined media node, Nevion Virtuoso. company is increasing its marketing and connectivity to Spectra LTO tape The new functionality is already being market research capabilities, she said, libraries. rolled-out by a leading global broadcast which is especially important during its network to get video in and out of global expansion. While Fibre Channel continues to be fully content hubs, as part of a centralized available across all Spectra tape live production infrastructure solution libraries, the new enhancement helps Understanding consumer behavior, like a residential internet customer's intention to end users simplify their workflows. the world's first official deployment of inquire about service, is important for Spectra Swarm makes tape connectivity the technology. JPEG XS (ISO/IEC implementing new tools like chatbots or easier and adds a modern interface to 21122) is a new encoding standard for other virtual agents, Jaska said. And as the Spectra's LTO tape libraries by video that achieves pristine visually company is flooded with data from user leveraging all of the same infrastructure lossless output (both for one-time and interface/user experience (UI/UX) work, and networking capabilities as the rest of multiple concatenated compression), data scientists are needed to analyze the the equipment in a modern data center. at sub-millisecond latency, i.e. a pieces and provide fact-based results that Spectra Swarm is tested and qualified to fraction of a video frame. High quality will help inform company decisions. work with Spectra LTO tape libraries — compression is achievable with ratios Spectra Stack through Spectra T950. up to 10:1 and beyond, depending on the application. This makes JPEG XS Ahead of the curve ATTO XstreamCORE ET 8200 is an extremely attractive for low latency Data analytics at Viasat is ahead of the accelerated hardware protocol converter real-time transport of HD and 4K/UHD curve, said Eliot Weitz, Viasat’s Chief Data that connects Serial Attached SCSI video over wide-area networks Officer. The company had data scientists (SAS) LTO tape drives to Ethernet (WANs). It also makes it suitable for before programs and majors for them networks via iSCSI or iSER protocols. It's bandwidth-constrained campus and existed in academia. The current data a reliable and cost-effective way to facility local area networks (LANs) science team's average industry experience remotely connect SAS tape devices to when uncompressed transport is not a is several years, he said, which is rare to Ethernet fabrics and includes advanced viable option. find. “We invested in it over eight years ago monitoring and management tools. and have had great returns, and are now “Spectra Swarm extends tape libraries The Nevion Virtuoso JPEG XS media constantly seeing how data and automation beyond single server racks by utilizing a function is powered by TICO-XS from has been profitable for the company,” Weitz backbone 40GbE RoCE or iSCSI intoPIX and offers both encoding and said. Eric Liu, product owner of Viasat's connection that is locally switched to decoding capabilities, and multi- Global Mobile Broadband services' data multiple SAS-connected LTO drives,” c h a n n e l s u p p o r t . I t t a k e s analytics team, agrees that Viasat's said Spectra's Senior Director of Tape uncompressed video in either SDI and investment in data science has made the IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

company stand out. He said Viasat is during meet-and-greet mixers, and already doing a better job of adjusting its Wilson has participated in an HDSI Research and development network by understanding the way industry panel discussing Viasat's role as expenses, net were $77.3 million customers use it. a founding partner. In the end, Wilson (7.3% of revenues) in the second quarter Analyzing what internet users need from hopes the partnership helps make San of 2019, as compared to $76.6 million the network allows Viasat to “differentiate Diego a data science hub, which is a (8.6% of revenues) in the second quarter our offerings from the competition,” Liu long-term benefit for Viasat's data of 2018. said. The company can discern what sort science department. of value-added services customers would “It's a myth that Silicon Valley is the only Marketing and selling expenses, find the most appealing. For example, place to do data science,” Wilson said. net were $73.6 million (6.9% of when Viasat sells its internet packages to “That's why we want to elevate the San revenues) in the second quarter of 2019, an airline, it can offer a plan that's optimal Diego region as a data science hub and as compared to $69.9 million (7.8% of for what a person wants from in-flight Wi- compete for the best talent, while we revenues) in the second quarter of 2018. Fi, based on the data analysis the continue to build on our reputation of General and administrative expenses, company has conducted. being an employer of choice for data net were $57.2 million (5.4% of revenues) science and engineering.” in the second quarter of 2019, as A plus for data-science compared to $37.0 million (4.2% of students Elbit Systems reports revenues) in the second quarter of 2018. Other operating income, net in the The partnership is designed to be mutually second quarter 2019 second quarter of 2018 was $45.4 beneficial. Students will graduate with million. This was the result of net gains industry knowledge and experience, and results related to valuation of shares in two of our the company can employ students already Israeli subsidiaries in the commercial familiar with Viasat and its data scientists. Elbit Systems Ltd., the international high cyber and medical instrument areas, due “Working with a complex technology technology company, reported its to third party investments. company like Viasat will bring great access consolidated results for the quarter to data science on the front lines,” said ended June 30, 2019. In this release, the Distinguished Professor and HDSI's Non-GAAP(*) operating income Company is providing US-GAAP results founding director, Rajesh Gupta. Another was $89.6 million (8.4% of revenues) in as well as additional non-GAAP financial benefit for the students, Gupta added, is the second quarter of 2019, as data, which are intended to provide the potential inspiration Viasat's co- compared to $73.1 million (8.2% of investors a more comprehensive founders Steve Hart and Mark Miller could revenues) in the second quarter of 2018. understanding of the Company's provide, since they are both leaders of a GAAP operating income in the second business results and trends. Unless major company and UCSD alumni. quarter of 2019 was $80.3 million (7.5% otherwise stated, all financial data of revenues), as compared to $111.8 presented is GAAP financial data. Ben Wilson, Viasat director of data million (12.5% of revenues) in the second science, said he found the partnership quarter of 2018. Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, President and especially valuable because he believes CEO of Elbit Systems, commented: “We the founders of the institute had the right Financial expenses, net were $20.3 are pleased with the results of the second principles when building the curriculum. million in the second quarter of 2019, as quarter, with an ongoing increase in Students are prepared to apply their compared to $10.7 million in the second backlog as well as solid revenue growth knowledge to the real world once they quarter of 2018. Financial expenses, net of over 19%, diversified across all our graduate. “They want to make sure that in the second quarter of 2019 include main regions of business. We are also industry can influence what students learn, e x c h a n g e r a t e d i ff e r e n c e s o f encouraged that, with the IMI so they can get the most out of their four approximately $5.2 million related to the consolidation, our ongoing focus on years at school,” he said. “One of the recognition of lease liabilities efficient operations enabled us to things we really like is that they're denominated in foreign currencies maintain a similar level of operating organizing the program so that a normal (mainly in New Israeli Shekels) as a result margins to that of the second quarter last four-year student should be done with all of the adoption of ASC 842, Leases, year. We continue to integrate and their required tech courses by their junior effective January 1, 2019. extract synergies from all our recent year. That leaves their senior year open to acquisitions and are looking forward to just technical electives so they can focus Other income, net was $1.6 million in the further growth of our business.” on their capstone project.” second quarter of 2019, as compared to other expenses, net of $5.1 million in the Second quarter 2019 results: second quarter of 2018, mainly due to the An industry resource Revenues in the second quarter of 2019 non-service cost components of pension Part of Viasat's role as a Founding Industry were $1,064.0 million, as compared to plans, in accordance with ASU 2017-07 Partner is to serve as an industry resource $892.2 million in the second quarter of and adjustments to the fair value of our for the students. The data science team 2018. The strong growth was driven investments in Israeli subsidiaries. plans to provide the university with input on mainly by the consolidation of IMI. its curriculum, and is helping students with their capstone projects, which are focused on topics like anomaly detection, Non-GAAP (*) gross profit NSR Launches Critical geospatial analysis and prediction and amounted to $294.3 million (27.7% of Report on U.S. C-band forecasting. revenues) in the second quarter of 2019, as compared to $254.8 million (28.6% of Spectrum Sharing for So far, Viasat has participated in various revenues) in the second quarter of 2018. 5G HDSI-related networking events. Viasat's GAAP gross profit in the second quarter data scientists have run resume/hiring of 2019 was $288.4 million (27.1% of workshops to prepare UCSD students for revenues), as compared to $250.0 N S R ' s U . S . C - B a n d S p e c t r u m their technical interviews; they have given million (28.0% of revenues) in the second Repurposing for 5G: Impacts and presentations on data analytics at Viasat quarter of 2018. Analysis report, released today, provides IN THE NEWS AMERICAS a critical assessment of the potential for capabilities aimed to help the military gateway concept, which ThinKom C-band repurposing, including the gain better awareness of space describes as an “array of arrays,” will revenue and industry impacts of any FCC scenarios for the U.S. Defense provide a superior alternative to the large decision on spectrum sharing. Advanced Research Projects Agency “antenna farms” of parabolic dishes Leveraging NSR's extensive library (DARPA). The goal of DARPA's c u r r e n t l y u s e d f o r s u p p o r t o f covering each relevant segment, NSR's Hallmark Tools, Capabilities, and geostationary (GEO) satellites. It is based U.S. C-Band Spectrum Repurposing for Evaluation Methodology (Hallmark- on ThinKom's proven phased-array 5G: Impacts and Analysis builds on over TCEM) program is to not only develop antenna technology, which is currently in 19 years of NSR reporting and and evaluate tools and capabilities that use on over 1,300 commercial aircraft forecasting for U.S. C-Band markets increase an operator's understanding installations worldwide, in 10M+ hours of providing a comprehensive analysis of of space events, but also enhance the proven high-reliability operation. the U.S. C-Band spectrum repurposing ability to select effective courses of “The proliferation of cubesats, nanosats, process. action for any given situation. microsats and other miniaturized satellites will require a new way of thinking While initial requests call for 200 MHz of Space assets such as satellites are when it comes to gateway antenna C-band reallocation in the U.S., NSR becoming increasingly important and technology,” said Bill Milroy, Chairman estimates that spectrum repurposed relied upon by the Department of and Chief Technology Officer of ThinKom could go beyond this amount, generating Defense for communications, Solutions. “The answer is not to deploy a large windfall for the C-band Alliance surveillance, and security. As part of more and larger dish farms. Instead, (CBA) in the next 10 years. Given the Hallmark-TCEM, BAE Systems' FAST we're proposing an entirely new paradigm current legal framework, the urgent need Labs™ research and development that's designed for the future yet employs for spectrum, and the detailed team will build cognitive-based currently available proven phased array implementation plan protecting current C- machine learning algorithms and data technology.” Band users, it's highly probable that the models aimed to give space operators FCC will adopt the CBA's proposal, at the ability to identify abnormal Limitations of Dish-Based Gateways for least along the main lines. activities and predict possible threats. LEO Networks Current-generation “While upgrading the C-band Ground The team will build on Phase 1 work of gateways employ large parabolic dishes Segment will be very complex and the program, and continue to leverage which are necessarily limited to one link presents risks of delays, the biggest cost the decade-long development of the per dish. Further, they are unable to associated with spectrum repurposing company's Multi-INT Analytics for repoint quickly to a different satellite, will be for the Space Segment,” states Pattern Learning and Exploitation given their complex drive mechanisms. LlucPalerm, NSR Senior Analyst and (MAPLE) technology with a solution These legacy systems are large, heavy, report co-author. called MAPLE Automates Joint expensive to install and maintain, and can Indications and Warnings for Cognitive take months to deploy. Additionally, they NSR Senior Analyst and report co-author Counter-Space (MAJICS). are adversely affected by wind, snow, and GaganAgrawal adds “when the dust has ice loading and typically require a settled, the proceeds from spectrum “Our technology builds data models substantial concrete foundation or repurposing will certainly boost the based on normal activity and then reinforcement of roof structure to support coffers of CBA members, specifically ingests large amounts of real-time, the weight and uplift forces of several Intelsat and SES - Given both companies streaming data to compare against the thousand kilograms resulting from even high market share in leased C-band normal model and determine if any moderate wind conditions. These multi- capacity.” abnormal activity is occurring or will dish gateway sites must allow for occur,” said Dr. John Hogan, product sufficient separation in order to avoid While repurposing of mid-band spectrum line director of the Sensor Processing dish-to-dish blockages, often requiring a has created uncertainty for the satellite and Exploitation group at BAE relatively large swath of real estate. Industry in the U.S. and elsewhere, Systems. “By using this technology, we N S R ' s U . S . C - B a n d S p e c t r u m hope to reduce the operator's New Paradigm: An Array of Arrays Repurposing for 5G: Impacts and workload by providing a solution that ThinKom's approach uses multiple, tightly Analysis, report assesses all the key will automatically predict space events arranged, phased-array antennas, which elements behind the spectrum such as launches or satellite are coherently (and reconfigurably) reallocation process. Providing clarity on movements based on millions of combined. The antenna units work the most probable outcomes for this pieces of data, helping them make together to track multiple LEO, MEO and process in North America and the risk for rapid decisions to avoid any potential GEO satellites simultaneously with look contagion globally. It is a “must have” threats.” angles between 5 and 90 degrees in report for anyone seeking bottom line elevation and full 360-degree coverage in data and analysis on the urgent need to azimuth. The software-defined system is repurpose C-Band spectrum, the most Thinkom solutions reconfigurable in that a single array is probable future line of events and the unveils new multi- capable of supporting multiple links, impact on the satellite industry. modifying the number of beams and beam reconfigurable radiation properties dynamically to meet DARPA selects BAE phased-array gateway the link budget and throughput demands of the ever-changing number of satellites Systems to develop solution in view. It does all this without the high- machine learning power consumption of electronically ThinKom Solutions reveals its new scanned arrays, which is a critical feature capabilities for space innovative solution for efficient and in areas that rely on solar power or are situational awareness effective land-based gateways otherwise energy-constrained due to designed to accommodate current and geographic location. next generation low-Earth-orbit (LEO) BAE Systems has been awarded a Phase and medium-Earth-orbit (MEO) The array, to be initially deployed in S and 2 contract to develop machine learning satellite constellations. The new X-band operation (with higher IN THE NEWS AMERICAS frequencies brought on line as the market promote innovation, raise awareness and the German Cup (DFB Pokal), and the demands), is constructed in a fixed and expand best practices. All of this, in best national soccer team competitions convex shape in order to provide order to help solve the risks and (UEFA Nations League, UEFA Euro 2020 maximum low-elevation coverage and challenges facing our societies, and Qualifiers, FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil minimize signal blockage while foster an open, secure and reliable digital 2019). Moreover, the best of basketball promoting the shedding of rain and snow. environment throughout our region”. with broadcasts such as the Euroleague The visual signature of an array is less Education is the foundation of driving Basketball. than two meters tall serving to eliminate awareness and the democratization of Roku users can find the DIRECTV GO the effects of high wind conditions and cybersecurity. Therefore, in addition to channel in the Roku Channel Store the footprint for a typical array (equivalent the Cybersecurity Innovation Councils, located on the home screen of their to eight 2.4-meter dishes or three 4.5- both Cisco and the OAS are leveraging device. DIRECTV GO is available in Chile, meter dishes or any mixed combination) Cisco Networking Academy in Latin Colombia and Peru. Anyone can occupies less than seven square meters, America to promote educational subscribe* to a monthly plan exclusively uniquely enabling flexible deployment in resources that can help close the with the streaming platform at areas with limited real estate, such as professional skills gap in cybersecurity – www.directvgo.com. rooftop locations. allowing citizens to access trainings and Also, consumers who already subscribe to career opportunities in this field and help the DIRECTV in Argentina, Chile, “This radical new gateway concept is build the workforce of the future. Colombia, Peru, receive DIRECTV GO at inherently flexible and scalable with far no additional cost. Now all DIRECTV lower installation and maintenance This training offer can be found at prepaid and postpaid clients will now have costs,” said Milroy. “The low power and http://www.oas.org/oas-cisco-academy access to DIRECTV GO on the Roku built-in redundancy provide greater Cisco and the OAS will deploy their platform. reliability without routine maintenance, expertise and leverage the regional Roku users will now be able to enjoy top and individual units are hot-swappable in footprint to lead important dialogue that channels such as TNT, Animal Planet, order to minimize or even eliminate will generate outputs in order to address AXN, Cartoon Network, CINEMAX, downtime.” cybersecurity challenges in Latin Discovery, Discovery Kids, Disney “Most importantly, we're not out to America. Cybersecurity is a foundational Channel and ESPN on DIRECTV GO. The reinvent the wheel. This solution uses our Cisco tenet to help transform digital On Demand programming catalog patented, proven phased-array antenna businesses. This initiative is especially includes series such as "Big Little Lies," technology that is in service today, relevant in a global industry where “Euphoria,” "Chernobyl" and "Game of minimizing R&D and time-to-market,” he attacks have resulted in financial Thrones" (from HBO), "The Handmaid's added. damages greater than US$500,000, Tale" and “Killing Eve” (from Paramount), including, but not limited to, lost revenue, “NOS4A2” (from AMC) and movies like Organization of customers, opportunities, and out-of- “Deadpool 2,” “Bohemian Rhapsody” pocket costs to organizations, according (FOX Premium) and “The Meg” and “Hotel American States and to Cisco 2018 Cybersecurity Report. Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation” (from Cisco to collaborate on HBO). DIRECTV GO, the New OnDIRECTV programming with series cybersecurity such as "Fargo," “Discovery of Witches,” OTT service now “Mrs. Wilson,” “Save me,” “Patrick innovation Melrose,” and “Side Games (Todopor el available in Chile, Juego),” movies, documentaries, concerts Cisco and the Organization of American Colombia and Peru and the most important talk shows in the States (OAS), announced joint efforts to United States such as "The Tonight Show democratize and boost cybersecurity Starring Jimmy Fallon" and "The Ellen adoption across Latin America through Roku announced that the DIRECTV GO, DeGeneres Show", are also available on the creation of the Cybersecurity a u n i q u e o v e r - t h e - t o p ( O T T ) DIRECTV GO. Innovation Councils. This initiative will entertainment experience, is now serve as multi-stakeholder spaces in available on the Roku streaming platform which leaders and experts from the in Chile, Colombia and Peru. Through OneWeb completes Ku- private sector, public sector, academia, the DIRECTV GO channel, Roku and Ka-band spectrum NGOs and security technology vendors customers will be now able to enjoy will collaborate to drive innovation, raise linear and live programming and On requirement` awareness, and expand best practices, Demand, including movies and the best aiming to help solve digital risks and TV series in high definition. “We are OneWeb's satellites have been challenges affecting the digital society. pleased with the addition of DIRECTV transmitting at the designated frequencies “As countries across Latin America GO to the Roku platform, allowing our in the Ku- and Ka-band spectrum in the digitally transform, cybersecurity will be users to enjoy hundreds of channels, correct orbit for more than 90 days. This the foundation for achieving their national including live sports, news and TV achievement means that OneWeb has priorities. Our partnership with OAS will series,” said YuliaPoltorak, Director of met the requirements to secure spectrum help set the stage for communities across International Content Distribution at bands over which it has priority rights Latin America, their governments, and Roku. “Our goal is to bring streaming to under ITU rules and regulations. OneWeb their businesses, to take full advantage of everyone and an important part of that is said it is well on its way to securing the digital economy,” said Michael by offering the best, local content via key spectrum rights to high priority Ku-band Timmeny, SVP and Chief Government services such as DIRECTV GO.” spectrum for service links, and Ka-band Strategy Officer, Cisco. DIRECTV GO offers a unique for its global gateways. It will now have The OAS Secretary General, Luis entertainment experience with the best access to over 6 GHz of spectrum that will Almagro, said that “these Councils create series, documentaries, live content and enable it to deliver its high-speed, low spaces for collaboration between movies to watch on their Roku devices. It latency connectivity. technology leaders, experts from the also offers complete sports coverage “Spectrum is a scarce resource and the public and private sectors, universities and DIRECTV Sports content, such as ITU plays a vital role in the global and non-governmental organizations to LaLiga Santander, Ligue 1 Conforama management for access. The harsh reality IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

for anyone trying to make a real impact on network all the time. This is creating global connectivity is that no matter how dense connectivity environments that The Temporary General License has good your network is, success is not g e n e r a t e t h r o u g h p u t i s s u e s . expired but has been extended through possible without the right spectrum. With Increasingly, end users are turning to November 18. According to Bureau, the our spectrum now in use, OneWeb has their NSPs to address these issues. 90-day extension is “intended to afford proved it can bring together all the consumers across America the necessary elements required – in space, on the Technicolor's Wi-Fi XL solution time to transition away from Huawei ground, and in between – to change the represents the latest evolution in our equipment, given the persistent national face of connectivity everywhere”, said ongoing mission to meet this market security and foreign policy threat.” Ruth Pritchard-Kelly, Vice President of need,” Saigal says. R e g u l a t o r y f o r O n e W e b . “The specially developed gateways and Monitoring wildfire risk extenders support Technicolor's This achievement is the latest in a string of HOMEWARE-- based on the latest using Space and AI major milestones charting OneWeb's Open WRT release -- and RDK-B progress towards commercial service and middleware environments. Planet, Salo Sciences, and Vibrant Planet full global coverage by 2021, including the are announcing a partnership to develop successful launch of its first 6 satellites in This means that NSPs will be able to the California Forest Observatory February, the opening of its state-of-the- benefit from the innovations that are (CFO)—a new platform that will art Florida manufacturing facility earlier already emerging from Technicolor's dynamically map forest structure and fuel this month, and proving its ability to deliver HERO Partnership Program that makes loads down to the tree level, statewide. low latency, high-speed services through the connected home in general and Combining satellite imagery and artificial its recent full HD streaming tests. wireless connectivity in particular, a new intelligence (AI), along with weather, playground for technology companies climate, population, and infrastructure During the remainder of 2019, OneWeb and developers,” says Saigal.As such data, and supported through funding from will focus on commencing its monthly the Wi-Fi XL offering complements the the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, launch programme of more than 30 work that Technicolor is developing with the Observatory will provide an satellites per month, building an initial Technicolor's HERO Partners Program - unprecedented, continuously updated constellation of 650 satellites on its way to - including AirTies. view of wildfire risk in the State of 1,980 satellites. The first phase of the California. constellation will provide global coverage; and further additions to the network will be The Observatory will enable the State and focused on adding capacity to meet other stakeholders to prioritize, plan, and growing customer demands. Trump Administration execute treatments of hazardous fuels, improve emergency wildfire operations, extends Huawei and monitor the short-term impacts and Technicolor launches temporary General long-term benefits of improving forest Wi-Fi XL to deliver multi- License resilience to wildfire, disease, and climate user gigabit services change. The U.S. Commerce Department's "With a majority of California's forests at Technicolor has announced the global Bureau of Industry and Security took high risk, the Observatory comes at a availability of its Wi-Fi XL solution for significant actions related to Huawei crucial time," said HelgeEng, Deputy network service providers (NSPs) seeking Technologies Co., Ltd. First, it Director of Resource Management at the to offer improved in-home wireless announced a 90-day extension of the California Department of Forestry and Fire performance while managing the growing Temporary General License that Protection (CalFire). "The data and complexity associated with offering multi- a u t h o r i z e s s p e c i f i c , l i m i t e d technologies available today can help us user gigabit services to consumers. engagements with Huawei and its better see, understand, and mitigate risk, Technicolor's gateways and extenders designated affiliates. Second, it is as well as coordinate action to save lives developed for the Wi-Fi XL solution are imposing comprehensive export and property.” built to support the latest Wi-Fi 6 and restrictions on 46 additional Huawei EasyMeshTM standards which enables entities. The Observatory will leverage daily, high- NSPs to address the challenges of resolution satellite imagery produced by providing seamless in-home connectivity. In May, the Bureau added Huawei and a Planet and other remote sensing data “While operators have made a lot of number of its non-U.S. affiliates to its sources, the AI-powered scientific insights progress in bringing gigabit speeds to the Entity List, banning exports, reexports, of Salo Sciences, and the stakeholder- home, NSPs are looking for ways to and transfers of U.S. hardware, engagement and strategic planning ensure that both speed and connectivity software, and technology (including capabilities of Vibrant Planet. "More than a are maintained and propagated common, off-the-shelf electronic century of fire suppression, aging utility throughout the home via in-home Wi-Fi components and commercial software) infrastructure, rapid wildland-urban networks,” says AshwaniSaigal, Vice to such entities without authorization interface development, and climate President, of Technicolor's Broadband from BIS. Shortly thereafter, the Bureau change have combined to elevate the Product Unit. issued a limited Temporary General probability of catastrophic wildfire," said License authorizing certain transactions David Marvin, co-founder and CEO of Salo This is a customer need that is only going with Huawei—namely, transactions Sciences. "The Observatory is designed to to grow in importance as the complexity of necessary to maintain existing help the state mitigate risk to people, while in-home wireless environments rises, networks/equipment, service and it works to restore crucial ecosystems.” resulting in network performance support existing handsets, ensure the degradation and end-user frustration. “A integrity of existing networks/equipment Primarily designed as a planning and growing number of devices -- including via security vulnerability disclosures, monitoring tool, the Observatory has many phones, TVs, and new IoT equipment -- and develop 5G standards as part of a potential applications, in areas as far- are all trying to connect to the wireless duly recognized standards body. reaching as emergency services, scientific IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

research, risk-management, agriculture, frequencies to be able to handle the provide industry leading tools like in-vehicle insurance, and more. expected requirements from 5G.” fleet solutions, which allow public safety to capture critical information,” says Tony "The velocity of action is always limited Lourakis, founder and CEO of Fleet by the velocity of information," said FirstNet apps bring Complete. “Our first responder customers Andrew Zolli, Vice President of Global fleet management will get a holistic telematics platform that Impact Initiatives at Planet. "By operates on FirstNet and helps ensure a providing a much more dynamic, near- solutions to public robust GPS-reporting system for operations real-time view of California forests, we safety that could ultimately save lives.” hope to enable many actors to move faster and more effectively.” Public safety agencies on FirstNet – “Many first responder agencies are looking A m e r i c a ' s p u b l i c s a f e t y for a robust in-vehicle network solution that VIAVI chosen to test 5G communications platform – now have is FirstNet Ready™ and provides a fully access to an end-to-end fleet i n t e g r a t e d t e l e m a t i c s a n d f l e e t for Brazilian spectrum management solution. Fleet Complete management capability,” said Todd auction for FirstNet now offers a fully-integrated Krautkremer, chief marketing officer at solution that gives agencies Cradlepoint. “Our relationship with AT&T comprehensive, near real-time insights and Fleet Complete provides this complete Viavi Solutions Inc. announced it is into critical fleet and in-field first solution in an easy-to-purchase, deploy and working with Brazil's national responder activities. This leads to consume approach that helps agencies get t e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s a g e n c y increased situational awareness, up and running quickly.” ( A g ê n c i a N a c i o n a l d e efficiency and safety for first Telecomunicações, ANATEL) to responders and public safety fleets. Arianespace to launch evaluate and test 5G-suitable spectrum AT&T* is delivering this solution in ahead of auctions that will take place in collaboration with Fleet Complete, a Ovzon-3 satellite for 2020. The planned auction is the biggest fully integrated telematics platform, and Ovzon in the history of ANATEL and will involve Cradlepoint, a leading provider of the 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz, 2.5 GHz and 26 cloud-delivered LTE and 5G-ready Arianespace announced the signature of a GHz frequency bands. Unlike many wireless solutions. national spectrum auctions, ANATEL launch services contract with Ovzon for the does not plan to generate revenue from company's first geostationary-orbiting “The FirstNet platform has an incredible telecommunications satellite: Ovzon-3. the bids. Instead, it will seek investment capacity to get help to people who need commitments from bidders with With offices in Sweden and the United it when they need it,” said Chris States, Ovzon is dedicated to meeting the deadlines for network implementation, Penrose, President, Internet of Things as well as coverage and capacity goals demand for increased mobile broadband Solutions, AT&T. “Think of the ability to connectivity in underserved regions. that must be met. When the auction is quickly dispatch police cars and complete, ANATEL will continue Ovzon-3 will have a mass at liftoff of ambulances to the scene or get nearly approximately 1,500 kg. and will be placed m o n i t o r i n g a n d s u p e r v i s i n g instantaneous insight if a school bus development of subsequent networks in geostationary transfer orbit by an Ariane 5 breaks down. With this collaboration, launch vehicle in 2021 from the Guiana using test and measurement equipment first responders get a holistic solution from VIAVI. Space Center – Europe's Spaceport in that helps them stay better connected French Guiana (South America). to their workers and vehicles while To ensure the full use of the frequency keeping us all safer.” bands for 5G deployments, ANATEL is As an innovative small geostationary evaluating coexistence between IMT- satellite, Ovzon-3 will feature multiple high- Fleet Complete for FirstNet consists of performance steerable beams to meet 2 0 2 0 ( I n t e r n a t i o n a l M o b i l e a FirstNet Ready™ Cradlepoint device Telecommunication system), analog TV challenging communication requirements. that can take advantage of Band 14 and In addition, the proprietary on-board signals and satellite digital television two FirstNet Certified™ apps now in the reception systems in various frequency processor developed by Ovzon enables FirstNet App Catalog: Fleet Complete such new functionalities as single-hop ranges. Peculiarities in frequency Mobile and Fleet Complete Dispatch. spectrum distribution in Brazil also communications between very small The solution provides a feature-rich terminals, reduced latency and more necessitate spectral analysis of 5G new interface, post-install support, radio (NR) access technology. The VIAVI efficient use of the bandwidth. The next maintenance and fault code modules, generation Ovzon service is based on CellAdvisor portfolio of base station as well as detailed reporting for analyzers is being used to measure and c o m p l e t e e n d - t o - e n d p r o p r i e t a r y historical data records. It also easily components and patented technology. troubleshoot 4G LTE TDD and 5G NR integrates with existing systems in signals. Ovzon-3 will significantly increase service place. Additionally, the FirstNet performance, lead to new types of services, "The auction in Brazil represents a Ready™ Cradlepoint device supports tremendous opportunity for operators in enable the use of even smaller terminals, FirstNet's First Priority® – which expand coverage areas and increase the the region," said Luiz Cesar Oliveira, provides priority and preemption for Vice President, Americas, VIAVI. amount of available bandwidth. first responders. As a result, Ovzon is to offer a revolutionary "ANATEL's approach of bringing in a 5G Once installed, public safety agency test and measurement leader like VIAVI mobile broadband service via satellite that administrators can remotely track combines high bandwidth satellite early in the process is commendable and vehicles in the field, run engine worthy of emulation in other territories. communications services with highly mobile diagnostics, get crash notifications, and terminals. Ovzon selected Maxar Data, video and the Internet of Things check sensors to monitor maintenance (IoT) will likely spur massive growth in Technologies to build the satellite, using needs, fuel consumption and more. Maxar's mid-size SSL-500 spacecraft the number of devices using Brazilian “We are proud to work with FirstNet to airwaves over the next several years, platform. Following the contract signature, making it critical for auctioned Magnus René, CEO of Ovzon AB said: IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

“Arianespace has won our confidence to km spot provided by the FY-3C satellite – serve Ovzon for this first launch. Ovzon 3 results in greater detail about the is an important first step towards fulfilling Orbital Micro Systems atmosphere from the surface up to about our strategy to revolutionize mobile Achieves Earth 20 km altitude, giving forecasters critical broadband by satellite, offering the data to improve the accuracy of their highest bandwidth with the smallest Observation models, and nowcasters the ability to terminals. Ovzon 3 is the first of a number Breakthroughs provide time sensitive, critical updates on of satellites planned for global coverage of changing weather. The MINIRAD our high-end service. We are happy to retrieves the 3D structure of weather engage Arianespace and Ariane 5, both Orbital Micro Systems (OMS), systems, enables the location of synonymous with reliability and announced that data received from its precipitation within hurricanes and other excellence for our important first launch.” payload on the IOD-1 GEMS satellite has storms, and improves planning activities StéphaneIsraël, Chief Executive Officer of proven the commercial viability of the for critical weather events. Arianespace, added: “We are pleased company's advanced earth observation and honored that Ovzon has entrusted platform. Deployed from the International Arianespace with the launch of its first Space Station on July 3, 2019, OMS' U.S. Coast Guard satellite. The mobile broadband MINIRAD™ miniaturized passive connectivity services to be offered with microwave radiometer outmatched the selects Lepton Global Ovzon-3 are particularly innovative. best available microwave and infrared for Satellite Services to Ariane 5 will be at the ready for this views of weather structures on earth, mission, once again confirming its role as showing excellent clarity and detail not support Ground-Based the champion for launches toward previously possible. Mobile assets geostationary orbit.” “Having proven the viability of our hardware and software, OMS is Lepton Global Solutions has announced a Maxar Technologies immediately ramping up production of our contract award to support the U.S. Coast commercial platform which incorporates Guard's mobile vehicle fleet with satellite awarded Global EGD two MINIRAD instruments, providing services. The company will provide Contract by the U.S. additional data observation channels,” iDirect-based Ku-band satellite said William Hosack, chief executive communications including data and voice Government for On- officer of OMS. “With the success of IOD- to USCG Mobile Command Vehicles Demand Access to 1 GEMS, the company is already (MCVs) and Emergency Mobile Incident executing on our government and Command Posts (eMICPs) throughout the Mission-Ready Satellite commercial contracts to deliver continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Imagery actionable weather information, while Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, expanding our capacity to provide Aleutian Islands, and all other global analysis ready data (ARD) to global Maxar Technologies has been awarded a Territories and Protectorates. markets within minutes of observation.” new, four-year contract with the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Lepton Global originally began supporting “This deployment marks a number of (NGA) for the Global Enhanced GEOINT these units in 2017, days before space industry 'firsts', including being the Delivery (Global EGD) program. The Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria first commercially- funded passive contract, which begins September 1, ravaged states from Texas to Florida and microwave radiometer in space,” said 2019, is valued at $44 million for the base caused catastrophic damage in Puerto Michael Hurowitz, chief technology year and includes three option years at Rico. Since then, Lepton has worked officer of OMS. “We also employed the the same value that would extend the closely with the Coast Guard's C4IT first 3D-printed feedhorn antenna for contract through August 2023. The new Service Center to ensure system millimeter-wave radiometry in space – contract will allow Maxar to continue readiness and a rapid response capability enabling significant reductions in cost providing more than a quarter million U.S. across the fleet.? “We are honored to and design-cycle time. In addition, Government users with online and offline, continue working closely with the Coast MINIRAD has achieved the highest on-demand access to the world's highest Guard's response units and supporting spatial resolution of any 118 GHz resolution commercial imagery. Since their capabilities with urgency and with radiometer at a small fraction of the cost 2011, the Global EGD program has high-quality networks,” stated Kelin of government missions.” allowed warfighters, first responders, Rivera, NOC Manager at Lepton Global intelligence analysts and civil government Solutions. Through its International Center for Earth users to tap into Maxar's 100-petabyte Data (ICED), OMS will provide frequent, historical imagery library and daily Part of the Coast Guard's Mobile reliable, and cost-efficient earth imagery collections for time sensitive, Command Center (MCC), eMICP and observation data to industries that are mission-critical planning and operations. MCV teams provide rapid deployment thirsting for accurate weather data, such vehicles for establishing an operational as agriculture, energy, transportation, “The Global EGD program has proven to presence in areas with compromised insurance, government, and other be an essential capability for NGA and a communications. USCG MCC units sectors. This weather data impacts broad array of U.S. Government users,” s u p p l y t e m p o r a r y o f f i c e a n d society at all levels, helping to improve said Dan Jablonsky, Maxar CEO. “With communications posts for first responders safety, security, and prosperity for this contract, Maxar extends its decades- and local municipalities during recovery businesses and consumers all around the long standing as a trusted partner to the efforts, ensuring continuity of operations world. U.S. Government. We are proud to and higher interoperability with partners. continue providing American troops, In 2017, after Hurricane Harvey made Along with improving temporal resolution, intelligence analysts and first responders landfall, many rescue missions completed OMS' technology has made a profound with the information and insight to make in the area were coordinated by rerouting improvement in data clarity. Its spatial decisions with confidence.” Emergency 911 calls through Coast resolution of 15 km—compared to the 25 Guard vehicles deployed to the region. IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

A Rocket Lab Electron launch vehicle cost. A full suite of ICs, LeanREL successfully lifted off from Launch leverages Cobham's 30+ years of Electron mission, takes Complex 1 on New Zealand's Māhia radiation-hardened, QML level next step in recovery Peninsula at 12:12 am, 20 August 2019 reliability, and innovative space NZST (12:12 pm, 19 August 2019 UTC). systems design expertise to create an and reuse for future The mission, named 'Look Ma, No unmatched offering. Based on the Hands,' included the first satellite in a same QML pedigree and silicon as the flights new maritime surveillance constellation company's renowned HiRel solutions, for UNSEENLABS. The launch also saw Cobham'sLeanREL ICs can enable up A Rocket Lab Electron launch vehicle satellites deployed for rideshare provider to 60% cost savings to extend mission successfully lifted off from Launch Spaceflight, including the BlackSky durations well beyond that of typical off- Complex 1 on New Zealand's Māhia Global-4 satellite and two United States the-shelf ICs and greatly speeds up Peninsula at 12:12 am, 20 August 2019 Air Force technology demonstrators. time to market through rapid NZST (12:12 pm, 19 August 2019 UTC). prototyping. The mission, named 'Look Ma, No At approximately 54 minutes after lift-off, “We're excited to support Astranis on Hands,' included the first satellite in a all payloads were successfully deployed their journey to bring dependable new maritime surveillance constellation by Electron's Kick Stage to a 540 x 540 broadband internet to the people of for UNSEENLABS. The launch also saw km orbit at a 45-degree inclination. The Alaska and we look forward to satellites deployed for rideshare mission was Rocket Lab's eighth launch providing mission-matched, affordable provider Spaceflight, including the overall and the company's fourth launch reliability through our LeanREL BlackSky Global-4 satellite and two for 2019, taking the total number of products,” said David Meyouhas, United States Air Force technology satellites deployed by the company to Director of Standard Product demonstrators. 39. The launch also continues Rocket Marketing, Space and Semiconductor At approximately 54 minutes after lift-off, Lab's track record of 100% mission P r o d u c t s , C o b h a m A d v a n c e d all payloads were successfully deployed success for customers, further Electronic Solutions. by Electron's Kick Stage to a 540 x 540 cementing the company's status as the km orbit at a 45-degree inclination. The global leader in dedicated small satellite mission was Rocket Lab's eighth launch launch. The launch vehicle also carried Viasat completed overall and the company's fourth launch critical instrumentation to inform NATO UHF Satellite for 2019, taking the total number of development efforts for Rocket Lab's satellites deployed by the company to recently announced plans to recover and Communications 39. The launch also continues Rocket re-use of Electron's first stage. Lab's track record of 100% mission Control Station success for customers, further upgrade ahead of cementing the company's status as the Mission to bring global leader in dedicated small satellite timelines launch. The launch vehicle also carried widespread Internet critical instrumentation to inform Connectivity to Alaska Viasat Inc., a global communications development efforts for Rocket Lab's c o m p a n y, a n n o u n c e d i t h a s recently announced plans to recover and successfully upgraded the North re-use of Electron's first stage. Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) “Thank you to our dedicated team for Cobham Advanced Electronic Solutions Ultra High Frequency (UHF) satellite another flawless launch, and to our and Astranis, a manufacturer and communications (SATCOM) control mission partners for entrusting Rocket operator of small geostationary stations to comply with the new Lab with the continued expansion of their satellites, announced today that they are Integrated Waveform (IW) baseline. constellations. Every mission is a working together to support Astranis' Using Viasat's Visual Integrated privilege, but it was as especially proud efforts to bring widespread broadband Satellite communications Information, moment for our team to launch another internet access to the people of Alaska. Operation and Networking (VISION) BlackSky Global satellite for Spaceflight Astranis' small geostationary earth orbit software platform, NATO gains greater just weeks after putting the last one in (GEO) communications satellite will communications interoperability, orbit,” says Rocket Lab founder and more than triple the amount of current scalability and flexibility across legacy CEO Peter Beck. “This mission was also satellite capacity available in Alaska, and next-generation platforms, which it another exciting step towards our plans where 39% of the population still has expects will significantly enhance to recover and reuse Electron's first unreliable internet access, and will warfighters' situational awareness and stage in future missions. The team is leverage Cobham's new LeanREL o p e r a t i o n a l i n s i g h t s o n t h e eagerly analyzing the data as we work microcontroller and CAN transceiver battlespace“This NATO upgrade was towards reusability.” Rocket Lab's next product offerings. f i e l d e d o n t i m e a n d u n d e r mission is yet to be announced but is “Cobham'sLeanREL products are a budget—further demonstrating the scheduled for lift-off from Launch great fit for our Alaska mission,” said Miki value of Viasat's agile business models Complex 1 in the coming weeks. Heller, Vice President of Business and deep customer knowledge,” said Operations and Strategy at Astranis. Ken Peterman, president, Government Rocket Lab “Cobham's extensive space pedigree Systems, Viasat. “By working closely to helps us meet the reliability targets of our understand NATO's most urgent successfully launches program and their forward-thinking on needs, Viasat was able to deliver a eighth Electron LeanREL products makes their offerings c o s t - e f f e c t i v e , s c a l a b l e a n d price-competitive for a satellite of our interoperable technology capability mission, takes next size.” needed to support emerging mission Cobham'sLeanREL Electronics offer demands and help NATO warfighters step in recovery and world-class harsh environment maintain communications at the reuse for future flights performance at a fraction of the normal tactical edge.” .