NEWS

LATEST NEWS EXTRACTS FROM THE APSCC

InterSAT Selects Hughes JUPITER™ System to Power Satellite Services in Sub‐Saharan Africa

November 5, 2019 - Hughes Network Systems, LLC, announced that InterSAT Communication Services FZCO (InterSAT), one of the largest and most respected providers of Internet solutions in Africa, has selected the Hughes JUPITER™ System to power its new SkyFi satellite broadband service for consumers and micro/small-to-medium enterprises (MSME/SME) across sub-Saharan Africa. The agreement calls for implementing a latest generation JUPITER gateway and hundreds of high- speed customer terminals. Designed with the advanced DVB-S2X industry standard, the Hughes JUPITER System enables high capacity and efficiency for any satellite broadband implementation. Optimal utilization of High-Throughput Satellite (HTS) bandwidth provides operators significant cost and performance advantages. Operators on six continents have successfully deployed the JUPITER System to power services across more than 40 satellites – whether in C-band, Ku-band or Ka-band – including broadband Internet/Intranet access, Community Wi-Fi Hotspots, cellular backhaul and Airborne services.

Thuraya MarineStar Offers Voice, Tracking and Monitoring in a Single Flexible Product

November 5, 2019 - Thuraya has responded to strong demand from the maritime sector and distributors by launching the MarineStar, its best in class, affordable maritime voice solution with advanced two-way tracking and monitoring capabilities. Designed by the world's most innovative provider of mobile satellite communications, the MarineStar is Thuraya's new flagship voice terminal for entry-level maritime users. It is based on the same successful platform as other Thuraya voice hardware that have sold in excess of 1 million units to date. Quick and easy to install, Thuraya MarineStar is a one-stop solution for a wide range of operations including vessel tracking and monitoring, crew welfare and voice communications. Thuraya MarineStar is perfectly suited to small vessels, and highly scalable to satisfy the operational requirements of larger vessels. The service will be available through Thuraya's global distribution network, and will cover the world's busiest sea routes and fishing hotspots within the Thuraya satellite footprint.

Comtech EF Data Announces Heights Networking Platform Selected by Telefonica

November 6, 2019 - Comtech EF Data Corp. announced that its Heights™ Networking Platform selected by Telefonica for a multi-year program to upgrade Vivo Brazil and Telefonica Argentina mobile networks in support of 2G, 3G and LTE backhaul. To complement the Heights™ Networking platform, Telefonica also ordered RF amplifiers. Today, both Brazil and Argentina are experiencing high growth in terms of mobiletraffic and subscribers as customers transition from 2G to 3G and LTE to experience mobile Internet. Regulators in both countries realize the value of connecting the unconnected to bridge the digital divide and have established challenging performance requirements for Mobile Network Operators (“MNOs”) to reach new markets with high quality solutions. Comtech EF Data has supplied its award-winning and bandwidth-efficient satellite modems with optimization features to Mobile Network Operators for over 20 years. A constant drive to innovate and to drive down the total cost of ownership and improve Quality of Experience enables MNOs to profitably offer services in the most diverse and challenging environments.

EL AL Israel Airlines Goes Full Fleet with Viasat High‐Speed Internet

November 6, 2019 - EL AL Israel Airlines, the national air carrier of Israel, and Viasat announced they expanded their successful relationship, adding the Boeing 777 widebody fleet to the mix of EL AL aircraft with Viasat's equipment for high-speed in-flight connectivity (IFC). In addition to the Boeing 777 fleet, Viasat equipment currently powers the connectivity experience across EL AL's Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Boeing 737-900 and part of Boeing 737-800 aircraft. EL AL plans to have all widebody aircraft equipped with Viasat's latest generation IFC solution and all narrow-body fleet equipped with Viasat's in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) offering. EL AL expects to have the majority of its fleet connected with the Viasat service by the end of 2020. The Viasat in-flight Wi-Fi service offers an at-home or office experience in the sky, keeping flight crews connected for enhanced passenger service and enabling passengers using smartphones, tablets or laptop computers the ability to browse websites, connect to email and instant messaging, use apps and social networks and to stream music and/or films when inflight.

NBN Launches Business Satellite Service Created, Designed and Managed by Speedcast

November 6, 2019 - Speedcast announced that Australian government-owned infrastructure provider NBN Co is now delivering satellite services in collaboration with Speedcast to business and government users across regional and remote parts of the country. NBN Co's new Business Satellite Service (BSS) leverages an extensive network designed, built and managed by Speedcast Managed Services, with access to up to 58 beams from 10 gateways, two data centres, and a network operations centre powering the company's new high-data internet and IoT service offerings. NBN Co's BSS offerings are initially focused on remote business requirements for high-data internet access and IoT services, with an additional product – Access Bandwidth Service – to launch next year. NBN Co's BSS is a pioneering platform, showcasing the experience of NBN and Speedcast in delivering satellite services to business customers. Speedcast's managed service supports an unparalleled range of services, technical capabilities, and service levels through best-in-class satellite technology, a custom-built OSS/BSS platform and a 24/7 network operations centre. Speedcast will play an important role in helping secure NBN Co's future as an industryleading infrastructure provider.

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About APSCC
APSCC is a non-profit, international organization representing all sectors of satellite and space-related industries. The aim of the organization is to exchange views and ideas on satellite technologies, systems, policies and outer space activities in general along with satellite communications including broadcasting for the betterment of the Asia-Pacific region.

Conferences, forums, workshops, and exhibitions are organized through regional coordination with its members in order to promote new services and businesses via satellite as well as outer space activities. APSCC membership is open to any government body, public or private organization, association, or corporation that is involved in satellite services, risk management or associate fields such as data-casting, informatics, multi-media, telecommunications and other outer-space related activities with interests in the Asia-Pacific region. More information is available at www.apscc.or.kr.