Azerbaijan telecom satellite meant for VSAT services, not ISP consumers

Internet service providers (ISPs) might be disappointed with Azerspace/Africasat-1, the first national telecommunications satellite of Azerbaijan, due to its lack of Ka-band transponders necessary for satellite broadband Internet services. The same, however, will not apply to VSAT service consumers.

Azerspace's owner-operator, Azercosmos, designed the satellite to provide VSAT technology services to large commercial customers. The Azerbaijani satellite is thus equipped with a payload of Ku-band and C-band transponders. The nature and service orientation of Azerspace makes it more expensive to deliver Internet from satellite services- perhaps too expensive for the tastes of ISPs.

At the same time, Azerbaijan does host a significant number of VSAT service consumers. Oil companies can use Azerspace-powered satellite communications solutions to stay in touch with their maritime assets and remotely run their pipeline infrastructure. Both Azerbaijan State Caspian Shipping Company (CASPAR) and the State Maritime Administration (ARDDA) can leverage the new satellite to control maritime vessels. Azercosmos also predicted the possibility of reeling in commercial banks as customers.

The United States accounts for half of the global VSAT market. However, Russia currently enjoys the fastest-growing demand for such services. The agencies of the Russian federal government is currently implementing universal communication service and education throughout the country. In addition, large corporations, small and medium regional business, and private users all use satellite services.

Azerspace/Africasat-1a was built by Orbital Sciences Corporation and launched by Arianespace from Kourou, French Guiana on February 7, 2013. Designed for an operational lifespan of 15 years, its 24 C-band transponders and 12 Ku-band transponders can deliver services to VSAT users in Azerbaijan, Central Asia, Europe, Middle East, and Africa.

Spacecom nabs contract with Southern African ISP for Ku-band VSAT services

One of the biggest Internet Communications Service Providers (ISPs) in Africa has awarded a $6.5 million contract to Spacecom for the provision of Ku-band VSAT satellite services for the next three years.

Spacecom will leverage the Ku-band beam that the AMOS-5 satellite dedicates to coverage of Southern Africa for the contract. The satellite capacity will power VSAT services that the the African ISP offers to customers in Southern Africa's commercial, enterprise, and public sector markets

Here comes the New Millenium VSAT hub series from Advantech Wireless

Here comes the New Millennium... The series of VSAT Hubs for HTS, that is, which are considered to be the most powerful Next Generation Satellite Communications products from Advantech Wireless Inc.

The New Millenium VSAT Hub takes a cue from the earlier Discovery Series of DVB-RCS Hubs. The Advantech product raises the bar when it comes to capacity, capability, and efficiency. A single New Millenium rack can support up to 20,000 remote terminals; provide 775Mbps of traffic to the remotes; spread the aforementioned traffic over 5 separate transponders/satellites and 480 TDMA carriers; and receive up to 240Mbps of IP traffic generated by the remote terminal population.

Designed to operate with C-band, X-band, Ku-band, and Ka-Band satellite frequencies, the New Millennium VSAT Hub supports Advantech's very own Satellite Interactive Terminals family of remote terminals. It also supports Star, star/mesh hybrid, and high-capacity SCPC.

Of note is the suitability of the New Millenium for the needs of Network Operators and Service Providers. Its scalability allows CAPEX expenditures to match network growth, its VNO capability lets its support large numbers of virtual operators, and its VPN capability establishes communications security for sensitive information transfers.

Recommended additional reading:

• KVH doubles capacity of maritime mini-VSAT satellite broadband network 

Intelsat capacity powers Digital Networks VSAT network expansion in North America

A multi-year satellite capacity agreement has been signed between Intelsat S.A. and Digital Networks. Capacity from the Intelsat satellite fleet and IntelsatOne terrestrial network will be leveraged by Digital Networks in support of its North American customers' very small aperture terminal (VSAT) communications networks.

Digital Networks delivers business-class satellite solutions to customers in the energy sector of North America. The company plans to expand its VSAT network in the United States and Canada using Intelsat's satellite teleport services and capacity from the Intelsat Galaxy 3C satellite.

Recommended additional reading:

• French fire, rescue services use Astrium, Cassidian satellite communications solution

Elara Comunicaciones builds iDirect VSAT network in Southeastern Mexico

According to VT iDirect, Inc., Mexican telecom supplier Elara Comunicaciones, S.A. de C.V. has begun creating a large-scale VSAT satcom network that will provide 2,717 towns in rural southeastern Mexico with voice and data services.

The new VSAT network is part of the “10K” government initiative under the Ministry of Communications and Transport (SCT) of Mexico. It will link together thousands of villages in remote areas that lack access to modern communications infrastructure, and deliver voice and data connectivity to local citizens, government agencies, health care facilities, and schools.

Elara has selected iDirect as its satellite communications platform. Its local team of VSAT installation specialists are installing the satcom network at a fast clip.

The iDirect VSAT network will use iDirect X1 and X3 remotes to deliver multiple service levels that can scale up to 2 Mbps.

The new regional VSAT network will enter service in spring. Elara will ensure satellite service for the next two years. The Company mentioned plans to offer IPTV, Virtual Private Network (VPN) access, Hotspot Wifi connectivity, and fixed and mobile voice services in the future. 

Recommended additional reading: 

• HISPASAT orders extra Gilat SkyEdge II VSAT hub for Avanza national broadband network

HISPASAT orders extra Gilat SkyEdge II VSAT hub for Avanza national broadband network

An announcement by Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. revealed that it will be providing another SkyEdge II VSAT hub platform to Spanish satellite operator HISPASAT. The additional Gilat VSAT system will expand the existing broadband network and support thousands of new consumers who dwell in areas unreached or under-served by terrestrial broadband.

SkyEdge II will maximize space segment efficiency on the network through a combination of 32APSK Adaptive Coding and Modulation transmissions and the beam capabilities of HISPASAT-operated 1E satellite. This enables each 36 MHz transponder to reach speeds of up to 100 Mbps, allowing the Gilat VSAT hub system to ensure its high-speed Internet on satellite services are of high quality while also being affordable enough as an alternative to terrestrial networks.

Gilat and HISPASAT have been collaborating on the Spanish national broadband initiative Avanza. Spain is currently embarked on the third segment of its project to provide both terrestrial and satellite broadband connectivity to the entire country.

Cobham SATCOM adds TracStar VSAT to EXPLORER BGAN wireless portfolio

Cobham SATCOM is adding four new series of VSAT terminals to its famous EXPLORER BGAN portfolio. The new additions to the EXPLORER family come from the established TracStar portfolio of VSAT terminals. EXPLORER will be able to cover both BGAN and VSAT networks with its wide range of land-mobile satellite communication products.

The recently-expanded array of turnkey satellite communications terminals allows the Cobham SATCOM land portfolio to provide users with critical and flexible communications. EXPLORER products provide reliable voice and data links to users even in locations that lack traditional communication infrastructure. It enables voice communication, radio, data, fax, live video transmission, and other high-quality IP-based services for both BGAN networks and VSAT satellite links.

TracStar users will continue to enjoy the same level of service during the migration to the EXPLORER portfolio. Loyalists will be pleased to hear that the TracStar sales, engineering, and support staff will continue to create world-class mobile VSAT solutions and perform services in the field. Better yet, the EXPLORER team will be assisting its TracStar counterparts per the structure of Cobham SATCOM.

Cobham Satcom will shine light on its expanded EXPLORER portfolio at the Company's booth (4016) during the Satellite 2013 exhibition in Washington D.C.

IsNet creates back-up network for enterprise customer using PolarSat VSAT modems

PolarSat satellite communications technology served as the foundation of the VSAT back-up network that Turkish service provider IsNet recently completed for a local oil and gas company. In case the enterprise customer's terrestrial network suffers from an outage of connectivity, the IsNet back-up system will immediately deliver satellite connectivity on demand.

The Inset VSAT network serves as a back-up to the terrestrial Next Generation Network (NGN). It is a full mesh all-IP based network comprised of sixteen sites scattered throughout Turkey. Each site is equipped with the PolarSat VSATPlus 3 MF-TDMA satellite modem and support a complex mix of voice and data communications. IsNet manages the entire backup network from its operational control center.

The private network uses VSATPlus 3 to eliminate any single point of failure and ensure greater reliability. In addition, the full mesh capability of the PolarSat satellite modem lets a station link up with any other site in the network with only a single hop over the satellite. And since the sites can share bandwidth with each other, the cost of implementing the satellite network was greatly decreased. 

Recommended additional reading: 

• Harris CapRock-O3b satcom solution boards Royal Caribbean cruise ships
• Eutelsat, OneAccess launches Ka-Sat Internet via satellite solution for enterprises

Winegard scores Mexico Homologation certification for its VSAT product

The Mexican Electronic Standardization and Certification has bestowed its Mexico Homologation certification upon the WX1200 VSAT antenna system and controller produced by Winegard.

Winegard VSAT products have been deemed compliant with Mexican regulations regarding applicable electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for electric and electronic telecommunication products. The Mexico Homologation certification clears the Winegard product for the NOM electric safety label and NYCE for the telecommunication radio frequency component.

COFETEL (Mexican Federal Commission of Telecommunications) issued the two-part approval.

Winegard products currently hold CE (European Union), GOST-R (Russia), Peru Homologation (PARTS OF South America), and C-Tick (Australia and New Zealand) certifications.

The Company manufactures VSAT (very small aperture terminal) systems for consumers in the oil and gas exploration, emergency, disaster recovery, and satellite news sectors. Its dependable, rugged, and attractively-priced satellite communications products are deployed worldwide. 

Recommended additional reading: 

• Thuraya launches new IP+ satellite broadband terminal product

Romantis releases newest software upgrade for UHP VSAT

Romantis secures the most advanced status of its Universal Hardware Platform (UHP) product with its recently-released UHP 3.0 software upgrade. This software will boost the performance, multi-profile operations, and Quality of Service (QoS) of the high-throughput, universal VSAT platform.

UHP 3.0 brings a whole slew of enhancements to the highly-capable UHP platform. Its advanced adaptive technologies will greatly increase the and number of terminals supported by the network while also improving the network's overall efficiency and reliability. The upgrade will also unlock numerous features that promise to be of great use.

With UHP 3.0 to improve its award-winning UHP VSAT, Romantis will be able to offer the fastest satellite router in the industry with a processing rate of 60,000 packets per second. It will also be able to offer the smallest advanced TDM/TDMA Mini-Hub in the world, capable of supporting more than 2,000 terminals with sophisticated QoS while fitting in the palm of your hand. 

Recommended additional reading: 

• SIS LIVE, RRsat sign international sports distribution deal for Asian market

Gilat reveals its new SkyEdge 2-c VSAT solution supports Ka-band connectivity

Gilat Satellite Networks recently unveiled its new SkyEdge 2-c Internet connectivity solution, a VSAT system which supports Ka-band and Ku-band Internet from satellite services for both consumer and enterprise applications.

The SkyEdge 2-c system employs an array of new features and capabilities, including self-installation of its Ka-band VSAT kit. Its operators can start small and grow their services to match increasing demand thanks to scalable architecture. In addition to delivering business flexibility, the Gilat solution also allows operators to customize Internet broadband services while ensuring prices remain competitive.

Gilat has recently been reinvesting in its business segments and its initiatives in Ka-band and satellite-on-the-move. The Company won its first Ka-band VSAT order in September 2012. Following the successful launch of SES's Astra-2F satellite and the resulting consumer rollout of SES Broadband Services (SBBS) Ka-band satellite broadband, a larger European ISP had ordered several thousand self-installed customer premise equipment modeled on the SkyEdge 2 Aries unit. With these VSAT systems, European households will be able to access Internet from satellite, video, and Voice-over-IP services.

Spacenet Inc. wins broadband, VSAT contract with delivery service organization

Spacenet Inc. won a 5-year base contract to enhance and deliver broadband and VSAT network connectivity to more than 5,700 locations served by a global delivery service organization.

Worth more than $20 million, the contract is set for a base performance period of 5 years. It also has an option to maintain Spacenet's services for up to three additional three-year periods.

The delivery service organization seeks to use cost-effective broadband options at each of its geographically disparate locations to reduce overall operating costs and improve user experience.

Its contract with Spacenet calls for broadband connectivity to be provided to more than 1,900 sites. In addition, Spacenet will install VSAT satellite terminals at an additional 3,800 sites.

Spacenet is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. It has delivered a variety of managed network services to companies like the unnamed delivery service organization for more than ten years. Its broad portfolio of broadband and VSAT network offerings, industry relationships, and technology-neutral approach allows Spacenet to provide the right solution for the unique needs of each individual site, including those sites located outside terrestrial networks.

Astrium renews satellite capacity agreement with Intelsat

Astrium Services and Intelsat S.A. have renewed a multi-year agreement for C-band satellite capacity used by Astrium's customers in the business and maritime VSAT sectors.

Intelsat will draw C-band capacity from its Intelsat 907 satellite to ensure data connectivity and voice communication for passengers and operational purposes. This satellite capacity will be used by Astrium's new Business Communications unit to deliver high bandwidth to C-band customized VSAT users, as well as providing satellite broadband and expanded capabilities to customers in the cruise, ferry, and offshore markets.

The renewed capacity allows maritime customers to keep on integrating new services aboard their vessels and improve the efficiency of their operations through the addition of new technology. It will also allow cruise and ferry operators to offer Wi-Fi connectivity throughout their vessel for the simultaneous use of multiple passengers.

Recommended additional reading:

• KVH reaches 3000 total TracPhone terminals for mini-VSAT Broadband network

PolarSat VSAT mesh network organizes Chinese civil aviation traffic

The General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC) has awarded VSAT terminal provider PolarSat with multiple orders for supplying additional VSATPlus II satellite communications equipment and attached services.

The CAAC will use the new batch of PolarSat VSAT equipment to expand its communications network to more than 350 sites that cover the entire 54MHz transponder.

The VSATPlus II network will create a full mesh network that links the headquarters offices and regional centers of the Air Traffic Management Bureau (ATMB.) All sites will support a complex mix of voice and data communications. For normal telephony traffic and hotline applications, such as VHF voice for Air Traffic Controllers, the network provides a mix of pre-assigned (PAMA) and on-demand (DAMA) voice circuits.

Furthermore, the PolarSat VSAT mesh network will provide data communications for radar multicasting, LAN-to-LAN connectivity, client-server applications, general corporate communications, and other applications. It will also provide backup connectivity to the ATMB’s terrestrial network.

Recommended additional reading:

• Ancylus, Net1 create hybrid broadband solution for Scandinavian, Nordic maritime markets

Gazprom taps Newtec for new VSAT platform leveraging Yamal-402 Ku-band satellite

Newtec has secured a number of contracts with Gazprom Space Systems (GSS) for the delivery of a new, complete VSAT platform that will leverage the newest Yamal satellite, Yamal-402. The Company is GSS' preferred partner of choice for the hub, modems, antennas, and other SATCOM equipment that comprise the new VSAT platform.

Until recently, the only VSAT installations in Russia were expensive and professional installations in limited hot spots in the Moscow and Saint Petersburg regions. Meanwhile, remote areas of the country were unable to access affordable and essential Internet access.

GSS intends to change that by offering satellite broadband access services to local Internet Service Providers, who in turn will supply services to consumers and enterprise customers. Capacity will be provided by Yamal-402.

The Yamal 402 Ku-band satellite had been launched in December 2012. Located at 55 degrees East, its 46 Ku-band transponders, four fixed beams, and one steerable beam can serve any location in Russia.

Newtec began offering its new high-speed Ka-band VSAT broadband technology in 2012.

The terminals it will provide to the GSS VSAT network will first use Ku-band and can later be upgraded to access higher throughput Ka Band frequencies without needing to adapt hardware.

TCS gets order for deployable VSAT satellite systems from Australian DSTO

TeleCommunication Systems. Inc. recently accepted an order for Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) satellite systems from the Australian Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO). The organisation is known as Australian government’s lead agency in charge of applying science and technology for the protection and defense of Australia and its national interests. DSTO also gives expert, impartial advice and creative solutions for defense and other essential features pertaining to national security.

The VSAT systems of TCS deliver multimedia communications capabilities, channeling encrypted voice, video and data. Highly transportable and ruggedized, TCS VSAT systems also have a graphical user interface that allows for easy set-up and operation. The modularity and plug-and-play interfaces between all radio frequency (RF) and baseband configurations inherent to the product line result in communication solutions that are custom-fit to the end-user’s specific needs.

For almost 25 years now, TeleCommunications Systems has established a tried-and-tested track record as a reliable provider of communication technology solutions to resolve the government’s most difficult technical challenges, under circumstances that demand the highest level of availability, reliability and security.

Gilat deploying SkyAbis backhaul solution for MNO operator in Southeast Asia

Gilat Satellite Networks announced that it will be providing its SkyAbis cellular backhaul solution to an anonymous Mobile Network Operator (MNO) in Southeast Asia as part of a new VSAT deal with Huawei.

The Company will supply a SkyEdge 2 hub and SkyEdge 2 Pro VSAT systems to replace aging SCPC modems used in the MNO's current network. Gilat will also perform remote site installation and other similar services.

Gilat designed its SkyAbis cellular backhaul solution with an eye to supporting 2G and 3G BTS/Node B sites. The VSAT solution will boost the bandwidth efficiency and throughputs of the nationwide cellular infrastructure operated by the Southeast Asian mobile network operator. In particular, SkyAbis Dynamic Allocation Multiple Access (DAMA) will save satellite capacity by allocate bandwidth to a site as and when it is required.

XipLink optimizes Vitacom VSAT satellite service networks in Africa, Latin America

Various customers in Africa and Latin America will be able to enjoy improved VSAT satellite services after XipLink successfully installed XA appliances on Vitacom's production networks.

Vitacom recently optimized satellite services use SCPS TCP Acceleration and integrated X1/X2 streaming compression to deliver greater capacity to Vitacom and improving the quality-of-experience of the end users by way of faster refresh rates.

The XipLink technical solution was certified in advance. Romantis had extensively tested the TDMA network while Datum Systems had done the same for the SCPC devices. The advanced certification allowed the XipLink appliances to be quickly integrated into the production networks and deliver positive results almost immediately.

With XipLink technology, Vitacom will be better able to deliver world class VSAT services. It also gains higher effective bandwidth without needing to purchase expensive additional capacity, and its services' response times will have been vastly increased. 

Recommended additional reading: 

• Hughes wins EPA contract to upgrade RadNet with satellite broadband services, terminals

MTN scores new deals for VSAT services with luxury cruise operators

VSAT satellite service provider MTN Satellite Communications recently signed new contracts and activities with luxury cruise operators Paul Gauguin Cruises, The World, and Windstar Cruises to supply a series of VSAT services.

Aside from VSAT, Florida-based MTN will also provide data, Internet, voice, news, entertainment and financial services to customers, with the goal of developing overall business operations and guarantee the satisfaction of passengers and crew welfare initiatives.

“Our team at MTN recognizes that no two customers are alike and it is our job to develop communication solutions that not only meet, but exceed their unique communications requirements,” MTN Vice President and General Manager Brent Horwitz said in a statement. “The fact that these prestigious cruise lines chose to use MTN for delivery to customers who demand only the best is a testament to our ability to lead market innovation when it comes to high-quality, reliable maritime connectivity solutions.”

Financial information of the contracts were not revealed.

MTN signs new VSAT service contracts with luxury cruise operators

Windstar Cruises, Paul Gauguin Cruises, and The World have turned to MTN Satellite Communications (MTN) for a wide variety of VSAT services that will be deployed aboard their cruise ships.

The three luxury cruise operators entered new contracts with MTN that called for voice, data, Internet, news, entertainment, and financial services for cruise ship passengers in addition to the usual VSAT coverage and services.

MTN services are expected to improve overall business operations, make sure passengers are satisfied, and provide the crew with welfare initiatives.

MTN did not disclose the financial details of its new VSAT contracts with Windstar Cruises, Paul Gauguin Cruises, and The World.

The Caribbean receives extended mini-VSAT network capacity from KVH

World-leading solutions manufacturer KVH Industries has now expanded the capacity of the company’s mini-VSAT Broadband network in the Caribbean region to cater to the higher demand of the thriving customer base.

The expanded capacity is said to be part of the current global network upgrade which involves the deployment of Variable Coding, Spreading, and Modulation (VCSM) technology supplied by ViaSat. KVH Industries utilizes spread spectrum technology specifically built to enable the use of antennas that are 85 percent smaller compared to competing products, all while still providing high-speed and quality service.

KVH plans on developing the company by using its business model and by leveraging the readily available commercial FSS satellite capacity which covers the globe’s oceans provided by leading industries, instead of investing in its own satellites. The mini-VSAT Broadband network currently rents 17 transponders to cover the world using a hybrid network, which includes C-band and Ku-band coverage, using KVH’s unique one meter, dual-mode TracPhone V11 antenna.

In a statement, KVH Mobile Broadband Group Executive Vice President Brent Bruun said, “Our customers enjoy the highest quality satellite service available, with downloads as fast as 4 Mbps and uploads as fast as 1 Mbps, as well as crystal clear Voice over IP (VoIP) telephone lines with optimized service and prioritization of applications. The addition of this new capacity in the Caribbean in time for the busy winter season is a perfect example of how we actively monitor and manage our mini-VSAT Broadband network to ensure we are delivering the speeds and quality of service our customers expect.”