a Improving
Security Through Satellite Telecommunications
Two companies are implementing an ESA-supported project to
introduce an innovative solution for alarm monitoring and video
surveillance via satellite to meet the increasing demand for
security systems from the government and corporate market.
The two companies are UK based satellite operator Orbit Research
Ltd. and the German company MediaMobil Communication GmbH. They
announced their intention to introduce the Satellite Alarm and
Surveillance System (SASS) to the UK market at the BAPCO 2007
conference and exhibition, which was recently held in London. SASS
is independent of terrestrial infrastructure and can be interfaced
with standard video surveillance systems.
SASS enables the interconnection of alarm and video surveillance
systems to security centres via satellite. Alarm messages and live
video images can be simultaneously transmitted. The video images can
be used for alarm verification or for surveillance. Bi-directional
audio and internet-like data channels provided emergency voice
communications and remote control of devices such as cameras. The
system is cost effective and can provide primary or redundant
connectivity for security systems where terrestrial networks are
either not available or are unreliable.
Orbit's SASS satellite terminals can be deployed at any location
within the coverage of the Eutelsat Eurobird-3 satellite. The
terminals consist of a 90-centimetre outdoor antenna and an indoor
interface unit. This indoor unit provides standard interfaces for
the connection of alarm panels, CCTV cameras, telephones,
microphones, speakers and a standard computer data port (Ethernet)
for user defined applications. The installation and activation of
the satellite alarm terminals is done by a network of certified
security installers.
The terminals are linked via a geostationary satellite to the
ViaOrbit hub in the UK. From the hub, all traffic is routed via
broadband networks to alarm response centres. The satellite
transmission links are controlled by the ViaOrbit network operations
centre.
SASS meets the highest European and British standards in terms of
quality-of-service, alarm transmission time, line fault reporting
time, availability, and information security. SASS has achieved this
through the development of advanced mechanisms for the allocation of
satellite network resources dependent on traffic priorities,
bandwidth on-demand management, and real time monitoring of the
end-to-end transmission links. The introduction of SASS at BAPCO is
the initiation of the project's commercial phase and is the first in
a series of market launches throughout Europe.
Background
Developed under the ARTES Start-up Projects initiative, SASS
underwent successful three month long field trials connecting, among
other sites, a nuclear power plant in Slovakia to the International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) headquarters in Vienna, Austria. IAEA
tested the ability of SASS to monitor nuclear facilities in near
real-time. SASS was able to provide higher quality information in a
shorter time than conventional systems. (source:
ESA)
top
b RAMTelecom
and SkyPort Terminate Acquisition Negotiations and Agree to Further
Develop Business Relationship
RAMTelecom Inc. and SkyPort Global Communications Inc. have reached
a mutual agreement to terminate the proposed acquisition of
RAMTelecom by SkyPort and, alternatively, strengthen their alliance
moving forward.
Ralph Misener, CEO of RAMTelecom Inc., said, “We recognize the
common synergies between the two companies and strengthening the
existing business-to-business relationship will help us expand our
satellite-based business communications services. RAMTelecom has
started to work on the final details on a technology procurement to
expand and enhance its satellite network into the U.S. This provides
us with increased capacity, redundancy and will contribute to the
overall company profitability.” The expected launch of the new
service is Q3 2007.
“Our relationship with RAMTelecom is strong, and we wish to continue
to grow it through our Partner Program. There are many complimentary
aspects between our two companies and we look forward to working
with them,” explained Patrick K. Brant, president and CEO of SkyPort
top
1 First
Satellite-based Telemedicine Network for Bulgaria
ND SatCom, has teamed up with its partner Interactive Technologies
to implement Bulgaria’s first satellite-based telemedicine network
based on ND SatCom’s core technology platform SkyWAN®. Bulgarian
service provider Interactive Technologies provides the meshed VSAT
network to the Bulgarian Armed Forces for applications such as live
video transmissions of operations, videoconferencing,
teleconferencing and file transfer between military hospitals and
medical centers of competence.
Tzvetelina Dimitrova, CEO of Interactive Technologies, explains why
the company chose ND SatCom for this specific project: “ND SatCom’s
SkyWAN® is a platform which supports the wide range of applications
such as video conferencing, IP video and VoIP needed in this
project. Due to its allocation on demand scheme, SkyWAN® offers our
end customer an optimized and dynamic bandwidth usage.” Dieter
Dreizler, Director Sales of ND SatCom, says: “ND SatCom’s SkyWAN®
technology supports the network’s performance and offers unique
redundancy features. Effectiveness and reliability are key factors
in telemedicine communication. Given that parts of Bulgaria are
earthquake endangered regions and terrestrial lines might fail,
satellite communication is the best solution for providing
independent and consistent telemedicine services.”
top
2
Space
Systems/Loral-Designed Satellites for Globalstar Mobile Voice and
Data Services to be Launched
Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), a subsidiary of Loral Space &
Communications and the world's leading provider of high-power
commercial satellites, today announced that four SS/L designed
satellites built for Globalstar, Inc. to provide mobile satellite
voice and data services are scheduled to be launched later this
month on a Soyuz launch vehicle from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in
Kazakhstan.
The four Globalstar satellites, which were manufactured by prime
contractor Space Systems/Loral and a consortium of partners and
subcontractors, were completed as ground spares in 2002 and placed
in storage at SS/L's flight storage facility. In early 2006 the
satellites were removed for post-storage testing in preparation for
flight. This testing was performed by Space Systems/Loral at its
manufacturing facility in Palo Alto, California and by the company's
subcontractor, Thales Alenia Space, at its production facility in
Rome.
A total of eight ground spares are planned for launch this year to
augment the existing first generation Globalstar constellation of 40
LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites. The Globalstar constellation has
provided world-wide telephone and data service, especially for
remote areas beyond cellular and landline service, since 1999.
"Space Systems/Loral design and engineering oversight has been
crucial to the preparations of the four ground spares that are
scheduled for launch later this month," said Jay Monroe, Chairman
and CEO of Globalstar, Inc. "As the architect for our first
generation constellation of satellites, Space Systems/Loral brought
significant advances to two-way voice and data satellite service."
Space Systems/Loral designed autonomy features into the Globalstar
LEO satellites that simplify ground monitoring and on-going
operation of these satellites. With on-board orbit determination,
the satellites eliminate the need for ground operations to perform
extensive measurements to determine their exact position in space.
"Our ongoing association with Globalstar demonstrates our
flexibility in helping satellite operators meet their business
objectives," said John Celli, president and chief operating officer
of Space Systems/Loral. "We recognise the value of bringing
communications to remote areas and are pleased to see these ground
spares put into use."
About Space Systems/Loral
Based in Palo Alto, California, SS/L designs and builds satellites
and spacecraft systems for commercial and government customers
around the world. As the leading provider of high-power commercial
satellites, the company works closely with satellite operators to
deliver spacecraft for a broad range of services including
direct-to-home television, digital audio radio, broadband Internet,
and digital multimedia broadcasting. With a 50-year history and more
than 1,300 on-orbit years logged, SS/L helps customers meet business
objectives with advanced solutions based on space-proven heritage
designs.
About Loral Space & Communications
Loral Space & Communications is a satellite communications company.
In addition to Space Systems/Loral, through its Skynet subsidiary
Loral owns and operates a fleet of telecommunications satellites
used to broadcast video entertainment programming, and for broadband
data transmission, Internet services, and other value-added
communications services.
(source: Loral Space and Communications
top
3
Comtech EF Data Announces Gateway Communications' Use of the CDM-Qx
Satellite Modem With DoubleTalk Carrier-in-Carrier
Comtech EF Data Corporation announced the successful deployment of
their CDM-Qx Satellite Modem with DoubleTalk™ Carrier-in-Carrier® by
Gateway Communications on Intelsat capacity to support cellular
backhaul infrastructures.
The CDM-Qx and CDM-QxL are the first Multi-Channel Satellite Modems
with a modular architecture that fits in a 1RU chassis. Designed
with the needs of satellite operators, communication service
providers and enterprise users in mind, they offer exceptional
flexibility, redundancy, integration and performance. The unique
four-slot chassis architecture allows a cost-effective deployment of
multiple modulators, demodulators or modems. The CDM-Qx and CDM-QxL
are also the first satellite modems to offer DoubleTalk
Carrier-in-Carrier capability.
Carrier-in-Carrier® is based on Applied Signal Technology's
DoubleTalk™ bandwidth compression technology. DoubleTalk uses
"Adaptive Cancellation," a patented technology that allows the
transmit and receive carriers of a full-duplex satellite link to be
transmitted in the same transponder space.
"Comtech EF Data has demonstrated its ability to maximize wireless
extension networks, delivering bandwidth efficiencies and increased
throughput with its state of the art DoubleTalk Carrier-in-Carrier
technology," said Jay Yass, vice president, network services for
Intelsat.
Gateway Communications, a leading service provider, is focused on
the provision of services to telephone companies and businesses in
Africa. Gateway, a space segment customer of Intelsat's and a
infrastructure product customer of Comtech EF Data's, selected the
CDM-Qx with DoubleTalk Carrier-in-Carrier to address the set of
communications challenges unique to Africa. The challenges include
the lack of legacy infrastructure, the rapid expansion of cellular
networks and subscribers, satellite capacity demand over Africa, and
a variety of landscapes - from deserts to rain forests - that can
make terrestrial solutions difficult or impossible.
"Gateway Communications has seen demand for satellite capacity over
Africa expanding at record rates," said Peter Gbedemah, chief
executive officer for Gateway Communications. "A key tool in meeting
this demand is our technical expertise. By using world-leading
technologies such as DoubleTalk Carrier-in-Carrier, we're confident
of our future success."
The unprecedented bandwidth efficiencies provided with DoubleTalk
Carrier-in-Carrier have allowed Gateway Communications to optimize
capacity utilization by essentially doubling throughput -
transmitting twice the network traffic via their satellite space
segment.
"Intelsat's support of our technology and our recent 2007 Teleport
Technology of the Year Award by the World Teleport Association (WTA)
validate the industry's confidence in our products," said Daniel
Enns, senior vice president strategic marketing and business
development for Comtech EF Data.
top
4 Höegh Fleet Services
Chooses CapRock for Always-On VSAT Connectivity
CapRock, has been selected by Höegh Fleet Services (HFS) to deploy
its broadband maritime service, SeaAccess Communications™, onboard
four LNG carriers owned by Höegh LNG and operated by HFS. SeaAccess
offers HFS always-on connectivity that enables more efficient
corporate networking and crew morale solutions over the previously
utilized pay-per-minute solutions.
HFS is committed to developing, managing and operating the company’s
LNG assets to the highest technical and commercial standards
available. The deployment of SeaAccess directly supports this
mission by providing reliable communications that will enable HFS to
improve the operational efficiency of its vessels. SeaAccess
integrates the vessels into the corporate VLAN so that the carriers
can operate as true offices at sea – providing access to all
corporate capabilities, support and tools that can be used to
improve the operational efficiency of the vessels.
“Finding new ways to add value for our customers is an ongoing focus
for us,” said Kai Knutsen of HFS. “By partnering with CapRock, HFS
will have better insight into the operations of the vessels for
enhanced coordination and control, further positioning us in a
competitive position in the marketplace.”
SeaAccess also supports improved crew morale by providing
cost-effective calling, Internet access and e-mail solutions that
enable captains and crew to stay connected with family and friends
while at sea.
“CapRock’s infrastructure and support services were key factors in
choosing the company as our preferred supplier,” Knutsen said. “Each
of its teleports are owned and operated by CapRock and its services
are supported through access to a 24/7 helpdesk. We feel confident
that CapRock will be there to support our communication needs day in
and day out.”
Under terms of the agreement, CapRock will provide a fully-managed
solution including onboard equipment, satellite coverage, service,
support and maintenance for four LNG carriers operated by HFS,
including global C-band service on three vessels and regional
Ku-band on the fourth. CapRock will leverage its worldwide support
centers to provide local and regional installation and maintenance.
“We are delighted that Höegh Fleet Services has selected CapRock as
a partner,” said CapRock President, Maritime Division, Tore Hilde.
“Being chosen by such a respected leader in the maritime
transportation sector is a true honor and a testament to CapRock’s
long history of providing reliable communications to the market.”
Top
5
AAE Systems, Inc. Awarded Contract for a Banking Network in Iraq
AAE Systems, Inc. has been awarded a contract to build an extensive
turnkey communications network for an Iraqi bank in Iraq. Rollout
will occur in two stages and the network will link more than 120
bank locations when completed.
The network will be based on AAE’s Eclipse MF-TDMA DAMA DSM product
family that is both bandwidth and cost efficient, and will support
voice, data, facsimile, database applications and banking
transaction services. AAE’s systems engineering and customer support
services are also included in this contract.
Top
6 Globalstar
and SingTel Form Alliance to Expand Coverage and Distribute
Satellite Products and Services in Southeast Asia
Globalstar, Inc., a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and
data services to businesses, government, and individuals, announced
today that it has entered into a strategic alliance with Singapore
Telecommunications Limited (SingTel), Asia's leading communications
group.
As part of the alliance, SingTel will construct and operate a
Globalstar gateway ground station at its Seletar Satellite earth
Station facility in Singapore. The ground station will expand
Globalstar's satellite coverage throughout Singapore and Malaysia,
as well as parts of Indonesia, Brunei, and the surrounding Southeast
Asian maritime shipping region.
The agreement is the initial step needed for Globalstar to offer
service with SingTel via the Seletar Earth Station. Globalstar will
provide the necessary engineering and technical training support
required for SingTel to operate the station. In addition, the
agreement paves the way for both companies to deliver tracking and
trace solutions for the maritime and logistics industries, using the
Globalstar Simplex data network.
"All of us at Globalstar are extremely excited about this new
relationship with SingTel and we anticipate this is simply the
beginning of a long relationship that will bring our mobile
satellite data services to the region," said Tony Navarra, President
of Global Operations for Globalstar, Inc. Mr. Navarra added, "This
is not only an agreement to operate one of our gateway ground
stations but more importantly is part of an overall strategic sales
and marketing alliance. Southeast Asia is one of the world's fastest
growing economic regions and the Strait of Malacca is one of the
world's most important shipping lanes. Because of the heavy maritime
traffic, the region is particularly suited to Globalstar's ability
to provide voice, data and asset tracking and monitoring services
beyond the reach of traditional land based wireless infrastructure.
Globalstar provides a wide variety of services to maritime customers
throughout much of the world and together with SingTel, we look
forward to expanding our market and providing those same quality
services throughout much of Southeast Asia."
"We are delighted that Globalstar has chosen SingTel to manage and
to operate its gateway in Southeast Asia," said Mr. Titus Yong, Head
of SingTel Satellite. "This reflects the confidence that global
satellite operators have in SingTel as an experienced and leading
Communications Company in Asia. We look forward to supporting and
enhancing the connectivity provided by Globalstar services in the
region.
"I am confident that this alliance will leverage on both companies'
expertise to jointly develop innovative solutions."
SingTel is also in discussion with Globalstar concerning the
possibility of constructing a second satellite gateway within the
region.
About Globalstar, Inc.
With over 250,000 activated satellite voice and data units,
Globalstar offers satellite services to commercial and recreational
users in more than 120 countries around the world. The Company's
voice and data products include mobile and fixed satellite
telephones, simplex and duplex satellite data modems and flexible
service packages. Many land based and maritime industries benefit
from Globalstar with increased productivity from remote areas beyond
cellular and landline service. Global customer segments include: oil
and gas, government, mining, forestry, commercial fishing,
utilities, military, transportation, heavy construction, emergency
preparedness, and business continuity as well as individual
recreational users. Globalstar data solutions are ideal for various
asset tracking, data monitoring and SCADA applications.
About SingTel
SingTel is Asia's leading communications group with operations and
investments in more than 20 countries and territories around the
world. Serving both the corporate and consumer markets, it is
committed to bringing the best of global communications to customers
in the Asia Pacific and beyond. With significant operations in
Singapore and Australia (through wholly-owned subsidiary SingTel
Optus), the Group provides a comprehensive portfolio of services
that include voice and data services over fixed, wireless and
Internet platforms.
In Singapore, SingTel has had more than 125 years of operating
experience and has played an integral part in the development of the
city as a major communications hub in the region. In Australia,
Optus serves more than six million customers. It has driven the
competition as the challenger brand and led the way in technological
innovations and breakthroughs.
Over the years, SingTel has grown to be a global player with a
strong regional heritage. With one of the most extensive and
advanced telecommunications infrastructure, the Group offers
unparalleled reach in Asia and beyond.
The Group's other major investments in the region include Advanced
Info Service of Thailand, the Bharti Telecom Group of India, Globe
Telecom of the Philippines, PBTL of Bangladesh and Telkomsel of
Indonesia. Together with its regional partners, SingTel is Asia's
largest multi-market mobile operator, serving more than 100 million
customers in seven markets.
(source: Globalstar)
Top
7
ViaSat Expands Agreement with WildBlue
ViaSat Inc. expanded its relationship with WildBlue
Communications through a requirements contract to supply the next
500,000 Ka-band satellite terminals to be deployed by WildBlue on
its WildBlue-1 and Anik F2 satellites. Together with units already
delivered, the number of terminals supplied by ViaSat is expected to
exceed 750,000. The contract provides for potential expansion to
other on-orbit Ka-band satellites that may be used by WildBlue. The
contract, which also includes network infrastructure upgrades and
software support services, could exceed a value of $200 million over
the next three to five years, depending on the underlying market
demand for WildBlue subscriber terminals.
“ViaSat and WildBlue have been working very closely together for a
number of years to create a scaleable market for satellite broadband
services,” said ViaSat CEO Mark Dankberg. “WildBlue’s impressive
growth has shown there is very strong demand for high-quality,
affordable satellite broadband service in rural America. We are
extremely pleased to be a part of their continued growth.”
“As the supplier of the WildBlue user terminals and hub equipment
underlying our service, ViaSat is our key technology partner,” said
David Leonard, CEO of WildBlue. “This expanded relationship will
help us to maintain the service availability that our customers
expect, and ensure a continuing supply of affordable new terminals
needed to fuel our growth.”
WildBlue, founded on the idea of adapting the cable modem networking
technology called DOCSIS® (Data Over Cable Service Interface
Specification) to a satellite environment, engaged ViaSat to develop
and deploy ground infrastructure for the satellite platform and the
technology to adapt the terrestrial standard to a satellite system
leveraging the low cost DOCSIS customer premises chips and software
used by tens of millions of cable customers. The result is lower
costs for network equipment and satellite air time, plus proven,
highly scalable network management, provisioning and software
support systems.
Top
8
Eagle Broadband
Signs up an International Reseller for Its SatMAX® Product Line
Eagle Broadband, Inc. announced that Jaba Networks Communications in
Mexico City will resell Eagle’s SatMAX® advanced Iridium satellite
communications system in Mexico.
SatMAX is an advanced communications system that enables users to
quickly and easily make fully wireless, satellite voice and data
communications available from any non-line-of-sight location.
Historically limited by the requirement of satellite phones for
line-of-sight access to orbiting satellites, customers now have the
ability to access dependable and uninterrupted communication from
indoor locations via the SatMAX system. Available as both fixed and
mobile units, SatMAX creates a satellite communications "hotspot,"
allowing more flexibility by enabling multiple callers to use
Iridium-based satellite telephones in both outdoor and indoor
settings without losing a signal. With SatMAX, customers of the
Iridium satellite network can now use their existing satellite
phones or data terminals to make multiple concurrent calls within
SatMAX-enabled "hotspot" areas from anywhere on Earth.
"SatMAX is a communications product unlike anything else available.
It is such a useful and needed piece of emergency equipment,” said
Javier Barrera, I.T. Management of Jaba Networks Communications.
“Our goal is to immediately start selling the SatMAX with our
communications systems.”
"Our reseller agreement with Jaba Networks allows Eagle to offer its
state of the art communications technology to the Mexican market, an
area where Eagle has not actively been selling,” said Dave Micek,
CEO of Eagle Broadband Inc. “We are very pleased with this agreement
with Jaba as we feel it will open up a whole new base of SatMAX
customers for Eagle.”
Top
9
Blue Sky Network Expands Global Reseller Network – Substantially
Increases International Presence
Blue Sky Network, announced the expansion of its global reseller
network. The addition of several international partners increases
Blue Sky Network’s international presence to nearly every continent.
Local representation plays a significant role in the deployment of
advanced satellite communications equipment on large fleets of
assets, aircraft, marine vessels or vehicles. Blue Sky Network aims
to have this local representation available for all customers, to
assist with support, installations and order delivery.
“We have partnered with resellers in strategic locations globally,
to maximize the worldwide utility of our solutions,” said Jon
Gilbert, president, founder and CEO of Blue Sky Network. “These
partners are a vital part of the growth and profitability of our
business. We look forward to continuing our growth in new and
expanding markets.”
Given the global reach of Blue Sky Network’s solutions, they are
applicable to any location on Earth. Throughout the global network
expansion, Iridium and SkyRouter service will still be provided
directly from Blue Sky Network.
Blue Sky Network's newly expanded reseller network includes: Aeronet
(Columbia), Air Alpha (Denmark), Aviation Center (Brazil), Execujet
(South Africa), Flightplan LTD (United Kingdom), GlobalNav (Brazil),
Integrated Avionics (Mexico), I-Trax (Middle East), Leap Servicio
(Brazil), Susi Air (Indonesia) and Upland Consulting (Nigeria).
Top
10 Marshall
Communications Implements New Internal Revenue Service (IRS) IVT
Broadcast System
Marshall Communications Corporation announces the implementation of
a new state-of-the-art Interactive Video Teletraining (IVT)
broadcast system for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
The new system will be used for transmitting IRS-TV broadcasts,
Distance Learning, and Content Delivery to 146 IRS sites across the
contiguous United States, plus Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
MARSHALL 's completion of the new IVT broadcast for the IRS
showcases the latest in broadcast technology utilising Digital Video
Broadcast via Satellite, Internet Protocol (DVB-S/IP) encompassing
MPEG4 encoding capability. Supporting the new IRS-TV broadcast
system is Marshall's own DVB-S/IP network called EagleStreams.
Service via EagleStreams provides secure, high-quality connectivity
and communications, wherever needed, and improves broadcast viewing
with the use of the new technology.
Marshall provided the systems engineering design and configuration
for converting the broadcast uplink studio, as well as, the
bandwidth and co-ordination of the hardware installation at each of
the IRS sites to get them converted to the new system. In addition
to deploying the operational system, MARSHALL will be performing the
network management, help desk support, and monitoring of the IRS
broadcast system from its headquarters in Ashburn, Virginia.
"Marshall Communications has been providing high quality of systems
engineering and integration of satellite and IP networking services
to DoD and non-DoD agencies since 1991. The new IRS broadcast system
with the use of DVB technology has given us another opportunity to
feature the flexibility of standards-based, open architecture
solutions in meeting the IRS' requirements", commented Sonny
Marshall, President and Chief Executive Officer.
About Marshall
Headquartered in Ashburn, VA, Marshall Communications Corporation is
a small disadvantaged (SDB certified), Veteran-Owned Small Business
(VOSB), and was established in 1991. Marshall has been providing
high quality satellite communications and multimedia networking
solutions including full turnkey systems engineering and integration
using COTS to DoD and non-DoD Agencies for over 15 years. Marshall
was awarded a Schedule 70 (Contract # GS-35F-0195S) by the GSA
Federal Supply Service (FSS) in February 2006. Marshall's team has
over 100 years of satellite communications network operations,
planning, and systems engineering experience. The Company
specialises in "Best of Breed" in standards-based, open architecture
systems and delivering satellite-based IP network solutions that are
cost effective and promote quality of service and reliability.
(source: Marshall Communications)
Top
11
Uruguay Floods: TSF Deploys from Americas Base
A crew of specialists in emergency telecommunications took off on
Saturday from Télécoms Sans Frontières' Americas base situated in
Managua, Nicaragua to strengthen the co-ordination of relief teams
following heavy floods which are affecting 9 of the 19 provinces of
Uruguay.
TSF is notably deployed to support the United Nations Disaster
Assessment and Coordination teams (UNDAC).
According to a report from the United Nations' Office for the
Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA), 110 000 people have
been affected by the worst flooding since 1959. 12,000 people have
already been evacuated. These figures are likely to rise in the
coming hours when the flood waters reach low-lying areas.
Communications have been disrupted in several affected zones and
upon arrival TSF will immediately put satellite communications
equipment available in order to facilitate the first assessments and
ensure reliable communication between the field and organisations
head offices. TSF's specialists in emergency telecommunications are
carrying three mobile satellite data transmitters (Inmarsat BGAN and
RBGAN terminals) and satellite phones enabling to deploy
communication centres with broadband Internet, phone and fax lines
and other IT equipment.
TSF is ready to deploy more crews from France depending on the needs
of rescue teams and of affected civilians.
This mission is co-ordinated with the United Nations' Office for the
Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) and funded by the
Vodafone Group Foundation, the United Nations Foundation and TSF's
other partners.
This is the 7th deployment of TSF with the United Nations since
signing the agreement with UN OCHA and Unicef in May 2006.
Previously, TSF deployed to Suriname (May 2006), to Indonesia
(June), the Democratic Republic of Congo (August), Lebanon (August),
Mozambique (February and March 2007) and most recently to the
Solomon Islands following the tsunami which the archipelago in April
More about TSF
Télécoms Sans Frontières: the leading humanitarian NGO specialised
in emergency telecommunications.
With its 24-hour monitoring centre and relying on its operational
bases in France, Nicaragua and in Thailand, Télécoms Sans Frontières
(TSF) crews of IT and telecoms specialists can intervene anywhere in
the world in less than 24 hours after any sudden onset disaster or
conflict and in a matter of minutes set up a satellite-based
telecoms centre offering broadband Internet, phone and fax lines.
These centres enable emergency NGO, the United Nations and local
authorities to communicate right at the heart of event. They also
facilitate the co-ordination of aid efforts. In parallel, TSF also
runs humanitarian calling operation to offer support and assistance
to affected civilians, giving them a link with the outside world
from which they would be otherwise completely cut off.
Since its creation in 1998, TSF deployed to nearly 50 countries and
assisted more than 350 relief organisations. In 2006, TSF became a
partner of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of
Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the United Nations Children's Fund
(UNICEF). TSF is First Responder of the Emergency Telecommunications
Cluster (ETC).
Télécoms Sans Frontières is also a working group member of the
United Nations emergency telecoms body (WGET). TSF is a partner of
the Humanitarian Aid Department of the European Commission (ECHO)
and a member of the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA).
(source: Télécoms Sans Frontières)
Top
12
Globalstar Extends Reseller Agreement with GE's Asset Intelligence
Unit; GE Expands Its VeriWise Offering to Europe
Globalstar, Inc., a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and
data services to businesses and individuals, today announced that
GE's Asset Intelligence division, a leading provider of
intelligence-based mobile asset management solutions for the
transportation industry has extended its Value Added Reseller (VAR)
agreement with Globalstar to 2010.
Asset Intelligence has expanded its VeriWise solution for Europe by
utilising the Globalstar Simplex data network among other services.
Globalstar Simplex data is a low cost, one-way satellite data
service that can be used to monitor and track mobile assets -- such
as vehicles, trailers, cargo containers, rail cars and marine
vessels, using sensors and GPS or other location-based software. The
Simplex service utilises only the L-band uplink of Globalstar's
constellation of 40 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, which is
unaffected by the S-band downlink anomaly that the company reported
in February. Therefore Globalstar expects its current constellation
to fully support the Simplex data network until the launch of the
Globalstar second- generation constellation.
"GE is a world class organisation, known for developing innovative
customer solutions, and we are very pleased that they have
re-affirmed their confidence in the Globalstar Simplex data
network," said Tony Navarra, President of Global Operations of
Globalstar, Inc. Mr. Navarra added, "It is also good to know that
our Simplex data network will now be used to help expand Asset
Intelligence's presence throughout Europe."
Specific distributors of the VeriWise Asset Intelligence solution
have begun to sign contracts with their clients to utilise the
expanded satellite tracking and data monitoring service. TIP,
Trailer Services (TIP) GE's European trailer leasing unit, has
entered into an agreement with tank container-operator and client
Extar whereby TIP will fit their tank-container fleet with the
VeriWise asset tracking solution. Extar will then be able to easily
locate the tank-container locations and determine which ones are
available for new loads. This will help improve the fleet
utilisation and productivity for Extar. An added advantage is that
stolen or lost units could be retrieved more quickly and easily.
Additionally, some units will also be fitted with a sensor device
that can also monitor temperatures of materials such as fruit juice,
which the containers transport.
"Following a successful testing period with TIP, we found out that
this tracking device is more accurate and gives us and our customers
more benefits than we expected," said Mario Kranendonk, Logistic
Engineer for Extar. "Because GE's VeriWise solution is fitted to all
of our tank-containers, we always know where all of our freight is.
This way we can optimise our fleet to the fullest and use each unit
2 days per month more. So the system pays for itself very fast."
In addition to basic asset tracking, the Globalstar simplex data
service can be used for a wide variety of industrial and security
applications to monitor and send information from fixed assets, such
as environmental measuring instruments and utility meters. It can
also be used for a variety of maritime and vessel monitoring
applications.
Using the Globalstar satellite network, customers are able to
economically monitor their assets within the Globalstar simplex
coverage area. The data is then sent back to the customer's control
and monitoring facility. This information is received essentially in
real time, from remote installations far beyond the reach of
ground-based communications systems.
About Globalstar, Inc.
With over 250,000 activated satellite voice and data units,
Globalstar offers satellite services to commercial and recreational
users in more than 120 countries around the world. The Company's
voice and data products include mobile and fixed satellite
telephones, simplex and duplex satellite data modems and flexible
service packages. Many land based and maritime industries benefit
from Globalstar with increased productivity from remote areas beyond
cellular and landline service. Global customer segments include: oil
and gas, government, mining, forestry, commercial fishing,
utilities, military, transportation, heavy construction, emergency
preparedness, and business continuity as well as individual
recreational users. Globalstar data solutions are ideal for various
asset tracking, data monitoring and SCADA applications.
(source: Globalstar)
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Eutelsat Opens New Neighbourhood at 9 Degrees East With Eurobird 9
Satellite (Formerly Hot Bird 2)
Eutelsat Communications announces that its Hot Bird 2 satellite has
been redeployed to 9 degrees East.
Rebranded Eurobird 9, the satellite's entry into service marks the
opening of a new video neighbourhood, which is adjacent to
Eutelsat's premium Hot Bird position.
Reception of channels from both locations is possible with
off-the-shelf dual-feed domestic dishes.
The repositioning of Eurobird 9 follows the successful launches in
2006 of Eutelsat's Hot Bird 7A and 8 satellites. Together with Hot
Bird 6, these large satellites today broadcast more than 1,000
channels, of which over 50 per cent are free-to-air from the Group's
13 degrees East position. Their entry into service has enabled
Eutelsat to pursue the development of its in-orbit resource by
redeploying high-performance Hot Bird satellites to other locations
with strong growth potential.*
Optimised for DTH (Direct-to-Home) broadcasting, Eurobird 9 delivers
20 fully operational Ku-band transponders supplying coverage across
Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. In order to support the
market for multi-satellite reception, which is afforded by the
proximity of its orbital positions, Eutelsat is developing new
low-cost consumer solutions to enable existing Hot Bird
installations to be easily upgraded to receive channels from 9
degrees East via a second LNB fitted beside the LNB directed to the
Hot Bird neighbourhood.
Eutelsat has already concluded a first contract for capacity on
Eurobird 9 with the Portuguese cable operator TVTEL, which has
announced it will shortly launch a new pay-TV platform for the
Portuguese market. Using two transponders on the satellite to
address principally almost two million television homes in Portugal
only receiving analogue over-the-air channels, TVTEL's platform will
begin with 20 digital channels. Encrypted with Conax, they will
include Portugal's four national channels and a package of 16
thematic channels broadcasting content ranging from movies,
documentaries, music, serials, news and sports. TVTEL will also
market dual-feed antennas in Portugal so that homes can have access
to the broad range of international channels available free-to-air
from the Hot Bird neighbourhood.
Commenting on the entry into service of Eurobird 9, Giuliano
Berretta, CEO of Eutelsat Communications said: "The deployment of
Eurobird 9 at 9 degrees East, underpins our objective to optimise
our video neighbourhoods in order to meet continued demand for
capacity for Standard Digital and HDTV channels. It is our
conviction that with the availability of low-cost dual-feed antennas
for enriching channel reception from more than one orbital location,
Europe is poised to move into an era of multi-satellite reception
which is already commonplace in strong satellite markets around the
world, notably North America."
* 7 degrees West for ATLANTIC BIRD 4 (formerly Hot Bird 4); 4
degrees East for Eurobird 4 (formerly Hot Bird 3)
About Eutelsat Communications
Eutelsat Communications is the holding company of Eutelsat S.A..
With capacity commercialised on 23 satellites that provide coverage
over the entire European continent, as well as the Middle East,
Africa, India and significant parts of Asia and the Americas,
Eutelsat is one of the world's three leading satellite operators in
terms of revenues. At 31 March 2007, Eutelsat's satellites were
broadcasting over 2,500 television channels and 1,000 radio
stations. More than 1,000 channels broadcast via its Hot Bird video
neighbourhood which serves over 120 million cable and satellite
homes in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. The Group's
satellites also serve a wide range of fixed and mobile
telecommunications services, TV contribution markets, corporate
networks, and broadband markets for Internet Service Providers and
for transport, maritime and in-flight markets. Eutelsat's broadband
subsidiary, Skylogic, markets and operates services through
teleports in France and Italy that serve enterprises, local
communities, government agencies and aid organisations in Europe,
Africa, Asia and the Americas. Headquartered in Paris, Eutelsat and
its subsidiaries employ 515 commercial, technical and operational
experts from 27 countries.
(source: Eutelsat Communications)
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`4
Leading Russian Service Provider
Chooses Shiron's InterSKY for Deployment of Multiservice Satellite
Networks Across Russia
Shiron's certified distributor and support center in Russia, JSC
CEDICOM, has announced the signing of a contract with Elvis-Telecom
Company for delivery of InterSKY DVB-S2 broadband satellite
solution.
Shiron's broadband satellite communication solutions will enable
Elvis-Telecom to seamlessly extend the reach of its services beyond
its existing network. This will make a multiservice solution
available to potential customers throughout Russia.
"The ability to demonstrate the InterSKY system's performance and
capabilities to our potential customers significantly boosts
deployment of Shiron's satellite solutions on the Russian market"
said General Director of Elvis-Telecom Konstantin Borisov.
The solution includes the InterSKY HUB, which will be located at the
Elvis-Telecom's technological centre, in Moscow. A distributed
network of iRG-S2 VSAT terminals will be deployed at regional
company offices and remote customer access points across the
country.
"We are delighted to be a certified distributor for Shiron Satellite
Communications and to promote the InterSKY broadband satellite
solution," said Youry Guinossian, General Director, Cedicom. "The
InterSKY solution allows customers to build multiservice broadband
satellite networks and significantly reduce operational expenses on
satellite resources by using a superior combination of DVB-S2,
bidirectional 8PSK and patented technologies from Shiron. The
combination of Shiron InterSKY with CEDICOM WiMAX and WLL solutions
makes for the most powerful country-wide network solution on the
Russian market."
"We are pleased that Shiron's InterSKY has been selected by
Elvis-Telecom. We are committed to supporting the company's
progressive expansion with high-quality solutions that deliver
multiservice Triple-Play broadband networks over satellite with
superior performance to customers and end-users in both corporate
and departmental markets," said Oscar Glottmann, Vice President
Sales and Marketing, Shiron. "The deployment is the first phase in a
program aimed to increase high performance broadband satellite
services to meet the growing demand for country wide multiservice
offerings in Russia"
ELVIS-TELECOM Company is the Russian multiservice telecommunication
operator offering a wide spectrum of services from web-hosting to
telephony. Elvis-Telecom owns high-speed international communication
lines and has traffic agreements with the majority of Russian
providers.
JSC Cedicom Company is a design distributor and network integrator
specialising in integrated wireless solutions. The company is
Shiron's certified distributor and the certified training and
service centre of Alvarion Ltd. in Russia.
Shiron Satellite Communications Ltd. is one of the leading satellite
equipment developers marketed under the InterSKY trademark. The
InterSKY system is aimed for construction of broadband satellite
VSAT-networks with digital batch communication (IP).
(source: Shiron Satellite Communications)
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Space Segment acquisition agreements.