Internet Satellite JET Service now offered by SES for France

Leading French company Satellite Services (SES) announced on December 18 that it is now the first ever satellite operator to offer the satellite broadband service called Internet Satellite JET, with download speeds of up to 20 Mbit/s for customers in France, which will be immediately effective via NordNet -- France Telecom-Orange’s satellite broadband affiliate.

The newest service from SES utilizes Ka-band capacity on the SES Astra 2F satellite. Internet Satellite JET also offers VoIP telephony and High-Definition TV from 29.90 euros ($39.40) a month. NordNet uses new generation end-user terminals provided by Gilat Satellite Technologies.

In a statement, SES Broadband Services Managing Director Patrick Biewer said:

"SES is again pioneering satellite broadband services in Europe, being the first operator to offer equal features to terrestrial services and at a highly competitive price. We are convinced that the new Ka-band offer presents a great solution for users in remote locations and will significantly drive product sales in France."

NewCom deploys satellite broadband for distance learning program in Columbia

Miami-based global telecommunications company NewCom International has partnered with iDirect for the deployment of a satellite-powered distance learning program in Columbia. According to iDirect, which is a subsidiary of VT Systems, the partnership with NewCom will see the latter cover 26 schools in the Nudo de Paramillo Region, north of the South American nation using a iDirect satellite communications platform.

 

The project has gained support from various public and private organizations including the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). NewCom International explained that the project will deliver internet on satellite to more than 4,000 students in isolated regions of Columbia. To compensate for the lack of electricity in the target regions, computers that will connect to the satellite will be powered through solar energy, allowing critical communications services to the region at a more environmental-friendly way.

South Africa aims for 100% broadband penetration rate by 2020

Including satellite services in South Africa’s broadband project may increase the penetration rate to 100% eight years from now. This, according to the Department of Communications General Manager Norman Munzhelele.

According to Mr. Munzhelele, the potential role of internet by satellite is crucial if the country wants to improve remote connectivity in remote regions. Currently, the national broadband project covers 30% of South Africa, but including satellite technology can increased the broadband provision to up to 75% of the population.

Other experts agree that telecom operators will not find it viable to use fibre networks in delivering broadband services to remote regions and even rural communities, since there are fewer potential users in the said locations. David Williams, the CEO of Avanti Communications, said satellite is the ideal solution to large tracts of remote lands cut off from terrestrial telecommunications network.

Mobile operators across Africa are finding it difficult to connect remote regions to their main backbone networks. Satellite broadband may prove to be a key in answering the last mile problem.

Hughes Network to present at the MilCIS 2012

The Military Communications and Informations System Conference 2012 to be held in Australia’s capital, Canberra, is expected to draw key leaders from both the military and technology industries launching their latest innovations.

 

One of the organizations looking to use the event as a platform to showcase its technologies is Hughes Network Systems, one of the global leaders in satellite broadband solutions and communications services. Hughes will be debuting its “Advanced Airborne SATCOM Solutions” at the conference. According to the company, their latest innovation focuses on advancements in airborne networking technologies heavily used in both military and government operations.

 

 

 

Daniel Losada, senior director, and Tony Sewell, senior program manager of International Programs, Hughes Defense and Intelligence Systems Division will be leading the presentation on November 7. The conference will be held in Canberra’s National Convention Centre. According to Hughes, the advanced airborne satcom solutions will provide high-performing solutions that allow cutting-edge surveillance as well as real-time video intelligence.

 

It will also improve the security and protection of military personnel in warfare. Aside from airborne technology, the Maryland-based company will also be showcasing some of its more well-known technologies like its new portable BGAN terminals, on-the-move satellite broadband solutions working in Ku band and the new Ka band spectrum, and its range of antennas which work with its HX system.

 

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Cisco and Inmarsat partner to deliver more powerful satellite broadband services

Inmarsat, one of the globe’s leading satellite operators, and Cisco - a multinational company focused on networking systems - recently announced their partnership that would enable the satcom provider to deliver more advanced communications services using its high-throughput satellite broadband network, the Global Xpress (GX).

 

The long-term business alliance will see Cisco delivering to Inmarsat cutting-edge platforms for an array of satellite applications services. The networking equipment company, currently headquartered in San Jose, California, will also provide the satellite operator high performance access network for the GX programme, the world’s first global Ka band network with mobile connectivity. Aside from the state-of-the-art access platforms to meet Inmarsat’s service needs, Cisco will also engineer a router utilizing the present Broadband Global Area Network for end-users of Inmarsat’s end users.

 

Inmasart's GX technology

The partnership also include Cisco developing, building and operating the network systems before transferring it to Inmarsat. Cisco will be using its Prime software stacks, as well as its high-tech Service Delivery Platform to optimized Inmarsat’s integrated platforms (GX/BGAN), allowing for new broadband applications for voice and video, as well as high speed Internet from satellite access and cloud services.

 

According to Inmarsat’s CEO Rupert Pearce, the alliance with Cisco showcases the satellite company’s desire to offer services beyond satellite connectivity as part of its business strategy. Inmarsat announced that the integrated platforms and satellite network router are scheduled for service introduction by 2014. Upon the project’s official rollout, Inmarsat sees an increase in bandwidth capacity and data rates, alongside improved cost-efficiency of its unique Ka-band and L-band network.

 

The satellite broadband services is also expected to be comparable, and thus compete, to traditional terrestrial communications infrastructure, allowing for more mobile applications services and broadcasting technology even in remote regions.

 

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