With a little more than a month until the CASBAA Convention 2013, the Association announced a stellar roster of speakers who will be taking part in a variety of compelling panel discussions during the event. Taking place from 21-24 October 2013 at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, the 20th edition of the Convention will celebrate the continually evolving broadcasting industry with Change is ON THE AIR.

According to Euroconsult’s latest research report,"Satellite Communications & Broadcasting Markets Survey, Forecasts to 2022," the FSS sector is transitioning into a new environment with increased competition between satellite operators and greater uncertainty on demand usage and associated pricing conditions.

Leading lights from government and industry will join forces at ITU Telecom World 2013 to explore the best and most beneficial ways to embrace change in a digital world. The event, which recently opened delegate registration, offering early bird discounts for those registering before 15 September, will feature a dynamic global set of participants, including:

The ITU Connect Asia Pacific Summit will take place in Bangkok on 18 November 2013. The Summit will be held prior to ITU Telecom World 2013 that will be held 19-21 November at the IMPACT Centre, Bangkok, Thailand.

AMOS-4, built by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for Spacecom, was successfully launched August 31, 2013 from Baikonur Cosmodrome aboard a ZENIT - 3SLB launcher. During the coming three weeks, AMOS-4 will continue its transfer orbit until arriving at 67.250 East, where In Orbit Test will be conducted before continuing to its designated permanent service location at 650 East.

Asian satellite operator Asia Satellite Telecommunications Holdings (AsiaSat) reported a first half 2013 profit of HK$401 million (US$51.71 million), up 1.4 percent from HK$395 million (US$50.4 million) during the same period last year. The rise in profit despite a fall in revenues is mainly a result of the reduction in certain professional fees, coupled with careful management of expenditure.

Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Spacenet Inc.  subsidiary to Tulsa, Oklahoma-based SageNet. The aggregate consideration for the sale is approximately US $16 million, subject to certain post-closing adjustments and expenses.

Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. has decided not to sell its Optus Satellite division after reportedly failing to get an offer more than US$ 1.8 billion that the company was targeting.

In a statement, SingTel said that after a strategic review of its Optus Satellite business in March this year, the company is now committed to growing and investing in the satellite business.

Optus is the only telecommunication company to own and operate a fleet of satellites in Australia and has been providing premium satellite services across Australia and New Zealand for over 25 years.

Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. reported on Wednesday lower revenues for the second quarter of 2013 at US$ 80.2 million, compared to US$ 82.8 million in the first quarter of 2013 and $85.3 in the second quarter of 2012.

Orbcomm Inc. reported on Wednesday better second quarter 2013 revenues rising 13.7 percent over prior year to $18.6 million resulting in net income of US$ 1.7 million or $0.04 per share, better than the analyst estimate of US$ 0.02.