Intelsat S.A. reported a slight rise in revenue to US$ 653.8 million but posted a net loss of US$ 408.3 million, or US$ 4.19 per share, for the three months ended June 30, 2013.  The loss, however, included US$ 366.8 million for pre-tax charges related to early extinguishment of debt resulting from debt paydowns resulting from the company’s April 2013 initial public offering and debt refinancing activity in the second quarter.

Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS) announced today the confirmation of the build of ABS-2A, a multi-beam 48 transponder Ku- satellite which will be launched in the fourth quarter of 2015 to ABS’ prime 75°E location. ABS-2A, covering the growing markets of Russia, India, Middle East, Africa, South East Asia and the Indian Ocean region, will follow ABS-2, the largest satellite to be launched over Asia scheduled in late 2013.

The GVF-EMP Conference Partnership have announced details of the next programs in their Oil & Gas Communications Conference Series and High Throughput Satellite Roundtable Series, programs which reflect some latest developments in oil and gas industry communications requirements, and in the technological and service delivery capabilities of the world’s leading satellite operators and networking solutions providers.

Hughes Network Systems announced today that it has achieved carrier data rates exceeding 1 Gbps on its JUPITER System. Hughes believes this achievement to be a technology first for High Throughput Satellite (HTS) systems, resulting in more subscribers per satellite and greater capacity per subscriber.

As part of its comprehensive national development strategy, China in 2003, outlined its ten-year space goals. Some of its more important space goals include — an Earth observation system, an independently operated satellite broadcasting and telecommunications system, upgraded overall capacity of launch vehicles, a manned spaceflight, and a complete R&D and test system for manned space projects.

SpeedCast has successfully closed a US$ 55 million Senior Secured Credit Facility. The proceeds of the credit facility was used to  finance SpeedCast’s acquisition of a 100% effective interest in Pactel International and refinanced existing indebtedness held by TA Associates, SpeedCast’s controlling shareholder.

CommunicAsia2013, EnterpriseIT2013 and BroadcastAsia2013 closed June 21 after a week of fulfilling business interactions and knowledge exchange amongst like-minded industry professionals. The fourday event, held from 18 to 21 June at the Marina Bay Sands, saw more than 51,000 attendees from 100 countries/regions throng the exhibition halls and conference suites.

CASBAA’s annual Satellite Industry Forum took place on Monday, June 17 at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore, attracting over 200 delegates, speakers, media, and guests from across the region and around the world. Long a staple in the industry calendar, this year’s forum explored “An Industry in Transition” with keynotes and panel discussions with satellite experts and leaders representing all facets of the industry.

O3b’s first four satellites were successfully launched aboard the Arianespace Soyuz launch vehicle on Tuesday marking the start of telecommunications and Internet services over Asia, Africa, South America, Australia and the Middle East that combine the global reach of satellite coverage with the speed of a fiber-optic network. 

NSR's just released Wireless Backhaul via Satellite, 7th Edition report finds the industry at the cusp of an evolutionary step.