News Analysis

Shenzhen, China, September 30, 2013 –Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider and O3b Networks today announced that Huawei and O3b are the first in the world to enable full 3G voice, data and video over satellite. This follows rigorous testing of O3b’s system in the Huawei Interoperability Lab in Shanghai, China.  Furthermore, Huawei’s telepresence, video surveillance, unified communication and datacom solutions are also compatible with O3b’s medium-earth orbit (MEO) satellites based on corresponding test results.

Paris, France, September 9, 2013--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.

The September 2013 issue of  the  Satellite Executive Briefing  focusing on the EMEA Satellite Market sponsored by Gazprom Space Systems is now available.  Featuring:

The Danger of Overcapacity by Jan Grøndrup-Vivanco

4K TV:  Technology Push or Demand Pull? by Elisabeth Tweedie

What's Behind a Satellie Dish?  by Robert Bell

Verticals and Horizontals: Satellite’s Expanding Marketplace by Martin Jarrold

plus Product and Services MarketPlace Guide to IBC 2013, IndustryBriefs, Market Briefs, Executive Moves, Vital Statistics and Satellite Markets and Research 25^TM Stock Index  and many more.

 Click here or the cover image above to read or download the issue

by Elisabeth Tweedie

London, UK, Spetember 6, 2013-- At IBC this year, 53 of the approximately 1400 exhibitors claim to be showing something to do with 4K.  My guess is that the number is actually higher as many companies don’t list everything that they will be demonstrating in advance.  So does this mean that 4K is destined to become a commercial reality?

Baikonur, Kazakhstan, September 1, 2013 –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.

Hong Kong, 22 August 2013 — 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.

Petah Tikva, Israel, Aug. 19, 2013-- 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.

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, August 19, 2013--Es’hailSat, the Qatar Satellite Company, and ARABSAT today announced the signing of a strategic partnership agreement to promote closer co-operation between the two companies and strengthen the reach and penetration of the 26 degrees East hot spot neighborhood for TV broadcasting.

Singapore, August 14, 2013 — 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.