GVF 101 “Mutual Recognition of Performance Measurement Guidelines and Procedures for Satellite System Operator Type Approvals”

GVF 104 Rev 5 (PERFORMANCE AND TEST GUIDELINES FOR TYPE APPROVAL OF AUTO-DEPLOY AND VMES SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS TERMINALS)

GVF Policy and Regulatory Guidelines for Satellite Services 2013

This document was prepared by GVF, an association of organisations engaged in the delivery of advanced broadband and narrowband satellite services to consumers, and commercial and government enterprises worldwide.

Headquartered in London, GVF is an independent, non-partisan and non-profit organisation with 160 members from more than 50 countries.  The broad-based membership represents every major world region and every sector of the satellite industry, including fixed and mobile satellite operators, satellite network operators, teleports, satellite earth station manufacturers, system integrators, value added and enhanced service providers, telecom carriers, consultants, law firms, and users.

GVF provides a unified voice for the global satellite industry. GVF’s Regulatory Working Group (RWG) plays an instrumental role in this by bringing together regulatory experts from across the globe to share first-hand experience with international satellite communications policy and regulation (Appendix A: GVF and RWG Membership).

On behalf of GVF, the RWG has analysed and compared a wide variety of policy and regulatory frameworks, legal structures and licensing procedures to arrive at this recommendation of the most effective and proven approaches for the benefit of policy makers, regulatory administrations, industry and the end-user community.

GVF Maritime White Paper

The dramatic rise in the accessibility of maritime satellite communications in recent decades has
revolutionised the maritime sector and mariner experience. Use of satellite communications
systems not only enhances the efficiency of shipping and encourages modern vessel
management practices but also realises the delivery of multiple public policy objectives.

Click here to download the entire paper.

ThinKom Announces New Tactical Communications for Military Users

Torrance, CA, March 11th, 2013 ThinKom Solutions, Inc. (ThinKom) a global leader in broadband satellite communication solutions today announced that it successfully demonstrated a low-profile X/Ka-band SATCOM-on-the-Move (SOTM) system at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) in Aberdeen, MD.  The test was performed in conjunction with The Space & Terrestrial Communications Directorate (S&TCD) of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC).  The system, mounted on a Humvee, displayed data rates of 3MBps on receive (downlink) and 1.5Mbps on transmit (uplink) on XTAR-LANT while on the move. 

Thinkom announces VMES FCC Approval of ThinSAT® 300

Torrance, CA, March 12, 2013--ThinKom Solutions, Inc. (ThinKom) a global leader in broadband satellite communication solutions, announced today that the US Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has granted the first low-profile Vehicle Mounted Earth Station (VMES) license (44 C.F.R. 25.226) for its ThinSAT® 300 on-the-move antenna product.

The license provides ALSAT approval allowing operation on any of the authorized domestic satellites without further license additions or modifications. The license also authorizes the highest uplink Power Spectral Density (PSD) limits approved for such terminals, supporting 18.4 dB/4KHz. This level of spectral efficiency uniquely obviating the need to use costly spread spectrum waveforms.

Next-Generation Network a First-Ever Satellite and Terrestrial Hybrid-Solution

Next-Generation Network a First-Ever Satellite and Terrestrial Hybrid-Solution-

-Will Deliver Content, Social Media and Calling Solutions Developed Specifically for the Maritime Experience-

MIRAMAR, Fla. — Nov. 19, 2012 — Connectivity and content demands on cruise operators increase significantly as cruise passenger and crew communications requirements grow. To address these passenger and crew connectivity needs and to ensure that cruise operators stay ahead of connectivity demands, MTN Satellite Communications (MTN) announces the launch of MTN Nexus™.

MTN Nexus is the company’s next-generation communications network — a hybrid network that builds on a 30-year legacy of satellite connectivity leadership and innovation. This new network will deliver sophisticated computing, caching and security infrastructure to deliver connectivity and communications to a degree never realized before at sea and in port.   

“There is no communication network like MTN Nexus in the world,” said Errol Olivier, CEO and president of MTN. “For 30 years, we have innovated new ways to deliver connectivity and content where no terrestrial wireless or wireline networks could connect vessels far out at sea. But passengers and crew no longer accept limitations — they want to stream video, post their updates on Facebook and share vacation images with friends … or even family members sailing with them on the same ship. MTN Nexus bridges the gap between land-based and sea-based connectivity and content delivery. Today, we are launching a solution that will enable our cruise partners to cater to their always-connected passengers and crew.”

The Demand

According to a recent Business Insider report, consumers expect to be connected everywhere, as evidenced by the more than 2 billion people online today via Internet devices. Smartphone sales overtook PC sales in 2011, and Business Insider also cites social networking as the second most popular mobile application in terms of consumption per minute. Today these trends reflect vacationers’ expectations — to keep their devices with them, to keep them on and to keep them connected. 

MTN Nexus seamlessly integrates three critical components that, until now, have never been combined into one maritime communications solution:

1.      A hybrid satellite and terrestrial wireless network

2.      A cloud computing-based optimization platform

3.      New products and servicesenabled only through this hybrid solution

“The demand for bandwidth will never go away; however, how bandwidth is managed and delivered on a vessel or fleet of vessels can simplify the delivery of smooth, reliable service,” said Simon Bull, senior consultant, COMSYS. “The MTN Nexus solution, integrating satellite with a terrestrial network and combined with throughput efficiencies, introduces a smart solution for meeting passenger and crew demand.”

The Network

MTN recently made a significant investment in a cruise-specific, purpose-built payload through the launch of Intelsat’s Epic^NG satellite constellation. MTN partnered with Intelsat to carefully engineer the delivery of maximum bit-to-hertz efficiency, which has resulted in unmatched throughput and global interoperability to key cruising areas around the world. The partnership has enabled the delivery of a High Throughput Multi-Spot Beam (HTMS) solution delivering up to 500 Mbps per beam in the Caribbean. 

MTN HTMS™ will enable vessels to seamlessly roam between MTN HTMS beams and conventional Ku-beams. This collaboration will ensure global coverage and redundancy while reducing cost and antenna complexities. MTN service will remain backward compatible with existing Ku-band satellite systems, current network infrastructure and customer-preferred network topology, making it the most interoperable network available.

That network design was the first step in developing MTN Nexus. The second was combining MTN’s global satellite capabilities with a terrestrial network building a Near-Port/In-Port network using Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G, WiMAX and/or LTE. As vessels move into port, they will switch to Wi-Fi infrastructure using a sophisticated smart switching technology. As a Wi-Fi connection is established, MTN will seamlessly reallocate unneeded satellite capacity back to ships at sea, maximizing capacity and affordability for cruise lines. The results are maximized efficiencies of unused bandwidth when ships are in port and a better end-user experience as crew and passengers move from ship to shore and back on port days without service interruption. 

The Platform

MTN ShipCloud™ is an integrated shoreside and shipboard platform that will build on the MTN Nexus hybrid network. Leveraging cloud computing technology, MTN ShipCloud will deliver powerful infrastructure for faster processing and caching of data and content. Content enhancements and processing advancements on the vessel are geared to improve the end-user experience.    

The Products and Services

The powerful combination of the MTN Nexus hybrid network, coupled with the MTN ShipCloud platform, will enable the delivery of a communication and content products suite specifically optimized for maritime use to deliver social media solutions, content and calling apps for a more enjoyable at-sea experience. In addition, because MTN Nexus is an open platform,  MTN products, as well as cruise-specific products and products from third parties, can be integrated for complete optimization and delivery. 

Today, MTN is launching its next-generation network to the cruise market, but it will ultimately expand these capabilities to other key markets that demand the same connection, content and user experience as on land.

“Bandwidth is only part of the solution to the connectivity demands we see every day from our cruise partners,” Olivier said. “The complete solution is an integrated hybrid communications platform specifically designed for the cruise market to further enhance the total user experience. MTN’s next-generation network, built on a worldwide infrastructure, will minimize costs, maximize throughput, optimize operations and deliver the greatest profitability to our partners.  MTN Nexus is a purpose-built solution to deliver the at-home experience at sea and in or near port. We know this market better than anyone, and we know how to solve the problems. MTN Nexus will forever change the way we all think about communications at sea.” 

About MTN

MTN Satellite Communications is the leading global provider of maritime communications, connectivity and content services to remote locations around the world. MTN was the first company to offer a stabilized, very small aperture terminal, VSAT, satellite solution for ships at sea, which has contributed to the evolution of the satellite industry over the past three decades. Through MTN’s reliable global communications network and expertise, the company continues to deliver solutions across various markets while addressing the unique challenges and needs for each. Today, MTN offers services and solutions to cruise lines, commercial ships, mobile and fixed oil and gas vessels, mega yachts, government entities and aviation customers. MTN delivers and supports a broad array of integrated turnkey services, including remote access for Internet, VoIP, voice services, remote IT management, global vessel tracking, bandwidth optimization, real-time video capabilities, crew calling solutions and other enterprise solutions. For more information, visitwww.mtnsat.com.

###

iDirect Achieves 100 Mbps with Evolution X7 Remote

iDirect Achieves 100 Mbps With Evolution X7 Remote

Next-generation remote powers high-bandwidth applications, unleashes the performance of high throughput satellites

Herndon, Va., October 17, 2012 – VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect), a company of VT Systems Inc. (VT Systems), today announced key performance statistics for the Evolution X7 remote, the first in a family of next-generation remotes that have been optimized to deliver best-in-class Adaptive TDMA throughput performance and operate with high throughput satellites. Built on an entirely new multi-core hardware system, the X7 can reach up to 100 Mbps of combined inbound and outbound throughput, with more than 20 Mbps on the return channel alone. iDirect is a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology.

The Evolution X7 leverages dual DVB-S2 demodulators with fully independent RF chains. This makes it uniquely suited to support a robust suite of enterprise voice and data services while simultaneously receiving up to 12 shared, high-definition multicast channels over the same or a second transponder or satellite. The X7 also features an embedded 8-port switch, which provides unrivaled flexibility for physically segregating multiple end user traffic groups based on VLAN tags when coupled with the iDirect platform’s best-in-class GQoS and NMS. Additionally, the new remote comes with multiple embedded PSU configurations to power higher wattage BUCs.

The X7 enables service providers to deliver high-bandwidth data rates while utilizing the iDirect Intelligent Platform’s Adaptive TDMA shared return. For example, service providers in the maritime, cruise, oil & gas, and mining markets can efficiently deliver basic voice and data traffic, while also managing bandwidth-heavy business applications and multicast services like IP TV. Further, cellular backhaul providers can meet the throughput requirements for demanding, large cell sites as mobile operators expand 3G and 4G networks in remote areas.

"With the X7 iDirect has achieved a breakthrough in packets-per-second performance. Our partners can now deliver data speeds on a TDMA platform that until now have only been possible on an SCPC dedicated link. This is just the first step in our ambitious plan to equip our partners to meet escalating customer demands for satellite bandwidth, while capturing the market opportunities that high throughput satellites will bring."

~ Dave BETTINGER
Chief Technology Officer, iDirect

"The X7 is a critical development that positions the iDirect platform as a go-to solution for high bandwidth applications. With the next-generation design of the X7, iDirect has once again lived up to its reputation as an innovator in the satellite industry at a time when demand for high-throughput service is exploding and satellite is poised to become a mainstream connectivity solution."

~ Simon BULL
Senior Consultant, COMSYS

The X7 will be supported through iDX 3.2 software and will be available in Q1, 2013. For more information please visit www.idirect.net/x7.

iDirect, a subsidiary of VT Systems, is a global leader in IP-based satellite communications providing technology that enables our 350+partners to optimize their networks, differentiate and expand their businesses. The iDirect Intelligent Platform™ allows our partners to run their entire business operations more efficiently via a single, unified IP-based satellite architecture, whether it’s providing core IP applications to the enterprise or specialized services to any number of diverse vertical markets. iDirect is the #1 name in global satellite communications in key industries including maritime, military/government, and oil and gas, with a 62% hub market share and more than a quarter million remotes installed worldwide. In 2007, iDirect Government Technologies (iGT) was formed to drive adoption of its IP-based solutions in the U.S. government market. In 2008, iDirect Asia Pte Ltd was established in Singapore to enhance its value-add and responsiveness to customers in the Asia Pacific region. For more information please visit www.idirect.net.

VT Systems is an engineering company providing integrated solutions to the commercial and government markets in the aerospace, electronics, land systems and marine sectors. VT Systems’ innovative solutions, products and services include aircraft maintenance, repair and modification; software solutions in training and simulation; satellite-based IP communications technology; network solutions that integrate data, voice and video; rugged computers and computer peripheral equipment; specialized truck bodies and trailers; weapons and munitions systems; road construction equipment; and ship design and shipbuilding. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., VT Systems operates globally and is a wholly owned subsidiary of ST Engineering. Please visit www.vt-systems.com.

The Annual International Satellite-Industry Forum : "Stopping Interference Now -- Next Steps"

Think...Portable

At Satellite 2012 we displayed new products and services under the banner “Think Enterprise Performance That’s Truly Portable.”  So how are our new portable offerings different? And how do we enable broadcasters, emergency first responders, and others to do things they could never do with the technologies they use now?

Satellite broadcast community gears up to deliver the highest quality of satellite transmissions for the London 2012 Olympic Games

Final preparations underway for implementation of Carrier ID to assure quality of satellite TV services

Luxembourg, Paris, 17 July 2012
Significant strides forward have been made since the announcement at IBC in September 2011 of the introduction of Carrier ID in advance of the London 2012 Olympic Games in order to assure quality DVB satellite transmissions of the world’s most-watched sporting event, expected to generate over 2,000 hours of satellite coverage.

Carrier ID is a stamp on uplink signals that will enable satellite operators to more efficiently identify transmissions to their satellites and thereby accelerate coordination with earth station operators in the event of signal interference.

Quality assurance of DVB satellite transmissions has engaged the satellite community at large, including satellite operators, encoder and modulator manufacturers, broadcasters and uplink providers. The effort is also supported by three international associations: the World Broadcasting Unions-International Satellite Operations Group (WBU-ISOG), the GVF (Global VSAT Forum) and sIRG (satellite Interference Reduction Group).

Satellite operators, led by Eutelsat, Intelsat and SES whose combined orbital assets represent almost 60% of global commercial satellite capacity, have completed the process of adapting their earth station information tables to include Carrier ID information so they can read, extract and interpret data.

Modulator and encoder manufacturers, accounting for the vast majority of satellite transmission equipment used by broadcasters and service providers, have developed new models and system upgrades for Carrier ID use. They include Adtec Digital, Comtech EF Data, Ericsson, Fujitsu, IDC, Newtec and Vislink. Leading broadcasters, agencies and service providers have also updated their systems to be Carrier ID ready.

In a joint statement on this collective initiative David Bair, CTO of Eutelsat, Thierry Guillemin, CTO of Intelsat, and Stewart Sanders, SVP, Customer Service Delivery at SES, said: “This is the first phase of a long-term collaborative undertaking to implement Carrier ID in order to further raise the bar of quality to our broadcast customers. It underscores our constant quest to improve technologies and procedures to deliver the highest standards of service.”

Martin Coleman, Executive Director of the satellite Interference Reduction Group, David Hartshorn, Secretary General of the Global VSAT Forum, and Dick Tauber, Chairman of WBU-ISOG and VP Transmission Systems and New Technology at the CNN News Group, said: “The satellite communications and broadcasting industries are to be commended for this breakthrough. Never before have broadcasters, satellite operators, uplinkers, and manufacturers collaborated to implement an initiative with the sole objective of improving the quality of satellite television services for millions of viewers.”

About SES

SES is a world-leading satellite operator with a fleet of 51 geostationary satellites. The company provides satellite communications services to broadcasters, content and internet service providers, mobile and fixed network operators and business and governmental organisations worldwide.

SES stands for long-lasting business relationships, high-quality service and excellence in the broadcasting industry. The culturally diverse regional teams of SES are located around the globe and work closely with customers to meet their specific satellite bandwidth and service requirements.

SES (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG) holds participations in Ciel in Canada and QuetzSat in Mexico, as well as a strategic participation in satellite infrastructure start-up O3b Networks. Further information under: www.ses.com.

Yves Feltes, VP Corporate Media Relations, yves.feltes@ses.com, tel +352 710 725 311

About Intelsat

Intelsat is the leading provider of satellite services worldwide. For over 45 years, Intelsat has been delivering information and entertainment for many of the world’s leading media and network companies, multinational corporations, Internet Service Providers and governmental agencies. Intelsat’s satellite, teleport and fiber infrastructure is unmatched in the industry, setting the standard for transmissions of video, data and voice services. From the globalization of content and the proliferation of HD, to the expansion of cellular networks and broadband access, with Intelsat, advanced communications anywhere in the world are closer, by far.

www.intelsat.com

For media inquiries, please call +1 202 944 7044

About Eutelsat

Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL, ISIN code: FR0010221234) is the holding company of Eutelsat S.A. With capacity commercialised on 28 satellites that provide coverage across Europe, as well as the Middle East, Africa and significant parts of Asia and the Americas, Eutelsat is one of the world’s three leading satellite operators. As of 31 March 2012 Eutelsat’s satellites were broadcasting more than 4,250 television channels to over 200 million cable and satellite homes in Europe, the Middle East and 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 high speed Internet services through teleports in France and Italy that serve consumers, enterprises, local communities, government agencies and aid organisations in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas. Headquartered in Paris, Eutelsat and its subsidiaries employ just over 750 commercial, technical and operational professionals. This culturally diverse staff comprises employees from 30 countries.

www.eutelsat.com

For further information

Vanessa O’Connor
Tel.. + 33 1 53 98 37 91
voconnor@eutelsat.fr

Frederique Gautier
Tel.. + 33 1 53 98 37 91
fgautier@eutelsat.fr

Marie-Sophie Ecuer
Tel.. + 33 1 53 98 37 91
mecuer@eutelsat.fr

Investors & Analysts

Lisa Finas
Tel.. +33 1 53 98 35 30
investors@eutelsat-communications.com

Leonard Wapler
Tel.. +33 1 53 98 31 07
investors@eutelsat-communications.com

ACCELERATING GLOBAL DEMAND FOR SATELLITE-BASED BROADBAND ACCESS BRINGS CALLS FOR ROUNDTABLE ASSEMBLY ON ‘HIGH THROUGHPUT’ SATELLITE TECHNOLOGIES & MARKET APPLICATIONS

ACCELERATING GLOBAL DEMAND FOR SATELLITE-BASED BROADBAND ACCESS BRINGS CALLS FOR ROUNDTABLE ASSEMBLY ON ‘HIGH THROUGHPUT’ SATELLITE TECHNOLOGIES & MARKET APPLICATIONS

International Discussion Forum Organised by GVF-EMP Called For by Satellite Industry and End-User Markets

Monday, 30th July 2012

LONDON & WASHINGTON DC – Broadband is the hot topic all around the world and the global satellite industry is responding to accelerating demand for frequency spectrum to satisfy the requirements for increasing Internet bandwidth from a wide range of end-users. Key end-users include the Corporate, Enterprise, Government, NGO, and Internet Service Provision sectors, as well as the satellite news gathering (SNG) segment, and the consumer sector. As of November 2011, new satellites with ‘High Throughput’ capability already numbered around 30 in geosynchronous (GEO) orbit alone, and satellite operators have announced plans for additional ‘High  Throughput’  systems  that  will  see  around  40  more  satellites  in  GEO,  together  with constellations of other systems in medium earth orbit (MEO) and low earth orbit (LEO).

Already orbited ‘High Throughput’ systems use both satellite Ku band and Ka band frequency ranges to bring access to the types of communications services and solutions demanded across the private and public sectors, services that should, according to the United Nations, be comprehensively available by 2015, by which time ‘ALL countries should have a national broadband plan or strategy’.

“Providers of advanced – or ‘High Throughput’ – satellite systems have clearly been responding to the increasing demand for more-and-more spectrum, at lower-and-lower cost, in order to facilitate expanded broadband access, by developing ever more efficient, powerful, and cost- effective space and ground segments. ‘High Throughput Satellites’ employing the satellite Ku band

– and offering up to 45 Gbps of throughput – have been in service for a number of years, and now the satellite market has further responded to the demand for bandwidth by developing and deploying brand-new state-of-the-art systems using Ka band (and Ku band) to bring in excess of 1.3 Tbps of aggregate capacity to support fixed (FSS), mobile (MSS), and broadcasting (BSS) services”, noted Martin Jarrold, Chief of International Programme Development with the GVF.

“With the demand for spectrum never abating, the satellite industry is taking a concerted lead in using frequency re-use and multiple spot beam technologies to provision for more, and now, in response to a similarly high-level of demand – from both the satellite industry and satellite communications end-user markets – a dedicated satellite high throughput/Ka band forum is being organised by the GVF-EMP Conference Partnership.”

The event, entitled The Ka Roundtable Assembly 2012: Satellite Service Provision Game- Changer in Action, will take place in London on 5th & 6th December 2012.

“The title Roundtable has been chosen to reflect the organisers’ intention to hold ‘an assembly where parties meet on equal terms for discussion’, a format designed to facilitate a multi-faceted dialogue with as many perspectives represented as possible,” said Paul Stahl, Managing Partner of EMP. He added, “We intend to bring together a diversity of specialists, including end-users from key vertical markets (oil & gas, maritime, disaster management (NGOs) and broadcast), satellite operators, services and equipment providers, OEMs and hardware manufacturers, researchers and legal/regulatory specialists, together with re-sellers and value added re-sellers (VARs).”

With higher throughput having become of the utmost strategic importance to the satellite industry, and to a multitude of satellite service users, a range of key subject areas have so far been identified for inclusion in the Roundtable programme coverage, including the following:

Satellite Operator Forum

-       Global Operators & Encompassing the Global Ka Space

-       Regional Operator Ka Initiatives

-       Ka: New Opportunities from Revolution (or Evolution?)

-       Defining “HTS” (High Throughput Satellites)

-       C band, Ku band... What & Where Now?

User Verticals Focus

-       Enterprise Services

-       Government Services

-       Maritime Sector

-       Oil & Gas Sector

-       NGOs in Disaster Recovery & Development

-       Internet Service Providers

-       Satellite News Gathering

-       Airline Operators/Rail Operators

OEM Forum

-       Equipment Design & Technical Innovation

-       Equipment Manufacture & Economies of Scale

Hardware/Antennas Focus

-       Antenna Technologies

-       Application/Market Specific Antenna Design

-       Antenna Installation Training

Networking Applications Forum

-       National & Multi-National Networks

-       New Mobile Terrestrial BWA Backhaul: beyond GSM & 3G to LTE & 4G

-       Rural Telecommunications

-       PSTN infrastructure Extension/Telco Trunking

-       Broadband Internet Access

-       Utilities & M2M

-       Advanced Format TV Broadcast/IPTV/Edgecasting

Regulatory & Licensing Focus

-       Regulating for Ka band

-       The Ka band Licensing Environment

The Ka Roundtable Assembly 2012: Satellite Service Provision Game-Changer in Action will have  the  support  of  various  expert  consultants,  including  Elisabeth  Tweedie  of Definitive Direction. Further Roundtable Assembly Consultants will be announced in due course.

More information about the event, including a detailed overview and mission statement, can be obtained         on         the         event’s         dedicated         web         pages         at  www.uk- emp.co.uk/Ka.Roundtable.Ldn.2012/and  also  from  the  organisers:  Martin  Jarrold  of  GVF at martin.jarrold@gvf.org and Paul Stahl of EMP at paul.stahl@uk-emp.co.uk.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

The GVF-EMP Conference Series Organisers

GVF

www.gvf.org

GVF is the single and unified voice of the global satellite industry.  Founded in 1997, it brings together organisations engaged in the delivery of advanced broadband and narrowband satellite services to consumers, and commercial and government enterprises worldwide.  Headquartered in London, GVF is an independent,  non-partisan  and  non-profit  organisation  with  200+  members  from  more  than  100 countries.  The broad-based membership represents every major world region and every sector of the satellite industry, including fixed and mobile satellite operators, satellite network operators, teleports, satellite earth station manufacturers, system integrators, value added and enhanced service providers, telecom carriers, consultants, law firms, and users.  Contact  martin.jarrold@gvf.org in the UK office, or in the US office please contact  david.hartshorn@gvf.org or liz.grimm@gvf.org.

UK EMP

 www.uk-emp.co.uk

EMP was launched in 2004 to develop and manage a niche portfolio of highly specialised conferences analysing the mission-critical communications needs of major corporate and government end-users, particularly in remote locations where connectivity is a major challenge.

EMP events are focused on rapidly developing as well as developed regional markets.  EMP works very closely with key industry and government bodies as well as commercial entities with shared interests, to ensure that all events are stakeholder driven, and that critical industry objectives are analysed in depth and from a variety of perspectives.  Contact paul.stahl@uk-emp.co.uk.

Ka Roundtable Assembly 2012 Consultants

Definitive Direction is an independent, international, strategic marketing consultancy serving the satellite and telecommunications industries.  Sectors covered include: Broadband and Ka band in particular, S band and Mobile, and wireless. Clients benefit from rigorous, impartial, customized research and analysis designed to meet their precise needs.  With over 20 years experience in the industry we understand what factors drive the different markets, know what questions to ask and most importantly how to interpret the results to produce actionable business plans. Clients include major manufacturers, operators and infrastructure providers around the world.

Web: www.definitivedirection.com; email:info@definitivedirection.com; phone: +44 (0)7768 610574 or

+1 310 292 0755.

SOUTH SUDANESE SATELLITE INDUSTRY STRENGTHENS NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH IMPROVED INSTALLATION STANDARDS

RCS-Communication Hosts First GVF VSAT Installation Training and Certification Program for 18 Satcom Professionals in Juba

THE GVF & INTERMANAGER “MARITIME INSIGHTS” CONFERENCE FOR EUROPE TO FEATURE ROBUST SPEAKER LINE-UP

International Software Defined Radio Conference, GVF Members Receive 10% Discount

Orange Business Services Expands GVF Training Integration into Corporate Training Program

Washington D.C. – Global VSAT Forum (GVF) announced today the expansion of its training relationship with Orange Business Services, a leading global integrator of communications solutions for multinational corporations. The expanded training program includes GVF marine terminal installation courses, designed for technicians who install and commission Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) systems on marine vessels.

BANGLADESH B’CAST & CABLE TV SERVICES SEVERELY DISRUPTED BY INTERFERENCE

GVF OIL & GAS COMMUNICATIONS CONFERENCE SERIES MOVES FORWARD WITH FIRST PROGRAMME OF 2012

SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK IN AFRICA

Rapid Deploy VSAT Workington, Cumbria, UK

Mobile in-theatre Satellite Communications for the UK Ministry of Defence

MAJOR FINANCIAL ENTERPRISE CUSTOMER NETWORK IN AFRICA

Iraq VSAT Case Study

Indian Ocean VSAT network, Major Bank

Railway CCTV delivered by satellite

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Announcement & Call for Expression of Interest for the License of Afghanistan’s Allotted Satellite Slot at 50 Degrees East

SATELLITE BROADBAND COMMUNICATIONS CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS AT SEA AND SHIPPING ASSOCIATION DEVELOPMENT OF MARITIME KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS ATTRACTS OUTSTANDING DELEGATE REGISTRATIONS

INTER-INDUSTRY COLLABORATION LINKS THE APPLICATION OF BROADBAND COMMUNICATIONS CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS AT SEA WITH SHIPPING ASSOCIATION DEVELOPMENT OF MARITIME KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

SEA TEL AND GVF ANNOUNCE GLOBAL COLLABORATION ON DELIVERY OF MARINE VSAT INSTALLATION TRAINING & CERTIFICATION

BROADBAND AND MARITIME SECTORS COLLABORATE TO IMPROVE APPLICATION OF CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS AT SEA

MILITARY SATCOM PROGRAMMES AIM TO EXPAND INDUSTRY MARKET PENETRATION IN FIVE WORLD REGIONS

GVF OIL & GAS COMMUNICATIONS CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS STRONG ENERGY-SECTOR DEMAND FOR HIGH THROUGHPUT SATELLITES

SATELLITE INDUSTRY MOUNTS GLOBAL KA-BAND SPECTRUM CAMPAIGN TO ENABLE DELIVERY OF CONSUMER, GOVERNMENT AND ENTERPRISE COMMUNICATIONS

SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS SECTOR ENDORSES ETHIOPIAN GOVERNMENT DECISION TO LIBERALIZE VSAT-BASED COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGIES KEY TO SOUTH-EAST ASIAN ENERGY INDUSTRY SCALING-UP OF E&P CAPABILITIES AND DIGITAL OILFIELD GROWTH IN ‘CONTINENT OF THE FUTURE’

IRAQ GOVERNMENT CO-ORDINATES WITH SATELLITE INDUSTRY TO ADVANCE IMPLEMENTATION OF PROGRESSIVE LICENSING REFORMS

Satellite Industry Ramps Up Efforts to Prevent Signal Interference

GVF Announces its 4th Quarter Strategic Calendar

The GVF Disaster-Preparedness Registry: Global Pre-Positioning of Satellite-Enabled ICT for Disaster Preparedness & Development

GVF C-Band Spectrum Policy Paper

Satellite communications technology in the C band is used extensively for broadcasting television signals to hundreds of millions of consumers worldwide.  The satellite systems that operate in the 3.4-4.2 GHz band (C band) are suffering substantial interference, to the point of system failure, in places where national administrations are allowing Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) like wi-max and other 3G and 4G mobile systems (also referred to as IMT systems) to share the same spectrum bands already being used to provide satellite broadcasting services.    To eliminate this harmful interference, the global broadcasting community has united to communicate its position and technical requirements to national and international telecommunications regulators.Regulators and radio frequency managers need to allocate spectrum in ways that recognize the reality of harmful interference and validate the right of incumbent broadcasters to operate, and their customers to enjoy their services, without disruption by new users. C band satellite, and the BWA and IMT mobile services are all important services, and there are ways to find suitable spectrum for all of them to operate.

2012 Strategic Calendar

View the 2012 Strategic Calendar. For more information on how your company can receive event benefits, participate as a speaker, or sponsor, please contact Liz Grimm, Director of International Programmes.

GVF White Paper on Licensing Satellites in Ka Band

The demand for spectrum never abates.  Over the years satellite systems have responded to this increasing demand by developing ever-more efficient and powerful space and ground segments.  Now the satellite market has responded to the demand for spectrum by developing brand-new state-of-the-art systems that can use the Ka band. The rapidly increasing use of the Ka band for these new satellites, services and applications, may require a review of the allocations and authorisation conditions applied by various National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs).  This paper aims to anticipate concerns, answer questions, and supply strong arguments in favor of open market access to this spectrum for satellite systems.

International VSAT Policy Declaration

This document was prepared by the Global VSAT Forum (GVF), an association of organizations engaged in the delivery of advanced digital fixed satellite services via Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs) to consumers, and commercial and government enterprises worldwide. The term “VSAT” refers to fixed small-aperture terminals that provide interactive or receive-only telecommunications to an end-user premises via either geostationary or non-geostationary satellites. Headquartered in London, the GVF is an independent, non-partisan and non-profit organization with 69 members. The broad-based membership represents every major world region and every sector of the satellite industry, including satellite operators, VSAT network operators, VSAT manufacturers, system integrators, value added and enhanced service providers, telecom carriers, and users. The Regulatory Working Group (RWG) of the GVF brings together regulatory experts from across the globe to share first-hand experience with international VSAT regulatory and licensing policies (Annex A: GVF and RWG Membership). On behalf of the GVF, the RWG has analyzed and compared a wide variety of regulatory frameworks, legal structures and licensing procedures to arrive at this recommendation of the most effective and proven approaches for the benefit of regulatory administrations, industry and the end-user community.

This document consists of the following:

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• • The International VSAT Policy Declaration, stating the key priorities and regulatory principles advocated by the GVF.
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• • Section I addresses the essential role VSATs play in fulfilling telecommunication needs and calls attention to the link between telecom connectivity and economic strength.
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• • Section II identifies regulatory barriers that slow or prevent effective provision of VSAT-based services and establishes corresponding regulatory solutions.
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• • Section III introduces a VSAT licensing guideline and offers ongoing support for regulatory programs that seek to facilitate the provision of VSAT-based telecommunication solutions.

GVF 105 “Performance and Test Guidelines for Type Approval of ‘Comms on the Move’ Mobile Satellite”

This document presents an outline of test procedures that are acceptable to the satellite operator and hardware manufacturers for type approving mobile VSAT terminals.  Any demonstration of performance has to be accomplished via live measurements rather than analysis.  The GVF type approval process had progressed for stationary VSAT systems to encompass auto deploy antenna systems.  The next focus for mobile VSAT terminals communicating with satellites while the terminal is in motion, introduces an entire new complexity in to the terminal design.  A primary concern is that the terminal can operate, while in motion over various terrains, without causing interference to adjacent satellites.

GVF 104 “Performance and Test Guidelines for Type Approval of Auto-Deploy and VMES Satellite Communications Terminals”

This document is intended to serve as a best-practices guide for interpreting international regulatory specifications for the purpose of GVF type approval of auto-deploy VSAT terminals. The GVF type approval process is defined in detail in document GVF-101.That document assumes that the satellite operator for whom the type approval is to be issued defines performance specifications. It is the objective of this document to provide best-practices guidance to satellite operators who wish to offer a type approval for auto-deploy terminals, or for use in GVF-issued type approvals. GVF-101 also defines general test procedures for VSAT terminals.  This document adds guidance for testing parameters that are unique to auto-deploy terminals. 

GVF 103 “Duties of Authorized Test Entities under the Mutual Recognition Arrangement procedure”

This document summarizes the duties of an Authorized Test Entity according to the Global VSAT Forum’s Mutual Recognition Arrangement type approval procedure (document GVF-101).  It is intended for use by current ATEs and organizations considering nomination as an ATE.

GVF 101 “Mutual Recognition of Performance Measurement Guidelines and Procedures for Satellite System Operator Type Approvals”

This document provides an executive summary of the type approval program maintained by the GVF. Readers are invited to refer to the main document GVF-101 for more detailed information.

The GVF Satellite Policy Guidelines 2009

This document was prepared by GVF, an association of organisations engaged in the delivery of advanced broadband and narrowband satellite services to consumers, and commercial and government enterprises worldwide.  Headquartered in London, GVF is an independent, non-partisan and non-profit organisation with 160 members from more than 50 countries.  The broad-based membership represents every major world region and every sector of the satellite industry, including fixed and mobile satellite operators, satellite network operators, teleports, satellite earth station manufacturers, system integrators, value added and enhanced service providers, telecom carriers, consultants, law firms, and users.  GVF provides a unified voice for the global satellite industry. GVF’s Regulatory Working Group (RWG) plays an instrumental role in this by bringing together regulatory experts from across the globe to share first-hand experience with international satellite communications policy and regulation (Appendix A: GVF and RWG Membership). On behalf of GVF, the RWG has analysed and compared a wide variety of policy and regulatory frameworks, legal structures and licensing procedures to arrive at this recommendation of the most effective and proven approaches for the benefit of policy makers, regulatory administrations, industry and the end-user community. This document consists of the following:Section 1 includes the International Satellite Policy Declaration, stating the key priorities and regulatory principles advocated by GVF.Section 2 addresses the essential role satellite communications play in fulfilling national, regional and global policy objectives and, in particular, calls attention to the link between telecom connectivity and economic strength.Section 3 provides a guideline that aims to facilitate administrations’ efforts to develop communications policies that promote access to satellite systems and services. Section 4 examines key regulatory and licensing trends relevant to the satellite communications sector worldwide.Section 5 identifies regulatory barriers that slow or prevent effective provision of satellite-based services and identifies corresponding regulatory solutions.Section 6 offers ongoing support for regulatory programs that seek to facilitate the provision of satellite-based communication solutions.

PRESS RELEASE

Luxembourg 23 June 2010 – SES ASTRA, an SES company (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG), announced today that it has renamed its 100 percent owned affiliate SES SIRIUS into SES ASTRA. The renaming follows the full acquisition of SES SIRIUS in March 2010 and completes the integration of the company’s fleet, activities and teams into SES ASTRA’s operations.SES first became a shareholder in SES SIRIUS in October 2000 with a stake of 50 percent. In the course of the last decade, SES ASTRA has gradually increased this stake until it purchased the remaining 10 percent of the shares from the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) in March 2010.

Phone+ The Great Gig in the Sky

Phone+ The Great Gig in the Sky.

On target: meeting the Warfighters� Growing Needs

On target: meeting the Warfighters� Growing Needs.

COTTON FIRM GETS SATELLITE INTERNET

COTTON FIRM GETS SATELLITE INTERNET.

Unlimited Bandwidth; Ubiquitous Access

Unlimited Bandwidth; Ubiquitous Access.

Country Roads, Take Me Home�To My High-Speed Internet.

Country Roads, Take Me Home�To My High-Speed Internet.

Producer�s Gin

Producer�s Gin Keeps on Ginning withHughesNet Business Internet Service.

Harmony Ridge Farms

200 Acres, 42 Alpacas, and 1 HughesNet� Service.

SatMagazine Special with Hughes Vice President of Corporate Marketing, Dr Arunas Slekys

SatMagazine Special with Hughes Vice President of Corporate Marketing, Dr Arunas Slekys

Hughes Communications Announces First Quarter 2009 Results

Hughes Communications Announces First Quarter 2009 Results

Hughes Completes Installation of Rur al Satellite VoIP Networ k for Telefonica Espa�

Hughes Completes Installation of Rur al Satellite VoIP Networ k for Telefonica Espa�

Hughes Communications Announces 4th Quarter and Full Year 2008 Results

Hughes Communications Announces 4th Quarter and Full Year 2008 Results

YPFB TRANSPORTE S.A. : Flowing at full capacity

YPFB Transporte Taps the iDirect Platform to Improve Bolivia’s Pipeline Operations

Bourbon and Orange Business Services : Bringing VSAT Benefits Onboard

Bourbon Partners with iDirect and Orange Business Services to Modernize Fleet Communications

Australian Satellite Communications : Going the Extra Mile with Distance Learning

Australia’s Northern Territory Government Partners with Australian Satellite Communications and iDirect to Expand Educational Reach in the Outback

Equipping Responders for the Hot Zone

The UK’s Hazardous Area Response Team partners with Excelerate Technology and iDirect. The result: a satellite network that provides first responders with high-speed connectivity to treat disaster victims onsite.

SmartRig Communications Solution for Iraq

SmartRig is the joint new initiative from reputed VSAT Satellite System integrators and Field Service Providers NET FZE, SkyLinks and Echelon Satnet, based in UAE, Iraq, and over 30 other countries in the Middle East and Africa, aimed specifically at providing advanced communications infrastructure to Oil & Gas sector companies with operations in Iraq.

Educational Assets Via iNetVu

Satellite communication (SATCOM) systems have made it possible to deliver information into areas where no connectivity exists. This is particularly true in the case of rural and remote areas. SATCOM makes cooperation between countries and within regions possible and allows for linking people with technologies that go far beyond boundaries, be such a nation’s borders or technical competence. While developing countries continue to struggle to equip schools in rural areas with computers and the Internet, the developed world is highly desirous of providing highspeed Internet access into every school and learning center. Satellite technology plays a crucial role in making this goal possible.

SatCom in the SNG Market

Developments in the Satellite News Gathering (SNG) industry over the last 20 years havebeen dramatic. They have changed the way we consume news and view world events. No longer is“reporting the news” enough — consumers want to become “part of the news.” This expectation translates into having Live News available for every major story. Innovations in satellite and Internet technologies have enabled much of this advancement.

Use Of Extended C-Band With Mobile Antennas In India

From dial-up in the 90s to broadband connections in the early 2000s, and now to mobile satellite communications, Internet connectivity in the Asian sub-continent has evolved exponentially over the past decade. A growing demand for high speed Internet in the cities as well as in remote areas has led to an early penetration of satellite broadband in these countries.

Hughes CEO Reveals Economics Behind Next-Generation Satellite

Hughes CEO Reveals Economics Behind Next-Generation Satellite

Delivering Services to the Rural Poor through ICTs

On a drive into Portland from Sunriver, Oregon, Darrell Owen, the projectmanager for the last mile initiative (LMI)project in Vietnam, received a unique call on his mobile phone. The call was from half a world away, from an Intel colleague who at the time was in TaVan, a small remote rural village located in northern Vietnam. The call wasplaced over a recently installed broadband network using several newer technologies available in the marketplace—here applied for reaching into rural locations. If there was ever a rich information and communication technology (ICT) “leapfrog” deployment, this was a showcase.

SISLink found a partner with a shared focus on customer service

“In Intelsat, SISLink found a partner with a shared focus on exceeding its customers’ requirements. Our revolutionary, clientempowering approach to the uplink process combined with Intelsat’s reach and flexibility made SISLink’s most ambitious plans a reality. Together, we are changing the way the world gathers and delivers video content.”

Intelsat Globalizes Largest Concert Event in history

The ChallengeWhen event organizers and broadcasters have simultaneous projects underway and those events are happening around the globe, having an advanced network in place to transmit content in various formats to various outlets without interruption or loss is paramount. However, it is challenging to choose the right network that can deliver always-on, secure connectivity. This was the challenge Live Earth organizersfaced in July 2007 during the logistical planning of the largest live concert event in history.Executives at Live Earth had to find a transmission service provider that could handle 24 hours of live, simultaneous content from eight international venues on six continents and be able to disseminatethat content to an estimated two billion viewers worldwide, seamlessly and simultaneously. They turned to Intelsat for a solution.From its inception, Live Earth was a huge technology hurdle. Organizers described it as the equivalent of transmitting seven simultaneous Super Bowls live to a global audience. AndreMika, the Executive in Charge of Production for Live Earth, said, “I’ve worked on the Olympics... and this project was much larger and more complex than the Olympic Games.” Mikaknew from the beginning that collaboration with a leader in high definition broadcasting would be a key component in the success of the Live Earth broadcast. He needed a trulyglobal service provider with deep experience in video distribution and one with proven resources to handle an event of this scale. Mika called the Live Earth production “the biggestRubik’s cube I’ve ever seen.”

EMC broadcasts the Football World Cup 2006

The Football World Cup 2006 organizers have qualified the satellite transmission of this event as a great success.

EMC Supports IOM's Humanitarian Efforts

IOM's humanitarian committment and EMC's logistic support at an emergency situation ensured a quick chanelling of assistance tasks in the tsunami-affected areas.

Quick Reaction Terminals (QRT)

The project awarded to Globecomm was the “Rehabilitation of the Satellite Earth Station” Project. The purpose of this project is to rebuild an international gateway in Kabul. The gateway will be capable of transmitting international voice and data traffic as well as video.

SkyWAN for the World Bank - a space andn fibre solution linking East and West.

A global composite space and fibre network, with focuses in the US and Australia, is hard at work for the world's largest institution for development assistance - the World Bank Group.

No Climate too Extreme for TELE Greenland International A/S

Telecommunications from the Greenlandic Ice to the Sahara DesertToday, the Greenlandic people have a fully digitalised telecommunications system, which connects even the most remote settlements with the rest of the world through flexible and modern technology: 16 earth stations are placed strategically along the vast distances on the eastern and western coasts of Greenland, spanding from 78° north to 60° south. No matter how isolated the area, you can instantly send e-mails via satellite-based broadband Internet, watch TV-channels and dial up to anywhere in the world.

High Performance IP VPN Solutions Over Satellite Networks

Using off-the-shelf high performance VPN solutions, that can interoperate with different PEP implementations (Performance Enhancing Proxy), has been problematic. Encore Networks has developed innovative VPN solutions that can combine the best of two worlds, providing end-to-end security solutions over satellite networks and taking full advantage of embedded TCP acceleration capabilities built into satellite modems.

Intelsat and the Global Digital Solidarity Fund (DSF) join forces to fight Aids in Burundi and Burki

The ChallengeIn the information society, equality means equal access to knowledge. This equality is a fundamental condition for a harmonious transition to a global society. In developing countries,access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) helps boost economic growth. ICTs contribute to resolving a number of problems related to underdevelopment, such aseducation, health, nutrition and good governance.Access to ICTs is one of the key objectives identified by the United Nations for achieving the Millennium Development Goals.

Intelsat and Mindset Network join forces to deliver education to Africa

The ChallengeA vast area of the continent of Africa, South Africa was in need of a better delivery system of educational resources for use in the schooling, health and vocational sectors. MindsetNetwork was founded to meet this need, and has been extraordinarily successful in the delivery of educational tools to students, teachers, and health care professionals.Realizing early onthat technology would be a prime driver of their success, they tapped the deep experience and resources of Intelsat.

Cabela's

Cabela's uses broadband satellite network for business continuity.

Public Private Partnership with the Global VSAT Forum

During early December 2008, a new public-private partnership was put into place by EGAT’s ICT Team. The Director for Infrastructure and Engineering for USAID, and by David Hartshorn, Secretary General of the Global VSAT Forum (GVF). The signing of this MOU follows several months in which USAID and GVF discussed a number ofpotential benefits. For USAID this focused on exploring the potential of where deployment of satellite technologies could potentially add value to USAID’s international development portfolio. For GVF the discussions were between GVF and their member companies, exploring potential interest in partnering with USAID and how GVF members’ satellite-related services could add value to USAID’s programs, especially those being implemented in morerural locations.

Wireless Internet Links Highland Community to the World

Nestled in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range in northern Vietnam is the small, picturesque village of TaVan. Set in a tranquil landscape of rice terraces and roaming water buffalo, Ta Van is an unlikely highlandlocation for a small technological marvel that holds potential for replication in other remote villagesaround the world. With help from Intel, Vietnam Data Communication Company (VDC), a subsidiary of Vietnam Post and Telecommunication Group (VNPT), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Ta Van has managed to establish Internet links with the surrounding region and indeed, the rest of theworld—no mean feat for a remote village that previously struggled with weak mobile phone signals andhas only two fixed-line phones.Though still in the early stage, the success of the Ta Van project thus far has its partners optimistic thatthe solution can be replicated in other remote communities in Vietnam, as well as other underservedregions throughout the world.

Cost-effective Rural Broadband: A Vietnam Case Study

Beginning in 2006, Intel, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and theVietnam Data Communication Company (VDC) formed a public-private partnership in a joint effortto introduce WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), into Vietnam. This partnershipincluded the delivery of broadband access to the remote village of Ta Van in Lào Cai province locatedin north-west Vietnam. The Ta Van project utilized the IPSTAR satellite network for linking the villageto the Internet. Distribution throughout the village was accomplished via the deployment of a singleWiMAX base station and several remote subscriber stations (SS) located across Ta Van. In addition toInternet access, the joint project included voice services through Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP),complete with PSTN integration that allows for calls throughout the Lao Cai province.

Peter Share brings broadband to wind farms

HughesNet dealer brings satellite broadband connectivity to rural California wind farms.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue

Mobile emergency communications

Bagan Cybertech Joint Venture [Myanmar]

By far the largest and most successful Telecoms & IT related project undertaken in Myanmar to date [probably with any Local or Foreign Operator] is the creation of the 1st Private ISP and Next Generation Info-Communications Service Provider, Bagan Cybertech Co. Ltd. ATM's staff conceptualized and significantly contributed to the development of the Business Plan Concept, commercial analysis and detailed technical design for Bagan Cybertech IDC & Teleport, the first Private ISP, Data Center, Satellite Communications facility and Broadband Wireless Access provider in Myanmar.