Satellite Networks

A premium residential internet service has been launched in Brazil, courtesy of global communications company Viasat.

Liquid Telecom is providing its managed VSAT connectivity services to mbora, a pioneering social enterprise in Malawi.

Asian satellite operator Thaicom and CAT Telecom, which runs Thailand’s international telecommunications infrastructure, have announced a joint satellite business venture.

Intelsat and Liquid Telecom are extending their partnership to connect more than 2000 additional VSAT terminals across Africa.

At a time when the future of energy – not just oil and gas but renewables – is again a hot topic, Inmarsat, which owns and operates a global portfolio of mobile telecommunications satellite networks, plans to expands its presence in the Middle East by joining the Energy Industry Council.

Globalstar, a provider of mobile satellite voice and data services, has announced the deployment of a new ground station with second-generation technology in Córdoba, Argentina.

Colombian services provider SkyNet and satellite operator SES Networks have announced that they have extended their partnership and increased network capacity in the country to support coronavirus mitigation efforts.

Gilat Telecom has extended the reach of its VSAT services to every African country.

Mexico’s rural areas will receive a coverage boost after a recent deal involving satellite backhaul. 

Continuing evidence of the importance of wireless telecommunications during the health crisis comes from the UAE, where satellite services are playing a part in the UAE’s efforts to contain the coronavirus pandemic – in this case through Dubai’s ambulance services.

Indian space technology company Vestaspace Technology has announced plans to launch more than 35 high-speed 5G satellite constellations across India. Plans are for beta versions of the constellations to launch in September 2020 and fully operational satellites in early 2021.

Intelsat and Andesat are partnering to bring end-to-end mobile broadband (3G) service to remote communities across Peru.

The Niger government’s response to the coronavirus is being supported with satellite capacity and equipment after a recent agreement with a leading provider of satellite technology.

Azercosmos, a major satellite operator in the South Caucasus, has signed a partnership agreement with TheAngle, a company that provides satellite network services in the Middle East.

Quetzal-1 – Guatemala’s first satellite – has been deployed. The Universidad del Valle de Guatemala (UVG) and the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) saw their satellite deployed by JAXA from the International Space Station (ISS) this week.

A new deal between two major names in IT and satellite communications promises to bring a data-and-innovation-led approach to African agricultural development.

Nanosatellite manufacturer and mission integrator NanoAvionics, together with the Mexican Space Agency (AEM), is planning to introduce a nanosatellite pilot project for future space missions.

Indonesia’s new Nusantara Dua (Palapa N1) satellite did not enter its allocated orbital slot on schedule and has reportedly been destroyed.

CSS and Forsway are partnering in Mauritania to deliver affordable broadband in West Africa.

Global communications company Viasat Inc and Brazil-based satellite products distribution company Visiontec have announced the expansion of their partnership to focus on bringing fast, reliable internet service to residential homes across Brazil.

Axess Networks has formed a joint venture with Saudi operator METelecom aimed at providing end-to-end managed satellite communications solutions.

Venezuela’s sole telecoms satellite has ceased functioning three years before it was due to.

Konnect Africa, a subsidiary of satellite operator Eutelsat Communications, along with educational platform Schoolap and financial messaging network Flash Services, is planning to bring high-speed internet connectivity to Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) schools.

A welcome piece of positive news for Africa comes from the Sri Lanka-headquartered International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and a new satellite data initiative.

There has been an announcement in recent days of a major backhaul delivery in Africa by SpaceBridge, though the customer name has not yet been revealed.

Internet services group Rakuten and telecoms and technology service provider Vodafone have become the lead investors in a satellite venture that aims to extend mobile coverage to more people and devices across the planet.

Expanded internet access is coming to rural customers throughout Mexico over the next three years thanks to thousands of new Wi-Fi hotspots.

Orange, a multi-service telecommunications operator present in 18 countries in Africa, will be the first operator to adopt the O3b mPOWER  from SES, a next-generation medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite communications system, starting in the Central African Republic.

Claro Argentina, a leading mobile network operator in the Argentine market, has signed an agreement with Spanish satellite telecommunications operator Hispasat.

The Belgian development agency Enabel has partnered with SES, a supplier of global content connectivity solutions, to connect foreign aid projects in Africa via satellite.

Comtech Telecommunications Corp subsidiary Comtech EF Data Corp has selected by Bansat S.A. to supply satellite communications ground equipment to support the Aeronautica Civil de Colombia’s backup communications network for 28 airports in Colombia.

High-performance internet connectivity was restored in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) within just four days after the West Africa Cable System (WACS) undersea cable cut, thanks to the combined efforts of Gilat Telecom and SES.