C-COM debuts new Ka-band Flyaway Antenna

C-COM Satellite Systems, a global leader in providing auto deploy antennas, vehicle mounted antennas and other VSAT technology, exhibited its next-generation 75cm iNetVu FLY-75V Antenna — the first of its fleet of Ka-Band Flyaway Antennas.

The company’s newest product, which was introduced during the Satellite 2013 Exhibition, aims to deliver commercial broadband Ka-satellite service and is specifically designed to be in two rugged, lightweight cases for easy transportation. The antenna is intended for users in Europe and North America, with fully automated satellite acquisition and aims to provide a series of Ka-market verticals that need quick deployment by field people with who has minimal knowledge of antenna positioning. This includes disaster recovery, emergency services, Satellite News Gathering, and other high bandwidth apps.

In a statement, C-Com Satellite Systems CTO Bilal Awada noted, “the Fly-75V model is the first of a number of Ka Flyaway products to be introduced to the market shortly. The new FlyAway platform aims to be flexible, lightweight and scalable to serve emerging Ka- services around the world.”

SES taps Newtec to further expand broadband services using Ka-band technology

Newtec, a company that develops and markets state-of-the-art satellite communication products and networks, has been contracted by SES to provide its latest broadband equipment to help further expand SES Broadband Services offering. The Ka-band VSAT technology of Newtec will enable ISPs to access the SES Broadband satellite network and services offered by additional Ka-band hubs at the company’s headquarters in Betzdorf. This partnership improves the on-going development of SES Broadband service based on ASTRA Ka-band capacity.

The first orders of Newtec’s latest MDM2200 Ka consumer terminals will be shipped and delivered to different ISPs which distribute the SES Broadband service. These ISPs will provide interactive satellite broadband throughout Europe, offering voice, data and television services in regions where there is insufficient terrestrial broadband connectivity.

In a statement, Newtec CEO Serge Van Herck said: “We are delighted to be moving ahead with our first operational Ka-band service on SES Broadband Services’ network. Ka-band is vastly improving the broadband experience for both consumers and enterprise users. Newtec’s equipment is designed to ensure the best performance under any conditions, with a proven track record and at an affordable price point.”

The high-speed MDM2200 modems of Newtec will facilitate an extensive variety of application on a single platform. The modem can work in both Ku- and Ka-band frequencies, and also supports download speeds of up to 22Mbit/s. Adaptive return link modulations, multiple channel bandwidths and optimal availability and efficiency of DVB-S2 transmission with built-in FlexACM technology and Clean Channel Technology guarantee the best possible service offering.

Hughes introduces its new JUPITER Ka-band routers

Hughes Network Systems, a leading provider of satellite-based communications services, recently rolled out its Jupiter high-throughput technology to the global market, starting with the HN9600 and HN9800 Ka-band satellite routers.

The Ka-band routers use Jupiter’s technology for HughesNet’s Gen4 high-speed satellite Internet service in the United States. Avanti Communications and YahSat are two of the first international service providers to offer the new routers — Avanti on its Hylas 1 and 2 satellites over Africa, Europe and the Middle East, while YahSat on its Yahclick service in the Middle East, Africa and Southwest Asia.

In a company statement, Hughes President Pradman Kaul noted: “Jupiter high-throughput technology has exceeded expectations in powering growth of our new HughesNet Gen4 service launched last October — bringing faster speeds, greater capacity and a richer network experience to our North American customers. But Hughes is the global leader in Ka-band satellite communications, and so these new routers represent just the first steps in seeding Jupiter technology worldwide.”

ViaSat exhibits state-of-the-art Ka-band satellite communications system on H-3 aircraft

London-based ViaSat has a good reason to celebrate as the company successfully demonstrated a high-throughput Ka-band satellite communication system that provides Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) broadband for rotary wing aircraft.

Using ViaSat’s VR-12 Ka-antenna, the system was able to deliver sustained data rates of 4 Mbps from the Sikorsky H-3 helicopter to a ground station, and 8 Mbps to the helicopter. The antenna, isolated by a patent-pending shock and vibration isolation system allowing it to main lock with the satellite on the ground and in-flight, was able to overcome the inherent high shock, vibration and repetitive signal blockage from rotating blades of the H-3 helicopter.

Flight conditions for the Ka-band satellite demonstration included severe banking and operation through various rotor orientations, all while running data-intensive applications. While the tests were being conducted, operators were able to run five voice-over-IP calls simultaneously, conduct three video teleconferences from air to ground, and stream videos from the Internet to the helicopter. All applications ran smoothly without losing packet or experiencing video dropout.

The new system is said to be built on ViaSat mobile Ku- and Ka-technologies using a modified waveform optimized for effective through-the-blade broadband communications. The Ka-band satellite communication system can be used both on manned and unmanned rotary wing platforms, regardless of the number of blades and rotors, blade size, or their orientation on the airframe.

MDA chooses Com Dev to build its satellite components

Com Dev International, a Cambridge-based telecommunications and satellite technology company, has recently entered into an agreement with MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) to create satellite components. The program will supply Ka-band and Ku-band multiplexers, switches and microwave components for use in a communications satellite.

The permission to proceed with the project will initially dispense $5.1 million to cover engineering and procurement activities. Com Dev said that the full value of the deal with MDA is anticipated to go beyond $11 million, with an option for a replacement flight set valued at more than $10 million.

In a statement, Com Dev President of International Products Mike Williams said, “We are pleased to have been awarded this contract from one of our long-term customers. This reflects our acknowledged expertise in providing communication satellite components with the highest quality and efficiency and the continued trends in the marketplace for increased capacity.”

Africa turns to Ka band capacity

In Africa, the telecom industry enjoyed strong growth during the 80’s which spurred demand for satellite communications. Despite the more recent economic setbacks across the globe, the need for satellite capacity has remained. The present Ku band and C band will inevitably be saturated, and the number of orbital slots will decrease with every passing launch. This is why African governments and operators are looking at the potential of Ka band satellite capacity to deliver additional bandwidths and flexible payloads to supply the growing demand.

The new generation of Ka band satellites are also ideal to the growing IT-based industries and digital economies of the continent. Through the said satellite technology, applications like backhauling, internet on satellite, and even government communications will be made possible. Since deregulation, many operators are now facing tough competition, not to mention the challenge of making their services more affordable. Bandwidth cost had risen over the years, adding to the money already spent in changing or upgrading satellite equipment.

Ka band, according to NewSat Regional Head Steve Rich, will “trigger a step-change in the African satellite communications industry.” The Ka band technology will open up more cost-effective network deployments since it support smaller VSAT systems while delivering increased bandwidth capacities. Because of the low cost of network deployments, mobile operators that will take advantage of Ka band can now take a more “holistic view” of the market products and requirements. Certainly, Ka band will be playing a crucial role in the future of satellite communications in Africa.

Ka band strengthens internet from satellite technology

The rise of powerful ka band satellites are also encouraging the growth of internet from satellite. Since the new generation of birds have high-throughput capacity and paves the way for smaller, mobile, and thus more cost-effective end-user terminals, accessing the world wide web through satellites is not only conceivable, but even ideal.

Remote locations may benefit the most from the rise of the ka band spectrum. Since the c and ku band frequencies are reaching saturation, many operators are investing on the next spectrum – in this case Ka band – to drive robust growth in the satellite industry. The portable VSAT terminals can uplink to the new satellites offering higher-bandwidth capacity enabling Internet connections that is reliable, and even comparable to urban locations.

In Australia, for example, remote locations beyond the reaches of NBN’s fibre optic cables or fixed wireless solutions will be services through satellites. NBN Co. had already announced that ten satellite ground stations will be constructed to uplink to the Ka band satellites also being built and slated for a launch come 2015.

Clearly, the ka band spectrum is presenting great opportunities not only for the rise of internet from satellite solutions, but also factors that would drive growth for the industry. Innovation in satellite technology is necessary, especially when it’s clear that the rise of powerful communications devices have created a surge in data traffic and bandwidth-intensive applications. Ka band satellites will certainly play a crucial role for remote connectivity in the near future.

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