Telefonica taps Eutelsat KA-SAT for Internet by satellite in Europe

In a recently-announced agreement, Telefonica Global Solutions will be using Eutelsat Communications' KA-SAT satellite to deliver Internet by satellite broadband services to European carriers.

KA-SAT will enable Telefonica to offer a new selection of Internet by satellite services. The new solutions can match the reliability and prices of existing terrestrial broadband services in Europe.

In addition, KA-SAT allows Telefonica to reach rural areas or urban belts that usually lie outside the coverage of land-based networks. The Company's Internet by satellite broadband services can also serve as fully diversified backup solutions for areas that do have access to terrestrial networks.

China Mobile, Thuraya form new mobile satellite phone business

A joint announcement from China Mobile Satellite Communication Group Ltd., China Telecom Satellite Communications Co Ltd., and Thuraya Telecommunications Co. revealed that the three partners have successfully debuted a new business focusing on mobile satellite phones.

China Mobile is the only company licensed to operate in the Yangtze River Delta Region. As part of an exclusive partnership agreement, China Mobile will introduce and exclusively offer Thuraya's mobile satellite communications devices and services to enterprise consumers in China.

In return, UAE-based satellite mobile telecom operator Thuraya will extend technical and marketing support to China Mobile customers.

China Mobile Satellite Communication Group will introduce the the first batch of Thuraya satellite phones to the enterprise market in March 2013.

The maritime industry in China operates a million fishing boats. It is considered to be the biggest target market of mobile satellite phone services.

Suggested additional reading:

• MexsatBicentenario Satellite Deploys First Signals from Space

Thuraya partners with SoftBank Mobile for satellite network services in Japan

A joint announcement by Thuraya Telecommunications and SoftBank Mobile revealed that the two companies have formed a partnership to offer mobile satellite communications services to business, enterprise, and consumer subscribers in Japan. The new partners will leverage Thuraya’s network of communications satellites for their aforementioned services.

Softbank Mobile has received approval to distribute Thuraya’s satellite network services in Japan. The distribution channels of the Japanese telecommunications company will begin offering Thuraya’s handsets and airtime services starting February 2013. Both companies will also develop a new Thuraya handset with unique features; SoftBank Mobile will be the exclusive distributor of the new handset.

The new partnership provides SoftBank users with access to Thuraya’s communications satellite network in areas that cannot be reached by terrestrial networks due to remote rough terrain or natural disasters. The satellite communications services extended by Thuraya will allow individual and enterprise consumers to enjoy clear communications at any time and anywhere in Japan and its surrounding maritime areas.

Recommended additional reading:

• MDA taps IAI for Amos-6 communications payload solution

Mobile OnAir, Internet OnAir will join Dassault Falcon 7X linefit options in 2014

OnAir recently announced that its Mobile OnAir and Internet OnAir in-flight connectivity services will become a linefit option for all Falcon 7X business jets that Dassault Aviation will build from 2014 onwards.

OnAir will leverage the GSMConneX airborne system to provide connectivity for its in-flight services. Designed and produced by TriaGnoSys, GSMConneX can link up with any satellite communications system compatible with the SwiftBroadband network. The system's small size, light weight, and unrestricted mounting options make installation extremely easy while ensuring the Falcon 7X receives the most comprehensive commercially-available hardware for in-flight connectivity.

Mobile OnAir allows owners, passengers, and crew of business jets to use their mobile phones to surf the Internet, place and receive calls, send and receive SMS, and access their email. Internet OnAir, on the other hand, creates a Wi-Fi network in the aircraft. Any Wi-Fi device will be able to access the Internet using the network.

The Falcon 7X is the premier business jet of Dassault Aviation.

Recommended additional readings:

• Gilat Satcom integrates XiPlink remote appliances into its satellite teleport

SES signs new capacity deal with Turkish broadcaster covering sub-Saharan Africa

This Wednesday, SES announced that it signed a new satellite capacity deal with Türkiye Radyo ve Televizyon Kurumu (TRT,) a public broadcaster based in Turkey, to provide the Turkish company's programs to customers in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Company's SES-5 satellite will deliver TRT's FTA digital channel TRT Turk and its radio channel Turkiyenin Sesi Radyosu (TRS) to the region between Europe and Africa. The SES platform is located at the 5 degrees East orbital slot, and it will provide flexible broadcasting operations through its Ka-band uplink capabilities.

TRT leverages another SES satellite at the prime orbital position 19.2 degrees East to broadcast its programs to audiences Western Europe.

Ibrahim Sahin, the General Manager for TRT, stated that the Turkish broadcaster could reach critical audiences and important markets outside Turkey thanks to the expertise and global satellite fleet extended by SES. The new agreement and capacity provided by SES-5 will allow TRT to directly deliver premium Turkish news, culture, and entertainment programs to audiences in sub-Saharan Africa.

Recommended additional reading:

• iDirect execs discuss Ka-band satellites during GVF Ka Roundtable Assembly 2012