AfricaCom 2012 will include Australian independent satellite company

The African digital-world’s largest event will be attended by rising Australian independent satellite communications company NewSat Ltd. Now on its 15th year, AfricaCom 2012 brings together key organizations and executives from the ICT, media, and telecom sectors at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in South Africa, from November 13 to November 15.

Over 7,000 delegates are expected to attend the summit, which will include over 200 speakers delivering panel discussions, interactive workshops, lectures, and seminars together with an expanded exhibition where companies will showcase their latest technologies and applications.

With the rise of more powerful devices such as tablets and smartphones, the digital ecosystem is changing at a fast pace. AfricaCom 2012 hopes to address the issues facing the digital industry, while focusing on this year’s theme, "Reaching the Next Frontier of Growth". Businessmen are encouraged to join the Entrepreneurs Hub focusing on business development in the continent.

NewSat Ltd is optimistic that the summit will be the perfect platform to showcase its Jabiru Satellite Program: a fleet of high-powered Ka band satellites which will deliver additional bandwidth, as well as flexible payloads to the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Over the last years, demand for satellite capacity has surged especially in Africa, where the technology can meet specific needs like satellite broadband service in remote regions. Jabiru 1, slated for a 2014 launch, will become Australia’s first independently-owned commercial satellite, and will deliver new capacity over Africa crucial for other wireless technologies and digital services to grow.

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KCET and Link TV merging

One of California’s major community TV networks announced a merger with Link TV, an open broadcast channel operated by Link Media. According to KCET CEO Al Jerome, the development will bring together the two companies to form KCETLink. Al Jerome will become Chief Executive of the new entity while Link President, Paul S. Mason will be the Chief Strategy Officer.

KCET has long been a flagship of PBS Network in the Los Angeles Area. The merger however, will create, according to the press release “a new independent public transmedia company that acquires, produces and distributes provocative global programming targeted to a national audience across multiple media platforms”. It will also increase the reach of the network to almost 33 million homes across the country.

Jerome also expressed his high-expectations for the new media outlet to thrive in a the budding digital ave thanks to the combined resources. Since KCET left PBS, the network had been struggling with declining viewership. Link TV’s technology will help the outlet expand its reach across the nation, and create new business opportunities.

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Orbcomm prototype deorbits, falls to Earth

After an anomaly during the October 7 launch where one of the engines of the SpaceX Falco 9 failed to work, Orbcomm’s prototype satellite, the OG2, has been declared a total loss. The announcement came after the spacecraft failed to reach its designated International Space Station (ISS) safety gate for the second burn. As a result the OG2 found itself in a lower orbit. 

Orbcomm engineers studied plans to use the satellite’s propulsion mechanism to push the vessel into its intended orbit. However, the plans for a second burn was scrapped due to safety reasons. Many attribute the failure to the satellite being relegated to a secondary payload. Had it been the primary payload on the Space X mission, it would have reached its desired orbit. 

Orbcomm officials explained that despite the loss of the OG2, the vessel’s critical systems were tested and worked perfectly as it was designed. The telemetry and command capability of the satellite was also established, and various communications payloads of the OG2 were verified by engineers to have worked. 

Despite the setback, the company will still work with SpaceX for future launches of its second-generation satellites. Orbcomm remains confident in the American space transport company.

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Asian satellite conferences solidifies region's leadership in the industry

The China Satellite Conference 2012 is one of the most anticipated events of the satellite industry in the Asia Pacific Region. In recent years, Asia itself, has emerged as the leading region when its comes to satellite communications technology, and the positive growth will continue with increased demand for direct-to-home services in rising economic powerhouses like India, the Middle East, and even Southeast Asia. 

This year, the China Satellite Conference will be held at the Hotel Nikko New Century in Beijing, from the 19th of September to the 21st. The three-day event is expected to draw not just key organizations from Asia, but also international operators. Attendees will get the chance to meet with suppliers, hardware manufacturers, engineers, satellite service providers and operators, along with business leaders and Chinese policy makers.

The following week, South Korea will be host to the annual Asia-Pacific Satellite Communications Council Conference & Exhibition, or the APSCC 2012. From September 25 to 27, delegates will converge at the COEX Convention Centre in the capital Seoul, to discuss Asia's leading position in the industry. 

A special panel discussion, entitled "Leading The Satellite Evolution", will be led by key leaders from satellite operators. The forum will look into the expected pricing trends in Asia, the specific demand in specific Asian regions, how partnerships are affecting regional operators supplies, and the emerging technologies as well as challenges faced by the satellite sector in general. 

Both events emphasize Asia as the forefront of collaboration initiatives with satellite operators from across the globe. At the same time, the event brings to light important issues which satellite communications companies have to resolve, including the delivery of smarter technologies to a region with growing demand.

No single player can meet all of the demand, and the conferences in China and South Korea will be a key opportunity for operators to discuss business strategies and potential joint ventures. 

Done reading? You might also want to take a look at the events in Europe. The IBC 2012 in Amsterdam will draw thousands of delegates from the electronic media and entertainment content industry. 

Australia Satellite Communications Company: NewSat Limited

Despite the growth of fibre and cable, satellite communications companies remain indispensable in a technology-reliant society. The rise of smartphones and other high-tech mobile devices mean that individuals are looking access to digital and online technologies anytime and anywhere.

Ka band satellites

In Australia, one of the major players is the independent satellite communications specialist, NewSat. The company currently delivers various services like satellite broadband, video conferencing via VSAT systems, backhauling solutions, as well as teleport services. In fact, NewSat's teleport facilities, one in Perth and another in Adelaide, are some of the world's best, not bad for an independent company. The telecommunications ports handled by the Australian company are recognized and approved by major defence organizations. 

You might wonder, why should such communications facilities need certifications from defence organizations?

Well, NewSat services both enterprise and government customers. Many US Government agencies rely on the satellite communications provided by NewSat through their teleports. In particular, these government personnel are located in the Middle East, and Australia's location actually present the best look-angles into the region. The country's climate also present minimal rain fade interference to the teleport facilities which transmit highly-secure data to the agencies in the Middle East. This is why they need to be certified by many defence organizations. 

NewSat's Adelaide Teleport

NewSat’s teleports were recently recognized as a top 3 Finalist at the 2012 World teleport Awards as well, so despite being an independent company, they are able to deliver world-class services to complement their 75% global coverage.

Presently, NewSat is working on launching what is to be Australia's first independently-owned commercial satellites, the Jabiru-1 and the Jabiru-2. The company partnered with Lockheed Martin for the construction of the vessels, and their launches slated in 2014 and later 2013 respectively. 

The company already has rights to seven premium orbital slots, and with the high-powered Ka band satellites ready for launch in two years, Australia's satellite industry as well as space quest, will get a boost.