APSCC Monthly e-Newsletter February 2012 The Asia-Pacific Satellite Communications Council (APSCC) e-Newsletter is produced on a monthly basis as part of APSCC’s information services for members and professionals in the satellite industry. Subscribe to the APSCC monthly newsletter and be updated with the latest satellite industry news as well as APSCC activities! To renew your subscription, please fill out the attached Subscription Reply form and send it to info@apscc.or.kr. To unsubscribe, send an email to info@apscc.or.kr with a title “Unsubscribe.” News in this issue has been collected from January 1 through January 31. SATELLITE BUSINESS Gilat Announces Extension of Service Agreements with Colombian Ministry January 3, 2012 - Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. announced that the Colombian Ministry of Information Technology and Communications, through the "Fondo de Tecnologías de la Información y las Communicaciones", has extended its Social Telecommunications Program (Compartel) agreements for the provision of services under the Rural Communitarian Telephony (TRC I and TRC II) and Telecentros (TLC 3) projects for an additional ninemonths period, through 30 September, 2012. The extended service agreements are valued at approximately US$16 million. The Compartel service agreements are for projects that provide telephony and Internet access to remote communities throughout rural Colombia. The current extension of the agreements covers approximately 1,800 sites, benefiting over 4 million inhabitants residing in these rural areas with limited or no access to basic telecommunications services. Globalstar Europe Satellite Services Ltd. Signs Agreement with TS2 Satellite Technologies January 3, 2012 - Globalstar Europe Satellite Services Ltd, a subsidiary of Globalstar Inc, has signed a distribution agreement with TS2 Satellite Technologies in Poland. Warsaw-based TS2, a provider of satellite communication products and services, will act as a national distributor in Poland for Globalstar's mobile satellite voice and duplex data products to the defense, government and private sectors through its established dealer channel. ITT Exelis Wins Satellite Communications Contract January 3, 2012 - ITT Exelis has been awarded a US$ 121 million U.S. Army contract to provide mission support to wideband satellite operations centers and management sites around the world. The Wideband Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Operations and Technical Support (WSOTS) contract, awarded by the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command and the Army Forces Strategic Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., includes the base year and six, one-year option periods. As a key provider of C4ISR (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) and technical services for defense and government agencies, Exelis will continue to support global network and computer systems for critical military satellite communications. Glowlink Awarded Contract by US Air Force for Carrier Spectrum Monitoring and Geolocation January 4, 2012 - Glowlink announced that it has been award a major competitive contract by the US Air Force for satellite carrier monitoring and interference geolocation capabilities. Under the contract, one of the most significant in the company’s history, the Air Force will deploy a worldwide network of systems based on the company’s state-of-the-art Model 8000 geolocation and Model 1010 wideband carrier monitoring systems. The Model 8000 is a compact, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) geolocation system. It uses advanced technology to swiftly detect, identify and geo-locate satellite interferences. The Model 1010 is an ultra-wide bandwidth spectrum monitoring and analysis system with superior carrier monitoring characteristics. ViaSat Renews Distribution Agreement with National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative January 5, 2012 - ViaSat Inc. has entered into a new five-year wholesale distribution agreement with the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC) for next-generation satellite broadband service through the new ViaSat-1 satellite. Similar to retail offerings, the agreement will allow NRTC members to experience the new 12 Mbps service packages. Outside ViaSat-1 coverage areas, NRTC will introduce enhanced 5 Mbps service APSCC Monthly e-Newsletter 1 February 2012 through a new network of next-generation gateways and consumer terminals. ViaSat-1, providing more capacity than all other communication satellites over the U.S. combined, is designed to transform the economics and quality of service that satellite broadband can provide. The technology is expected to elevate satellite into a much more competitive position in the broadband service marketplace, offering a faster Internet service starting at US$50. Kratos Awarded Contract for USAF Space-Based Infrared System Program January 9, 2012 - Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. announced that its RT Logic subsidiary has been awarded an initial contract valued at approximately US$5 million by Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Solutions to supply the U.S. Air Force (USAF) with the Space-based Infrared System (SBIRS) Enhanced Multi-Band Modem (SEMM). SEMM is based on RT Logic's industry-leading Telemetrix(R) 400XR (T400XR) software-defined receiver and digital processing unit. The USAF's SBIRS satellites provide the nation with significantly improved missile warning capabilities and simultaneously support other critical missions including missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness. Belgium Satellite Services and Intersat Sign Agreement to Expand into the Middle East and Africa January 10, 2012 - Belgium Satellite Services S.A. (BSS), a leading player in teleport services and satellite communications, and Intersat Africa Limited, announced the signing of a partnership agreement to expand their operations and service delivery in the Middle East and African markets. Intersat currently offers Internet via Satellite connectivity to major organizations, government institutions and the private sector through the African continent and The Middle East. The company has invested in state-of-the-art technology and cutting edge solutions that make service delivery more efficient and reliable for its customers and has won numerous awards for affordable and reliable connectivity. Hughes Announces HughesNet Gen4 January 10, 2012 - Hughes Network Systems has announced HughesNet® Gen4―the next-generation of its satellite Internet service that will bring faster speeds, greater download capacity, and a richer Internet experience to millions of consumers. HughesNet Gen4 is built upon a network of high-capacity satellites, ground technology, and in-home devices tightly integrated to deliver high performance and continuous, reliable service. The extensive Gen4 satellite network will deliver the industry’s greatest download capacity, giving consumers the ability to enjoy music, voice, video, and other media-rich applications. The road to Gen4 has already begun. Over the past several months, Hughes has made enhancements to the HughesNet service to improve customers’ browsing and download experience including introducing new features such as larger download allowances and the ability to bank unused daily data allowances for future use. Iridium and KVH Team to Provide Maritime Satellite Communications Service January 11, 2012 - Iridium Communications Inc. and KVH Industries, Inc. announce an agreement to offer the first-ever, fully global, seamless broadband satellite communications service for the maritime market. Under the agreement, KVH will offer an integrated service package that combines its mini-VSAT BroadbandSM service and the Iridium OpenPort® broadband service. The combined offering will deliver the maritime industry the first seamless, truly global, broadband connectivity, helping mariners connect in ways never before thought possible. The integrated shipboard system will use common below-deck user interface equipment for voice and data connections, combining the Iridium OpenPort and KVH TracPhone ® V3 or V7 terminals. KVH's CommBox™ shipboard network management tool automatically selects the mini-VSAT Broadband service or the Iridium OpenPort service using intelligent least-cost routing software. O3b Networks Expands Service Capabilities through Partnerships with Industry Leading Vendors January 13, 2012 - O3b Networks has entered into partnerships with a series of industry leading vendors who will enable the company to deliver the benefits of its ground breaking technology to customers worldwide. General Dynamics’ SATCOM Technologies, Comtech EF Data Corporation and Gilat Satellite Networks along with previously announced partner ViaSat will provide a comprehensive range of customer access systems for use on the O3b network capable of delivering throughputs from 1 Mbps to 1 Gbps. This range of O3b VSAT terminals provides O3b customers the flexibility to choose the features and functionality most suited to their needs. Hughes Provides Airborne and Maritime Solutions for International Coalition Partner January 17, 2012 - Hughes Network Systems, LLC has been awarded a contract to provide airborne and maritime tactical communications solutions for an international Coalition partner supporting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) initiatives. Under the terms of the agreement, Hughes will employ its advanced HX System, a platform that provides full Internet Protocol (IP) functionality with enhanced security standards to meet the APSCC Monthly e-Newsletter 2 February 2012 unique requirements of ISR applications. The HX architecture employs one or more sophisticated Gateways under a single, comprehensive network management system – ExpertNMS – with a highly intuitive and interactive user interface, featuring advanced diagnostics. The system's bandwidth allocation scheme ensures optimal utilization of satellite bandwidth by releasing assignments to idle terminals, resulting in lower operational costs and improved efficiency. Comtech EF Data Receives Contract for Satellite Communications Ground Equipment January 17, 2012 - Comtech EF Data Corp., has been awarded a US$3.2 million contract for satellite communications ground equipment. A mobile operator in Latin America will procure equipment against the contract to support satellite-based mobile backhaul network expansion projects. The contract covers purchases of Comtech EF Data's advanced communication solutions, including modems and RF products. The Comtech EF Data products are designed and manufactured at the Tempe, Arizona plant. Based on technologies that provide satellite bandwidth efficiency and link optimization, the solutions reduce OPEX/CAPEX, optimize bandwidth and lower the total cost of ownership. Marlink Accredited as Platinum Partner by Inmarsat January 17, 2012 - Marlink has been certified as a ‘Platinum Partner’ by Inmarsat. The Platinum status is the highest level of Inmarsat’s Partner Accreditation Programme, confirming Marlink’s strength in the MSS market with its 8000 seagoing vessels with Inmarsat equipment. As a global provider of satellite communications services to the maritime market, Marlink is the largest partner to be awarded Platinum status. Currently, every fourth vessel going to sea with MSS on-demand satellite communications on-board has purchased the hardware and services from Marlink. The latest accreditation will enable Marlink to further develop and enhance the Inmarsat services Marlink provides to customers worldwide. Maersk Line Selects Ericsson to Deploy Satellite Communication to Vessel Fleet January 18, 2012 - Maersk Line has selected Ericsson to introduce integration and deployment of mobile and satellite communication to its entire vessel fleet. The Maersk Line fleet comprises more than 500 container vessels. Over the next two years, Maersk Line will outfit 400 of these vessels with Ericsson antennas and GSM base stations, with upgrades to be made to the remaining vessels soon after. As part of the agreement, Ericsson will provide seven years of global managed services support, including 24/7 network monitoring and onboard maintenance services in a large number of ports across all major regions. Globecomm Awarded Network Upgrade Infrastructure Contract from a Major U.S. Broadcaster January 19, 2012 - Globecomm Systems Inc. announced that the Company has received a network infrastructure contract from a major United States broadcaster valued at US$1.6 million. Globecomm has worked closely with this customer for many years building out and supporting their content distribution network with a reach that spans across millions of end-user customers. Globecomm will upgrade the antenna infrastructure and related subsystems and anticipates completion of the project in the Company’s current fiscal year ending June 30, 2012. NewSat Announces Aus$ 7.5 Million of New Teleport Contract Wins for First Half of FY 2012 January 19, 2012 - NewSat Limited announced a number of new significant Teleport customer contract wins signed during the first half of FY 2012. The new Teleport business contracts are worth Aus$ 7.5 million in additional revenue and will provide satellite communication services across Australasia and the Middle East. The Aus$ 7.5 million in new Teleport business contracts represent growth to NewSat’s existing revenue base and takes the Monthly Recurring Revenue to Aus$ 2.9 million per month, up Aus$ 800,000 (+38%) since December 2010. Zodiac Aerospace Completes the Acquisition of Contour Aerospace January 19, 2012 - Zodiac Aerospace has completed the acquisition of Contour Aerospace Ltd. from PAIG Investments Limited, an investment vehicle controlled by the RBS Special Opportunities Fund. With facilities in Cwmbran and Camberley in the UK, Contour Aerospace employs around 1,300 people and reported revenue of approximately £130 million in 2010. This acquisition will enable Zodiac Aerospace to strengthen its seats product range, in particular in the business class and first class seating segments. The consolidation of Contour Aerospace is expected to have an accretive impact on Zodiac Aerospace net result for the FY2011/20121. AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems and ViaSat Enter Strategic Alliance January 23, 2012 - AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) announced that the organizations have entered into a strategic alliance to align AAI's advanced unmanned aircraft and command and control technologies with ViaSat integrated airborne and terrestrial satellite communications, as well as its Internet Protocol-based networking and APSCC Monthly e-Newsletter 3 February 2012 security technology. Under the agreement, the organizations intend to develop and mature beyond-line-of-sight satellite communications capabilities for current and next-generation AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems aircraft. Along with fellow Textron Systems business Overwatch, AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems and ViaSat collaborate on the Forward Airborne Secure Transmission and Communication, or FASTCOMTM, system. FASTCOM is an end-to-end, mobile cellular network that accommodates Top Secret smartphone communications. Through this strategic alliance, the two companies can build on the FASTCOM system's maturity with additional third- and fourth-generation, or 3G and 4G, capability to further enhance battlefield communications. Globalstar Announces Agreement with Shahad Al Sahra to Operate Satellite Gateway in Saudi Arabia January 23, 2012 - Globalstar, Inc. has signed a letter of intent with Shahad Al Sahra Trading Est. (SAS), for SAS's ownership and operation of a satellite gateway ground station located in Saudi Arabia and the establishment of a Satellite Services Agreement. The gateway, which is already constructed, will provide Globalstar mobile satellite voice and data services to all of Saudi Arabia and throughout parts of the surrounding Middle East region. The transaction would also provide SAS as the independent service provider, with access to one of the world's largest remote petrochemical exploration markets. Comtech EF Data Receives Orders for SATCOM Products to Power Government Network January 23, 2012 - Comtech EF Data Corp. received US$1.0 million of orders from a European systems integrator for SATCOM products. A government agency in the Middle East will utilize the infrastructure products to power its IP-based, secure satellite communications network. The customer selected the SLM-5650A Satellite Modems and the Vipersat Management System (VMS). The SLM-5650A Satellite Modem is compliant with MILSTD-188-165A, modem types I, II, IV, V and VI for applications on government and commercial satellites. Advanced SLM-5650A options ordered were the TRANSEC module that provides bulk AES-256 encryption/decryption certified to FIPS-140-2 Level 2 and the Network Processor module featuring advanced Internet Protocol features -- routing, switching, Quality of Service and Vipersat dynamic bandwidth control. Thuraya Signs Service Partner Agreement with Africell Holding to Serve African Markets January 23, 2012 - To embolden its distribution network in Africa, Thuraya has signed a service partner agreement with Africell Holding (a subsidiary of Lintel Holding). Through this partnership, Africell, one of Africa’s most dynamic GSM operators, will be providing Thuraya’s data and voice services in Gambia, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Thuraya provides border-to-border seamless satellite coverage over Africa, which complements existing terrestrial operators such as Africell ensuring that consumers out of GSM reach can access reliable and cost-effective satellite communications. Furthermore, as the only satellite operator that offers satellite roaming capabilities for GSM consumers, Thuraya allows access for people on the move to enjoy the ubiquitous coverage of the Company’s robust network by simply inserting their GSM SIM cards into any Thuraya handheld. Newtec Completes Major Project for European Defence Department January 24, 2012 - Newtec has been involved in a growing number of government projects worldwide. Most recently, Newtec successfully completed a major national security project in Europe. Newtec has a wide portfolio of state-of-the-art Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) products and solutions for government and defence applications. Newtec has a track record in the US, Canada and Europe with more than 26 years’ experience as a worldwide market leader in applications such as broadcasting, trunking of voice, data and video and government applications over satellite. Newtec satellite modulators and receivers have been perceived as the best performing equipment by national security and intelligence agencies through their full compliance with DVB-S2 standards, their flexibility and outstanding quality. Integral Systems Executes Contract Modification with AFSPC and SMC January 24, 2012 - Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. has announced that its Integral Systems subsidiary has executed a contract modification with the Air Force Space Command, or AFSPC, and Missile Systems Center, or SMC, to complete development and fielding of RAIDRS Block 10, or RB-10. The modification resulted in an additional contract value of US$9.9 million on the RAIDRS contract. The Rapid Attack, Identification, Detection and Reporting System (RAIDRS) program supports the US Air Force's Space Superiority Objective. RAIDRS Block 10 supports the Defensive Counter Space (DCS) initiative for Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) to detect, characterize, report and geolocate potential attacks against US-protected communication satellites. When complete, RAIDRS will provide worldwide, real-time event detection and characterization of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) from multiple transportable end nodes to a single control location. RAIDRS has already established its Central Operating Location (COL) at Peterson AFB and has broken ground on three of its five worldwide nodes. APSCC Monthly e-Newsletter 4 February 2012 Calian's SED Division Wins Contracts for Satellite Ground Systems January 24, 2012 - Calian Technologies Ltd. announced that its Systems Engineering Division (SED) has signed two new contracts for the provision of Satellite Ground Systems worth a combined value of US$ 7.6 million. SED was chosen by Thrane & Thrane of Denmark for the provision and installation of an Inmarsat BGAN RF Ground System for CTTIC in China. In addition, in late Q1 of this fiscal year, SED was selected by the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS) via PWGSC competitive tender to provide and install a Remote Sensing Antenna System in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. AMOS-5 Communications Satellite Begins Commercial Operations January 25, 2012 - Spacecom announced that its AMOS-5 satellite is commercially operational. AMOS-5’s Cband and Ku-band payload includes high-power 14x72 MHz and 4x36 MHz C-band transponders that combined with 18x72 MHz Ku-band transponders enable it to be a prime carrier of African satellite communications traffic in both broadcast and data services in the years to come. AMOS-5’s pan African C-band covers the entire continent while its three Ku-band beams bring connectivity to the continent’s fastest growing regions: Francophone, Central and Southern Africa. Prior to launch, Spacecom pre-sold over 50 percent of AMOS-5 capacity to a variety of customers, including broadcasters, telecom providers, communications companies and government agencies. Inmarsat Launches BGAN M2M IP Data Service January 26, 2012 - Inmarsat announced the launch of BGAN M2M, a new end-to-end IP data service targeting the growing global market for machine-to-machine communications. BGAN M2M provides a low-cost solution to support real-time M2M applications. The service is suitable for M2M applications that would typically send between 1Mb and 50Mb per terminal per month, offering a scalable solution for smart metering, SCADA, remote asset monitoring, meteorological and environmental data reporting, and other telemetry requirements. The new fixed service will be targeted at a range of market sectors, including utilities, oil & gas, civil government and retail banking. BGAN M2M will be available from 15th February 2012 through existing BGAN distribution partners and service providers, offering value-added applications and service integration. The service launches with the Hughes 9502 BGAN M2M terminal, building on the highly-successful Hughes 9201-M2M product. Integral Systems Awarded Military Satellite Command & Control Contract from USAF January 30, 2011 - Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. announced that the U.S. Air Force (USAF) Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) has awarded its Integral Systems subsidiary a US$15.69 million extension to its Command and Control System-Consolidated (CCS-C) contract. Under the terms of the contract extension Integral Systems will continue to provide the USAF and SMC with its EPOCH Integrated Product Suite (IPS) to simplify operations by consolidating satellite ground systems. The award extends CCS-C system sustainment, hardware maintenance, software maintenance, and operations support through calendar year 2012. The CCS-C contract, first awarded in 2002, enables a unified Command and Control (C2) capability for the 50th Space Wing's complete family of MILSATCOM satellite programs. ORBIT to Supply Commercial EO Ground Station Solution to Russian Space Company January 30, 2012 - ORBIT Communication Ltd. has been selected by STEC.COM LLC, a Russian space company, to supply a commercial ground station solution to support dual communication with Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites. The total value of the contract is estimated at US$800,000. ORBIT offers a comprehensive and field-proven suite of earth observation ground stations that enable accurate and continuous communication with LEO satellites in earth observation missions. NordNet Picks Eutelsat's Tooway Service for its Triple Play Satellite Offer January 30, 2012 - Eutelsat Communications announced that its Skylogic affiliate has signed a distribution agreement with NordNet, a subsidiary of France-Télécom-Orange, which enables France's leading alternative broadband supplier to add new impetus to its range of satellite Internet services. Using Skylogic's satellite broadband service, NordNet launched Triple Play services in France delivering 10 Mbps download speeds for consumers and businesses. NordNet's choice of Tooway™ underscores its ambition to leverage the highestperforming satellite services to respond to demand for broadband from consumers and businesses unserved or underserved by ADSL. It enables NordNet to benefit immediately from the superior performance and functionalities of Tooway™ that is provided in France and across Europe by Eutelsat's KA-SAT satellite. Telenor Satellite Broadcasting Offers Advanced Services with New SatLink Hub from STM January 30, 2012 - STM Group, Inc. has announced the installation of a fully redundant SatLink Hub 9400 LE by Telenor Satellite Broadcasting (TSBc), which will provide services with two forward links from a new location in Cyprus. With the new hub, TSBc will be able to offer the latest in satellite communications technology. The new APSCC Monthly e-Newsletter 5 February 2012 location in Cyprus allows TSBc to offer expanded coverage of the Middle East region with important qualityenhancing features from STM, such as Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM), which intelligently adjusts modulation parameters to compensate for varying weather. Other features of the SatLink hub include support for up to 500 VSATs, increased bandwidth efficiency with Adaptive Carrier Selection (ACS), advanced MF-TDMA resource control, and extensive bandwidth management tools assuring no wasted resources in the network. OmniAccess Upgrades Global VSAT Network to iDirect’s IDX 3.0 Software January 31, 2012 - VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect) announced that OmniAccess S.L., a communications provider to super- and mega-yacht owners, has upgraded its global VSAT network with iDirect’s latest operating software, iDX 3.0. By combining SCPC and TDMA operating modes on one platform, iDX 3.0 enables OmniAccess to achieve higher efficiency and greater flexibility in bandwidth allocation during high-use seasons, while reducing overall hardware and operating expenses. OmniAccess has also installed a new iDirect Universal 5IF satellite hub in Singapore. The additional hub extends OmniAccess’ broadband coverage in the Caribbean and throughout South East Asia for super-yacht customers. SES Relocates SES-3 Satellite to Meet Growing Customer Demand January 31, 2012 - SES S.A. announced that the SES-3 satellite is being relocated from its former location over North America to Asia, an area experiencing great demand for state-of-the-art, reliable satellite capacity. The SES-3 satellite is being relocated to 108.2 degrees East to provide coverage of the Middle East and South Asia regions, where SES experiences growing customer demand. The drift began in mid-December 2011 and the satellite is expected to arrive at its new orbital location on February 6, 2012. SES-3 is a young satellite as it was just launched in July of 2011. Once reaching 108.2 degrees East, the planned coverage is capable of supporting such applications as video, voice, data, and end-to-end communications networks. With MAC-1 compliance and encrypted tracking, telemetry and control, the satellite is also well positioned to meet the secure communications needs of government customers. Yahsat 1A Lights up CETel Teleport Germany January 31, 2012 - CETel Group (Central European Telecom Services) finalized its preparations for Satellite Services on the powerful satellite Yahsat 1A. Its Teleport, located in the centre of Germany near Bonn, operates a 6.1m antenna on Yahsat 1A satellite, which offers complete European and Middle East coverage in lower extended Ku-Band. With its extraordinary, highly secured and fully redundant Teleport facilities, CETel can offer Up-/Downlink services as well as Broadband Internet access and further fiber optic connections via this satellite. Especially the excellent Ku-Band coverage across the Middle East and Afghanistan offers attractive satellite capacity with extraordinary conditions. BROADCASTING YahLive and Etisalat Sign Partnership Agreement for Satellite TV Uplink Services January 2, 2012 - YahLive has signed a partnership agreement with Etisalat to collaborate on satellite broadcasting services. Under the new agreement, Etisalat will establish uplink services to YahLive's Y1A satellite which broadcasts at 52.5 degrees East orbital location. News of the agreement will be welcomed by UAE based companies as it will allow national channels to be broadcasted in HD format for the first time, and on the HD hotspot in the region, through YahLive's easily accessible and growing HD satellite offering. Arqiva Secures UK Distribution Deal with France 24 January 5, 2012 - Arqiva, the communications infrastructure and media services company, has won the contract to distribute the France 24 news channel in the UK. The five-year contract sees Arqiva providing multiplexing, uplinking and satellite services that deliver the channel’s English language feed to the BSkyB and Freesat platforms as well as to an extensive network of hotels. Following its launch five years ago France 24 has built a 30 million-strong weekly following for its 24/7 news content which brings a French perspective to world events. With global distribution reaching 160 million homes worldwide its programming is produced in Paris in French, English and Arabic. Arqiva uses its facilities in France and its global terrestrial fiber network to bring the channel’s feeds to the UK. The English language feed is then uplinked onto Arqiva’s Eurobird 1 satellite capacity through one of its international teleports. Exclusive delivery of the service began on 1 November. APSCC Monthly e-Newsletter 6 February 2012 GlobeCast and Arabsat Launch the Global Arabic Bouquet with ASBU on Arabsat-5C January 5, 2012 - GlobeCast and Arabsat announced that the Global Arabic Bouquet (GAB), a grouping of premium Arabic channels from the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) available anywhere in the world, is now located on the 5C satellite over Africa. This satellite, Arabsat’s newest, was launched in September 2011. GlobeCast – Arabsat and ASBU’s partner for the worldwide distribution of the GAB – is providing all the technical services required for end-to-end delivery. The terrestrial delivery is done from Amman by Jordan Media City. This service via Arabsat replaces the bouquet’s previous distribution. Since the launch of their partnership in 2004, GlobeCast, Arabsat and ASBU have expanded the Global Arabic Bouquet’s potential viewership and footprint, offering a single global coverage to ASBU members. Raj TV Network’s 11 Channels Join AsiaSat 5 January 9, 2012 - Asia Satellite Telecommunications Co. Ltd. (AsiaSat) announced that Raj Television Network of India has signed a lease agreement for C-band capacity on AsiaSat 5 to broadcast a TV bouquet of 11 satellite channels in the Asia-Pacific region. Raj Television Network‟s comprehensive channel offerings on AsiaSat 5 include its flagship Tamil entertainment channel Raj TV; Tamil movie channel Raj Digital Plus; Telugu entertainment channel Vissa; Hindi entertainment channel Raj Pariwar; music channels in South Indian languages Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and Telugu; and news channels in Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam. Raj has plans to launch a Kannada-language news channel and HD channels in the future. Pace Helps Yes Transition to Advanced HD Digital Services in Israel January 11, 2012 - Pace plc has signed a partnership deal with DBS Satellite Services (1998) Ltd, 'Yes', the Satellite Broadcasting company in Israel. Under the agreement, Pace will provide new platforms to enable Yes to deploy advanced HD digital services, including HD Video on Demand, to its customers. As part of the agreement, Pace, a leading developer of technologies, products and services for global broadband and broadcast markets, has already initiated roll-out of a HD set-top box to Yes customers. The HD set-top box will incorporate advanced services, allowing Yes to upgrade cost effectively in the field. In addition, the set-top box is capable of being interactive and means Yes subscribers can enjoy pay TV applications such as HD Video on Demand over Ethernet connection. SkyVision Signs Extended Contract with MEASAT January 13, 2012 - MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn. Bhd. (MEASAT) announced an agreement with SkyVision Global Networks Ltd. (SkyVision), for capacity on the AFRICASAT-1 satellite across the African region. The multitransponder agreement enables SkyVision to continue providing its existing cost effective, reliable, tier-one internet connectivity solutions to ISPs, enterprises, telcos and mobile operators in the region. SkyVision offers a wide variety of connectivity options and provides direct access to the internet backbone via tier-one internet providers. SkyVision was chosen as the Satellite Service Provider of the Year 2011 at the recent AfricaCom exhibition and conference in Cape Town. The AFRICASAT-1 satellite which is located at the 46 degrees East orbital slot provides C-band coverage across the African region as well as the Middle East and parts of East Europe. The slot will be enhanced with the AFRICASAT-1a satellite in Q4 2012. SIS LIVE selects Two Eutelsat Satellites to Boost Resources for Outside Broadcasting January 16, 2012 - SIS LIVE is ramping up its access to permanent capacity on satellites operated by Eutelsat Communications. New contracts have been signed between both companies for significant capacity on the ATLANTIC BIRD 1 satellite and on W3C, Eutelsat's newest satellite. With multi-year leases guaranteeing access to 144 MHz of capacity on W3C and 36 MHz on ATLANTIC BIRD 1, SIS LIVE will benefit from an exceptional footprint covering the UK and Europe to serve the market for broadcast services. The capacity will add flexibility to SIS LIVE's pool of permanent resources, equipping it to meet broadcaster requirements for a stellar year of events in 2012 that will include the UK Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympic and Paralympic Games in addition to Formula One, Wimbledon Championships, European Tour Golf and the 2012 European football championship in Poland and the Ukraine. It will also support SIS LIVE's expanding business operations in France. SKY Perfect JSAT Provides Broadcast-Linked Video-On-Demand Service for TV January 17, 2012 - SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation will start of providing “SKY PerfecTV! On-Demand,” which is the broadcast-linked video-on-demand service for TV on February 1, 2012. This service is video-on-demand service for a multimedia device which enables customers to enjoy the contents of SKY PerfecTV! anywhere anytime with various terminals, such as TV, PCs, tablet devices, and smartphones, under the concept “Buy Once Watch Anywhere.” SKY Perfect JSAT has expanded its service step by step since it started this service in October of last year. Once the distribution for TV is started users will become able to receive the video-ondemand (VOD) service with a SKY PerfecTV! HD-compatible tuner and digital TV in addition to PCs, smartphones, APSCC Monthly e-Newsletter 7 February 2012 and tablet devices. SKY Perfect JSAT also plan to expand its contents and distribute a total of 27 channels, including the currently available 13 channels, as of February 1, and over 30 channels by March of this year. Orange TV Now Broadcasts Satellite Channels of the M6 Group January 17, 2012 - Orange TV is adding the Astra Satellite, Hot Bird and AB3 channels of the M6 Group to its offering of multichannel packages in France. The M6 Group channels, which are already available via broadband internet and fiber, join Orange TV's satellite offering of general interest and entertainment channels: Tva (channel 45): la chane fminine que tout le monde regarde, already part of the Standard and Extra packages, is now available in Orange TV's channel lineup on channel 45 via broadband internet and fiber and on Astra Satellite in HD. MagtiSat - First DTH TV Platform in Georgia Starts via ASTRA January 17, 2012 - SES MagtiCom, the Georgian mobile and telecommunication company, announce the launch of MagtiSat, Georgia’s first domestic direct-to-home (DTH) satellite platform, via ASTRA. The pay-TV offer will be available beginning January 23, 2012. SES owns and operates the ASTRA satellites. MagtiSat will offer 75 TV channels that include the most popular standard definition (SD) and high-definition (HD) channels. At the initial stage, MagtiCom will offer three packages: start, basic and HD. The packages will be available throughout Georgia from the first day of broadcasting. Based on a long-term agreement between SES and MagtiCom, several ASTRA transponders at its 31.5 degrees East orbital position will be utilized for Georgia’s first domestic DTH television platform. The 31.5 degrees East orbital position offers excellent growth opportunities for broadcasters in Central Eastern Europe and can accommodate the rising demand for SD and HD services in the region. The operator will broadcast in DVB-S2 standard and MPEG-4 encoding. Eutelsat's Satellites Break the Barrier of 4,000 TV Channels January 30, 2012 - Eutelsat Communications announced that the number of channels broadcasting through its satellites hit the milestone of 4,000 at the end of 2011. This new landmark reflects almost 30 years of uninterrupted channel growth since the first TV signals broadcast in Europe from Eutelsat's pioneering communications satellites. The threshold was crossed with the launch at Eutelsat's 7 degrees West video neighbourhood of Rotana Cinema, devoted to classic and contemporary films in Arabic and part of the Rotana entertainment group. LAUNCH / SPACE Astrium Takes a Major Step Forward in the Development of Ariane 5 ME (Midlife Evolution) December 1, 2011 - Astrium has received confirmation from the European Space Agency (ESA) following its Preliminary Design Review (PDR) that the Ariane 5 Midlife Evolution launcher project has been approved. More than 100 European specialists in different fields have validated Astrium’s preliminary design definition, development plan and specifications for the various sub-systems of the launcher that should allow the Ariane 5 Midlife Evolution program to continue full steam ahead with its development stage, once the financing is decided by ESA’s member states during the next Council at the Ministerial meeting, planned for November 2012. Ariane 5 ME will be capable of placing up to 12 metric tons of payload in geostationary orbit, boosting the launcher’s capacity by 20% compared with the current Ariane 5 ECA. The ME version will also have an expanded range that covers all types of satellite orbits, meaning a larger commercial offer for Ariane while meeting the needs of institutional customers. LM-4B Successfully Launches ZY-3 and VesselSat-2 Satellites January 10, 2012 - China’s LM-4B launch vehicle successfully sent the Ziyuan 3 satellite and Vesselsat-2 micro satellite into the predetermined orbit at Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center (TSLC). Ziyuan 3, developed by China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), subordinated to China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp. (CASC), is a high-resolution remote sensing satellite, offering services to aid the country's land-resources surveys, natural-disaster prevention, agriculture development, water-resources management, and urban planning. Vesselsat-2 satellite is designed and manufactured by LuxSpace Sarl of Luxemburg, a subsidiary company of OHB AG. China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) signed the Launch Services Agreement with LuxSpace Sarl to send Vesselsat-2 to Sun Synchronous Orbit as piggyback payload. VesselSat-2 is designed to collect AIS data for maritime surveillance with integrated design, high efficiency and low cost. LM-4B sent the Vesselsat-2 successfully into the predetermined orbit. APSCC Monthly e-Newsletter 8 February 2012 U.S. Air Force Awards Lockheed Martin Contract for Third and Fourth GPS III Satellites January 12, 2012 - The U.S. Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin a US$238 million contract for production of the third and fourth satellites in the next-generation Global Positioning System (GPS) constellation, known as GPS III. The acquisition of the next two GPS III satellites at one time will allow the Lockheed Martin-led team to maximize efficiencies in satellite manufacturing. The GPS III program will affordably replace aging GPS satellites while improving capability to meet the evolving needs of military, commercial and civilian users worldwide. GPS III satellites will deliver better accuracy and improved anti-jamming power while enhancing the spacecraft's design life and adding a new civil signal designed to be interoperable with international global navigation satellite systems. Azerbaijan to Launch Three Satellites into Orbit January 17, 2012 - Azerbaijan's first communications satellite (Azerspace-1) will be delivered to the Kourou space launching site in October, and its launch is scheduled for the next three months (by late 2012). The satellite is expected to be launched in late 2012. Azerspace's manufacturer is Orbital Sciences Corporation. An orbital position of 46 degrees East longitude has been leased from Malaysian satellite operator MEASAT. Arianespace will launch the satellite into orbit. United Launch Alliance Launches U.S. Air Force's Wideband Global SATCOM-4 (WGS-4) Satellite January 19, 2012 - A United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket carrying the Wideband Global SATCOM-4 (WGS-4) satellite for the United States Air Force lifted off from Space Launch Complex-37. This is ULA's first launch of the year and marked the 18th launch of the Delta IV vehicle. This mission was launched aboard a Delta IV Mediumplus configuration vehicle using a ULA single common booster core powered by a Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RS-68 main engine, along with four Alliant Techsystems GEM 60 solid rocket motors. The five-meter diameter upper stage was powered by a PWR RL10B-2 engine with the satellite encapsulated in a five-meter diameter composite payload fairing. Wideband Global SATCOM provides anytime, anywhere communication for the warfighter through broadcast, multicast, and point to point connections. WGS is the only military satellite communications system that can support simultaneous X and Ka band communications Sea Launch to Launch the Intelsat 21 Spacecraft January 24, 2012 - Sea Launch will launch the Intelsat 21 communications satellite in the third quarter of 2012. The spacecraft will be lofted into an optimized geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) utilizing the Sea Launch Zenit 3SL launch system. The launch will occur from Sea Launch’s Odyssey launch platform at its equatorial launch site located at 154 degrees West longitude, in the international waters of the Pacific Ocean. Built by Boeing Satellite Systems Inc., the 702-MP Intelsat 21 satellite will replace the Intelsat 9 satellite located at 302 degrees East, and will serve the leading video distribution and DTH neighborhoods in Latin America. It is designed for 15 years of service. Sea Launch and Intelsat signed a multiple launch services agreement for up to five missions on the Sea Launch system in 2010. Thales Alenia Space Has Completed Integration of Service Module for the Fourth ATV January 25, 2012 - Thales Alenia Space has completed integration of the fourth ICC (Integrated Cargo Carrier), the service module for the ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle), on behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA). The fourth ATV, named after world-renowned scientist Albert Einstein, was shipped last December 28 from Thales Alenia Space’s integration center in Turin, Italy, to the program prime contractor Astrium in Bremen, Germany. Like the first ATV, Jules Verne, launched in 2008, the Johannes Kepler ATV2, launched in February 2011, and the Edoardo Amaldi ATV3, set for launch in early 2012, the Albert Einstein ATV4 will now undergo a series of tests. It will then be shipped to the Guiana Space Center in French Guiana, for a launch to the International Space Station slated for early 2013. NEC Begins System Design of the Next "Hayabusa" Asteroid Explorer January 26, 2012 - NEC Corporation announced the beginning of system design of asteroid explorer for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's (JAXA) "Hayabusa 2 Project," a successor to the original "Hayabusa" asteroid explorer. NEC's responsibilities include the system design of asteroid explorer and subsystem designs, such as the Ka-band communication subsystem and intermediate-infrared camera, for the "Hayabusa" successor under the direction of JAXA. The next "Hayabusa" is scheduled to be launched by JAXA in 2014. The new asteroid explorer will arrive at the asteroid "1999 JU3" in mid-2018, and then return to Earth by the end of 2020. The explorer's primary mission is to collect and return samples from asteroid "1999 JU3" that may help to explain the origin and evolution of the solar system, as well as to gather organic matter and hydrated minerals that can assist in studying the raw materials of living organisms. APSCC Monthly e-Newsletter 9 February 2012 EXECUTIVE MOVES LightSquared Names Marc Montagner Chief Financial Officer January 3, 2012 - LightSquared, a wholesale carrier building a nationwide wireless broadband network that will create consumer choice and drive industry innovation, announced the appointment of telecommunications veteran Marc Montagner as chief financial officer. In this role, Montagner will report to Sanjiv Ahuja, LightSquared's chairman and chief executive officer, and will be responsible for the company's daily financial operations and will oversee investor and bondholder relations. Montagner will also leverage his experience as executive vice president, sales, marketing and strategy for SkyTerra, LightSquared's predecessor company, where he worked on the regulatory, technical and business issues associated with re-purposing SkyTerra's satellite spectrum for terrestrial use. TCS Hires Dr. Keith Bhatia as Vice President of Business Development January 6, 2012 - TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) announced the hiring of Dr. Keith Bhatia as vice president of business development for its Commercial Software Group. In this role, he will drive channel management and new business growth activities centered on the company's wireless data, location and application technologies, as well as its next-generation commercial offerings. Dr. Bhatia brings more than 20 years of communications technology business development and leadership experience to TCS, with a strong background in both domestic and international operations. Previously with Neustar, Movius Interactive, ADC and IP Unity, he has led development of new products based upon IP multimedia subsystems in the next-generation media server and applications space, and managed a global partner team and provided oversight for expansions into Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Jacqueline Chan Elected as a Partner of Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP January 6, 2012 - Jacqueline Chan has been elected a partner of Milbank resident in the firm’s Singapore office. Ms. Chan advises on a wide range of international corporate and commercial finance and merger-and-acquisition transactions, and specializes in leading and structuring complex transactions for international clients both within and outside of Southeast Asia. Chan has an LL.B. from the National University of Singapore and is admitted to practice in Singapore, England and Wales. She was previously based in our Hong Kong office. She regularly represents international private equity firms, corporations and leading banks and financial institutions, among others, and has advised on a number of award-winning deals including the complex US$1 billion acquisition of PT Bukit Makmur Mandiri Utama (BUMA); the sale of Meiya Power Company to China Guangdong Nuclear Power Corporation which involved a large portfolio of power assets, and acquisitions and divestments of mines and other energy related assets throughout South East Asia. Asia Broadcast Satellite Appoints Scott Sprague as Chief Operating Officer January 9, 2012 - Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS) announced the appointment of Scott Sprague as Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this new position, Scott will be responsible for managing the global sales, marketing, and operations of value added services. Prior to joining ABS, Scott Sprague was Senior Vice President, Global Sales for SES. During his tenure at SES, he was responsible for global revenue, led a sales team and built a portfolio of businesses for media, enterprises and customers around the globe. Sprague held various senior management positions including: Vice President of Enterprise Sales from KPNQwest, Vice President of Channel Management for Infonet Service Corporation and General Manager for AT&T. He oversaw functional activities, sales and revenues. MTN Satellite Communications Appoints Errol Olivier as President and Chief Executive Officer January 9, 2012 - MTN Satellite Communications (MTN), the global provider of communications, connectivity and content services to remote locations around the world, announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Errol Olivier to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Olivier most recently served as the company's President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). Olivier has over 25 years of experience in the telecommunications industry. Prior to joining MTN, he served as President and CEO of Broadpoint and President and COO of CapRock Communications. He is also recognized for pioneering the first commercial multi-tenant satellite telecommunication strategy for the oil and gas industry in the Gulf which revolutionized the way Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) services were delivered to the offshore energy market. Gilat Appoints Yaniv Reinhold as CFO and Ari Krashin as Executive Vice President of Finance January 9, 2012 - Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. announced the appointment of Yaniv Reinhold as Chief Financial Officer and Ari Krashin as Executive Vice President of Finance, effective 1 March, 2012. Ari Krashin will continue APSCC Monthly e-Newsletter 10 February 2012 to work for the company out of the United States. Yaniv Reinhold is currently serving as Gilat's Vice President of Finance. He joined Gilat in 1999, and has since held a variety of senior positions in business development and finance, including as the Company's Vice President of Financial Planning and Administration. Krashin serves as Gilat's current CFO and has held his position since 2008. Prior to his role as CFO, Krashin acted as the company's Director of Finance. MEASAT Appoints Zainudin bin Abdul and Yao Chyong Lim as Vice Presidents January 11, 2012 - MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn. Bhd. (MEASAT) announced the appointments of Zainudin bin Abdul as Vice President for Satellite Engineering and Operations and Yau Chyong Lim as Vice President for Business Development and Strategic Planning. In his new role, Zainudin will be responsible for overseeing the management of the fleet of MEASAT satellites. Zainudin has been with MEASAT since 1993. Since joining the company, he has taken on a number of roles related to the design, implementation and operation of the MEASAT fleet. Prior to his new appointment, Zainudin was MEASAT’s Director for Fleet Planning and Special Projects. Yau will be responsible for identifying and developing opportunities for the growth of the business. Yau has been with MEASAT since 1996. With more than 15 years experience in the satellite communication industry, Yau brings experience in both space and ground segments; video broadcasting and DTH; VSAT and mobile trunking services. Prior to assuming this role, Yau was MEASAT’s Senior Director of Sales and Marketing. Optus Appoints Kevin Russell as Chief Operating Officer January 18, 2012 - Optus announced the appointment of Kevin Russell to the role of Chief Operating Officer with immediate effect. Russell, who was most recently Chief Executive of mobile operator Hutchison Three in the United Kingdom, is an experienced Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer with both international as well as Australian experience. In the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer, Russell will be responsible for the day to day operations of the mass market segments of Optus' business as well as the Wholesale and Satellite division. As such he will be responsible for the Optus Consumer, Optus Small and Medium Business, and the Optus Wholesale and Satellite businesses as well as Optus' wholly owned subsidiary, Virgin Mobile. Russell will report to Optus Chief Executive, Paul O'Sullivan. RSCC Names Mikhail Zatsepin as Deputy Director-General January 26, 2012 - Mikhail Zatsepin has been appointed Deputy Director-General for relations with legislative and executive power bodies. Mikhail Ivanovich Zatsepin was born on 21 June 1960 in Krasnoyarsk. Graduated from Moscow Higher Joint-Arms Command College named for Supreme Soviet in 1981, Frunze Military Academy in 1993, and Russian Public Service Academy under the President of the Russian Federation in 2000, he served in the KGB in 1981 - 1997. From 1997 onwards he worked in various capacities for a number of commercial companies. Zatsepin will supervise RSCC relations with government agencies on matters pertaining to the RF Federal Space Program until 2020 and other priority government programs. MTN Satellite Communications Appoints Margaret E. Grayson as Chief Financial Officer January 30, 2012 - MTN Satellite Communications (MTN), the global provider of communications, connectivity and content services to remote locations around the world, has appointed Margaret (Peg) E. Grayson as Chief Financial Officer. As CFO, Grayson will play an integral role directing MTN's financial operations, but will also act as a trusted advisor to Errol Olivier, MTN's President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), on homeland securityrelated issues - critical to ensuring customers' communication requirements, today and in the future. Grayson is also a member of the National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC), appointed by President George W. Bush in 2002 and is currently serving at the request of President Obama. Ball Aerospace Names Robert D. Strain as Chief Operating Officer January 30, 2012 - Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. announced that Rob Strain will be joining the company as chief operating officer (COO) effective March 2012. In light of the continued significant business growth and opportunity, this new position was created to place additional emphasis on the company's operational excellence and delivering on program commitments of the company. Strain will report directly to Ball Aerospace President and CEO, David L. Taylor. Strain will oversee the company's operations, managing all four of its strategic business units: Civil and Operational Space; Tactical Solutions; National Defense, and Systems Engineering Solutions. He will also lead the support functions responsible for executing company programs, including engineering, program execution, mission assurance and information technology. Orbital Names General Kevin Chilton to Company's Board of Directors January 30, 2012 - Orbital Sciences Corporation announced that General Kevin P. Chilton (U.S. Air Force retired) has been appointed to the company’s Board of Directors. General Chilton served as Commander, U.S. APSCC Monthly e-Newsletter 11 February 2012 Strategic Command, from 2007 through 2011. His responsibilities entailed overseeing plans and operations for all U.S. forces conducting strategic deterrence as well as the space and cyberspace operations of the Department of Defense. From 2006 to 2007, General Chilton served as Commander of Air Force Space Command, where he was responsible for all Air Force space operations. Prior roles with the Air Force included Commander of the 8th Air Force from 2005 to 2006 and a variety of assignments at the Pentagon from 2000 to 2005. Earlier in his Air Force career, he flew more than 4,000 hours in F-4 and F-15 aircraft after graduating from the Air Force pilot training and test pilot schools. REPORTS DTH Markets in 2012: The Year of Convergence? January 6, 2012 - As NSR stated in its Global Direct-to-Home Markets, 4th Edition report, OTT services are coming to DTH markets around the world. This year, the Super Bowl (the largest TV event in the United States) will be available over the Internet in near HD resolution. Netflix alternatives continue to boost content libraries and expand into new markets. And, rumors of an Apple-powered TV service continue to point towards a 2012 launch. All signs show 2012 will be the start of a significant convergence between traditional and OTT services, which is a trend that DTH platforms must address going forward. WTA New Report Provides Best Practices for Managing Local Connectivity January 24, 2012 - The World Teleport Association announced today the release of its newest report, How to Reduce Costs and Optimize Use of the Local Loop. The report shares the best practices of teleport operators for managing local connectivity, where costs, quality and availability can have a significant impact on business operations and financial results. The local loop is a paradoxical part of a teleport's satellite and fiber connectivity. The distances covered are modest and the contribution to revenue from resale of local transmission is small. But teleport operators report that 90% of their problems in terrestrial transmission occur in the local loop, and that the cost and availability of high-quality service can become a deal-breaker for an otherwise promising opportunity. NSR Releases Industry First Report Assessing Satellite Operator Financial January 31, 2012 - NSR’s Satellite Operator Financial Analysis study is an industry first analysis of key qualitative and quantitative metrics that assess all the prime financial criteria of Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) operators. The metrics analyzed range widely including overall revenues, cash flows, capital expenditure requirements, debt levels, return on their satellite fleets, and many others. While primarily concentrated on the top publicly reporting FSS operators, this study offers analysis on twenty-three of the industry’s leading FSS players for select metrics. UPCOMING EVENTS CABSAT 2012, February 28 - March 1, Dubai, UAE, www.cabsat.com CABSAT is the established and respected trade platform for the digital media and satellite sectors across the Middle East, Africa and Southern Asian region. In 2011, CABSAT & Satellite MENA hosted 10,162 visitors from 103 countries with 11 national pavilions. A total of 770 exhibitors from 55 countries participated in the event in 2011. In 2012, the two successful cable and satellite event platforms will be brought into one powerful industry leading showcase that will continue to reflect the needs of the important market it serves. The show is open to trade and business visitors only. World Space Risk Forum, February 28 - March 1, Dubai, UAE, www.worldspaceriskforum.com 2012 World Space Risk Forum where space business leaders from around the world will exchange ideas and develop solutions of mutual interest in the risk management and insurance of space risks. Industry experts will debate and discuss the following Agenda topics during panel sessions: • Future Space Activities and Risk Management Implications • Capital for Space Insurance • Space Environment and Liabilities • New Technologies and Markets • How to Improve Coverages Provided Satellite 2012, March 12-15, Washington D.C., USA, www.satellitetoday.com/satellite2012/ APSCC Monthly e-Newsletter 12 February 2012 CASBAA India Forum 2012, March 20, New Delhi, India, www.casbaa.com Oil and Gas Communications, March 21-22, London, U.K. www.smi-online.co.uk/events/overview.asp?is=5&ref=3775 Convergence India 2012, March 21-23, New Delhi, India, www.convergenceindia.org Serving the industry for 20 years, the Exhibitions India Group is proud to play an integral role in the changing landscape of the Indian information and communications environment. As we move towards a world of connected economies, the milestone 20th edition of Convergence India 2012 expo will focus on new-age technologies and merging business solutions, which will enable inclusion and enrich the lives of people. The forthcoming expo will showcase innovations and leading devices to enhance e-Development at all levels and drive the growth of urban usage. Focused business-matching will provide the perfect opportunity to network with industry executives and establish new partnerships. Attracting global leaders, the expo will serve as an ideal platform for knowledgeexperts to share industry insights and successful case studies from across the globe. Editorials and Inquiries News, comments, and suggestions can be sent to the editor at: Inho Seo, Editor, APSCC Publications Asia-Pacific Satellite Communications Council Suite T-1602 Poonglim Iwantplus, 255-1 Seohyun-dong, Bundang-gu Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, 463-824 Korea Tel: +82 31 783 6247 Fax: +82 31 783 6249 E-mail: inho_seo@apscc.or.kr Website: www.apscc.or.kr About APSCC APSCC is a non-profit, international organization representing all sectors of satellite and space-related industries. The aim of the organization is to exchange views and ideas on satellite technologies, systems, policies and outer space activities in general along with satellite communications including broadcasting for the betterment of the Asia-Pacific region. Conferences, forums, workshops, and exhibitions are organized through regional coordination with its members in order to promote new services and businesses via satellite as well as outer space activities. APSCC membership is open to any government body, public or private organization, association, or corporation that is involved in satellite services, risk management or associate fields such as data-casting, informatics, multi-media, telecommunications and other outer-space related activities with interests in the Asia-Pacific region. More information is available at www.apscc.or.kr. APSCC Monthly e-Newsletter 13 February 2012