TS2 offers satellite internet access in Afghanistan via Hylas 2

TS2 Satellite Technologies now delivers satellite Internet service in Afghanistan, thanks to Avanti’s Hylas 2 satellite. The Orbital Sciences’ built-spacecraft, specifically designed for broadband communications, is outfitted with Ka bandwidth transponders that allows bidirectional data transmission and additional services for individuals, government agencies and corporations in rapidly growing international markets. Moreover, TS2 will also introduce commercial links in selected African and East European nations, including Poland.

Launched on August of last year, Avanti’s Hylas 2 satellite is positioned an orbital slot at 31 degrees east. Hylas 2 has an estimated life of more than 15 years and is equipped with 24 Ku-band transmitting and six receiving transponders. The satellite also has a throughput of about three times as high as that of Hylas 1.

With the help of Hylas 2, TS Satellite Technologies can now offer access to the Internet and all IP services independently via terrestrial connections; VPN, VoIP and videoconferencing connections; backbone and corporate network solutions; and backhaul satellite solutions for GSM networks to extend cellular telephony reach.

ViaSat reports better than expected sales for 2013 3Q

ViaSat, a well-known direct broadcast satellite television broadcaster and pay TV operator, is happy to announce that the company’s shares increased by 24 percent after it reported sales and earnings that are even better than expected for the third quarter. For this period, ViaSat reached a revenue worth $286.4 million -- going past the $265.7 million predicted by experts.

Aside from the boom in earnings, the company also reported profits worth $1.8 million, which contradicts analysts who had forecasted a loss in earnings for the quarter. As a result, Needham & Co. raised ViaSat’s rating from “hold” to “buy.” On Thursday, the company’s shares rose from $9.55 to close at $49.29 on the Nasdaq.

ViaSat’s winnings mostly came from its defense and satellite broadband businesses. Its satellite Internet business wrapped up the quarter with $38,000 more subscribers compared to the previous quarter. Most of the increase was attributed to the distribution offer with DirecTV.

The company ended the quarter with a backlog of $939 million -- $364 million more than the same quarter of 2012.