Telefonica taps Eutelsat KA-SAT capacity for satellite Internet services

A joint announcement by Telefonica Global Solutions and Eutelsat unveiled their new plan to provide European carriers with satellite Internet services via a high-performance Eutelsat KA-SAT satellite.

Telefonica will use capacity from the KA-SAT satellite to deliver satellite Internet solutions to carriers throughout Europe, including rural areas and urban belts that terrestrial broadband networks cannot reach. The satellite broadband service can also provide fully diversified backup solutions to areas that do have access to terrestrial broadband networks.

KA-SAT capacity allows Telefonica to update the satellite Internet services it provides to operators and corporations. This allows the company to maintain the high quality of their services while also keeping their prices competitive. In addition, KA-SAT serves as an additional access technology for M2M, iHealth, and other services.

SES introduces Internet Satellite JET Ka-band broadband solution in France

Satellite operator SES will be the first to deliver Internet Satellite JET, a satellite broadband solution capable of offering up to 20 MBps of speed, to consumers in France.

Internet Satellite JET leverages the SES Astra 2F satellite for Ka-band capacity. It can provide high-speed Internet by satellite connectivity, VoIP telephony, and High-Definition TV services.

It is distributed by France Telecom-Orange affiliate NordNet through new generation end-user terminals provided by Gilat Satellite Technologies.

SES can finally match the features and prices of terrestrial broadband services in Europe through the pioneering Internet Satellite Jet. SES intends to offer new Ka-band satellite broadband solution to consumers in remote locations in France who would find it most suitable for their needs.

Bulgarian Telecom Company Vivacom Boosts Satellite-Based Internet Services

Vivacom, a former state-owned Bulgarian monopoly, announced on December 11 that the company has increased their download speeds and made the monthly bandwidth allowance twice as high for its satellite-based internet services.

Due to the recent upgrade, the highest download speed available now via satellite has been increased to 18 mbps and up to 50GB of bandwidth every month is now being offered with packages. Prices for satellite internet connections at Vivacom start at $25.75 a month, with available coverage across the country.

This enhanced service intends to serve parts of the population who do not have access to traditional wired broadband, such as ADSL or high speed wireless alternatives.

Formerly known by the name Bulgarian Telecommunications Company (BTC), Vivacom was recently taken over by Russia’s VTB Capital and domestic financial institution Corporate Commercial Bank (CCBank).

US military supplier orders Advantech SCPC modems for A-SATTM VSAT

A major U.S. military supplier placed an order with Advantech AMT Corp. USA for $1.7 million worth of the Company's DISA Certified MIL-STD-188-165A, AMT73L SCPC Modem, which will be used to deliver secure satellite communications systems over the Discovery A-SATTM VSAT system.

The AMT73L is designed to fulfill two-way satellite communication requirements in Defence Satellite Communications Systems (DSCS) and Wideband Global SATCOM System (WGS).

The installed base of the AMT73L DISA Certified Modems can be overlaid by the Discovery A-SATTM VSAT platform. In addition, the DVB-RCS waveform can be incorporated into Discovery through the integration of SCPC networks.

The Advantech Wireless family of high throughput modems boast of high reliability and flexibility. The AMT75 platform can handle ASI HD Video, Telco, and IP interfaces while the FLS-100 allows these modems to achieve up to 155Mbps throughput through IPE.

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Gilat Satcom integrates XiPlink remote appliances into its satellite teleport

Israel-based communication solution provider Gilat Satcom recently announced that it is integrating XipLink remote appliances into its satellite teleport to accelerate its satellite Internet speeds and satellite communications throughput.

Gilat's satellite teleport will receive XipLink XA Appliances with XipLink Hub Optimizations (XHO) software. The XipLink solution will increase the teleport's quality of service without the need for expensive new hardware or software upgrades.

Thanks to the XipLink solution, Gilat Satcom will be able to provide ISPs and enterprises in Africa with a new level of cost-effective satellite communications services. This includes Internet by satellite services like web surfing, and movie streaming.

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O3b, Gulfsat Madagascar team up for Internet on satellite services

A long-term capacity deal between O3b Networks and Gulfsat Madagascar is expected to generate high-speed Internet on satellite and telephony services for residential and commercial customers in Madagascar.

The O3 Medium Earth Orbit satellite fleet will provide Gulfsat Madagascar with unlimited and affordable Ka-band capacity. The African telecom service provider will use this connectivity to deliver a wide range of Internet on satellite, voice, and data transmission services.

Gulfsat reported that consumers and businesses in Madagascar are highly interested in an affordable, fast, and reliable Internet solution. Its partnership with O3b Networks will optimize Internet on satellite access for customers in Africa.