Honywell orders Ka-band transceivers from Wavestream for GX satellite Internet

Honeywell recently awarded an exclusive contract to Wavestream for the provision of Ka-band transceivers that will be integrated into the airborne antenna systems of the Inmarsat Global Xpress (GX) in-flight satellite Internet network. Wavestream will begin scaled production of the transceivers in 2014.

Honeywell is in charge of the development and distribution of on-board hardware that allows users to access GX Aviation, a high speed Ka-band system from Inmarsat.

Wavestream is a wholly owned subsidiary of Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. It develops and deploys BUCs and amplifiers for military and commercial customers, who use its products for various satellite communications applications. The Company has deployed more than 5,000 of its Ka-band products during the last three years.

Wavestream implemented its patented Spatial advantEdge technology in its Ka-band transceiver family to create product packages for fixed, mobile, and flyaway antenna systems. The Company's amplifiers and BUCs are smaller and lighter than the norm yet possess high output power, superior efficiency, and improved reliability. Its products are carefully designed and thoroughly tested for operation in extreme environments, ensuring continuous connectivity for operations critical to national defense and demanding consumer broadband applications such as the GX satellite Internet solution.

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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Satellite making internet-on-the-go possible

In our globalizing world, more and more people are clamoring for internet-on-the-go. The demand for Wi-Fi connection has increased also due partly to the rise of more powerful, and smarter mobile devices. Smartphones, tablets, and laptops, are rendered almost useless in places where there is no Internet connection.

Many industries, sectors, and organizations are looking at internet from satellite to provide wireless connection anytime, anywhere. Terrestrial networks may be the most favored technology for broadband distribution, but in places where geography makes it impossible to lay cables, satellite technology is the ideal solution.

Internet by satellite is also being used in the transport sector. Airlines and cruise ships are installing satellite terminals to provide in-flight and on-board Internet connection to passengers. Even train stations and trains are using the wireless technology to provide greater connection on-the-go. 

Business travelers, tourists, and commuters are welcoming the arrival of such technology. This means they can read the news, send emails, use mobile travel applications on their phones, and even make video calls before they board trains and planes, or while honeymooning in a cruise ship of the coast of Chile. 

Satellite internet may not completely replace fibre technology. But it is certainly the best solution and coverage for the last mile. 

Satellite Broadband for the US via Dish Network

With the recent improvements in the US satellite industry, the country now has the technological capacity to support a nationwide satellite broadband project. The advancements in the satellite sector now enables operators to use higher-frequency bands.

Dish Network to deliver satellite broadband nationwide

Dish Network, in particular, is planning to roll-out internet by satellite with the help of EchoStar Corp's spacecraft, the EchoStar 17 satellite. The spacecraft itself has been delivering increased bandwidth capacity and can provide up to 15 megabits in download speeds. However, expect the broadband-Internet service to offer lower speeds, at around 5 megabits, in order to increase capacity for more customers.

The time frame for the project's implementation would be around September and October. Dish Network is targeting consumers in rural regions who are unable to access the Internet with the help of terrestrial infrastructure like cable broadband. 

The company has been offering broadband-Internet service via satellite in partnership with ViaSat, although the offers was limited to specific regions of the US. The latest project, however, will see Dish Network offer packages and bundles which would include video services.

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