Ruckus Wireless supplying Telefonica UK (O2) with SmartCell small cell units

Ruckus Wireless announced on July 31, 2012 that it will supply Telefonica UK with high-capacity small cell units as part of O2’s plan to deploy high-speed wireless services throughout London.

The Ruckus SmartCell 8800 provides free, fast, and reliable Wi-Fi that anyone can access with a mobile device. Its low-profile design hides the fact that it is the first carrier-grade, modular multi-radio system that integrates patented adaptive antenna array technology that supports a number of licensed and unlicensed radio technologies. SmartCell units can support high-speed dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, small cell 3G/4G radios, and 5GHz mobile backhaul.

SmartCell units are already deployed throughout iconic central London areas like Trafalgar Square and Parliament Square. They will give Telefonica UK the flexibility to quickly deploy and offer high-speed Wi-Fi and cellular services whenever and wherever they’re needed.

"For O2,” explained Derek McManus, chief operating officer for Telefonica UK, “it's all about us providing customers with fast and reliable connectivity where they need it. Our vision is for Wi-Fi to be simply another access layer to our mobile core.

"Customers don't really care about the underlying technology,” Mr. McManus pointed out. “They care about getting connected, fast and reliably. The introduction of small cells helps us to support these requirements and completely complements our mobile strategy,” he continued, “by letting us push capacity closer to users in locations where it makes the most sense."

Selina Lo, president and CEO of Ruckus Wireless, noted that "there is now a mad race to the lamppost” for telecommunications companies, “and the first one there wins.” According to her, securing the physical locations that have the requisite power and backhaul to support small cells is the biggest obstacle to deployment.

“Once physical assets [have been] secured,” President Lo said, “it becomes important for operators to exploit them with as much technology as they can. This means multi-function, carrier-grade products that are simple deploy, unobtrusive and massively scalable. SmartCell is one of those products,” she said, “and O2 is one of those operators taking a lead in this race."

Telefonica UK performed extensive evaluations of wireless suppliers before selecting Ruckus and its SmartCell system. "It all really boiled down to who had the best Wi-Fi for carriers and the most forward-thinking strategy to integrate Wi-Fi within existing and future cellular infrastructure," said COO McManus.

Raisecom, Symmetricom synchronize mobile backhaul networks

A partnership between mobile backhaul solutions company Raisecom Technology and precise timekeeping equipment manufacturer Symmetricom successfully tested the interoperability of LTE wireless backhaul networks through the use of synchronization.

As part of their SyncWorld Ecosystem Program, Raisecom and Symmetricom executed a comprehensive interoperability test. Their aim was to use ITU.T G.8261 and the IEEE 1588-2008 synchronization protocol to validate LTE mobile backhaul deployment scenarios over packet networks.

For the test, Raisecom provided its iTN201 Carrier Ethernet Edge device, which was powered by a Symmetricom TimeProvider 5000 IEEE 1588-2008 Grandmaster clock.

The Symmetricom clock is a carrier-grade timing source that boasts of high client capacity, hardware-based packet processing, and redundant hardware. It matches up the synchronization needs of next-generation networks like as Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE), IEEE 1588 (PTP), and Network Time Protocol (NTP) timing protocols that operate using the iTN201 Carrier Ethernet Edge.

The successful test with Symmetricom means that Raisecom has achieved the status of a SyncWorld network equipment partner. Network equipment partners are technology vendors that have performed extensive and successful interoperability testing with Symmetricom timekeeping products. Raisecom and its fellow partners will work together in various ways to ensure effective operation of the joint solution in specific scenarios.

By testing its systems' interoperability with mobile backhaul networks, Raisecom will help wireless network carriers and service providers to find cost-effective and future-proof ways to establish new networks or upgrade existing wireless networks.

O2 small cell WiFi network gets mobile backhaul support from Cambridge Broadband VectaStar

Mobile backhaul technology expert Cambridge Broadband Networks will be deploying its Vectastar multipoint microwave backhaul technology on behalf of telecom provider O2's new public small cell Wi-Fi network.

O2 is deploying its first public small cell Wi-Fi network in London. It is composed of more than 100 Wi-Fi access points installed on street furniture across the London Boroughs of Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea. The Wi-Fi network's traffic will be aggregated across the mesh and sent to a number of VectaStar point-to-multipoint nodes. These PTM points will then backhaul the traffic they received to a central hub in London.

O2's small cell network intends to provide O2's London customers with excellent outdoor Wi-Fi connectivity. "Small Cells offer an enormous opportunity for operators to deliver high-speed and high-capacity data access to their subscribers," said Kevin Oemering, Account Director at Cambridge Broadband Networks. 

Director Oemering added, however, that "The significant uplift in the number of radios needed for a small cell network, compared to today's macrocellular networks, requires a new approach to backhaul." According to him, O2 needed a mobile backhaul solution that could be easily and quickly deployed, support the high capacity demands of a small cell network, and possess the flexibility to expand its network across London.

"VectaStar's multipoint microwave architecture is suitably positioned to deal with the increase in the number of cell sites," Director Oemering explained, "as operators exploit innovative network infrastructure to serve mobile consumers."

Cambridge Broadband's VectaStar multipoint wireless backhaul technology uses a network configuration similar to the interface between cell tower and mobile handset found in the radio access network. This fundamentally different and cost-efficient backhauling network architecture uses the available 28 GHz spectrum band to provide excellent benefits for mobiles, including the next generation units. VectaStar mobile backhaul services will give O2 the ability to send traffic from its London network's numerous small cell networks to a single aggregation point.

Business passengers want better Internet, more mobile services at airports and flights

Increasingly mobile-savvy business-class airline passengers are demanding better wireless Internet and improved use of mobile technology at airports and inflight.

According to a recent poll by Flightview, the average business passenger considers current airport and inflight WiFi services to be unreliable, limited, and frustrating, be it Internet by satellite or from wireless ground stations.

A vast number of the Flightview survey participants also wanted airports to provide other mobile-centered services. 94% said they would like to receive their flight status on their mobile. Nearly 70% wished to be notified about the availability of seating upgrades and receive alerts about their flight's boarding time. And more than 80% expressed the desire to have used mobile boarding passes instead of traditional means of boarding identification.

The Flightview survey also determined that 70% want the ability to use mobile apps to rebook on another flight, 57% wanted their mobiles to display standby status and terminal maps, 36% want to buy ticket upgrades using their mobiles, and 93% wanted airports to show the status and gate location of their next flight on their mobiles during connections.

Flightview concluded its survey by urging airports and airlines to integrate mobile wireless technology into their operations. “Business travellers, pressed for time, want access to new tools and technologies that make travelling easier and more efficient," observed Mike Benjamin, CEO of FlightView. "Every time an airport or airline rolls out a new offering, it raises travellers’ expectations, which, in turn, puts pressure on others in the industry to quickly adopt and integrate new technologies.”

Another recent survey -this time by SITA, a specialist in air transport IT and communications- showed a marked increase in the demand for free airport WiFi. SITA reported that 73% of its survey participants would like to use a mobile boarding pass. (17% have indeed used a mobile boarding pass.)

SITA also reported that two-thirds of the participants would like to receive text messages regarding changes to flights. The other third already avails of that service.

“When you look at what the airlines and airports are doing," noted Brenda Flinter, SITA media relations manager, "You see they have recognised the demand."

According to Ms. Flinter, airports are now focusing on easing passengers' stay at the terminal by providing updates and services on passengers’ mobile phones. Airport operators heavily invest in technology and solutions that allow them to notify passengers of flight status and delays on mobile phones.

“Airlines are investing in passenger services via mobile devices," Ms. Flitner said. “Beyond 2015, the smartphone and the website will be the dominant methods for passenger processing." She predicted that "nine out of ten airlines plan to engage with passengers through mobiles by 2015.”

KanOkla triples network capacity through PureWave Quantum base stations

Value-added distributor Moonblink announced that KanOkla Networks recently selected the PureWave Quantum 3.65GHz Mobile WiMAX base stations to vastly expand its network capacity.

According to Justin Mayo, KanOkla’s Network Operations Manager, the company's wireless network had reached capacity in some of its markets. The Kansas-based KanOkla needed a solution to meet the needs of a new generation of data-hungry customers. In particular, the solution should be able to enhance and improve media-rich applications such as video streaming.

KanOkla determined that the 700 MHz band possessed excellent propagation characteristics. However, the equipment available to the company was not designed to handle high-bandwidth applications.

With the help of distributor Moonlink, which specialized on finding wireless and video surveillance solutions, KanOkla determined that PureWave’s semi-licensed 3.65GHz solutions was the optimal choice to expand the Kansas company's wireless backhaul network.

KanOkla came to its decision based on  PureWave Quantum's capabilities, which included superior link budget, optimized cell radius, and capacity to enhance coverage in NLOS conditions. In addition, the FCC-certified PureWave Quantum base station could operate in the entire 50MHz available within the 3.65GHz band.

50MHz of spectrum is available on the 3.65GHz band. The spectrum is accessible to most operators, even those who only have a non-exclusive license. The 3.65GHz band also offers optimized performance with limited interference. This is important because each deployment site needs GPS coordinate registration. Operators who used the same band within a particular site need to coordinate their operations.

Another advantage is that the Purewave base station could also operate with or without an access service network gateway (ASN-GW.)

PureWave Quantum base stations are based on the PureMax Smart Antenna Technology. The system deploys multiple, self-calibrating antennas that will deliver premium link budget. 6x6 MIMO technology is used to enhances network capacity up to 300% while simplifying planning.

KanOkla intends to deploy the base stations in standalone mode. This has the advantages of reducing costs and easing the deployment process.

To date, fifteen PureWave Quantum base station sectors have already been successfully deployed in standalone mode. In addition, KanOkla intends to develop a 3.65GHz overlay to the current 700MHz network that will further expand its capacity.

Pactel deploys satcom solution for Macarthur Minerals camp in Western Australia

A remote base operated by Macarthur Minerals Limited can now stay in contact with the wider world thanks to the scalable communication solution designed and deployed by Pactel International.

Macarthur Minerals canvasses Western Australia in search of exploitable iron ore resources. The company set up its exploration camp at a remote location 240km north west of Kalgoorlie, well out of reach of any established fiber optic cable or terrestrial network.

The Macarthur Minerals camp needs to keep in constant touch with the Canadian-listed iron ore development company's headquarters. In addition, it also needs to provide for the personal communications needs of its staff, many of whom live on-site.

Pactel installed an end-to-end, managed satellite communications solution that can handle the company's corporate voice and data applications while also meeting the staff's recreational traffic needs at the same time. The scalable design can account for future growth and expansion of the camp's communication infrastructure and population.

Pactel employed its bandwidth management capabilities in support of the site's needs and the personal needs of the site's staff. Pactel engineers used cutting-edge Quality of Service (QoS) technology to prioritise voice telephony and corporate data over personal traffic. The QoS component priotizes Macarthur’s day-to-day work and communication. Remaining satellite capacity is allocated to worker welfare traffic.

Acceleration technology further enhanced and tweaked the satellite link to ensure clear and reliable communications. The acceleration platform improves the camp's speed of communications with both Macarthur’s corporate network and the public Internet through local caching of both Internet content and rich media.

Pactel also deployed wireless coverage throughout the camp by the use of a locally-managed portal with user login control. This wireless network can support personal devices used by the staff for business and tecreational purposes.

Globecomm, Inmarsat kept Pacific rower connected "even when upside-down"

Tropical Storm Mawar might have stopped Charlie Martell from crossing the Northern Pacific in a rowboat, but it didn't stop the Pacific rower's SatLink Inmarsat FB 150 satellite communications rig from keeping him in touch with his UK team even when his boat was upside down.

A Royal Engineer Commando, Charlie Martell intended to row single-handed and without support from Choshi, Japan 4,500 miles to San Francisco. His mission was to establish new world records: The fastest crossing of the North Pacific Ocean; the first unsupported row across the Pacific Ocean; and the first solo Briton to make the crossing. His stunt would also raise funds for three charities.

Charlie Martell spent three years preparing for the arduous trip. He equipped his ocean rowing boat, Blossom, with the latest gear available. This included a Globecomm Maritime-provided Inmarsat FB150 satellite communications system with Inmarsat-provided airtime.

A confident Martell set out from Chosi on May 4. A little more than a month later, he ran into serious trouble. “Five weeks into the row and some 700 miles from Choshi," Martell said, "I was hit by Tropical Storm Mawar."

As the storm was tracking towards him, there was little Martell could do aside from securing every loose item on the deck and securing the forward and aft cabins. “I had been secure in my cabin for about two days even though I had capsized four times," Martell said. "I was using the FB150 handset to make a phone call when I capsized a fifth time."

But the Inmarsat satellite phone's externals proved so rugged, and the connection with the geosynchronous communications satellite so strong despite the ongoing typhoon, that Martell's shore support didn't notice any lag or disruption despite the capsize.

"What was amazing," Charlie Martell noted, "Was that the call barely cut out during the capsize. My shore support commented on how clear the voice communications were and with no time lapse!” And that made him laugh.

Finally, the seventh capsizing incident pitch-poled Blossom fowards. Fortunately, Martell was strapped inside his bunk, and he wasn't injured. But his rowing boat sustained damaged.

“During the capsize," Martell remembered, "the rudder, VHF, and AIS antennae were ripped off, as were two of my spare oars." The damage forced Martell to call off his planned Pacific crossing. He activated his EPIRB (distress radio beacon) and waited for rescue.

Japanese and UK coast guards picked up his distress call and contacted him via his FB150. Despite losing the VHF and AIS antennae to the storm, the doughty satellite phone continued to work. Thirty-six hours later, Charlie Martell was rescued by the Gibraltar-flagged, British-owned bulk carrier Last Tycoon.

“The next 36 hours were a long wait," he said, having counted at least 13 more lateral capsizes, and added that "I maintained communications with both my shore support team in the UK and the coastguards [in the UK and Japan]." He thanked everyone who helped him during the crossing, and made special mention of Globecomm and Inmarsat, "Who kept me connected," according to Martell, "Even when I was upside down!”

NewSat Towards the World

NewSat, Australia’s largest satellite communications company, is providing vital communications for Australian Defence personnel located in far-flung places. They are also now preparing to launch its very own communications satellite.

Mike Keneally, Vice-President of Satellite Strategy, speaks to Grant Smith about the company’s Government Accredited Adelaide and Perth teleports, the services the Teleports provide Australian and US Defence Force personnel and Jabiru-1, Australia’ first locally owned commercial satellite.

See: ‘Voyager 1′ Before the Voyager Interstellar Mission

Americas, Key for Growth for NewSat?

"Are the Americas a key growth area for NewSat, and what is in store for NewSat for the rest of 2012?"

The line above is a question asked by Milsatmagazine (MSM) on an interview with Diego Paldao, NewSat's Senior Director-Americas. He said that the Americas region will certainly benefit from NewSat's global plans as they are planning to expand their presence in the region to support the growing demand from clients based in the Americas in general, and specifically the United States. 

"NewSat has tremendous flexibility today in structuring agreements that help our clients start a new business or service so that we can grow together. Clients serving a growing market such as Latin America can certainly benefit from our partnership approach," Paldao said. 

According to him, it is a very exciting time for NewSat: Lockheed Martin is several months into the build of Jabiru-1 and Jabiru-2, a hosted payload with MEASAT and will launch next year; and further satellites like Jabiru-3, Jabiru-4, and Jabiru-5 are being designed and are well underway to determining the best use of their remaining orbiting slots.

NewSat is to date the largest independent provider of satellite communications/communications satellite (COMSAT) or artificial satellite stationed in space for the purpose of telecommunications in the Commonwealth of Australia, a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. 

Newsat provides coverage to 75.5% of the Earth's surface, including their satellites, VSATs (very small aperture terminals), a two-way satellite ground station or a stabilized maritime VSAT antenna with a dish antenna that is smaller than three meters, and teleports (telecommunications port), a satellite ground station with multiple parabolic antennas (i.e., an antenna farm) that functions as a hub connecting a satellite or geocentric orbital network with a terrestrial telecommunications network.

See: Diego Paldao and NewSat

L-3 GCS will build VSAT units for US special forces

L-3 Communications will be developing and supplying a special VSAT satcom unit based on L-3's Hawkeye III product for American special forces.

L-3's subsidiary, L-3 GCS, received a five-year contract potentially worth $500 million from the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM.) Through the Special Operations Forces Deployable Node-Family of Terminals (SDN-Lite FoT) program, L-3 GCS will provide tactically-deployed Special Operations Forces (SOF) users with the capability to communicate with anyone in the world clearly and securely.

To this end, L-3 GCS will develop and build Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) satellite systems that special forces operatives can carry with them into the most remote and hostile regions in the world.

“L-3 GCS will begin delivering tri-band Hawkeye™ III Lite 1.2-meter terminals and quad-band 2.0-meter terminals later this year," announced  Bob Jacobson, president of L-3 GCS. He added that the company is currently improving its engineering and production capabilities to meet the requirements and objectives of USSOCOM's commandos.

L-3 GCS supplies deployable satellite communications solutions and turnkey systems to military and civilian customers alike. The L-3 subsidiary offer a complete line of satellite communications products including satellite phones and airtime, quick-deploy VSAT terminals, and vehicular communications system.

VSAT History

The concept of the geostationary orbit was originated by Russian theorist Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, an Imperial Russian and Soviet rocket scientist and pioneer of the astronautic theory. He wrote articles in space travel at the turn of the century. 

In the 1920s, Hermann Oberth and Herman Potocnik, aka Herman Noordung, described an orbit at an altitude of 35,900 kilometers. Its orbital period, or the time for it to make one complete orbit about another object, exactly matched the Earth’s rotational period, making it appear to hover a fixed point on the Earth’s equator. 

Arthur C. Clarke contributed to the understanding of satellites through an article published in Wireless World in October 1945 titled “Extra-Terrestrial Relays: Can Rocket Stations Give Worldwide Radio Coverage?” In this article, Clarke not only determines the orbital characteristics/elements, or the parameters required to uniquely identify a specific orbit, necessary for a geostationary orbit, but also discusses the frequencies and power needed for communications. 

Live satellite communications was developed in the sixties by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), named Syncom 1-3. It is transmitted live coverage of the 1964 Olympics in Japan to viewers in the United States and Europe. Soon after, on April 6, 1965, the first commercial satellite was launched into space, Intelsat I, nicknamed Early Bird. 

The first commercial VSATs were C band (6 GHz) receive-only systems by Equatorial Communications using spread spectrum technology. More than 30,000 60 cm antenna systems were sold in the early 1980s. Equatorial later developed a C band (4/6 GHz) two-way system using 1 m x 0.5 m antennas and sold about 10,000 units in 1984-85. 

In 1985, Schlumberger Oilfield Research co-developed the world’s first Ku band (12-14 GHz) VSATs with Hughes Aerospace to provide portable network connectivity for the oil field drilling and exploration units. Ku Band VSATs make up the vast majority of sites in use today for data or telephony applications. The largest VSAT network (more than 12,000 sites) was developed by Spacenet and MCI for the US Postal Service.

See: SDI is No "Star Wars"

Mobile Technology as an Interim Backhaul Solution

Cost is a decisive factor in choosing between mobile and fiber backhaul. Not only the short-run but the long-term impact of the type of backhaul model should be considered when making such an investment choice.


Fiber backhaul has been the industry standard despite its limitations. European operators traditionally rely on cables and fibers but are willing to use mobile backhaul for reasons other than cost. Almost 65% of network links run through mobile backhaul, according to Deutsche Bank. In Asia, Korea and Japan have the region's biggest network of mobile backhaul. Sixty percent of backhaul capacity in the Asia-Pacific region is mobile, whereas in North America, it is 15%. Unlike their European counterparts, American carriers are basing their mobile backhaul investment on cost parity relative to fiber. But things may change as new entrants like Clearwire embrace novel networking solutions.


In general, fiber capability is more preferable than mobile, but cost-effectiveness and the time-consuming process of deploying wired network limit fiber expansion. Mobile backhaul also has its own disadvantages like spectrum shortage, signal latency and line-of-sight (LOS) requirements.


Nevertheless, it fills a large gap in network capacity that wired technologies alone cannot address. Given the unique advantages of fiber, operators have good reasons to use mobile backhaul as an interim solution. Wireless technology not only saves millions of dollars in fiber capital expenditures, it also makes it less costly for operators to meet their medium and long-term demand as they develop fiber capacity. Cambridge Broadband Networks sponsored a study which showed how wireless backhaul can reduce capital and operating expenses when deployed in a 10-year transition period.


The estimates are based on current cost level and assumption that medium-term capacity requirements are met via wireless backhaul solution. Using a10 % annual mobile-to-fibre replacement schedule, with 90% completion rateachieved in year 10 , the estimated net present values (NPV) for phased transition to fiber turns out lower than those of pure fiber deployment.


If the transition is towards leased fiber capacity, savings on operational cost will offset mobile backhaul investment in the first year. And in a wireless-to-built fiber transition, savings mainly come from reduced pace of fiber investment, thus offsetting mobile backhaul investment at the start of the backhaul life-cycle. The NPV projections would be in favor of fiber investment if fiber link costs less than $30,000, which is far from reality in most markets. In such case, interim mobile backhaul provides a cost-efficient means to distribute fiber capital outlay.

ARINC, Lemko achieve seamless 4G LTE transmission via satellite link

ARINC Incorporated and Lemko Corporation successfully demonstrated the use of 4G LTE technology to provide seamless data transmission and streaming video through a satellite connection.

The two companies teamed up to combine ARINC's RapydConnex(SM) mobile edge satellite broadband communications platform and Lemko's distributed mobile wireless network (DiMoWiNe) for their test. Lemko's DiMoWiNe links up 2G/3G GSM, CDMA, EVDO commercial and tactical networks, and universal mobile telecommunications systems via satellite links provided by ARINC. For its part, ARINC worked on optimizing and sustaining satellite connection speeds.

The companies' test proved a success. The ARINC-Lemko 4G LTE rig was able to sustain speeds of 2 megabits per second for both uploads and downloads. Streaming video tested on the system ran seamlessly.

ARINC and Lemko's breakthrough test established them as some of the very first companies to demonstrate 4G LTE connectivity over a satellite connection.

The military and public safety markets will be able to benefit from this enhanced ability to deploy satellite-supported 4G LTE systems. Users will be able to establish independent 4G LTE cellular networks, which can then be customized to suit their unique needs.

The military's tactical communications network employs important mobile broadband applications that can be served by these networks. Troops will be able to rapidly deploy some of the most advanced mobile communications available even in battlefield situations.

Using LTEs will allow first responders to deplyo and retain advanced satellite-based communications in the critical minutes after a catastrophe. The LTE's independent nature renders it resistant to the typical disruption wrought by a disaster on traditional methods of communication. And public safety personnel will be able to access emergency services and provide life-saving information with running into the risk that their critical call will be disrupted or hijacked.

Space Systems/Loral SES-5 satellite successfully launches, maneuvers

After a successful July 9 launch, the SES-5 satellite is now performing post-launch maneuvers that will place it in its proper orbit, according to its builder, Space Systems/Loral.

A Proton Breeze M vehicle from International Launch Services (ILS) lofted SES-5 from the Baikonur Space Center in Kazakhstan. Deployment of solar panel arrays went according to schedule, and the satellite has begun maneuvering into geosynchronous orbit with its main thruster.

The complex SES-5 is a multi-mission commercial satellite that will deliver high-speed broadband services to Europe and Africa. Its primary purpose is to provide high performance Direct-to-Home (DTH) services, broadband, maritime communications, GSM backhaul, and VSAT applications.

To ensure flexible operations, SES-5 carries 36 active Ku-band transponders, 24 C-band transponders, and Ka-band uplink capability. In addition, it has two Ku-band beams (one each for the Nordic-Baltic region and the Sub-Saharan African region) as well as two C-band beams that provide global and hemispheric coverage using up to 24 active C-band transponders.

Alongside its commercial capabilities, SES-5 also features an L-band navigation payload courtesy of the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service. Built upon European Commission requirements, the EGNOS payload will support existing satellite positioning services. The EGNOS payload will also provide users around the globe with expanded navigation signals that have become important for safety critical aviation and maritime applications.

Based on SS/L's robust 1300 multi-mission platform, the successfully-launched SES-5 will be the 71st satellite of its class in orbit.

03b, Harris CapRock create marine VSAT broadband solution for Royal Caribbean

O3b Networks and Harris CapRock Communications have entered into a partnership to create and service a new, advanced satellite broadband solution for the world's biggest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas.

O3b will combine the capabilities of its fleet of Medium-Earth-Orbit (MEO) satellites with Harris CapRock's expertise in integrating maritime VSAT systems to create the O3B Maritime broadband solution for Royal Caribbean. This new broadband service will drastically enhance Internet connectivity aboard Oasis of the Seas and its more than 8,000 passengers, staff, and crew members.

Harris CapRock will serve as 03b Maritime's systems integrator for Oasis of the Seas. In addition to deploying the stabilized VSAT antenna systems on Oasis of the Seas, Harris Caprock will fully manage the system to ensure that the cruise ship receives bandwidth whose quality matches that of high-capacity fiber systems.

O3b and Harris Caprock expect that O3b Maritime will enter service next summer. In addition to cruise ships, O3b and Harris CapRock also predict that maritime VSAT service providers will offer their state-of-the-art broadband solution to super yachts and similar vessels in seas and oceans aside from the Caribbean.

Satellite Communications: NewSat's Paldao on His Ka-Band Perception

Satellite Communications: NewSat's Paldao on His Ka-Band Perception: "We are not trying to be all things to all people, but certain application such as ISR are an ideal fit for Ka-band." - Diego Paldao Milsat...

Thrane and Thrane installs VSAT-based total communications solution in Hansa Heavy Lift fleet

Thrane & Thrane is close to completing the installation and commissioning of its sophisticated SAILOR 900 VSAT and SAILOR 500 FleetBroadband systems on Hansa Heavy Lift’s entire fleet.

gCaptain reported that Thrane & Thrane partnered with PRO NAUTAS and Vizada to create a total communications solution for Hansa's 21 multipurpose heavy-lift sea vessels. T&T provided its SAILOR 900 VSAT and SAILOR 500 FleetBroadband, Vizada provided its XChange platform, and the project was implemented by PRO-NAUTAS.

Thrane & Thrane's VSAT systems ensure provided redundant global broadband connectivity and voice services. The Vizada-based solution platform automatically selected between Ku-band or L-band based on the current coverage, system performance, and airtime rates available to ensure maximum, cost-effective connectivity.

Casper Jensen, VP Maritime Business Unit, Thrane & Thrane, explained that Hansa wasn't just interested in ensuring crew and operational communications. "The new communication solution aboard Hansa Heavy Lift vessels," VP Jensen said, "Was chosen for its capability of enabling remote diagnostics and maintenance of the on board IT networks."

According to Jensen, total solutions that feature both VSAT and MSS had become very important. Global satellite broadband coverage allowed for constant remote monitoring and least cost routing that improved fleet fuel efficiency and reduce pollution. It could also help reducing maintenance and service costs.

Thrane & Thrane designed SAILOR 900 to speed up the system's procurement, installation, and commissioning. The Ku-band VSAT system can be easily and quickly installed on a wide variety of vessels, and it is able to link with all Ku-band satellite systems across the globe.

SAILOR 900 had achieved significant strides in the Ku-band market since its introduction last September. Earlier this January, Thrane and Thrane reported that a big shipping company with a global reach (Hansa Heavy Lift) procuted nearly 3000 VSAT units for a revolutionary Ericsson-developed total communication solution.

NewSat, Jabiru-1 Ideal Customers

On the question asked by Milsat Magazine (MSM), “Which customers will find the Jabiru-1 satellite ideal for their projects and missions?,” NewSat’s Senior Director-Americas, Diego Paldao, said that it is unique because it will deliver “new” high-powered Ka band coverage to regions that are in need of more capacity.

According to him, Jabiru-1 is the best for both government and enterprise projects looking to support increased throughout requirements, however, unable to grow because of limited availability of Ku-Band capacity in most markets.

The Jabiru fleet of NewSat, the largest independent satellite communications provider in Australia, shall focus mainly on meeting customer demands for growth, as well as cultivating strategic opportunities with clients interested in launching new platforms and service.

See: VSAT Services

Beam gets major Oceana-Inmarsat trial order from Chinese entity

A China-based satellite communications company placed an initial order worth $170,000 with Beam Communications Pty Ltd for a major trial of Beam's Inmarsat FleetPhone Service.

For commercial and competitive reasons, customer details remained confidential and undisclosed.
Beam's customer is, however, a leading operator of Chinese satellite communication services. It reportedly possesses more than 20 years experience in providing complete mobile satellite terminals and technology integration services for Chinese users on land, at sea, or in the air.

The Chinese entity had earlier committed itself to deploy 100 units each of the Beam Oceana 400 and Oceana 800 marine communications terminals on fishing vessels.

The new trial will take place in July 2012. The Chinese entity will install 100 Beam Oceana 400 terminals and another 100 Beam Oceana 800 terminals on its ships.


Beam Oceana terminals were specifically designed to take full advantage of the voice, data and tracking communications services provided by the Inmarsat satellite network through the 'Fleetphone' maritime service. These terminals specifically targeted high volume deployments in emerging satellite markets during their 2011 global release.

The Chinese entity expects a relatively short trial period foir the Beam Oceana terminals.
Once the Oceana terminals achieve market acceptance, the customer intends to order at least 1000 additional units so that it could expand the trial into the broader market of Chinese maritime users.

"This is a major breakthrough for Beam into the Chinese maritime market," announced Michael Capocchi, Managing Director, Beam Communications. "We are delighted to be working with a key strategic partner in China, which further reinforces Beam's position as a leading global provider of satellite communication solutions for both the Inmarsat and Iridium satellite networks."

MSM: Paldao on Newsat's Jabiru-1

NewSat is the largest independent satellite communications provider in Australia. Diego Paldao, NewSat’s Senior Director-Americas, talks about the company’s Jabiru-1 project on a Milsatmagazine (MSM) article.

Paldao said that the Jabiru-1 satellite will deliver high-powered Ka-band coverage all over the Middle East, Asia and Africa (MENA Region) through its 7.6 GHz of “new” capacity. This will surely satisfy the demands from government, energy and carrier grade telecommunications markets in these “developing” areas.

The Jabiru-1 satellite is the company’s first geostationary (GEO) satellite dedicated to focus on Ka-band, with its complex design that provides the greatest flexibility to their clients/consumers. A combination of multispot, regional and steerable beams provides maximum options to accommodate client requirements. This satellite require customers a more complex and larger satellite design which takes longer to build that will be launched by Arianespace, one of the best launchers in the satellite industry.

Padlao said they believe that Jabiru-1 is “a great transition satellite because it looks like a Ku-Band satellite in its design as well as offering a range of beams, but it makes use of a less congested frequency band.” Jabiru-1’s design, in particular, is appealing as it will have both commercial and military frequencies available on most beams.

“NewSat will launch additional Ka-band satellites following Jabiru-1, expanding our fleet to provide coverage over Europe and the Americas,” added Padlao.

See: VSAT Services

Diego Paldao and NewSat

Diego Paldao, NewSat Senior Director-Americas, had his first time working for the satellite industry, 14 years ago, when UUNet provides IP transit services where his team worked closely with satellite operators to provide connectivity via satellite for places that lacks in adequate or stable fibre connectivity.

Paldao also joined global teleport operator Verestar following his work with UUNet. Verestar then was ultimately acquired by SES where he also had various positions, supporting enterprise and government clients based in North America.

At last, Palda joined NewSat, an Australian satellite specialist, in January, contributing to the vision and the realization of the vision to launch the continent’s first commercial satellite fleet.

NewSat is to date the largest independent satellite communications provider in Australia. Its satellites, VSATs and teleports provide coverage to 75% of the Earth’s surface. Its CEO Adrian Ballintine and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen founded the company in 1987 where it started as a multimedia business which survived the dotcom crash to evolve into a fully-fledged satellite communications company. Most of their customers are located in Australia, the Middle east and Africa.

See: NewSat's VSATS

NewSat's Diego Paldao is Happy with the Company

Diego Paldao, NewSat Senior Director-Americas, talks about the company. To date, NewSat is the largest independent satellite communications provider in Australia. Its satellites, VSATs and teleports provide coverage to 75% of the Earth’s surface.

He said that it excites him to join the company since their teleport business is growing rapidly, expanding across different sectors and extending into the satellite operator arena along the Jabiru Satellite Program. The company now owns and operates two teleports, one in Perth (Western Australia) and one in Adelaide (South Australia).

Their teleports’ infrastructure provides an offering different from other teleports. Both teleports provide superior lookangles into the MENA region and are recognized as highly secure Global Access Points which supports certified classified networks. These teleports are also recognized as a finalist (Top 3) at the 2012 World Teleport Awards.

On the other hand, NewSat’s Jabiru Satellite program is also developing well. The fleet of GEO satellites shall deliver Ka band coverage all over the world starting with Jabiru-1. This is through the utilization of the latest Ka band technology. It will now provide “raw” capability and flexible payloads via a range of multi-spot, regional and steerable beams. The construction for Jabiru-1 started last year and is planned to be launched at the second half of 2014.

See: NewSat's VSATs