Ka and C band Satellites Add to 4G Broadband Networks

Fast Internet is increasingly becoming an integral part of the daily life of the society. Before, enjoying high speed broadband connection at a blazing speed was only possible in areas served by wired communications providers or mobile phone companies. Everything changed with the launching of K and C band satellite technology. Now, more households and businesses can enjoy fast Internet connection even if they do not have a cable or wired phone service. Furthermore, satellite networks are also increasingly becoming integrated with modern wireless infrastructures, thus allowing Internet service providers to serve more regions.

Ka and C-band satellites, unlike cell towers, are capable of sending and processing radio wave signals to and from widely separated zones. Fiber optic connections and similar services do not always work toward investors' interests. Since fixed and wireless telecommunications companies can only operate their terrestrial networks in certain areas, large networks in small regions tend to have high redundancy . Needless to say, paying attention to small markets can be a financial disincentive, so the industry turn to leasing or retailing of bandwidth. This is more cost-effective than the expansion of terrestrial networks or cell towers.

By facilitating backhaul operations , teleports and satellites make wireless Internet possible in any place with satellite dish or VSAT. Satellite signals have longer ranges so they can send more data. Signals sent by satellite dishes travel 22,000 miles above the ground to reach geostationary satellites. They are commonly known by such term because of their permanent location in the orbit relative to Earth. Geostationary satellites also travel at higher altitude compared to other types of satellites. The advantageous position of geostationary satellites is the reason why they have a large coverage.

Teleports and hub stations operate gigantic satellite dishes called VSATS. They are equipped with transceivers which perform the critical functions needed for satellite signals to be processed by client devices and Internet networks. The distance of teleports from client devices does not matter because of the long-range signals of satellites.

Therefore, telecommunications companies are eager to use satellite networks to expand heir coverage, especially in rural areas. As a matter of fact, a single satellite is capable of providing wireless broadband to air travellers on an international flight. Thanks to satellite Internet, rural customers do not have to wait to get covered by terrestrial network in order to enjoy 4G broadband connection.

It has been proven throughout the years that mobile backhauling via Ka, Ku and C-band satellites greatly increased the quality and speed of both fixed and mobile Internet services of ISPs and telcos. The industry witnessed the alliance among companies in the satellite and telecommunications sectors to take advantage of the intercontinental coverage of Ka, Ku and C band satellites.

Take the case of Norsat International Inc. which recently merged with WiMax provider Bluemoon 4G Ltd. The alliance has improved the Irish ISP’s competitive stance in developing markets. Another satellite carrier which has reaped the benefits of having a hybrid network is Globalstar, which won an FCC approval to deploy WiMax as part of its backhaul component.

Satellite Industry News

by Fred
New Eutelsat birds to meet growing demand
Eutelsat Communications has said that its two recent launch successes, Atlantic Bird 7 and W3C, will provide new capacity to support growth in fast developing markets.
From www.broadbandtvnews.com/2011/11/04/new-eutelsat-birds-to-meet-growing-demand/

RDA Microelectronics Introduces CMMB Mobile TV Chip for TD-SCDMA
RDA announced the introduction of its RDA5891 CMMB Mobile TV SoC for TD-SCDMA handsets and smartphones which works on China's 3G standard.
From: marketwatch.com/story/rda-microelectronics-introduces-cmmb-mobile-tv-chip-for-td-scdma-2011-11-17

Helitech 2011: Blue Sky Network Offers Helo Tracking Solutions
At Helitech 2011, Blue Sky Network (BSN) exhibited a renewed line of tracking devices that can help flight dispatchers to know, in real-time, where their fleet’s helicopters are.
From: ainonline.com/?q=aviation-news/aviation-international-news/2011-11-01/helitech-2011-blue-sky-network-offers-helo-tracking-solutions


AfriCom deepens insight on global telecom brands on Africa
Number of mobile subscriptions in Africa is estimated to reach one billion in 2016, from 616 million at September this year, based on Informa Telecoms & Media report.
From: businessdayonline.com/NG/index.php/media-business/29700-africom-deepens-insight-on-global-telecom-brands-on-africa

Psion/Blackroc GNSS device delivers centimetre accuracy
The Procyon range, which adds a 2.1-megapixel camera and a GNSS module to the basic Psion Workabout 3 handheld, starts with the W100, whose GPS receiver's standard 15m accuracy is boosted to 1-2m using SBAS (Satellite-Based Augmentation System).
Source: zdnet.co.uk/blogs/product-central-10000033/psionblackroc-gnss-device-delivers-centimetre-accuracy-10024719/

Sandigan selects Stratos to deploy FleetBroadband service
Sandigan Ship Services has selected Stratos Global to deploy the Inmarsat FleetBroadband satellite communications service on Sandigan's fleet of commercial vessels. F
From: telecompaper.com/news/sandigan-selects-stratos-to-deploy-fleetbroadband-service

Technology and Ka Band Industry Today

A French Ka band communications satellite covering Europe and the Indian Ocean was launched on top of a Chinese Long March rocket Friday.


Some say broadband access should be enshrined as a basic human right, and carriers , operators and other technology developers are working on ways to reduce the cost and increase the speed of broadband acce in rural areas. By Sam Baird


Adrian Ballintine, the chief executive officer of Ka band provider Newsat , has been inducted to the Board of Directors for the World Teleport Association (WTA).


Hughes Network Systems, LLC (Hughes), the global leader in ka band solutions and services, joined the three panel sessions at the SATCON 2011 Conference and Exhibition.
Source: Marketwatch.com




Gilat introduced its new high speed Ka band VSAT terminals for the consumer market. 


Nine out of 10 airplanes with an Internet connection use Gogo LLC, which transmits signals from cellular towers to antennas that can be installed on a plane overnight. Bu the company is now facing growing competition from ka band carriers. 


Reference: http://online.wsj.com/ 






Guidelines for alerting mobile phone users before they surpassed monthly limits on voice or data service usages  announced by the US Federal Communications Commission.


 Technology is a great leveler as it helps narrow the gaps between people, it is evident from the fact that expanding telecommunications infrastructures has brought Mizoram closer to the rest of India. 
Source: http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/246895


Queensland students will be required to secure a "licence" to take mobile phones to school if a state government-commissioned proposed anti cyber-bullying policy is approved. 
Read more:  http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/mobile-phone-licence-mooted-for-qld-kids-20111021-1mc06.html


NINE drivers were caught using mobile phones in north east Fife, UK during a crackdown operation by local police authority. 
From: http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/local-headlines/dunfermline-and-west-fife/crackdown_on_drivers_using_mobile_phones_1_1921581


Google has piled into the potential auction of rival Yahoo, allying with private equity investors to consider a joint bid for the ailing search engine competitor. 


Read more: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/google-looks-at-bid-for-troubled-rival-yahoo-2375158.html