Spacecom, the Israeli operator of the Amos fleet of satellites, is reportedly close to starting a procurement process for a new satellite, likely to be called Amos-8. Spacecom has had a tough couple of years. First, it lost Amos-6 on Sept 1st 2016 when the satellite was lost during a ground-based static engine test on […]
Nigeria says it will create a new legal framework to regulate satellite communications over the country and which would also open up the market to many local and international players. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says its draft rules are designed to create a legal framework to regulate the provision and use of satellite communication […]
This isn’t the first time that Canada-based Telesat, the fourth-largest global satellite operator, has been reported to be up for sale. But this time the long-awaited sale could be a reality. According to press reports, Loral is trying to sell its 62.7 per cent stake in Telesat, which is based in Ottawa. The reason is […]
Luxembourg’s GovSat-1 has been activated at 21.5 degree East. The satellite is a joint-venture between SES and the Luxembourg government. It was launched on January 31st by a SpaceX rocket. The satellite is expected to be used by NATO and Europe’s military which will use its special X-band and Ka-band beams and exploiting the satellite’s […]
As previously reported, Avanti Communications has confirmed that its long-awaited Hylas 4 satellite has a new – as yet unconfirmed – launch date in April. It had been expected to launch on March 21st. An official statement from London-based Avanti said: “Avanti has been advised by Arianespace of a delay to the launch of its […]
Satellite operator SES says it has raised €500 million of debt in the form of an 8-year Eurobond. Terms of the borrowing are that the notes will bear a Coupon of 1.625 per cent per annum and were priced at 99.34 per cent of their nominal value. Repayment is due in 2026. Proceeds of the […]
As an industry snapshot there’s no better grouping of experts at this year’s Satellite 2018 show in Washington than those representing six major satellite manufacturers. While a record low number of commercial satellites ordered last year (just 7) would normally have these panellists wringing their hands in despair, the mood was reasonably upbeat. This was […]
Subscription losses slowed for traditional multichannel video providers in Q4 2017 (quarter ended December 31st, 2017), but the sector still tumbled for the full year, according to data compiled by Kagan, a group within S&P Global Market Intelligence. Combined cable, direct broadcast satellite (DBS) and telecommunication (telco) multichannel subscriptions fell to 94 million, including 91.1 […]
Spanish satellite operator Hispasat and Global Skyware, a provider of satellite equipment owned by Global Invacom Group, have reached an agreement to develop a device that allows triple play services (data, voice and video) to be received through the same aerial. Global Skyware is developing a solution based on a dichroic sub-reflector that is integrated […]
The UK government is backing the building of a rocket launch site. UK Transport Minister Jo Johnson says: “The Space Industry Bill gives companies the ability to launch satellites from UK soil, putting us at the forefront of the new space race, and helping us to compete as the destination of choice for satellite companies […]