ViaSat Enters Contract with UGL to Complete Satellite Gateways for NBN
Australian-based UGL Limited will complete gateway installations for the NBN Co. high-capacity satellite system after signing a contract with ViaSat. Approximately a dozen UGL workers be trained and supervised by ViaSat to complete work at each location.

Installation, testing, and commissioning of ViaSat’s antenna, radio frequency, and baseband equipment is scheduled to begin in late 2013 following gateway civil works and building construction by NBN Co. The 10-gateway network is expected to be completed by November 2014, ahead of the scheduled 2015 launch of two NBN Co. Ka-band satellites.

“UGL brings a qualified and talented team to support our installations. Their technical know-how, experience and FSC-certification were key factors in our decision to select UGL to build out the Australian gateways,” said Joe Ducey, ground segment deployment manager at ViaSat in Melbourne.

Raj Malik, Measat’s newly appointed SVP, sales and marketing.
Photo: Measat

Raj Malik Selected as Measat’s SVP, Sales and Marketing
Measat Satellite Systems has appointed Raj Malik to the position of senior vice president, sales and marketing. In this role, Malik will oversee Measat’s global sales and marketing activities, focused on building and supporting a strong customer base across Africa, Asia, Australia and Europe.

He will also join the Measat’s senior leadership team responsible for the overall development and execution of the company’s strategy. Prior to joining Measat, Malik spent seven years with an Asian satellite operator in various sales, marketing and operations roles.

Discovery Secures Capacity on Intelsat 19

Discovery Communications has signed a new capacity agreement with Intelsat. As part of the multi-transponder agreement, Discovery will use the Intelsat 19 video neighborhood to expand the reach of its more than 190 worldwide television networks, including its portfolio in the Asia-Pacific region.

Located at 166 degrees east, Intelsat 19 hosts a video neighborhood in the Pacific Ocean region, and reaches more than 37 million pay TV subscribers. The satellite offers C-band distribution for many global programmers, and a Ku-band DTH platform that serves customers in Australia and New Zealand.

Garuda’s Flights Fitted with Panasonic’s Global Communications Services
Garuda Indonesia has taken delivery of its first two Boeing 777-300ER aircraft fitted with Panasonic Avionics Corporation’s Global Communications Services (GCS). Under the deal, Garuda will be taking a total of 10 777-300ERs fitted with Panasonic’s GCS.

In cooperation with PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Garuda is said to be the first airline in Indonesia to offer the complete range of in-flight communication services including eXConnect, eXPhone, and eXTV.

Services are currently being offered on routes from Jakarta/Denpasar to Narita and Jakarta/Denpasar to Jeddah.

Thuraya to Assist SMART Communications in Marino PhonePal Launch

Marino Phonepal satellite phone terminal aboard the M/V Bonita. Photo: Philippine Transmarine Carriers

Thuraya has been selected by SMART Communications of the Philippines for the launch of its new crew calling service, Marino PhonePal.

In the multi-year deal, SMART will partner with Thuraya on network services and hardware for its maritime voice service, which connects thousands of Filipino seafarers to their loved ones. SMART will also offer low cost prepaid calls to seafarers while at sea using Thuraya’s SF2500 voice terminals.