Finance

  2010 proved to be a solid year for the satellite sector during an economic pe riod that has curtailed many other business around the globe. Satellite companies remained active in all areas, introducing new business and growth initiatives that could prove noteworthy in the future. Broadcasting Changes 2010 was the year that the momentum...

About 1050 people attended the 2010 Offshore Communications conference in Houston this year – a 26 percent increase from 2009. The growing attendance and enthusiasm signals a healthy market, operating and developing with confidence in a time of economic uncertainty. The satellite capacity industry is doing particularly well, enjoying a period of strong growth that...

Satellite providers are investing in Wi-Fi network upgrades to stay competitive in the offshore energy marketplace while branching out into several niche maritime markets.     MTN Satellite Communications (MTN) recently overhauled its Wi-Fi network to support upcoming deals in the cruise ship marketplace. MTN Senior Vice President Brent Horwitz said the deal would demonstrate the...

Developing a satellite broadband-on-the-move solution that meets connectivity speed requirements at an economical price point has been a top priority for many mobile operators. Inmarsat CEO Andy Sukawaty has had a busy year expanding the operator’s portfolio and investing in a broadband solution to compete with other next-generation systems on the horizon.     This past...

Harris Corp. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire oil and gas industry service provider Schlumberger’s Global Connectivity Services (GCS) business for $347.5 million in cash after tax expenses, Harris announced Nov. 8.     The acquisition builds on Harris’ acquisition of CapRock Communications in July, as Schlumberger GCS will be combined with CapRock to...

Comtech EF Data has acquired FX-series WAN optimization, application and platforms developer Stampede Technologies for an undisclosed amount, the companies announced Nov. 4.     Comtech said the acquisition would enable the company to expand its WAN optimization product offerings for commercial applications by leveraging Stampede’s bandwidth-reducing technologies. Typical Stampede FX users include ISPs, enterprises, offshore/maritime...

Hughes Network Systems is now accepting orders for its 9450-C11 BGAN land mobile satellite terminal for operation over Inmarsat‘s BGAN satellite service.      The Hughes 9450-C11 aims to provide high performance, mobile satellite connectivity for demanding environments at budget-friendly cost. The 9450-C11 is being targeted to global relief work organizations (NGOs), government, first responders, public...

The continued recovery of its LXE mobile computing business drove increased profitability for EMS Technologies in the third quarter of 2010, according to the company’s latest results issued Nov. 5.     EMS posted operating income of $4.3 million and earnings from continuing operations of $3.5 million on revenues of $85.7 million in the quarter. Adjusted EBITDA...

Orbcomm’s 2010 third quarter total revenues jumped 97.9 percent from the same period in 2009 due to a boost in deferred U.S. Coast Guard AIS service revenue, the company announced in its latest results, issued Nov. 10.     Orbcomm reported revenues of $13.9 million in the most recent three-month period, which included $5.9 million in...

Hughes has reported another quarter of consumer growth and expanding margins and predicts a major turnaround in the North American enterprise market, the company said in its third quarter 2010 results issues Nov. 4.     EBITDA grew 38 percent over 2009 to $61 million, beating analysts’ predictions of approximately $56 million. Hughes’ service revenues grew...