People

ASCENT MEDIA: Names Key U.K. Executives

As part of a new management structure, Terry Downing was named Ascent Media’s U.K chief financial officer. Most recently, Downing served as the interim finance director of AOL U.K. where he led a re-organization of the company’s finance department.

David Barrett was promoted to managing director of Ascent Media Management Services U.K. Prior to this promotion, Barrett spent time serving as vice president of worldwide customer service for Ascent Media. Before joining the company, he was responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of Wiseman, a London-based commercial television post- production company.

Additionally, Bob Gentry was named managing director of Ascent Media Network Services U.K. In his prior role, Gentry served as chief engineer at BBC World Ltd., where he oversaw all broadcast technology and IT activities.

ASTRA: Appoints Marketing Manager

Nick Stubbs was appointed managing director of Astra Marketing France, the French affiliate of SES Astra.

Prior to joining SES Astra, Stubbs was with the Canal+ Group for 11 years. Most recently he held the positions of director of development and international director.

BOEING: Elects CFO

The Boeing Co. elected James Bell as chief financial officer. He has been Boeing’s acting CFO since November 2003.

As the corporate controller for Boeing, Bell has been responsible for managing the company’s financial and cost accounting, external reporting, cost policy, company-wide estimating and common business systems.

GILAT: Makes Management Changes

Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. appointed Tal Payne, vice president of finance and Yaron Suher vice president of financial planning and treasury.

Payne has been serving as Gilat’s financial director. Prior to joining Gilat, she served as a CPA and manager for Kesselman and Kesselman, PriceWaterhouseCoopers’ Israel office.

Suher has been serving as Gilat’s director of financial planning and analysis. Prior to joining Gilat, he worked as a senior economist for Teva Pharmaceuticals and as an analyst for Poalim Trust Funds.

GLOBECAST AMERICA: Appoints Account Executive

Globecast appointed Jim Bates account executive of the enterprise services group. He is responsible for marketing and developing private network services, including business television, video to desktop, data file transfer and corporate special events broadcasting, distance learning, hospitality and retail industries.

Previously, Bates served as sales director of enterprise service for Loral Skynet.

Services

EMS TECHNOLOGIES: Installs Local User Terminals

EMS Technologies Inc. installed three Geostationary Local User Terminals (GEOLUTs) and nine Low Earth Orbit Local User Terminals (LEOLUTs), at several locations in the United States. Two LEOLUTs each were installed at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam; Fairbanks, AK; Miami, FL; and Wahiawa, HI; and one LEOLUT and three GEOLUTs were installed at Suitland, MD.

The GEOLUT 600 Geostationary Local User Terminal provides early notification of a potential distress where a 406 MHz beacon is used. The LEOLUT 600 Advanced Technology Local User Terminal is a fully automated, high-performance, satellite ground-earth station that processes distress alerts from Sarsat and Cospas satellites.

GLOBECAST: Launches TV Bulgaria

TV Bulgaria is now available on the Globecast WorldTV Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite platform on Telstar 5 in the United States.

TV Bulgaria is the satellite channel of Bulgarian National Television, bringing news, current events, shows and Bulgarian movie and television productions to Bulgarians living in North America.

Globecast is providing TV Bulgaria with an end-to-end satellite distribution of its channel including encryption, uplink and space capacity. Globecast is also managing TV Bulgaria’s DTH call center services in North America, including equipment sales and subscription management.

MARLINK: Launches Regional BGAN Service

Marlink now offers a full range of Inmarsat services for customers requiring land mobile communications over satellite.

Marlink’s new Regional Broadband Global Area Network (Regional BGAN) offers reliable, 24-hour Internet Protocol connectivity at data speeds of up to 144 kbs via a secure channel. The service is available in Europe, Asia and in northern and central Africa.

Additionally, Marlink offers its Regional BGAN users access to a dedicated leased line from Telenor Satellite Services. According to the company, the dedicated leased line provides full and Virtual Private Network capabilities as new options to customers in need of secure, high-speed, rapid access to corporate networks.

MCL: Provides Three-Year Warranty

MCL is offering a complete three-year warranty on its 400-watt (MT3200) and 750-watt (MT4000) rack-mount traveling wave tube HPAs. This new upgraded warranty also provides coverage for the traveling wave tube. Only qualifying HPAs ordered after January 1, 2004, may take advantage of this new warranty.

ROADPOST: Offers Carry Forward Minutes

Roadpost Inc., a provider of global voice and data communications solutions for business travelers, is offering carry forward and pooled plans for international cellular and Iridium satellite service subscribers. Rather than foregoing unused minutes at the end of each month, subscribers to Roadpost’s services can now carry those minutes forward for a period of six months. Iridium satellite subscribers can carry forward minutes for a period of 12 months. Roadpost’s new pooled services feature also allows organizations to share minutes on a single subscription plan across multiple users.

SES AMERICOM: Increases International Focus

SES Americom, an SES Global Co., formed Worldsat LLC and signed a long-term agreement to provide services to Connexion by Boeing on Worldsat 3, a satellite featuring a customized Ku-band payload designed to address the requirements of broadband communications for the trans-pacific traveler.

The satellite is being manufactured by Alcatel Space of France and will be launched by the end of 2005. Operating from 172 degrees E, the satellite will offer service to Japanese clients and others in the Pacific Ocean and Asian region.

TELENOR SATELLITE SERVICES: Expands Service Portfolio

Telenor Satellite Services expanded its portfolio of global communications services via satellite available to United States Government customers through its General Services Administration Federal Telecommunications Service contract.

Under the contract, government agencies and other appropriate organizations can obtain a full suite of data, high-speed data and voice applications for both worldwide and domestic mobile satellite communications.

Of significant importance to U.S. Government customers is the addition of Telenor VSAT services to its GSA contract. These services offer government users the flexibility to order customized C- and Ku-band global VSAT systems over multiple satellite networks. The end-to-end services include network design, provision of equipment and capacity, implementation, operation, maintenance and training.

VOOM: Increases HD Offerings

Rainbow DBS, Cablevision Systems Corp.’s satellite division, made four additions to Voom’s high definition (HD) lineup–NFL Network, Playboy TV, STARZ! HD East and STARZ! HD West–bringing its total to 30 HD channels.

In addition, Rainbow DBS introduces the Voom HD Home Media Network, a whole-house solution designed specifically for HD programming, which is expected to roll-out this summer.

Contracts

ALOHA NETWORKS: Supplies SkyDSL Network

Aloha Networks Inc. announced the purchase, deployment and operation by Disitron Satellite Group (Disitron) of a SkyDSL Network serving Western Africa.

Disitron SkyDSL service in Western Africa supports cyber caf�s, Internet kiosks, distance learning and small-to-medium enterprise business communications. Disitron located its SkyDSL Network at a teleport in Virginia to take advantage of the high-speed Internet access available in the United States.

DYBAND: Signs Licensing Agreement

Dyband, a supplier of IP traffic management solutions, signed a wholesale licensing agreement with Bell Canada’s Carrier Services Group to create a customized version of Dyband’s traffic management software for resale exclusively to Bell Canada’s wholesale ISP customers.

According to Dyband, the software solution, called Dynamic Traffic Shaping, will enable Bell Canada to provide value-added services by giving customers a number of traffic management capabilities that can help them improve service performance, grow their revenues, reduce costs and improve profitability.

GILAT: Enters Chinese Agricultural Market

Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. will supply a hub and 300 VSAT of its SkyBlaster 360 broadband platform, to China’s Central Agriculture Broadcast and Television School (CABTS).

CABTS will use the VSAT technology to provide interactive distance learning applications to its municipal schools.

GS TELECOM: Teams Up With Kingston

GS Telecom, one of the largest privately-owned suppliers of wireless and satellite systems in Africa, selected Kingston inmedia to enable its new VSAT service, "AfricaConnect."

The Kingston solution comprises collocation services for AfricaConnect’s i-Direct hub, uplink onto New Skies Satellites’ NSS 7 and tier 1 Internet backbone access, enabling connectivity to and from the remote terminals and the U.K. hub. By partnering with Kingston for the two-way solution, GS Telecom is able to offer applications such as Internet, data, Voice over IP and Virtual Private Networks.

EAGLE BROADBAND: Signs Distribution Agreement

Eagle Broadband Inc., a supplier of broadband and communications products and services, signed a distribution agreement with Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) to sell Eagle’s Orb’ Phone Exchange satellite communications platform to government, military, homeland security and commercial customers worldwide.

Eagle’s Orb’ Phone Exchange technology leverages global satellite communication networks to deliver voice and data services for multiple concurrent users in non-line-of-sight operating environments, such as within buildings, aircraft, ships, dense metropolitan areas and remote or underground locations.

The agreement grants SAIC nonexclusive distribution rights for the Orb’ Phone Exchange in both domestic and international markets and establishes a framework for marketing and selling, solution bundling, product enhancements and business development.

INTELSAT: Gets Extension To ORBIT Act

Intelsat Ltd. reported that the Federal Communications Commission approved its request under the Open-market Reorganization for the Betterment of International Telecommunications Act (ORBIT Act), to extend the date by which Intelsat is required to complete an initial public equity offering from December 31, 2003, to June 30, 2004.

IRDETO ACCESS: Chosen By Arab Radio And TV

Irdeto Access signed a license agreement with German-based Arab Radio and Television (ART) GmbH for the implementation of Irdeto Access’ compact conditional access system, Irdeto M-Crypt, to secure its ART and PEHLA programs in Europe.

POLARSAT: Upgrades Air Traffic Control Network

Polarsat announced that SCT Seneam, Mexico’s airspace navigation service, continues to upgrade its satellite communications network utilizing the VSAT Plus 2 satellite communications system.

Seneam’s network will link all the major airports in Mexico, among them Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey, Mazatlan and Cancun. All points will be set up for transmission of radar information, telecommunication with pilots via VHF radio, as well as the transmission of data, fax and telephony.

SES ASTRA: Teams Up With RTL Group

SES Astra and RTL Group concluded new, long-term contracts for the digital transmission of the "RTL Austria" bouquet of television channels via Astra’s orbital position over Europe, 19.2 degrees E.

"RTL Austria" comprises the television channels RTL, RTL 2, Super RTL and VOX, which are distributed free-to-air over Astra.

SIRIUS: Seals Deal With NFL

The National Football League (NFL) and Sirius Satellite Radio signed a seven-year agreement for Sirius to broadcast all NFL games live nationwide and for Sirius to become the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the National Football League.

Beginning with the NFL’s 2004 season, Sirius will carry the entire NFL regular season as well as Wild Card Weekend and Divisional Playoff games, along with select pre-season contests and playoff games. Beginning with the 2005 season, Sirius will also broadcast the Conference Championships and the Super Bowl.

As part of the agreement, Sirius will create "The NFL Radio Network." The radio channel will provide news, features and a wide range of other programming highlighting the NFL and each of its teams.

TANDBERG: Provides Video Solution To Intelsat

Tandberg Television is providing Intelsat with a turnkey video solution, including digital compression and control and monitoring equipment plus integration services, for a hybrid satellite and fiber network connecting seven sites between the United States and Europe.

The installations include both standard and high definition equipment and will be completed in spring 2004, connecting teleports in Riverside, CA, and Fuchsstadt, Germany, with five points-of-presence sites in Washington, DC, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver and New York City.

TELENOR: Offers Sealink To Ferry Fleet

Telenor Satellite Services signed a three-year agreement with Brittany Ferries to provide high-speed data communications via satellite. Under terms of the agreement, Telenor will provide Ku-band service for two Brittany vessels, the Val de Loire and the Pont Aven, with an option to install as many as six additional systems for the rest of the company’s ferry fleet.

Operating at speeds up to 192 kbs, Telenor’s Sealink service allows guests and crew to have access to e-mail, fax services and telephone service.

WILDBLUE: Signs Agreement With Viasat

Wildblue Communications Inc. and Viasat Inc. signed an agreement for Viasat to supply satellite broadband equipment and ground systems for the Wildblue consumer and small office/home office broadband service.

The contract is valued at more than $33 million and includes final development and production of consumer premises equipment and gateway equipment to support Wildblue’s initial service launch. Customer equipment includes a Viasat Ka-band satellite modem and outdoor Ka-band transceiver electronics from Viasat subsidiary US Monolithics LLC.

Technology

CODEM SYSTEMS: Introduces Antenna Control System

Codem Systems Inc. released a modular, touch-screen antenna control unit (ACU) workstation to complement its suite of antenna control products. The ACU workstation includes the antenna control features traditionally provided in a Codem controller along with an ergonomic touch screen interface plus integrated Webcam and VOIP intercom.

According to Codem, a remote user can maintain real-time observation of the antenna and establish a voice intercom link with the local ground station personnel without the need for separate video or phone networks. (Codem Systems Inc., 7 Executive Park Dr., Merrimack, NH 03054; Tel: 603/429-0111; Fax: 603/429-0155 Web: www.codem.com)

DNE TECHNOLOGIES: Releases Protocol Converter Line

DNE Technologies, a provider of tactical voice and data communication solutions, introduced a new Protocol Converter Multi-Channel Unit line that combines the features of both conditioned di-phase modems and fiber optic modems, while also offering a conversion to and from non-return to zero protocols.

Each lightweight, aluminum 1-U rack-mount chassis handles two independent circuits that can be configured for separate applications with different fiber types. (DNE Technologies Inc., 50 Barnes Park North, Wallingford, CT 06492; Tel: 203/265-7151; Fax: 203/284-8414 Web: www.dne.com)

EMS TECHNOLOGIES: Debuts Emergency Response Solution

EMS Technologies Inc. introduced its EMS Field Response Kit. This kit was designed to provide "first responders" and emergency management personnel with portable, mobile and seamless "reach-back" communications. Through a matrix of local short and long-range communication technologies, key incident and management information will be transmitted via the Inmarsat Global Area Network (GAN) to geographically separated units.

The Field Response Kit supports multiple subscriber access to different services, which are combined and compressed over a single, or multiple Inmarsat GAN 64 kbs channels in a portable, mobile or fixed environment. The communication system will support simultaneous communication services, to include multiple voice or data calls, as well as FTP connections. (EMS Technologies, 660 Engineering Dr., Norcross, GA 30091; Tel: 770/263-9200; Web: www.ems-t.com)

INTOREL: Releases Software Jointly With MCL

Intorel, a Luxembourg-based provider of software products and enterprise solutions, and MCL released Visionic/OEM–the completely free M&C software that supports the full range of MCL amplifiers. Distribution of this fully customized software support will start immediately, with each new MCL amplifier.

According to the company, the Visionic/OEM allows easy installation, monitoring, logging, charting/plotting and trending of all functions and total control of all features of the new MCL amplifiers. The software comes with an integrated Installation Wizard that automatically detects the MCL equipment that is connected to the computer. (Intorel, 41, Route des 3 Cantons, L-4970 Dippach-Gare, Luxembourg, Europe; Tel: +352 26 37 05 51; Fax: +352 26 37 05 02; Web: www.intorel.com)