Arqiva Renews Uplink Contract on Thor 5

Satellite operator Telenor renewed its contract with Arqiva for the uplink of three multiplexes onto its Thor 5 satellite, which carries video services into the Scandinavian DTH market.

Arqiva’s Scandinavian channels are part of its Canal Digital channel bouquet and uplinked through its Winchester Teleport in the United Kingdom. The Thor 5 satellite, launched in February 2008, carries 24-transponders.

Harris Wins MIDS Follow-on Production Contract

Harris Corp. received a two-year, $18 million follow-on contract from ViaSat to supply additional hardware for Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) terminals.

Harris will provide ViaSat with an enhanced voice card, power supply assemblies, processor modules and the chassis for each of the terminals as well as perform environmental testing of the completed assemblies for ViaSat’s MIDS Low Volume Terminal.

Harris is supporting ViaSat in its contract with the U.S. Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command for production of various models of MIDS terminals. The follow-on award brings the value of Harris’ contract, initiated in 2000, to $192 million.

Hughes Wins Avanti Ka-Band Satellite Services Deal

Hughes Network Systems signed an $18 million, multi-year agreement to supply Avanti Communications Group with Ka-band networking infrastructure for Avanti’s Hylas 2 satellite.

Hughes will supply Avanti with 48 advanced Ka-band system gateways for Hylas 2, scheduled for launch in 2012, raising the total gateways for both Hylas satellites to 56. The Ka-band architecture aims to enable efficient delivery of bandwidth-demanding services such as digital signage and distance learning for enterprises and large-scale, high-speed Internet services for Avanti’s consumers and small business customers.

The deal also opens up new potential for government and defense applications throughout the region. The deal builds on Hughes’ initial $24 million contract with Avanti, signed in October, to supply Ka-band technology for Hylas 1.