MDA Signs Space-Based Surveillance Deal With Canada’s Department of National Defense

MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA), a global communications and information company has signed a CA$10.8 million ($10.4 million) contract with Canada’s Department of National Defense (DND). Under the agreement, the company will provide five years of operational support for a space-based surveillance solution being developed by MDA, which will allow the DND to access timely and accurate surveillance information.

Hughes Network Systems Launches Emergency Services Solution

Hughes Network Systems has announced the availability of a new emergency services package as the 2013 hurricane season begins. Services include satellite network solutions for emergency preparedness, restoral, and post-event response designed to provide broadband Internet connectivity for government and business when a disaster strikes. Powered by the Spaceway 3 Ka-band satellite system or the new EchoStar 17 satellite with Jupiter high-throughput technology, users can get speeds up to 15 Mbps.

ViaSat Introduces Satellite Home Telephone Service

ViaSat is launching Exede Voice, claiming it is the first satellite Internet service provider to offer U.S. residential telephone service. The offering complements ViaSat’s satellite Internet service. With the new service launching in June, ViaSat will begin offering all-satellite Internet, phone and/or television bundles.

The ViaSat engineering team designed Exede Voice to be optimized with Exede satellite and ground technology, in order to provide better call quality. The team spent two years in development and user testing to ensure quality and reliability, including trials with residential users.

Intelsat and Ericsson Successfully Demonstrate Ultra-HD Transmission via Satellite

Intelsat and Ericsson completed a successful demonstration of a true 4K Ultra High Definition (Ultra-HD), end-to-end video transmission over satellite to Turner Broadcasting’s facilities in Atlanta, Ga. This was the first transmission of a Ultra-HD signal via satellite in North America, proving the satellite delivery chain can accommodate next-generation signals as soon as broadcasters are ready to offer them.

CPI Expands Offering with MCL Acquisition

CPI International and its subsidiary Communications & Power Industries (CPI) have acquired MCL, a manufacturer of power amplifier products and systems for the satellite communications market and a wholly owned subsidiary of MITEQ. Under the terms of the agreement, CPI acquired the assets of MCL using cash on hand. The acquisition will be integrated into CPI’s Satcom Division.

CPI will continue to support MCL’s installed base of products and customers worldwide, and retain a service center for MCL products in the Chicago area.