ITV

Category: Satellites

  • Israel’s Gilat Satellite acquires inflight connectivity specialist Stellar Blu Solutions

    Israel’s Gilat Satellite acquires inflight connectivity specialist Stellar Blu Solutions

    MUMBAI: It’s taken off with the right velocity and direction in 2025. Israeli satellite-based broadband communications provider  Gilat Satellite Networks announced  on 7 January that it has successfully closed the acquisition of US-based provider of next-generation satcom terminal solutions  and aircraft communications technologies, Stellar Blu Solutions. 

    The cost: $98 million in cash, as adjusted. Gilat had $115 million in net cash at the end of 2024, but it went for a new secured credit line of $100 million from HSBC Bank US and Bank Hapoalim to fund $60 million of the consideration paid at closing. The remaining $40 million, from the secured credit line, along with the company’s resources, is expected to be called upon and cover potential earn-out payments. The three year loan will bear interest at a rate of SOFR plus 2.6 per cent to 3.35 per cent. 

    Funding this acquisition through a combination of Glat’s interna resources and a secured credit line will provide it  with additional flexibility given the opportunities in the market. The acquisition amount may go up by up  by  an additional $147 million in cash, conditioned upon the business achieving operational and strategic business milestones, during the first two years that follow the signing of the agreement.

    Says Gilat CEO Adi Sfadia:  “This acquisition is a pivotal step in our strategy to expand Gilat’s presence in the growing in-flight connectivity (IFC) market. We expect Stellar Blu’s cutting-edge technologies, combined with Gilat’s advanced IFC solutions to position us as a market leader for both commercial and business aviation, as well as adjacent high-end mobility markets that are ideal for electronically steered antenna (ESA) applications.”

    He adds: “With the increasing demand for free, seamless, high-quality in-flight wifi and Stellar Blu’s pioneering expertise in multi-orbit Leo and Geo IFC solutions, we will be able  to meet the most demanding service level agreements in the industry, opening up new growth opportunities in aviation and beyond. We expect to ship hundreds of Stellar Blu’s Sidewinder terminals during the upcoming quarters.”  

    The company expects its annual revenues from Stellar Blu to range between $120 and $150 million in 2025, based on the latter’s  robust backlog. In addition, the acquisition is expected to be accretive on non-GAAP results for 2025. Furthermore, the company  estimates that once Stellar Blu reaches its target manufacturing capacity, which Gilat expects will occur during the second half of 2025, Stellar Blu’s EBITDA margin is expected to be above 10 per cent.   

    (The photo for this article was generated using Microsoft Designer. No copyright infringement is intended.)

  • Arianespace appoints David Cavaillolès as CEO replacing Stéphane Israël

    Arianespace appoints David Cavaillolès as CEO replacing Stéphane Israël

    MUMBAI: Arianespace has gone in for 36  year old David Cavaillolès to become CEO of the European space rocket launch firm from January 2025.

    David has been a rising young  star, starting out in insurance at ACPR as a financial supervision expert after acquiring two masters  degrees, one in sciences, economic, and mathematics followed by another in finance which included actuarial finance. 

    He stayed there for a couple of years following which he joined the public sector, first as an inspector of finances for a couple of years for the French government, then as a senior ministerial adviser in the office of  the minister of  education, research and innovation where he was given  charge of space David advised the ministry on its  industrial strategy for launchers and satellites, Newspace, among many other areas.

    He held this position for two and a half years before being lured back to the private sector by Capgemini Financial Services where he stayed for five years and theee months, rising from head of ADM Paris  practice to chief sales officer of the French office of Capgemini.

    His growth has been rapid throughout his career, especially considering that he was headhunted to lead Arianespace at the young age of 36.

    David replaces Stéphane Israël the outgoing  CEO of Arianespace, who has been at the company’s helm since April 2013 and is currently pursuing new opportunities.  As CEO, Stéphane Israël  played a key role in developing the Ariane industrial cluster with the Ariane 6 launcher, and in transforming Arianespace, which became a subsidiary of ArianeGroup in 2017. 

    After consolidating the Ariane 5, Vega and Soyuz launcher families and supporting the development of Ariane 6 and Vega C next-generation launchers, Stéphane Israël gave Arianespace’s offering a new direction, transitioning from dual GEO satellite launches to solutions designed for large constellations in low-Earth orbit and the growing diversity of satellites. 

    Thanks to these initiatives, Arianespace reached a record rate of 15 launches in 2021 while taking orders for 30 Ariane 6 launches and 15 Vega C launches. Since April 2013, Stephane Israël has supervised 108 launches, including, recently, the emblematic James Webb Telescope (JWST) mission for Nasa and the Juice probe launch for the European Space Agency (ESA).

    “Every day I have spent since April 2013 writing this chapter in the history of Arianespace has been a great honor and an extraordinary human adventure,” said Stéphane Israël. “I am pleased to entrust my successor with a company boasting a solid order book to ramp up the launch rate as of 2025. With Ariane 6, Arianespace will be able to capture the opportunities arising in a dynamic and fast-changing market.”

    ArianeGroup CEO Martin Sion said: “Stéphane has supported Arianespace through major milestones, from the height of Ariane 5’s success to the first flight of Ariane 6. He also worked hard to transform Arianespace in line with ArianeGroup.”
     

  • C-DOT-Silizium Circuits partner to develop LEO satellite components

    C-DOT-Silizium Circuits partner to develop LEO satellite components

    MUMBAI: In a breakthrough collaboration poised to revolutionise India’s telecommunications sector, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and Silizium Circuits Pvt Ltd have joined hands to design and develop cutting-edge LEO satellite components and GNSS RF Front-End ASIC. This ambitious partnership signifies an exciting chapter in India’s pursuit of self-reliant, next-generation telecom technology, laying the groundwork for state-of-the-art advancements that will shape the future of connectivity.

    From the depths of innovation to the skies above, something transformative is being engineered—technology that not only strengthens India’s telecom infrastructure but also places the nation firmly on the global map of telecom leadership.

    Stay tuned, because this is just the beginning of something extraordinary.

    The agreement was signed under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme, launched by the department of telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. The scheme supports Indian startups, academic institutions, and R&D bodies in developing affordable and innovative telecommunication solutions to bridge the nation’s digital divide.

    Silizium Circuits, leveraging the support of TTDF, will focus on creating advanced semiconductor solutions addressing critical challenges in the satellite communication ecosystem, including power efficiency, high-speed data transmission, and signal integrity. By utilising its expertise in analog, RF, and mixed-signal technologies, the company will contribute to reliable, high-performance LEO satellite infrastructure. The project targets both the global market and India’s goal of enhancing urban and rural connectivity while strengthening next-generation broadband services.

    The agreement was formalised during a ceremony attended by C-DOT CEO, Rajkumar Upadhyay; Silizium Circuits, co-founder & CEO, Rijin John; C-DOT directors, Pankaj Kumar Dalela & Shikha Srivastava; and senior officials from DoT, including DDG (TTDF), Parag Agarwal, and DDG (SRI), Vinod Kumar.

    Upadhyay underlined the importance of developing own chips for communication needs and emphasised the support of C-DOT including its infrastructure during the project implementation.

    This partnership showcases India’s resolve to innovate and build indigenous solutions for satellite communication, advancing the country’s self-reliance in semiconductor technology and telecommunications.

  • Three Thaicom satellites permitted to provide services over India

    Three Thaicom satellites permitted to provide services over India

    MUMBAI: It’s being talked about as a bit of a regulatory breakthrough. 

    Thai communications  and satellite space tech firm Thaicom Public Co Ltd’s 100 per cent owned Indian subsidiary IPStar India Pvt Ltd (IPstar)  has got the go-ahead from the Indian National Space Promotion & Authorisation Centre (InSpace)  to provide services through its  satellites under India’s new space policy.

    Among the birds  that have got the go-ahead include: the ageing Thaicom-4 which was launched in 2005 and is also called IPstar! located at 119.5 degrees east, Thaicom 8 at 78.5 degrees east. The agency also granted an authorisation for Thaicom’s new satellite at 119.5 degrees East, Thaicom 9 , the next-generation satellite with software-defined high throughput technology that will be launched in 2025. 

    Thaicom’s satellite services will focus on delivering broadband satellite solutions to enhance India’s digital infrastructure, targeting not only rural markets but also underserved areas with connectivity challenges. This initiative aims to contribute to bridging the digital divide in the region while meet the growing and diverse demand for satellite services in India.

     Thaicom’s chief executive officer Patompob (Nile) Suwansiri stated that the company is dedicated to “serving India in the long term. We are convinced that our extensive knowledge in the satellite industry and commitment to broadband service delivery will enable us to meet India’s insatiable demand for broadband connectivity, he added. 

  • Eutelsat confirms ground infra sale deal with EQT Infrastructure

    Eutelsat confirms ground infra sale deal with EQT Infrastructure

    MUMBAI: Communications satellite firm  Eutelsat group has exercised the put option signed with EQT Infrastructure VI fund (“EQT”) on 9 August 2024 regarding a majority stake in a newly created entity that will hold Eutelsat’s passive ground infrastructure assets. This decision follows the completion of the consultation processes with relevant employee representative bodies of Eutelsat. 

    The exercise of the put option led to the signing of a binding share purchase agreement (SPA) between Eutelsat and EQT. 

    As announced on 9 August 2024 upon signing of the put option agreement, the transaction consists in the carve-out of the Eutelsat’s passive ground infrastructure assets (land, buildings, support infrastructure, antennas and connectivity circuits for the combined portfolio of teleports and SNPs) to form a new company to be incorporated as a standalone legal entity.

    Eutelsat has around 1,400 antennas across more than 100 locations globally, allowing satellite communications for Eutelsat group, OneWeb and third party clients.

    Under the terms of the agreement, EQT will acquire an 80 per cent stake in this new entity, while Eutelsat group will remain committed as long-term shareholder, anchor tenant and partner of the new company with a 20 per cent holding alongside EQT. 

    The transaction values the new entity at an enterprise value of €790m. It remains subject to customary conditions precedent, and closing of the deal is expected in the first quarter of calendar year 2026.

  • VMLLC secures IN-SPACe nod to market PT Telkomsat satellite in India

    VMLLC secures IN-SPACe nod to market PT Telkomsat satellite in India

    Mumbai: Vishal Mathur Consultants LLP (VMLLC) has earned authorisation from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Center (IN-SPACe) to market, promote, and lease PT Telkomsat’s C-band satellite capacity in India. This significant milestone enables VMLLC to serve HITS platforms and broadcasters by offering advanced satellite solutions tailored to the Indian market.

    VMLLC, founded by Vishal Mathur, a veteran in the satellite and media industry with over 25 years of expertise, is set to revolutionise India’s broadcasting ecosystem. Vishal Mathur’s rich career includes pivotal roles at leading organisations such as ESPN, Zee Telefilms Ltd., Satellite Operator SES, MEASAT, and Kacific Broadband.

    Reflecting on this achievement, Vishal Mathur remarked, “Our partnership with PT Telkomsat marks a new chapter in India’s satellite industry, offering innovative solutions to broadcasters and HITS platforms. With IN-SPACe’s support, we are excited to deliver reliable, high-quality C-band satellite services and enable India’s broadcasting sector to scale new heights.”

    The IN-SPACe authorisation empowers VMLLC to act as a vital bridge between PT Telkomsat and India’s growing broadcast industry, enhancing connectivity and operational efficiency for its partners.

    VMLLC’s entry into the Indian satellite market underscores its commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions while reinforcing its position as a trusted leader in the industry.

     

  • Avia’s inaugural ‘Japan in View’ highlights Japan’s future of digital entertainment

    Avia’s inaugural ‘Japan in View’ highlights Japan’s future of digital entertainment

    Tokyo – The Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) held its very first Japan focused industry event, Japan in View, on 29 October at the Andaz Tokyo, bringing together over 130 international and regional players from across the video and streaming industry.

    The conference opened and dove straight into the streaming potential of Japan, with TVer Inc., executive managing director & COO Shinjiro Ninagawa, sharing his ambitions of growing TVer to thrice as large as it was now, with the business doubling over the next two – three years. Dazn CEO (Japan, Asia) Yu Sasamoto, also said that Japan was still at the tipping point of the shift and transformation from traditional linear programming to digital services, and he expected more disruption from new players, with the landscape shifting significantly in the next five years.

    Ampd Analytics (an MPA company) VP, Sam Yousif further expanded on the opportunities for Japan, opening his session describing Japan as “a lucrative, consistently growing multi-billion-dollar industry with a complex competitive landscape and unique customer behaviour.” In Asia (excluding China), Japan was the largest Video On Demand (VOD) market in terms of revenue with $ 6 billion in 2024, almost two times bigger than the next biggest market, Australia. Revenue had also been growing near double digits every year in the past four years, with a Cagr of 17 per cent from 2020 – 2024. VOD consumers also had diverse options, both within and outside of the industry, with VOD only representing six per cent of their free time. Japanese consumers also exhibited unique viewing behaviour not seen across other markets, including a distinct preference for local content. 78 per cent of the total hours viewed on VOD in Japan was with Japanese content, with 93 per cent of VOD users consuming Japanese content and US content only at 16 per cent. And interestingly, there was also a large, shared economy where the top titles, mostly anime, were shared across all the platforms. “With so much content shared across so many platforms, it feels more like a streaming cooperation in Japan than a streaming war,” added Avia CEO Louis Boswell.

    However, beyond anime, panelists believed that Japan was only scratching the surface in terms of the international opportunity for the export of its content. “If the industry can turn and create content that can be appealing both for Japanese audiences and globally, it’s enormous value and enormous opportunity,” said Iconique Pictures executive producer David Shin.What was key was to take the wonderful stories that were indigenous to Japan and elevate them with a high level of storytelling that could propel the industry and that content overseas, added Shin.

    And with the success that Korean content has had internationally, Tving chief content officer Sun Hong Min shared that the foremost reason behind TVING’s impressive growth this year was their strategic partnership with leading content providers, that enabled them to offer a diverse arrangement of high-quality premium content that resonated deeply with their users. Min was also of the opinion that local content could resonate on a global scale by combining universal human elements with a narrative deeply rooted in local history, culture and sentiment.

    Partnerships were also key to growing the business for Warner Bros. Discovery general manager – Japan, Buddy Marini across both linear and streaming, having recently announced a new partnership with U-Next to launch Max in Japan. For local giant J:Com, general manager, media business division, Kaz Sasajima, the digital domain too represented room for growth, particularly in the space of professionally produced content. And wrapping up in the closing panel, for TV5Monde, managing director, APAC, Alexandre Muller, AI was presenting new possibilities, notably in terms of providing greater access to content across multiple languages. “Definitely the place to be is in Asia Pacific, and this is really where the growth is and I can see growth both in linear and as well as on OTT,” added Muller.

  • Ananth Technologies completes milestone satellite project for ISRO

    Mumbai: Ananth Technologies Private Ltd (ATL), successfully completes the integration of two 400 kg class satellites for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This accomplishment marks the first time ISRO has awarded a satellite integration project to a private industry partner, setting a new benchmark for public-private collaboration in the nation’s space sector.  

    The Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) of the satellites took place at ATL’s state-of-the-art facility in the KIADB Aerospace Park, Bengaluru, which spans 10,000 square metres and has the capability to integrate up to four large satellites simultaneously.  

    At a ceremony on 18 October, ATL celebrated the successful completion and delivery of the satellites, attended by ISRO U.R. Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), director, Shankaran, who praised ATL’s expertise and dedication.  

    ATL chairman, Subba Rao Pavuluri attributed the success to the company’s sustained investments over the years. “This achievement is a testament to ATL’s vision and commitment towards India’s space sector,” he stated. “We have been manufacturing electronic subsystems for ISRO since 2000 and have been an integral part of every Indian space program over the last two decades.” The project involved over 100 engineers and technicians, making it the most sophisticated satellite integration undertaken by a private company in India to date.  

    ATL’s expanding capabilities  

    – International Collaboration: At the Bengaluru Space Expo (BSX), ATL signed an MOU with Space Machines Company from Australia to provide AIT services.  

    – Satellite Components: ATL manufactures solar panels for small satellites, which have been exported internationally.  

    – Launch Vehicle Services: The company performs integration for ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in Thiruvananthapuram, having completed work on 10 PSLVs.  

    – New Facilities: A facility in Thiruvananthapuram specialises in launch vehicle AIT, integrating equipment bays and electronic components.  

    Pavuluri envisions rapid growth in the Indian space sector, comparing it to the rising demand for drones. “Just as drones are seeing extensive use in various civilian and strategic sectors, small satellites will also be widely adopted,” he stated. ATL’s expertise in electronics manufacturing and satellite AIT services continues to attract both government and private clients.  

    ATL also offers geospatial services for applications in urban planning, natural resource management, gas pipeline planning, and municipal property tax management.  

    The success of this satellite integration project underscores ATL’s role as a leading player in India’s space industry, paving the way for further public-private partnerships to advance the nation’s space capabilities.  

  • Gilat wins $4M contract to deliver connectivity to rural areas in Latin America

    Gilat wins $4M contract to deliver connectivity to rural areas in Latin America

    Mumbai: Gilat Satellite Networks a worldwide leader in satellite networking technology, solutions, and services, announced that it has secured approximately a $4 million contract to provide rural connectivity including banking transactions in Latin America for three years.

    Gilat provides critical connectivity for people living in remote areas who rely on the bank for payment services, as well as support services for senior citizens, families, and other underserved populations.  

    Gilat provides satellite communications solutions to distant branches, as well as satellite backup links, to ensure connectivity and business continuity. This is critical for the bank’s operation for core banking, e-mail, security, ATMs and Point of Sale.

    “We are very pleased to support essential banking services in the rural areas of Latin America” stated Gilat chief commercial officer Ron Levin. “Over the years, we have built a robust satellite network, continuously enhancing it with the latest technological advancements. This ensures that we consistently meet the high-quality standards required for business continuity, even in remote areas and in the face of potential disasters.” 

  • AVIA and KOCCA announce partnership in Korea in View

    AVIA and KOCCA announce partnership in Korea in View

    Mumbai – The Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) and the Korean Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on AVIA’s upcoming Korea in View conference.

    Taking place in Seoul on 29 August, Korea in View will now be integrated into BCWW, the annual global broadcasting content convention organized by KOCCA. BCWW will run from 27 to 29 August at COEX, Seoul. Under this partnership, KOCCA will support AVIA in the planning and promotion of Korea in View, while AVIA will do likewise for other sessions within the main BCWW conference program.

    Building on the success of the inaugural Korea in View conference in 2022, this year’s event will explore the latest developments in the Korean video industry and its implications for the wider Asian video eco-system. Streaming dynamics, global ambitions and co-production models will be discussed in light of rising production costs impacting the industry at large. Attendees will also gain insights into the Korean formula behind its global success and the opportunities in premium video and Connected TV advertising.

    As part of BCWW, Korea in View will offer complimentary access to all delegates, providing a unique opportunity for industry professionals from Korea and abroad.

    AVIA CEO Louis Boswell conveyed his enthusiasm for participating in BCWW, a prominent content convention in Asia that attracts thousands of delegates. He stated, “We are honoured to announce the collaboration between AVIA and KOCCA for the upcoming Korea in View conference. AVIA’s market-in-view conferences aim to explore key Asian markets, educating the industry on their unique dynamics and their strategies for success. This partnership will expand the event’s reach and influence, enabling us to delve into the dynamic realm of the Korean creative and content industry and its impact on the global stage.”