Viasat partners with Microsoft to connect the unconnected

Viasat and Microsoft have formed a partnership to help deliver internet access to underserved communities.

According to the International Telecommunication Union, approximately one-third of the world’s population – around 2.7 billion people – have never accessed the internet.

Internet access is increasingly seen as a human right. Without a reliable connection, an individual’s education, work, and social opportunities are limited. Other fundamental rights, such as...

14 December 2022 | Networks

Boeing delivers first O3b mPOWER satellites to SES

Boeing took a sneaky jab at Starlink while announcing the delivery of its first two O3b mPOWER satellites to Luxembourg-based telecoms provider SES.

“SES's O3b mPOWER system is a true gamechanger and will transform the way people think about connectivity,” said Ruy Pinto, CTO at SES.

“Delivering performance above all, O3b mPOWER will offer connectivity services to government organisations and enterprises based in the most remote regions. In times of natural...

6 December 2022 | Networks

Starlink terminals now cost double in Ukraine

The cost of buying Starlink terminals in Ukraine has doubled amid increasing demand as Russia continues its invasion of the country.

Ukrainian forces have liberated key territories such as Kherson from Russian troops. In response, Russia has increased its shelling of civilian areas and the critical infrastructure they depend on.

Russian missiles have targeted Ukraine’s grid, resulting in power outages for as much as half of the country. Last month, Russia’s defence...

30 November 2022 | Networks

Space tech can help achieve one-sixth of emissions cuts needed to reach net zero by 2050

Satellite technologies are already reducing carbon emissions by 1.5 billion tonnes (or 1.5 gigatons) every year, according to independent research report Can Space Help Save The Planet?, commissioned by Inmarsat from leading consultants at Globant’s Sustainable Business Studio.

This is equivalent to almost four times the entire UK’s annual emissions in 2021 or the lifetime emissions of 50 million cars.

Demonstrating the possibilities of space technologies...

11 November 2022 | Satellites

Ukraine will deploy Starlink hotspots using Tesla Powerwall during outages

In the event of power outages, Ukraine will deploy public Starlink hotspots powered by Tesla Powerwall.

Starlink is providing a lifeline to Ukrainians as they fight to defend their homeland. SpaceX’s LEO satellite internet service offers vital connectivity within the country while ensuring the rest of the world can see the war crimes being committed by the Russian Federation.

Russia has targeted Ukraine’s critical infrastructure since the beginning of the invasion on...

31 October 2022 | Broadband

Russia threatens attacks on Western satellites

Amid growing desperation, the Russian leadership is now threatening attacks on Western satellites.

Putin’s unprovoked war against Ukraine is entering its ninth month. The heroic efforts of Ukrainian defenders are pushing the invaders out of previously occupied territories.

With mounting losses and low morale, Russia is resorting to ever more barbaric acts, dangerous posturing, and ludicrous claims to make up for its battlefield...

27 October 2022 | Networks

Starlink will be available for moving vehicles in December

SpaceX has announced that its Starlink service will soon be available for moving vehicles.

The company’s Starlink for RVs service was initially launched in May but was designed for stationary vehicles.

However, some enterprising folk managed to get Starlink working for moving vehicles anyway:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PDVURcvWeg

From December 2022, a new Starlink service is launching that is meant for in-motion use.

The new service...

26 October 2022 | Networks

OneWeb successfully deploys 36 new LEO satellites

OneWeb has successfully added 36 new LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites to its constellation.

With the UK not set to bring its vertical space launch capabilities online until next year, the British satellite operator turned to NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) to conduct the launches from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India.

Radhakrishnan D, Chairman-cum-Managing Director at NewSpace India Limited, said:

“The successful launch of 36 OneWeb...

24 October 2022 | Networks

SpaceX announces Starlink Aviation will takeoff in 2023

SpaceX has announced that its Starlink Aviation service will be ready for delivery in 2023.

The company says the service will offer passengers high-speed, low-latency Wi-Fi “from the moment they walk on their plane”.

Speeds of up to 350Mbps will be available with latency as low as 20ms. With this level of performance, SpaceX says passengers will be able to conduct video calls and even play online games.

Unlike most current in-flight Wi-Fi services, which...

19 October 2022 | Networks

UKSA announces £15M satellite communications fund

The UK Space Agency (UKSA) has unveiled a £15 million fund to support British firms revolutionising satellite communications.

Ideas that could be eligible for funding include satellite constellations, ground systems, or the provision of new services.

Science Minister Nusrat Ghani commented:

“I am proud to be representing the UK space sector as we discuss our ambitions ahead of the ESA Council of Ministers next month. There are a series of important...

17 October 2022 | Legislation & Government