iDirect wins contract from Skycasters to upgrade its satellite internet

Skycasters, a leading provider of broadband satellite Internet solutions, recently announced that the company chose the X3 and X5 platform of the iDirect Evolution Series to deliver ultra-fast, high-efficiency IP broadband connectivity for enterprise technology.

Both satellite routers feature iDirect’s highly efficient implementation of the DVB-S2 standard (digital video broadcasting-satellite). These state-of-the-art satellite routers are perfectly suitable for broadband requirements like the Internet and VPN (virtual private network). It also improves access to enterprise networks, VoIP and video conferencing.

In a statement, Skycasters President Mike Kister said: "Choosing the iDirect Evolution platform was a natural choice for us. We are committed to staying on top of cutting edge technology to provide the very best performance over a wide range of conditions. The Evolution platform allows us to provide greater bandwidth efficiency which translates into improved service for all of our customers."

Kister added that one of the primary reasons they chose iDirect Evolution’s product line is due to its great ability to perform ACM (adaptive coding and modulation). ACM enables every satellite remote to achieve the greatest amount of data throughput by selecting the best coding and modulation schedule available at the time. For example, a device in an area where it is raining will most likely receive a different modulation and coding compared to a device in an area with clear skies. On the iDirect Evolution platform, the net impact will enable the satellite Internet service to slow down as the weather deteriorates in a specific area, rather than totally drop out.

Things to consider when going for satellite internet service

It’s easy to make a mistake in choosing the right satellite internet provider. After all, the sudden proliferation of companies offering the service has skyrocketed as demand for higher speeds have surged in recent years, mostly due to a rise in smartphones and tablet devices. Here are some points you should consider when going for satellite internet:

 

 

1. Price - Get packages that suit your needs. If you’re running a business, you should be getting a rightly priced packaged with larger data allowances. The reverse can be said if you’re looking to satellite internet for personal use. However, it still depends on what sort of performance you’re looking for. You can get basic packages for around $30 a month. Remember however prices may vary depending on bundled-service offerings, and may not include hardware and satellite installation fees.

2. Supports voice communications - Choose a provider that can offer you telephony services as well, since they’re less prone to damage and theft unlike those based on terrestrial networks.

3. Test speeds so you can optimize the service - Ensure your provider is delivering you their advertised speeds. Test your satellite internet service and look into additional packages that can make your service eve more valuable. Similar to looking at the price, know what you need.

4. Customer support - Choose a provider that can actually deliver on-site as well as around-the-clock support, making sure you have people who can help managed your satellite services, and minimize possible interferences

5. Go Ka Band - The Ku and C band capacities are already reaching saturation. Choose a provider that can deliver Ka band satellite broadband services so you can enjoy higher bandwidth rates at optimum speeds.

Imaginet delivers satellite internet to Nueva Vizcaya in the Philippines

Imaginet International announced that its satellite internet project in Kasibu, in the province of Nueva Vizcaya in the Philippines has been successful. The company partnered with the mining company Oceana Gold for the installation of a VSAT system, as well as accompanying networks, to connect Kasibu’s Municipal Hall to the internet.

The Makati-based systems integrator company said that the project had successfully linked 15 computers in the municipal hall to wireless Internet access via satellite, allowing the local government to carry activities more efficiently. The system will also be used by the Kasibu local government unit for disaster preparedness by accessing early warning systems online for possible typhoons or other weather disturbances.

According to Imaginet, the hardware used for the VSAT installation were all provided by Oceana Gold, to help support the local community in its business endeavors as well as provide platforms such as distance learning, in the remote town. Engineers from Imaginet provided technical support as well as maintenance to the sites as part of its Corporate Responsibility Program.

Avanti Communications to deliver Ka Band VSAT services for “Working for Water” programme

Europe-based Avanti Communications announced that it had already completed the first installation of Ka Band VSAT services in South Africa’s “Working for Water” project. The programmed is ran by the Department of Environmental Affairs and seeks to combat invasive alien plants threatening the country’s waterways and biodiversity. The Working for Water programme has already been recognized as one of the most outstanding conservation efforts in the world.

Avanti Communications had been tasked to deliver data connectivity across urban and remote locations of the program. The satellite communications company is utilizing the HYLAS 2 satellite for the program’s research and monitoring components. The remote locations are not easily serviced by fixed terrestrial communications network, so the conservation initiative has turn to satellite communications solutions offered by Avanti, a pioneer in the Ka band technology.

The HYLAS 2 bird services Sub-Saharan Africa, delivering services like internet by satellite and other high speed broadband solutions to complement both mobile and ground networks.

 

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Pakistan’s first communications satellite to deliver Internet services across Middle East

Pakistan’s first communications satellite, the Paksat-1R, which was successfully launched into orbit last August 2011, will be delivering Internet and data capacity across the Middle East region. The vessels was constructed, built, and is now being operated by Pakistan’s Space and Upper Research Commission or Superaco as it is commonly known.

 

Artist's rendering of the Paksat-1R

According to the agency’s spokesperson Hassam Khan, Paksat 1R has been designed to operate for 15 years and provide Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East cost-effective Internet and data communications capacity. The geosynchronous satellite will provide internet by satellite as well as broadband capacity for uses such as telemedicine, telephony for rural regions, disaster and crisis communications, and DTV broadcasting.

 

Paksat 1R operates on both C and Ku band and will provide crucial wireless communications that would reach Eastern Europe, South and Central Asia, and even the Far East. It will provide remote connections to rural clients who are cut off from terrestrial communications networks.

 

Hassam Khan also explained the Pakistan’s first satellite will allow end users and enterprise to transmit data without using the strained terrestrial networks across the globe. A surge in data traffic brought about by increasing number of bandwidth-intensive mobile applications have added loads on several backhaul networks, and operators are struggling to upgrade them to meet the demand.

 

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Australian satellite specialist provides internet on satellite

Terrestrial communications network have limitations too, especially if the system is confronted by geographic challenges. Fibre optic cables are almost impossible, and thus impractical, to build in mountainous regions, dense tropical jungles, far-flung communities, and even rural towns.

 

Internet access, which usually relies on traditional networks, are often unavailable in the above-mentioned areas. Modern society relies on the Internet more than ever and cutting off some areas can prove to be a disadvantage to aims of national development.

 

Artist's rendering of the Jabiru Satellite

NewSat Ltd's internet on satellite technology fills in the gap where terrestrial networks cannot. Using powerful geostationary satellites through world-class teleport facilities, this independent satellite specialist based in Australia has been delivering remote connectivity though satellite communications.

 

Now, remote communities can avail of NewSat's various VSAT services - a technology which can easily be deployed anywhere. Using powerful Ku band satellites which are less vulnerable to rain fade and latency issues, the company's internet from satellite service offers speeds comparable to that in urban regions.

 

This means business which require Internet access for their remote operations, or even residents who would like to connect to the world wide web, can look into NewSat Ltd for remote connectivity that is reliable and efficient.

 

Connect with the rest of the world start with NewSat. Give us a call at +61 3 9674 4644.