Satellite News

Russian broadcaster National Broadcasting Company announced the launch of 12 new channels on the W4 satellite of Eutelsat Communications in order to expand development of its Tricolor television platform.

The U.S. General Services Administration has selected 24 communications companies, including nine small businesses, to provide satellite services under its five-year, US$750 million SATCOM II contract.

ICO Global Communications (Holdings) Limited announced that Alcatel-Lucent and Hughes Network Systems will develop key architecture and technology for use in ICO’s alpha trial of Mobile Interactive Media (MIM) services, set for spring of 2008.

NTV-Plus announced the launch of new premium HDTV services which will be available through the W4 satellite operated by Eutelsat Communications .

Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. has been selected by WIN TSS (Telecom Security Systems) Nigeria Ltd to provide a broadband satellite communications network and outsourced network services for the recent national elections in Nigeria.

Globalstar, Inc. said it has launched Globalstar Simplex data service to customers throughout Central America and the surrounding maritime region.

Hughes Network Systems, LLC announced the signing of a contract with TerreStar Networks Inc. (TerreStar), a majority owned subsidiary of Motient Corporation (MNCP), under which it will design, develop, and manufacture a turnkey satellite base station subsystem (S-BSS) and satellite air interface protocol.

Radyne Corporation announced that its Radyne and Xicom Technology Divisions received follow-on orders for over US$6.7 million for Ka-band power amplifiers and DM-240 satellite modulators to be used in DirecTV’s high definition TV expansion.