GDLNG picks PolarSat VSATPlus 3 for VSAT network

Chinese oil and gas firm Guangdong Dapeng LNG Company Ltd. (GDLNG) will be building a new VSAT network for its remote sites using the PolarSat VSATPlus 3 platform.

Using PolarSat satellite communications equipment, GDLNG will create VSAT links between its central control station and the nineteen (19) remote sites that run along the natural gas pipeline operated by the Chinese company. The planned satcom network will deliver real time SCADA, real-time voice, and corporate data services to GDLNG's control station and remote sites.

PolarSat provides dependable interconnect services for real-time industrial control through a single, affordable, integrated satcom platform. The full mesh, hubless network delivered by its VSATPlus 3 series of VSAT terminals have no single point of failure and allow users to configure and expand satellite communications networks with unmatched ease.

PolarSat VSAT networks will support network applications like high quality voice, fax, low and high-speed data, video conferencing, and other demanding network applications.

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ITC Global deploys satcom network solution for Kinross Gold mines in Russia

ITC Global, Inc. has entered a long term agreement with Kinross Gold Corporation to deliver a satellite communications network and bandwidth service to the latter's Russian mining sites.

Kinross' current ERP and IT systems will be used and upgraded to create an end-to-end bespoke satellite communications network with maximum functionality and reliability. The new satellite network will increase the network access of the mines that Kinross operates in the remote regions of Russia.

The ITC Global-designed bespoke network employs cutting-edge technology and equipment of the highest available caliber. It will support Kinross’ Russian mining sites over the course of the next five years.

The satellite communications network solution created by ITC Global combines newer satellites, improved technology, and innovative engineering. It delivers more than ten times the bandwidth Kinross currently enjoys while costing only less than three times the cost of the current network. It also features improved reliability.

Datasat Communications offers new wave of TETRA network services for mining

Datasat Communications, a company well-known for providing quality remote satellite communications services, announced recently that the company is offering a new range of TETRA network services aimed at mine operators who plan on upgrading their analogue Professional Mobile Radio (PMR) networks to digital ones. The service delivers design, build and network transition to allow operators to enjoy TETRA standard mission critical voice and data services via satellite infrastructure integration and wireless broadband.

The new services from Datasat are custom-designed to improve the capabilities and reach of TETRA networks via a series of rapid deploy solutions and satellite backhaul.

In a company statement, Datasat Communications General Manager Bernie Branfield said that radio communications is a crucial part of all remote mine operation. The development of PMR paves the way for companies to improve their mission critical voice services and deliver fail safe data services in areas such as asset management, health and safety, and operational effectiveness.

"TETRA is now an important critical communications technology in a number of industries including public safety and security, mining, transport and utilities,” Branfield added. “Its excellent voice capabilities – such as group calling – are now complemented by enhanced data services that greatly increases the range of applications where TETRA is a viable solution. Datasat Communications has experience of using satellite to ensure the availability of mission critical communications in remote areas. We also have the wireless and terrestrial communications capabilities for modern organisations to integrate TETRA into a single communications infrastructure."

iDirect upgrades will revv up ITC Global mining sector satellite network

VT iDirect, Inc. will be deploying its upcoming iDX 3.2 software and next-generation Evolution X7 remote to upgrade the satellite network that ITC Global operates on behalf of the mining sector.

The iDirect upgrade will speed up the data throughput of ITC's satellite network to meet the 20+ Mbps bandwidth currently required by the mining sector. The faster inbound and outbound data rates allow for better handling of multiple critical IP applications on a unified platform.

In addition, the iDirect iDX 3.2 software and Evolution X7 remote will augment the already high availability of ITC's satellite services in a variety of location under various weather conditions.

The ITC Global satellite network handles Voice over IP (VoIP,) radio over IP, CCTV, remote permission and control, the automation of critical operational tasks, and similar IP applications. Mining companies use these communications services to enhance the productivity of their businesses; comply with initiatives and commitments on health, safety and environmental; speed up overall time to market; and maximize continuity of supply to end customers.

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Intelsat satellite broadband capacity enables ITC Global services in Russia, Australia

An announcement by satellite services provider Intelsat S.A. unveiled its two recently-signed multi-year satellite broadband capacity agreements with ITC Global.

For the first deal, ITC will use C-band capacity from the Intelsat 18 platform at the 80 degrees East orbital slot to deliver satellite communications services to its customers in the mining industry who operate in eastern Russia.

For the second agreement, ITC Global will use capacity from the Intelsat 906 satellite (located at 64 degrees East) to provide satellitebroadband services to a major provider of natural resources in Western Australia.

ITC uses Intelsat's C-band capacity to power its newest customized satellite communications solutions. The company caters to the needs of clients in the mining, energy, and maritime sectors, which operate in some of the most challenging and remote locations in the world.

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SpeedCast announces acquisition of Australian Satellite Communications

A December 6, 2012 announcement from Hong Kong-based SpeedCast revealed its recent acquisition of Australian Satellite Communications (ASC.)

SpeedCast is a global network and satcom services provider. The Company and its majority shareholder, TA Associates, jointly acquired ASC.

ASC delivers satellite communications services to customers across Australia. It serves the mining and oil & gas industries, as well as construction, government, and maritime sectors.

According to a statement by Pierre-Jean Beylier, CEO of SpeedCast, the Company is implenting a strategy of organic and acquisitive growth. Acquiring ASC allows SpeedCast to consolidate its leadership in the Asian market. It can also deepen its inroads into the oil & gas, mining and other verticals of the the Australian market.

In turn, ASC can provide a bigger variety of satellite communications products and services to its customers. It can also serve clients on a global scale instead of being limited to Australia. 

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Mining sector turning to Ka band technology

As data traffic volume around the world surges, many industries are looking to upgrade their satellite communications capabilities to handle the changes, and avoid strain on their networks. In particular, the mining sector is understanding the benefit of transitioning to Ka band satellite technology. Unlike C band and Ku band, this new spectrum delivers increased capacity and flexible payloads that can answer changing customer demands. Ka band also allows for smaller and more mobile terminals to be used, making them a more cost-effective and ideal alternative to industries with remote business operations.

The mining industry, for example, cannot always rely on terrestrial networks, such as fibre optic cables. In Australia and South Africa, some mining sites are simply to remote for fibre or even fixed wireless services to reach. In these locations, the last mile problem can be answered via satellite coverage, and preferably through the Ka band satellite which employs multi-spot beams with Ku band-like coverage. This extends the range of a covered area, allowing customers to uplink and receive signals from almost anywhere. New generation Ka band satellites can also have the advantaged of higher-throughput capacity allowing for services like Internet from satellite, SCPC, broadcast networks, military satcom services, and VoIP. 

There is still a long way to go for the new technology to be in full use, not only in the mining sector, but also in the resource industries. However, as more organizations understand the unique advantages of Ka band, the satellites of the future are ready to play a more crucial role in delivering powerful communications anywhere, and any time.