Articles By Jason Rainbow

Investors pile into L-band despite ongoing Ligado Networks challenges

27 October, 2020

More high-utility mid-band spectrum could be coming into play in the US, after Ligado Networks raised nearly US$4bn for services seeking to blend satellite with terrestrial for private 5G and IoT systems.

The capital boost comes half a year after hard-fought clearances for terrestrial use, potentially opening up leasing options for mobile...

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How would flat-panel antennas fare in a GEO-only world?

22 October, 2020

Realising the market potential of LEO and MEO constellations in development depends greatly on flat-panel antennas (FPAs) being able to meet price points with their electronically steerable beams. But while an absence of these constellations would significantly hurt demand for emerging FPAs, research from the World Teleport Association highlights a strong niche for the technology even in a GEO-only market.

A satellite...

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Venture investors shift focus from software to capital-intensive satellite infrastructure

21 October, 2020

Venture investments are flowing back into capital-intensive satellite infrastructure to mark the strongest quarter on record for the class at US$3.6bn, according to Space Capital data for Q3 2020. Software-based satellite application companies saw their weakest quarter in nearly five years, down 77% quarter-to-quarter to US$1.2bn.

The slowdown comes after a rush in H1 2020 activity for on-demand...

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Spectrum acquisition and rural broadband grant strategies coming to light

20 October, 2020

The main players and their early game plans in the rush for spectrum resources and connectivity grants are becoming clearer in the US, with cablecos choosing to team up for C-band coming as a surprise to some. As the US unveils bidders planning to take part in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, a €750bn (US$887bn) European Recovery Fund is also targeting digital and green initiatives in the pandemic’s wake.

The FCC released...

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Partnership strategies create new growth avenues for satellite broadband

19 October, 2020

Expansion through partnerships is an increasingly attractive route for satellite connectivity, underscored by Swedish smallsat GEO broadband operator Ovzon’s new revenue-sharing alliance. Its deal with Greece-based satellite operator Hellas-sat builds on agreements with other established peers as it progresses towards deploying its first satellite next year.

Hellas-sat, owned by Saudi Arabia-based fleet operator Arabsat, is...

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