Euroconsult announched that the World Satelltie Business Week (WSBW) has been rescheduled to November 9-12, 2020.  Original shceduled to be held in Paris in September, the organizers cited the "ongoing related dynamics" as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic as one the reasons for the postponement.

Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM)  today reported financial results for the first quarter of 2020 and updated its full-year 2020 outlook. Net loss was $31.7 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2020, as compared to net loss of $18.0 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2019.

Speedcast International Limited  today announced that it has initiated a voluntary financial restructuring under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. In conjunction with chapter 11 petitions filed on behalf of Speedcast International Limited and certain of its U.S. and international subsidiaries. Speedcast's chapter 11 case is being heard in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. 

Various meida report, among them Bloomberg news is reporting that satellite operator Intelsat SA is seeking backers for a bankruptcy loan that would keep the satellite service in business under Chapter 11 court protection while it’s waiting for billions of dollars in proceeds from a government spectrum auction. 

NAB Show’s new digital experience, NAB Show Express, will take place May 13 - 14, 2020. The dynamic platform is free and designed to engage the NAB Show community by offering 24-hour access to premium content curated and customizable for the global media and entertainment community. NAB Show Express offers three unique educational channels, on-demand content and an exclusive Solutions Marketplace featuring exhibitor product information, announcements and demos. 

Maxar Technologies today announced it has closed the sale of MDA, previously a wholly owned subsidiary of the company, to a consortium of investors led by Northern Private Capital for CAD$1 billion. Net proceeds, including customary adjustments, and after application of currency hedges related to the transaction is expected to be approximately US$729 million.

The global COVID-19 pandemic that is making shockwaves through every industry in the world will have a significant impact on the satellite industry. Even the most optimistic projections indicate that the restrictions on movement, travel and public events will continue to be in place for at least the next two months in most of the world.  With more than half of the world and nearly 90 percent of the US and Europe in lockdown, the very strength and resilience of the industry will  be put to the ultimate test.

Most of the attention surrounding the early success of the SES Networks’ MEO constellation and the pending arrival of LEO constellations has focused skyward.  It is all about the satellites and their orbits, interference with GEO and the economic potential and risks of delivering global coverage to a planet that is 70% covered by water.

In life, it’s the connections that count. It’s the phone call and the text message.  The emails for work. The online shopping and the credit card in the store.  The visit to the ATM, the airplane trip, the medical emergency. Without those connections, life grinds to a halt. 

The global spread of coronavirus, and the impact of the COVID-19 disease it causes, is changing our world.  GVF is acutely sensitive to this impact.  As the global association of the satellite industry, we are responding to the effects the virus is having on our Members’ operations by exploring ways to increase the digital exposure of our Members’ news, products and services, while also creating digital learning opportunities that add to our already existing suite of online training courses and certifications.