Interview with Orbital Connect's Krasimir Terziev and Bobby Kirchev

Los Angeles, Calif., March 15, 2024--Krasimir Terziev and Bobby Kirchev, both experienced telecomunications and satellite professionals,  are on the executive team of Orbital Connect. Krasimir is Director of Business Development while Bobby is Director of Sales. In a relatively short time built the company into one of the leading channel partners and authorized distributor of global leading hardware manufacturers. Orbital Connect’s product list includes over 3,000 satellite products and RF components, solutions, and terminals, such as Earth station antennas, fixed and maritime VSAT or receive-only antennas, terminals on the move and on the pause,  high power amplifiers, modulators, de-modulators, redundant systems, modems, RF products and matrices, RF over fiber solutions, LNBs, BUCs, BDCs, LNAs, among others. Excerpts of the interview with Krasimir and Bobby follows:

Krasimir Terziev Director-Business Development	Bobby Kirchev Director of Sales

For the benefit of our readers, can you give a brief overview of what your company does? 

Krasimir Terziev: Certainly.
Partnerships. Orbital Connect is an LA-based distributor of satellite ground equipment, partnering with over thirty leading manufacturers such as ST Engineering (iDirect), Norsat, and Terrasat, alongside other renowned manufacturers like Comtech, Kymeta, CPI, and MediaKind.

This extensive network of partners allows us to offer a comprehensive product range, ensuring we can meet the most sophisticated technical requirements. 

We also partner with Speedcast, Sat-Lite, Novelsat, Global Invacom, Intellian, Cobham, ETL Systems, Spacebridge, Peplink, Globalstar, RF Design, Avcom, Satcube, Cisco, and others.

Products. We offer a diverse portfolio of satellite transmit/receive antennas, block-up converters, low-noise blocks, high-power amplifiers, and various modulators and demodulators. This selection extends to up/down converters, satellite modems, encoders/decoders, and hub systems, catering to different communication needs. We also provide solutions for on-the-move and on-the-pause applications, including satellite terminals and auxiliary RF products.

Services. Along with the equipment, Orbital Connect offers global Maritime, Land, and Mobility VSAT, Starlink, 4G/5G, satellite voice services, and connectivity solutions partnering with well-known service providers in the industry. 
With this broad network of partners, we can provide satellite solutions for different network topologies. Whether customers request a star, multi-star, mesh, single channel per carrier (SCPC), or mesh topology, we deliver the most efficient solution for their specific needs. We enable multiple services to enhance network reliability, supporting redundancy through robust service level agreements (SLA).

What key vertical markets or applications are you focusing on? 

Bobby Kirchev:  In each vertical market we focus upon, we aim to provide reliable communication options for our clients. The vertical markets we serve are:

• Maritime
• Broadcasting and Media 
• Military and Defense
• Aviation and Aerospace 
• Oil and Gas
• Transportation and Logistics 
• Government
• Non-Govermental Organizations (NGOs) and Aid
• Science and Telecommunications 

What differentiates you from other companies providing similar services?

Bobby Kirchev:  The companies that have a similar business profile to ours are the ones that bet on diverse product portfolios in the first place. We have launched our online store, with more than 3,000 items, and keep adding to it. However, our vision extends beyond this solid foundation.
More than a product catalog-Our concept is to be a single point of contact for our clients and to provide professional end-to-end satellite connectivity products and solutions by offering pre-sales analysis, project management, supply, installation, configuration, and after-sales maintenance. 
For example, we cooperate with manufacturers to supply customized RF products when possible. Additionally, we have a network of certified installation companies to install and configure the delivered satellite hardware at any location across the Globe. 

Global reach is another differentiator.  Orbital Connect operates two offices – one in Los Angeles and one in Europe which is a significant advantage for us and an ease for our clients because the satellite industry has a global demand. 

Finally, while we may be newer to the game than our competitors, we see that as an advantage. 

We ride along with esteemed and proven names, many with more than 20 years of expertise and experience, and we must show flexibility and agility to differentiate ourselves. We must run faster and jump higher to stay in the game, figuratively speaking. But I look at this as a benefit to our clients too. 

Can you cite an example of how you were able to meet one of your client’s requirements?

Krasimir Terziev:  Absolutely! Through years of experience with clients from different verticals, we gained an understanding of their technical and business requirements.

On the technical side, we recently faced a unique challenge with an imposing research vessel sailing from Europe to the South Pole. The key objective was for the ship to remain with uninterrupted connectivity in the remotest areas on Earth or harsh weather conditions. The research team on board had a specific exploration mission and needed to promptly send reports to the command center. We collaborated closely with the client and manufacturers to develop a customized solution that perfectly addressed their complex and demanding needs. Orbital Connect supplied, installed, and configured satellite equipment compatible with multiple satellite operators, ensuring uninterrupted data connectivity and voice services. Despite the vessel enduring extreme weather conditions, we enabled satellite service in L and Ku-band, with an optional Ka-band. The result of this hybrid-connectivity solution was 100% coverage during the scientific expedition. 

We are looking forward to supporting similar missions in the future as well. 

Beyond just technical expertise, we also understand the evolving business landscape. In today’s satellite industry, stringent security and compliance requirements are crucial for securing partnerships with major clients and government projects. Orbital Connect prioritizes cybersecurity and adheres to industry standards such as cybersecurity policy, ISO 9001:2015, NIST 800-171, and export policy. Doing business in compliance demonstrates our commitment to reliable and secure solutions, making us a trusted partner for even the most demanding clients.

How do you see your company going forward?

Krasimir Terziev: I envision Orbital Connect going forward as a part of the satellite industry, expanding its market presence, strengthening its positions, and establishing a trusted brand. The current market industry trends in the ground segment are giving us the direction we should go to fulfill this ambition. 

We will continue to expand our network of key partnerships to provide advanced satellite solutions and align our strategies with the changing dynamics of the satellite industry. We will remain committed to serving as the sole and reliable distributor of satellite connectivity services. 
Here is an example: consider the deployment of a satellite network. The selection of ground equipment for the Teleport site and remote locations is essential in establishing a robust connection between space and ground. 

Orbital Connect offers comprehensive solutions, including the VSAT hub, Gateway antenna, baseband equipment, and customers’ remote terminals with RF accessories for an end-to-end solution. Given the complexity of telecommunications, we should adopt new converged IT solutions to meet the growing expectations of the end-user. 

The transition from standard GEO services to NGSO and multi-orbital solutions, coupled with the virtualization of Teleports and the implementation of software-defined and flexible payloads, will require new technical knowledge and adaption of innovative ground technologies to align with advancements in space and on the ground.

Moreover, in our organization, the customer always remains the primary focus. To maintain a high level of customer satisfaction, we constantly expand our sales and technical knowledge, refine our organizational procedures and policies, and enhance our products and services by introducing new features and improving the flexibility for our customers. 

Anything else you want to add? 

Krasimir Terziev: The world of telecommunications and satellites isn’t just my career; it’s been a two-decade journey of igniting my passion for the incredible science behind it. That passion fuels my can-do attitude with every new challenge I meet in this ever-changing field.
I believe in never stopping learning for myself and our team. By constantly growing and improving, I hope to level up our service and positively impact the exciting world of satellite communications. I adhere to the motto of Franklin D. Roosevelt: “A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor.” 

Bobby Kirchev: Space has always fascinated me. Seeing how space tech and satellite connections drive innovation and change the world feels like living in the future! I am passionate about bringing these advancements to people, making their lives easier and safer by expanding their reach and security. 

Technology is not an end but a powerful tool for improving modern individuals’ quality of life. This vision empowers my commitment and excitement about being a part of the satellite communication industry.