News Analysis

SIA Applauds New Export Control Regulations for Satellites

Washington, D.C., May 14, 2014 - The Satellite Industry Association (SIA) today applauded  the publication of new regulations that reform the export controls for satellites and related items.  The U.S. Departments of State and Commerce each published rules that will transfer commercial communications satellites and some remote sensing satellites, along with tens of thousands of  associated parts, components, and ground terminals from the more restrictive U.S. Munitions  List to the Commerce Control List. 

HISPASAT and Intelsat Team up in Latin America

Madrid, Spain, May 13, 2014- HISPASAT, the Spanish satellite telecommunications operator, today announced that is has completed an agreement with Intelsat, the world's lagest satellite operator, to jointly provide satellite services at the 55.5ºW orbital position for the Latin American market.

Speedcast Acquires SatComms Australia

Hong Kong, May 13, 2014 – Satellite services provider SpeedCast Ltd today announced the buyout of SatComms Australia, a leading satellite solutions provider in Australia. The acquisition will provide SpeedCast with an expanded presence in Australia.

Ericsson Completes Acquisition of Red Bee Media

Stockholm, Sweden, May 12, 2014--Ericsson has completed its acquisition of Red Bee Media, a leading media services company headquartered in the UK, from Creative Broadcast Services Holdings - an entity controlled by Macquarie Advanced Investment Partners, L.P.

Globalstar Post Increased Net Loss but Increased EBITDA in 1st Quarter 2014

Covington, LA , May 8, 2014- Mobile satellite services operator Globalstar, Inc. reported a net loss of US$ 250.5 million for the first quarter of 2014, driven almost entirely from non-cash sources, compared to US$25.1 million for the first quarter of 2013.  Adjusted EBITDA was US$ 3.8 million for the first quarter of 2014 compared to $2.5 million in the first quarter of 2013, an increase of 54%.

DISH Network Reports 6% Revenue Growth in 1st Q 2014

Englewood, Colo., May 8, 2014-DISH Network Corporation today reported revenue totaling $3.59 billion for the quarter ending March 31, 2014, compared to $3.38 billion for the corresponding period in 2013.

Telefonica Acquires Spanish DTH Operator Canal Plus

Madrid, Spain, May 7, 2014- Spanish telecom conglomorate Telefonica has acquired Canal Plus, the biggest pay TV operator in Spain, for €725 million (US $1.0 billion).

Norsat’s Revenues up 9% in 1st Q 2014

Vancouver, British Columbia – May 7, 2014 — Norsat International Inc., a provider of innovative communication solutions that enable the transmission of data, audio and video for remote and challenging applications, today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2014.   Total sales were US$ 9.1 million, compared to US$ 8.4 million in Q1 2013.

Telenor Posts Slight Revenue Growth in 1st Quarter 2014

Oslo, Norway, May 7, 2014--In the first quarter of 2014, Telenor Group reported revenues of NOK 26.5 Billion (approxiametely US$ 4.4 Billion), representing an organic revenue growth of 1.5%. EBITDA before other items was NOK 9.3 Billion, the EBITDA margin was 35% and operating cash flow was NOK 5.6 billion.

DIRECTV Reports 1st Quarter 2014 Revenues Increased 4% to US$ 7.86 billion

El Segundo, Calif., May 6, 2014--DIRECTV  today reported that first quarter 2014 revenues increased 4% to US$ 7.86 billion, adjusted operating profit before depreciation and amortization(OPBDA) increased 7% to US$ 2.22 billion, adjusted operating profit increased 7% to US$ 1.51 billion and adjusted diluted earnings per share improved 14% to $1.63 compared to last year’s first quarter.