News Analysis

Miami, FL – April 29, 2015–Emerging Markets Communications (EMC) has signed a definitive merger agreement to acquire MTN Communications (MTN), a provider of communications and content for remote locations around the world. 

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 28, 2015 – Arabsat and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) today announced contracts for Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] to manufacture two A2100 communications satellites. In conjunction with the award, Lockheed Martin, KACST and TAQNIA Space Company, a subsidiary of the Saudi Technology Investment and Development Company (TAQNIA), signed an agreement to explore future design, manufacture, assembly and integration of satellites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

New York, NY, April 28, 2015--Satellite Radio provider SiriusXM reported net income of US$ 106 million in the first quarter of 2015, up 12% from US$ 94 million in the first quarter of 2014. Net income per diluted common share was $0.02 in the first quarter of 2015 and 2014. Adjusted EBITDA was US$ 399 million in the first quarter of 2015, up 19% from $335 million in the first quarter of 2014.

Tel Aviv, Israel, April 27, 2015--Spacecom (Tel Aviv Stock Exchange: SCC), the operator of the AMOS satellite fleet, today announced that it is focusing more capacity to Nepal on the AMOS-4 satellite located at the 65°E prime orbital position. In the aftermath of Saturday's enormously deadly earthquake, many service providers have been disabled. Spacecom is offering capacity Free of Charge to emergency responders in Nepal, and throughout the affected region. Additionally, the satellite operator is adding capacity on AMOS-4 for SNG operators in the region to enable them to quickly resume their businesses.

Kourou, French Guiana, April 26, 2015--Telenor's Thor 7 satellite was successfully launched into space on Sunday April 26, 2015 at 20:00 UTC, from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana. On board an Ariane 5 launcher (Arianespace flight VA222), the Thor 7 satellite was successfully injected into geostationary transfer orbit approx. 28 minutes after lift-off.

Moscow, Russia, April 22, 2015--RSCC's Express-AM6 satellite has completed in-orbit testing and is now operational.  Located at 53˚ E, one of RSCC’s key orbital slots, the Express-AM6 satellite will provide reliable coverage of Russia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

San Diego, Calif., April 22, 2015--Pico Digital Inc., a provider of multimedia delivery solutions to customers in the broadcast, cable, satellite, and broadband markets, today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the broadcast products business from International Datacasting Corporation (TSX:IDC), a technology provider for broadcasters in radio, television, data and digital cinema.

Chicago, Il., April 22, 2015--The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] reported first-quarter revenue increased 8 percent to US$ 22.1 billion on higher commercial deliveries Core earnings per share (non-GAAP) increased 12 percent to US$ 1.97, reflecting strong performance across the company, and GAAP earnings per share was US$1.87. The Company reaffirmed its 2015 financial and deliveries guidance.

Dover, Delaware, April 18, 2015--Startup Australian satellite operator NewSat Ltd. has filed for bankruptcy protection in the US state of Delaware.  Control of the company transitioned from the executive team to bankruptcy managers who immediately filed a restraining order against NewsSat's creditors. 

Las Vegas, April 14, 2015–At the 2015 NAB Show in Las Vegas, six leading satellite operators and manufacturers announced today the formation of the SAT>IP Alliance, formalising a coalition that was initiated last year to develop compatible hardware and software for the SAT>IP technology. The SAT>IP Alliance consists of SES, HISPASAT, Panasonic, NAGRA, ALi Corporation and MaxLinear.