Since 2016, the FCC had approved satellite constellations for new Non-geostationary Orbit (NGSO) Systems and the latest ones given green light were Spacex, Telesat, Keppler, and Leosat in November 2018 authorizing nearly 8,000 small telecom satellites to serve U.S. entities from Low Earth Orbit allowing global coverage.

In my previous column I recounted the genesis of the GVF Satellite Hub Summit @ CABSAT, a progress which has led us, in 2019, to the 5th event in this successful series, which takes place over 12 to 14 March at Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre/Dubai World Trade Centre.

Telesat Canada reported today consolidated revenues of US$174.48 million (Ca$232 million) for the 4th quarter ending December 31, 2018, a decrease of 8% US$15.79 million (Ca$21 million) compared to the same period in 2017. When adjusted for the impact of foreign exchange rate changes, the revenue decreased by 9% or US$16.55 million (Ca$22 million) compared to the same period in 2017.

Flight VS21, Arianespace’s second launch of the year, took place on Wednesday, February 27, at 6:37 p.m., (Kourou time) from the Guiana Space Center (CSG), Europe’s spaceport in French Guiana (South America).

2019 will see one of ITU’s most important meetings: The World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-19), to be held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt from 28 October to 22 November 2019.

Speedcast International Limited (ASX: SDA), a provider of remote communication and IT solutions, reported today its revenue grew 21% to US$623 million against US$514 million in 2017 while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) grew 7% to US$132 million compared to US$123 million in 2017.

The company said it had strong operating cash flows with cash conversion of 91% of underlying EBITDA. In 2017, it reported cash conversion of 95% of underlying EBITDA due to a temporary working capital investment in the national broadband network project.

SpaceX successfully launched Indonesia's Nusantara Satu satellite from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida at 8:45 p.m. EST, or 1:45 UTC on February 22. Falcon 9 also delivered the Beresheet lunar spacecraft and Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) S5 spacecraft to orbit.

Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I) reported today total revenue of US$ 542.8 million and net loss of US$ 111.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2018. For the year ended December 31, 2018, Intelsat reported total revenue of US$ 2,161.2 million and net loss attributable to Intelsat S.A. of US$ 599.6 million.

NAB Show has revamped its exhibit floor tour program to help attendees navigate the world’s largest convention encompassing the convergence of media, entertainment and technology. Individuals and groups can now schedule planned and custom VIP tours Monday, April 8 through Wednesday, April 10 during the 2019 NAB Show in Las Vegas.

Specially curated tours were designed based on input from attendees and focus on the following areas:

CABSAT 2015, the leading professional content event for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), will examine the myriad challenges currently facing satellite companies and regional telcos as consumer viewing habits change.