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.

ST Engineering iDirect, a company of ST Engineering North America announced that Isotropic Networks, a trusted provider of global Internet services, has selected the iDirect iQ LTE technology to serve customers in the superyacht sector. This follows the successful early testing of the iQ LTE modem that demonstrated high reliability and performance over a hybrid network.

Media Links, manufacturer of Media over IP transport technology, has appointed Tsukasa Sugawara as its new CEO, effective April 1, 2020. Tsukasa was previously Chief Technology Officer for the company and succeeds John Dale III, who will remain actively involved in the role of Chief Marketing Officer. John also remains a board member of Media Links.

Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (NASDAQ: CMTL) announced the promotion of Mark Toppenberg and Jeff Harig, each to Co-President of Comtech’s Tempe, Arizona-based subsidiary, Comtech EF Data Corp., the promotion of Mark Schmeichel to President of its Santa Clara, California-based subsidiary, Comtech Xicom Technology, Inc. and the appointment of Michael Plourde as Comtech’s Vice President Global Engineering and Programs.

Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (NASDAQ: CMTL) provided a business update on the impact of the coronavirus, including the withdrawal of its business outlook for its fiscal year ending July 31, 2020, and a status update on the Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. acquisition.

Coronavirus Update and Withdrawal of Business Outlook for Fiscal 2020

AXESS Networks (AXESS)  signed a joint venture agreement with the Saudi Arabian communications provider Middle East Telecommunications Co. (METelecom). The intention is to provide end-to-end managed satellite communications solutions that are designed to enhance performances of customers operating in Saudi Arabia.

The March 2020 issue of  the Satellite Executive Briefing magazine sponsored by Spacebridge is now available.  Featuring:

Despite the negative impact from the coronavirus and the Chinese economic downturn, Asia Pacific will have 417 million SVOD subscriptions by 2025, up from 269 million in 2019. China will have 269 million SVOD subscriptions in 2025 – or 65% of the region’s total. India will supply a further 45 million – more than double its 2019 total according to Digital TV Research.

Satellite-connected internet of things (IoT) devices are expected to rise to more than 10 million by 2025, according to Omdia.

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation operator OneWeb announced today that the company and certain of its controlled affiliates have voluntarily filed for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.

The company intends to use these proceedings to pursue a sale of its business in order to maximize the value of the company.