The agreement to acquire Schlumberger GCS follows the Harris acquisition of CapRock Communications on July 30, 2010. CapRock Communications is a premier global provider of managed satellite communications solutions – including broadband Internet, IP voice services, secure networking and real-time video – for the energy, government and maritime industries, as well as for disaster recovery. CapRock’s robust global infrastructure includes four self-owned and operated teleports and 11 regional support centers across North America, Central and South America, Europe, West Africa and Asia Pacific.

“Combining Schlumberger GCS with CapRock Communications will create an organization with unsurpassed global satellite network capabilities, broad service offerings, and a large experienced service team to provide customers with superior remote and in-the-field support,” said Howard L. Lance, chairman, president and CEO of Harris. “Harris CapRock Communications will be able to use its capabilities and expertise to offer customers the most secure, reliable and efficient solutions in the industry.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Harris will purchase the Schlumberger GCS business for $397.5 million in cash, subject to post-closing adjustments. The goodwill arising on completion of the acquisition will be an allowable tax expense with an estimated net present value of $50 million, resulting in an effective purchase price of $347.5 million. For the calendar year ending December 31, 2010, Schlumberger GCS revenue is expected to be $170 million, and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) is expected to be $41 million. Excluding acquisition-related charges, the acquisition is expected to have minimal impact on Harris non-GAAP earnings in fiscal 2011; be slightly accretive in fiscal 2012; and a significant contributor to earnings and growth in fiscal 2013 and beyond. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory reviews and closing conditions, and it is expected to close during the third quarter of fiscal 2011. Harris will finance the acquisition using a combination of cash on hand, commercial paper, borrowings under its committed credit facilities, and long-term debt.

“Schlumberger has successfully developed its Global Connectivity Services business over the past 10 years to reach an extensive global products and services offering. This acquisition by Harris will ensure continued growth and new technology deployment in a focused communications organization,” said Tony Bowman, president of Schlumberger Information Solutions. “Schlumberger will continue to take advantage of these capabilities once the transaction is concluded through a long-term contract with Harris CapRock Communications.”

BGAN, Global Network, Internet Satellite Global

atrexx, a leading solutions provider for the telecommunication and broadcast industries, is offering customers that activate new SIM cards the opportunity to purchase pre-paid BGAN vouchers at discounted rates until 31 December 2010. Inmarsat’s BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) is a mobile satellite service that allows subscribers to access Internet at broadband speed and to make phone calls at the same time at almost any location on the planet, using a terminal of less than a notebook PC size.

Discounts offered on exclusive BGAN prepay service

Especially beneficial for occasional users, the BGAN vouchers from atrexx are available with a discount of 10 percent for 250 traffic units and up to 20 percent for 5000 units. One traffic unit represents a one-minute call to a fixed network worldwide. atrexx will also waive the fee for service and SIM card activation during the promotional period.

 ”This offer is a great opportunity for new BGAN users. The option to buy pre-paid units is extremely popular, especially in regions like Africa where 99 percent of traditional land mobile communications is estimated to be on a pre-paid basis” said Miriam Zude, Account Manager at atrexx. “We are giving our customers the chance to use BGAN with no monthly fee but we can also offer them the option of topping up their pre-paid account online at $0.90 per unit using a credit card. After they have bought their units, they can then have peace of mind by monitoring the account online making it easy to manage.”

BGAN is a perfect communications choice for anyone that works or travels to regions where the communications infrastructure is lacking or non-existent. Another main attraction of the BGAN system is the fact that no specialist technical knowledge is required to deploy it and it can therefore be used by a huge range of user groups such as journalists, military personnel, aid workers, civil engineers and researchers to name a few.

Valid for 24 months after activation or after the last top-up, the atrexx prepaid service package provides voice applications with unique rates for terrestrial fixed networks and for cellular networks worldwide, broadband Internet access and SMS services. The SIM card may be used in any BGAN hardware.

Ms. Zude continued: “There are very few BGAN providers that offer a prepaid service and atrexx is proud to be one of those. We also offer customer BGAN equipment rental options at just $8.90 per day. This, coupled with the prepaid option, is the perfect choice for users who only need the equipment for a limited time. Prepay BGAN services give the customer flexibility and control over how much they spend at a time where budgets are constrained.”

Certification of Management System according to DIN EN ISO 9001:2008 confirmed

atrexx announced the results of the recent external audit of its Quality Management System (QMS) according to DIN EN ISO 9001:2008. The Company had initially achieved certification of its QMS in 2008. This certification is vital for atrexx to deliver quantifiable and continuous quality of service as a supplier and service provider for international building corporations, governmental institutions, military units, NATO and UN forces, as well as aid organizations in Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle EastAt the recently held second supportive system evaluation, the audit team noted that atrexx’ QMS continued to conform to the rules and regulations of the DIN EN ISO 9001:2008 standard and recommended the maintenance of the certificate.

With regard to the outcome of the customer satisfaction survey, Dipl.-Ing. Axel Laux, independent auditor with DQS stated: “atrexx identifies customer expectations and incorporates them directly into the Company’s performance development. Feedback from customers is processed promptly, and applicable steps are followed up to implementation. A high level of customer satisfaction is the result.”

Indeed, atrexx’ customer satisfaction survey, conducted online, revealed that 85% of atrexx’ customers have an excellent or good overall impression of the Company. The competence of atrexx’ staff was rated 88% excellent or good; the respective rating for friendliness in relation with customers hit 96%. Overall, in all of the five assessed criteria, results were very encouraging.

Alfred Hommes, atrexx quality management officer, emphasized: “We are delighted with the excellent result of the customer survey. This is an incentive for us to further increase the quality of our products and services. In the past 12 months we have evaluated our processes for effectiveness and efficiency and investigated potential causes of errors, using leading analytical methods. Furthermore, we have refined the criteria for the standardized assessment of our suppliers.”

Auditor Axel Laux commented on the identified strengths of the QMS: “atrexx has planned and developed processes that are vital for effective implementation of product and service requirements. Measurable objectives are defined and followed up. These objectives are put in place to ensure continued improvement of the management system’s effectiveness. Senior Management has demonstrated a personal and high commitment to maintaining a quality culture within the organization and ensuring that the standards set are communicated to employees. Internal audits and management reviews ensure the effectiveness of the system.”

Based on the audit report, Alfred Hommes explained the potential for developing the QMS over the next 12 months: “In order to facilitate the tracking of the implementation of documented measures to improve the existing QMS, established in regularly held internal quality audits, we will add deadlines to these measures. The newly introduced methods for error analysis, such as the Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA), will be merged into the appropriate method statement. All quality system procedures will be reviewed systematically and periodically to keep them up-to-date.”

To enter into service in early 2013, this powerful satellite will provide a significantly expanded mission and superior coverage across the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia to follow on from Eutelsat’s EUROBIRD^TM 2 satellite, which is currently operated at 25.5° East. In addition to securing Ku-band continuity for Eutelsat and additional Ku-band resources for ictQATAR, it will initiate a Ka-band capability to open business opportunities for both parties. The spacecraft’s multi-mission architecture will enable ictQATAR and Eutelsat to respond to demand for the fastest-growing applications in the Middle East and North Africa, including video broadcasting, enterprise communications and government services. The television market will in particular benefit from the installed base of more than 13 million satellite homes already equipped for Direct-to-Home reception from this neighbourhood.

Dr. Hessa Al Jaber, ictQATAR Secretary General said: “This is an important step forward as we work to meet the rapidly growing communications needs in the region. The collaboration between ictQATAR and Eutelsat on this strategic satellite is already proving advantageous as both teams were able to bring complementary insight and expertise to the decision-making process. In selecting Space Systems/Loral we followed a fair and transparent process.”

Michel de Rosen, Eutelsat CEO added: “Following on from the historic partnership signed with ictQATAR only two months ago, we are delighted to take a further step forward with the selection of prime contractor for our jointly-owned satellite. The close and positive collaboration with ictQATAR during this process adds even further weight to our conviction that we have begun a lasting relationship that will benefit both organisations. The powerful new spacecraft delivered by Space Systems/Loral will equip Eutelsat with the continuity we need at the 25.5° East position, which is already a pillar for video broadcasting in the Middle East and North Africa regions, and usher in new business opportunities for us in the Ka-band.”

John Celli, president of Space Systems/Loral said: “We look forward to working with Eutelsat and ictQATAR to help broaden the availability of communications technology in the region. Space Systems/Loral provides satellites to the world’s leading satellite operators and we are pleased to add Eutelsat and ictQATAR as new customers.”

Intelsat Fuchsstadt

BBC World News Signs Multi-satellite Deal for Program Distribution to Asia-Pacific and the Americas via the Intelsat Network. Intelsat has signed a renewal and expansion contract for satellite and teleport services to distribute its programming to its audiences throughout Asia-Pacific and the Americas regions.

Intelsat’s distribution solution includes satellite capacity on four satellites plus teleport and fiber services via its IntelsatONESM terrestrial network. To reach viewers in the Asia-Pacific region, BBC World News will utilize capacity on the Intelsat 8 and the Intelsat 5 satellites, located at 166º E and 169º E, respectively. For distribution into the Americas, BBC World News will use capacity on the Intelsat 9 and the Galaxy 13 satellites, located at 58° W and 127° W, respectively. Uplinking services will be carried out at Intelsat’s teleports located in Ellenwood, Georgia; Napa, California; and Paumalu, Hawaii.

Colin Lawrence, Commercial Director at BBC World News, said: “Being accessible to as wide an audience as possible is vitally important to us, whether that is via satellite or fiber services, so we’re very happy to increase our reach and deliver our programming to more viewers with this deal.”

“By leveraging our regional video neighborhoods, the BBC is able to efficiently deliver its programming to the top DTH and cable communities,” said Kurt Riegelman, Intelsat’s Senior Vice President, Global Sales. “Our ability to combine satellites with fiber and teleport services on our IntelsatONE network provides programmers and broadcasters a seamlessly integrated end-to-end solution that meets their global distribution requirements.”

“Provision of communications infrastructure in remote locations is a constant challenge for the oil and gas industry”, Jean-Claude Bisenius, Managing Director of atrexx explains. “Oil and gas exploration teams and drilling rigs are often located in the most remote and hostile regions of the planet, meaning that more traditional means of communications cannot be rolled out without great expense or difficulty. For the oil and gas sector, the issue of secure communications is also a principal consideration. Satellite often provides the only solution to this problem.”

Stefan Tomek, IT Manager at VAOS explained:”The expectations of VAOS to operate a modern and secure corporate communications network via the Internet also presented increased requirements on IT security. For example, access to SAP business management software solutions and services from external locations and from site-to-site Virtual Private Networks (VPN) had to be possible.” Regarding the applications that the VPN should support, Mr. Tomek added:”VAOS was also looking for a reliable VoIP connection, centralized management out of Linz, Austria; and access to the Microsoft distributed systems at various locations.”

To ensure highly secure, reliable and error-free communications, VAOS selected atrexx to become a communications partner due to their ability to connect the company’s remote branch offices to the corporate network. The offices use a Virtual Private Network with Microsoft’s Forefront Threat Management Gateway 2010, which guarantees a secure and reliable connection to all other branches via a satellite service provided by atrexx and iDirect’s iSCPC solution. Based on iSCPC, atrexx has developed a unique Quality of Service (QoS) that guarantees lower latency when using VoIP, despite many different types of traffic passing through the system that often operates on a small amount of bandwidth per link to the remote station in the desert.

Speaking of VAOS’ six-year partnership with atrexx, Stefan Tomek, concluded:”Thanks to the very high level of satellite knowledge, effort and support, atrexx has been and will be the right partner to realize our high demand IT solutions in the future!”

Company offers cost-effective, sought after services to ISPs, corporate customers and VoIP providers across Africa and Middle East

Remagen, Germany, 9 June 2010 – German satellite service provider atrexx has announced the launch of a trio of services aimed specifically at customers based in Africa, with additional coverage of the Middle East region. The C-Band services will be delivered via Spacecom’s AMOS-5i satellite, formerly Asiasat-2, that was leased to the operator to help relieve the issue of under capacity in the region.

Through AMOS-5i, atrexx is taking a three-pronged approach, offering valuable services to those who previously may not have been able to find the capacity or the right price to fit their needs.

“We are delighted to be able to offer our customers in Africa a range of affordable services via the AMOS-5i satellite”, said Markus Schäfer, Managing Director of atrexx. “Demand for satellite services in this particular region has been growing significantly and it is important that atrexx can provide our customers with the capacity and service offering they require, a price they can afford.”

The trio of services includes SCPC and iSCPC services targeted at customers in need of corporate communication and Internet access from a service provider with European based hub. In addition, DVB-S2 and DVB-S2/SCPC services are available with Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM), for customers with a strong requirement for Internet backbone bandwidth such as Internet Service Providers (ISP) – both one-way and two-way services are offered. Finally, atrexx also provides point-to-point and point-to-multipoint connectivity through a single hop for corporate customers in the region that do not require hub services from Europe.

The AMOS-5i satellite began its operational life in January 2010. Previously known as Asiasat-2, the satellite has provided Spacecom with an interim solution as they await the launch of AMOS-5 that will be a prime carrier of African traffic in the years to come. AMOS-5i has strong C-band coverage that stretches across the entire African continent and also large parts of the Middle East.

Mr. Schäfer continued, “The Middle East and Africa region represents a dynamic and exciting market for the satellite industry. At this time, interest in satellite services is very evident and AMOS-5i has helped us to service that demand. We look forward to being able to meet the requirements of our customers there both today and in the future.”

SatManage is a powerful suite of Web-based software tools that integrate, monitor and automate hybrid networks and Network Operations Center (NOC)-based applications. The solution is relied on by leading service providers worldwide to transform how they manage complex customer deployments, resulting in stronger network performance, faster response times, greater customer satisfaction and lower operating costs.

Core software package
The Core Package features the solution’s primary capabilities and serves as a base platform for every subscriber. These include a comprehensive range of visual correlation tracking tools and a centralized network monitoring dashboard. Service providers can gain immediate visibility into network performance measures to rapidly identify, respond to and prevent network degradation. The Core Package also includes sophisticated reporting tools which enable service providers to track and analyze critical network trends.

Add-on software packages
iDirect has released five additional SatManage software packages that integrate specialized capabilities to meet specific end user requirements.

• The NOC Toolset Package allows NOC engineers to monitor the status and performance of each remote router in their network, prepare for maintenance upgrades and preempt service related interruptions, simplifying a wide range of day-to-day operations and customer communications.

• The Auto HelpDesk Package automates Level 1 support and the associated tasks of issue detection, eliminating up to 70 percent of routine trouble tickets and significantly reducing the time required for active network monitoring and fault resolution.

• The Customer Management Package enables service providers to share network performance data and management tools directly with customers through a customizable Web portal. By implementing this feature set, service providers can develop value-added services to generate additional revenue, simplify Service Level Agreement (SLA) reconciliation and increase overall customer visibility and confidence.

• The Mobility Package addresses the significant challenges associated with managing mobile remotes that impact service providers in the maritime, oil and gas, aviation, military defense, emergency response and other industries. Service providers can track in real time the location and status of every remote on their network through a global mapping system, which can be overlaid with weather conditions, satellite footprint information, radar and other data sources. This integrated approach provides the speed and control that service providers require to optimize network availability in one of the most challenging industry environments.

• The Traffic Analysis Package provides detailed visibility into every aspect of a network’s data flow, equipping service providers with the insights they need to better understand traffic patterns and make informed network decisions that can result in bandwidth efficiencies and cost savings.

“The growing global appetite for natural resources is rapidly driving mining concerns into emerging markets,” said Martin Creamer, Publisher of Creamer Media and Editor of Mining Weekly. “The need for cost-effective communications to support remote operations has never been greater. This agreement aims to strengthen understanding of how satellite and other complementary communications tools are being used to address critical mining challenges.”

“From workforce development and safety to remote monitoring and logistics, there are an increasing number of mining applications being addressed by satellite-enabled network solutions,” said David Hartshorn, Secretary General of GVF. “Through this agreement, Creamer Media and GVF intend to heighten awareness of innovative approaches that are producing positive results in the mining sector.”

Creamer Media’s Mining Weekly publication and MiningWeekly.com, which receives 43,000 unique visitors per week, will begin co-ordinating with GVF on industry news, event information, and special reports that reveal the impact of communications trends on each stage of the mining project life cycle, both for the majors and for the juniors.

In recent years, the satellite communications industry has experienced an escalation of signal interference, adversely impacting broadcast and telecommunication services. The Initiative has launched a multiple front campaign to combat this trend. The first aspect is a carrier ID working forum to pursue industry implementation of carrier ID: a means to identify interfering signals. The second aspect is the formation of the Space Data Association- an organization that will facilitate collecting and sharing interference event data amongst its satellite operator members. The third aspect is VSAT installer training.Installation by inadequately trained technicians is one of the main causes of interference identified by the Initiative. GVF has responded by enhancing the established VSAT Installer Training program to focus even more strongly on the skills necessary to avoid accidental generation of adjacent-satellite, cross-pol, and re-radiation interference.

As part of the Initiative, Intelsat has announcedtheir intent to train 400 installers per year through GVF for the next three years. SES has also formally adopted the GVF program, saying the training would help in its efforts to refocus the industry’s approach to managing and preventing interference. They have been joined by other satellite operators such as Eutelsat, Inmarsat, Telesat, Asiasat and others in endorsing the GVF’s new Basic Certification level and the associated online training course, GVF510, specifically targeted at delivering the core skills needed by field technicians to avoid creating VSAT-generated interference.

Whether it is mitigating uplink interference via the Basic Certification, providing solid knowledge and skills in VSAT installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting via the Advanced Certification, or gaining skills for installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of specific equipment types via Specialist Certifications, the GVF Certification Program provides training for the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in the VSAT industry.