SES will bring together a collective of Ka-band capacity providers under its Open Orbits program, providing a new type of competition in the global inflight connectivity market.
SES
Airbus adds to HBCplus backlog
Airbus will add two additional airlines to its HBCplus inflight connectivity portfolio. The deals, announced at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2024 last week in Hamburg include a couple firsts for the program.
Eclipse snags 50+ plane connectivity retrofit deal
Eclipse Global Connectivity will fit 50 aircraft with a multi-orbit inflight internet solution, with services delivered via SES’s multi-orbit satellite constellations.
SES snags Intelsat for $3.1 billion
SES will acquire Intelsat in a $3.1 billion transaction, continuing the consolidation trend in the satellite provider space. Not surprisingly, the mobility segment plays a significant role in driving the value of the deal.
SES plans mPOWER constellation expansion to counter performance problems
The SES mPOWER constellation will grow by two satellites to offset shortcomings on the initial six.
CesiumAstro ESA successfully connects in SES, Hughes tests
CesiumAstro successfully tested its active phased array antenna terminal solution with SES’s geosynchronous satellite network, a key milestone as the company works to deliver hardware to the government and commercial aviation sectors.
Pricing tweaks ahead for Spirit’s in-flight Wi-Fi
Nearly a year after Spirit Airlines formally launched its on-board Wi-Fi program, new plans dynamic pricing models are slated for trial later this year.
Successful launch for SES-17, boosting in-flight wifi coverage, capacity
The SES-17 satellite successfully launched into space onboard an Ariane 5 launcher operated by Arianespace. It is expected to enter service in mid-2022.
SES-17 launch scheduled for 22 October
A big boost to Ka-band connectivity over the Americas will come next month as SES-17 secures an October launch date.
Viasat teams with Gazprom, TMC for access to Russia
Access to Russia is critical when it comes to delivering satellite connectivity on a global basis. Viasat took a large step forward on that front this week, announcing a MOU with Gazprom for satellite capacity and TMC for the necessary local license to access the market.