The Mobile Satellite Users Association (MSUA), has celebrated this year’s Mobility Satellite Innovation Award winners at the organization's annual luncheon that was held in conjunction with the DC satellite conference. Open to all MSUA members, the awards celebrate technical and service delivery innovations that are helping advance today’s mobility market.
Catherine Melquist, President of MSUA, said the organization celebrated innovations that are helping satellite connectivity align with the emerging requirements of the 5G era of mobility. And, in a panel moderated by Erwan Emilian, MSUA's Board Chair, executives from Globalstar, OneWeb, ORBCOMM, and SES Networks shared insights about steps they're taking now to prepare for next-generation mobility.
The luncheon was widely attended by MSUA members and others involved with or following the satellite mobility community. MSUA has an internationally distributed membership comprised of the industry’s earliest and largest mobility players as well as new and start-up companies entering the space. This year, MSUA celebrated the innovations of — Thuraya, Iridium, Newtec, CopaSAT, iDirect Government, AlcanSystems and OneWeb:
Thuraya – “Top Mobility User Experience Solution” for its X5-Touch. Touted “the world’s smartest satellite phone”, the X5-Touch is an Android-based satellite & GSM phone with a 5.2” full HD touchscreen. The device delivers a unique, interactive user experience and the Android platform makes accessible, a wide variety of popular apps. Last, the omni-directional satellite antenna ensures uninterrupted walk-and-talk communications while in satellite or GSM mode.
Iridium – “Top Connected Platform” for its Iridium Certus® platform designed for the development of specialty broadband applications, on-the-move internet and high-quality voice. Iridium Certus is the only broadband platform providing truly global coverage for IoT, maritime, aeronautical, land-mobile and government applications.
Newtec – “Top Infrastructure Solution” for the Newtec Dialog – a scalable and flexible multiservice satellite infrastructure solution that enables satellite service providers to build and adapt their network in alignment with the growth of their business. The Newtec Dialog can be used with the multitude of applications and offers future-proof connectivity as requirements and technologies continue to evolve.
CopaSAT – “Top Public Safety Solution” for its CopaSAT STORM enabling tactical communications while moving at extreme high-speeds on vehicles and vessels. The CopaSAT STORM is a fully integrated solution using the Kymeta u7 flat panel satellite antenna and the iDirect 950 Modem enabling satellite and wireless connectivity for COTM and COTP requirements in harsh and challenging environments. The CopaSAT STORM re-defines situational awareness for some of the most demanding government, NGO, military and commercial clients.
iDirect Government – “Top Cybersecurity Solution” for its enhanced Transmission Security (TRANSEC)-compliant network architecture that exceeds the requirements outlined by the U.S. government, while maintaining the quality of service needed to support voice, video and data over a satellite link. TRANSEC is helping military and government users combat cyber threats wherever in the world they are operating.
Alcan – “Top 5G Hybrid Connectivity Solution” for its low-cost, low-power, electronically steerable flat panel smart antenna. Alcan is using a microwave liquid crystal technology for electronic beam steering and provides connectivity to new non-GEO, GEO HTS constellations and 5G/mmWave with the goal of driving connectivity costs down for enterprise markets, connected vehicles, maritime fleets, consumer broadband and airplanes.
OneWeb was nominated as the “Company to Watch.” After successfully launching their first six satellites earlier this year, OneWeb will begin one of the largest industry campaigns launching more than 30 satellites at a time beginning Q4 2019 with customer demos anticipated by next year and full global service in 2021. OneWeb’s innovations include: low latency, high throughput capabilities, a revolutionary satellite production process, a new ecosystem of component players and an LTE network in the sky enabling 5G core functionality and seamless switching between satellite beams and user terminals globally.
MSUA announced another record-breaking new membership year, welcoming nine new companies into its membership, including: Intellian, Newtec, Alcan Systems, Blue Sky Networks, CopaSAT, Everywhere Communications, KnightSky, Pathfinder Digital and Solstar Space Company.
The Mobile Satellite Users Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting mobility satellite innovations and market development worldwide. The Association fosters the exchange of news, information and education among providers, users and followers of satellite mobility connectivity including those focused on communications, navigation and safety.