[SatNews] …part of $1.6 billion investment—the world’s first globally available, high-bandwidth, Ka-band network delivered by a single operator.
Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS), an international communications and information technology company, has received an 18-month follow-on contract from Boeing to provide Ka-band antennas for the fourth Inmarsat Global Xpress® satellite. The announcement was made during the Satellite 2014 Conference and Exhibition, being held March 10-13 at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. at Booth #4000.
The satellite is part of Inmarsat’s $1.6 billion investment in Global Xpress —the world’s first globally available, high-bandwidth, Ka-band network delivered by a single operator.
In orbit, the Harris antennas will direct 89 Ka-band user spot beams to the Earth creating a unique, mobile broadband network with high-speed services for diverse applications—from deep-sea vessels to in-flight connectivity for airline passengers. Additional spot beams are available to provide dedicated service to users requiring specific coverage.
“The Harris antennas are important components in the Global Xpress satellite system, which is expected to provide global coverage by the end of 2014,” said Bill Gattle, vice president and general manager, National Programs, Harris Government Communications Systems. “We are committed to delivering discriminating solutions in support of the rapidly developing high-throughput satellite market.”
The Global Xpress antennas are part of Harris’ flight-proven gimbal dish antenna systems, which enable beams to be steered to accommodate changing or increasing user demands. Harris has more than 30 years of experience designing, building and flying spaceborne antennas for government and commercial applications. Products include unfurlable mesh reflectors, gimbaled dish antennas and phased array antennas.
Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 125 countries. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has approximately $5 billion of annual revenue and about 14,000 employees – including 6,000 engineers and scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications® products, systems and services. Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at harris.com.
Harris CapRock’s Finger Is On The Pulse™
Harris CapRock Communications debuted Pulse™, an Advanced VSAT solution for offshore and deepwater customers, at Satellite 2014, being held March 11-13 at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. Harris' booth is #4000.
Utilizing the latest in Advanced VSAT technologies, the breakthrough service enables real-time bandwidth upgrades through a secure and cost-effective solution. Pulse dynamically reassigns satellite capacity on demand by leveraging Comtech EF Data Corporation’s efficient modem technologies and Vipersat Management System.
“As offshore and deepwater communications requirements continue to grow, we are dedicated to making the right technology investments to support our customers’ dynamic operations,” said Tracey Haslam, president, Harris CapRock Communications. “Customers are looking for unprecedented speed and flexibility in capacity changes, and with our Pulse Advanced VSAT solution, we’re the first to meet their needs for true bandwidth on demand.”
When a deepwater platform requests extended bandwidth for applications such as data logging, drilling at the critical part of a well, streaming a training video, or utilizing a telemedicine solution, Harris CapRock's dynamic bandwidth management architecture will provide customers the maximum capacity available without the costs of dedicated bandwidth.
Harris CapRock recently deployed the Pulse Advanced VSAT solution on Royal Caribbean’s global fleet as well as networks for customer operations in the Gulf of Mexico. Pulse delivered unmatched processing capacity and nearly 20 times the information rates of a prior solution.
“Harris CapRock invests in next-generation technologies and partners with key equipment providers to improve the customer experience,” Haslam said. “Deploying Pulse Advanced VSAT globally allows us to offer high-capacity, dynamic solutions that meet or exceed our customers’ growing bandwidth requirements, faster than ever before, no matter where their operations are located.”
Harris CapRock’s Pulse Advanced VSAT solution also will be part of the business’ exhibitions at CABSAT 2014 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Cruise Shipping Miami 2014 in Miami Beach, Florida. Both events are being held March 11-13.
Harris CapRock Communications provides managed satellite and terrestrial communications solutions specifically for remote and harsh environments including the energy, government and maritime markets. Harris CapRock owns and operates a global infrastructure that includes teleports on six continents, five 24/7 customer support centers, a local presence in 23 countries and more than 275 global field service personnel supporting customer locations across North America, Central and South America, Europe, West Africa and Asia Pacific.
Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at.
GVF Accreditation Program With Harris CapRock = Better Global Service
The importance of high-quality satellite Earth station installation and maintenance is being reinforced in the energy, maritime, military and other key markets through recognition of Harris CapRock Communications as a “GVF Accredited Organization”. The company has achieved the designation by implementing comprehensive training and Certification of Harris CapRock personnel for installation and support of fixed and maritime VSAT systems worldwide.
“The GVF VSAT training program is integral to the Harris CapRock internal training plan,” said Andy Lucas, Chief Technology Officer. “Harris CapRock’s standing as a ‘GVF Accredited Organization’ sends a clear signal to the marketplace that our company is committed to delivering a high standard of satellite communications services supported by more than 1,200 staff in 23 countries across the globe.” GVF is the non-profit association of the satellite communications industry. The organization has been developing and providing training programs for thousands of satellite communications professionals for nearly a decade. “The significance of Harris CapRock’s achievement is huge,” said David Hartshorn, GVF’s Secretary General. “Satellite communications services are being delivered at unprecedented levels in dynamic and, at times, hostile operating environments. Harris CapRock’s Accreditation demonstrates to their customers that those installations are being conducted with the highest possible level of technical competency.”
In order to qualify as a GVF Accredited Organization, Harris CapRock will continue to maintain a number of GVF-approved Examiners to perform Hands On Skills Tests (HOSTs), as well as having a dedicated training staff that specialise in VSAT as approved GVF trainers. Further, Accreditation requires that at least 90 percent of Harris CapRock staff with technical training plans will be actively enrolled in the mandatory courses required for their specific role; namely Advanced Installer certification for Field Technicians and GVF510/520 for Customer Support Centre and Operational Engineers. At least 70 percent of the Field Engineers will hold a current GVF Advanced Satcom Professional Certification.
Harris CapRock has also agreed to an annual audit by the GVF to ensure that they are maintaining their commitment to the GVF training program. If the audit determines the minimum requirements for Accreditation are not currently met, Harris CapRock will take the necessary steps to meet the minimum requirements within three months. A second audit will then be completed to confirm the accreditation requirements are met.
Harris CapRock of Houston, Texas, and GVF of London, U.K., entered into the agreement as part of an international industry initiative to promote best practice. The on-line courses used to support the program were prepared and are being administered by SatProf, Inc.
GVF VSAT Installation & Maintenance Certification is the global industry standard for training installers of bi-directional satellite Earth stations. It was created by a consensus of volunteers serving in the GVF Education & Training Working Group (E&TWG), whose mission is to identify, formulate and share knowledge that is beneficial to the VSAT industry, its shareholders and stakeholders.
Learn more about GVF here.
GVF is the international association of the satellite communications industry. Supported by 200 companies based in every major region of the world, GVF promotes higher standards of service, greater levels of market access, improved regulatory conditions, and heightened awareness by the private and public sectors of the advantages afforded by state-of-the-art satellite-based fixed and mobile solutions.
Learn more about Harris CapRock here.
Harris CapRock Communications is a premier global provider of managed satellite and terrestrial communications solutions specifically for remote and harsh environments including the energy, government and maritime markets. Harris CapRock owns and operates a robust global infrastructure that includes teleports on six continents, five 24/7 customer support centers, a local presence in 23 countries and more than 275 global field service personnel supporting customer locations across North America, Central and South America, Europe, West Africa and Asia Pacific.
Learn more about SatProf, Inc. here.
SatProf, Inc., was founded by Ralph Brooker and Peter Zilliox, both veterans of the satellite ground equipment and system engineering industry. SatProf offers standard and custom technical e-learning material and engineering support for satellite installers, technicians, engineers, and managers.
