Buildiing upon the company’s recent investments in innovative antenna technology and platforms, Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I), the world’s leading provider of satellite services, announced today that it signed an agreement to co-design and produce an ultra-thin, active phased array, Ku-band satellite antenna solution with Phasor Inc., a leading developer of high throughput, modular, electronically steerable antennas (ESAs).
The innovative Ku-band antennas will be developed exclusively for Intelsat and optimized for the Intelsat Epic<sup>NG</sup> high throughput satellite (HTS) platform, the first satellite of which is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2016. This also marks the first cost-effective fuselage-mount Ku-band antenna suitable for installation on civil and government small-jets, which represent an underserved segment of the fast-growing aviation broadband market.
According to recent research reports, the civil and government small-jet markets are expected to experience significant growth, particularly in the developing markets around the world. EuroConsult reports: “The number of business jets is expected to grow from 18,400 in 2013 to 26,200 in 2023.” Seventy-five percent of civil small-jet passengers are high-level corporate executives who consider these aircraft “offices in the sky” with a need for broadband service that is as important in the air as it is in the workplace on the ground. When used in conjunction with Intelsat Epic<sup>NG</sup> Ku-band satellites, the Phasor antenna technology is expected to enable broadband speeds to small-jets of over 15Mbit/s to the aircraft and 5 Mbit/s from the aircraft.
Stephen Spengler, Intelsat’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, said, “The high power of the Intelsat Epic<sup>NG</sup> platform combined with Phasor’s innovative antenna technology will unlock new market opportunities for both companies in the aviation sector. Today’s business and leisure travelers are demanding broadband connectivity in-flight in order to maximize their time and productivity so that they can keep up in today’s fast moving environment. Together, Intelsat and Phasor will provide service providers and aircraft manufacturers with more flexibility and choice as we help deliver high-speed broadband connectivity to passengers and aircraft operations that is efficient and highly reliable.”
Phasor’s ultra-thin, fuselage-mount active array antenna is expected to deliver significantly higher broadband speeds to civil and government small-jets via Intelsat Epic<sup>NG</sup> Ku-band satellites. The antenna’s small size and low profile allows for easy integration onto small-jet aircraft’s structure. Bei<sup>NG</sup> fully electronic, the antenna will be able to seamlessly and reliably steer to beams on Intelsat’s global Ku-band satellite fleet. The unique size and scalability of the Phasor antenna will allow service providers and aircraft operators to create a very high gain antenna array and RF performance resulting in dramatically higher speed broadband connectivity and greater geographical coverage at a much lower installation and operati<sup>NG</sup> cost.
David Helfgott, CEO of Phasor, commented, “We are very pleased to partner with Intelsat and bring to the Small-Jet Aviation Marketplace a unique solution designed to meet the ever-growing demands for mobile broadband service. Combined with Intelsat’s innovative Epic<sup>NG</sup> satellite constellation, these markets for the first time will experience high bandwidth services enabled by a truly revolutionary antenna solution.”
About Intelsat
Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I) is the world’s leading provider of satellite services, delivering high performance connectivity solutions for media, fixed and mobile broadband infrastructure, enterprise and government and military applications. Intelsat’s satellite, teleport and fiber infrastructure is unmatched in the industry, setting the standard for transmissions of video and broadband services. From the globalization of content and the proliferation of HD, to the expansion of cellular networks and mobile broadband access, with Intelsat, envision your future network, connect using our leading satellite technology and transform your opportunities. Envision…Connect…Transform…with Intelsat. For more information, visit www.intelsat.com.
About Phasor Inc.
Phasor Inc. is a leading developer of high throughput, modular digital phased array antennas, headquartered in Washington DC. Phasor’s electronically steerable antennas (ESAs) are based on patented innovations in dynamic beam-forming technologies and system architecture. Phasor’s mission is to enable high-speed broadband communications while in-flight, at sea or travelling over land.
For more information please visit www.phasorsolutions.com.