Throughout 2015 HISPASAT Group has contributed to the development of advanced solutions via satellite for its clients. Particularly noteworthy are the coverage extension systems for cellular telephone networks (cellular backhaul), Internet access via satellite for residential users and trunk network connections (IP Trunking).

It is also worth highlighting the advanced solutions in the Internet of Things, which encompasses all sensors and objects connected to a network, and in emergency communications for situations such as natural disasters, an area in which satellites have become particularly relevant over the past few years.

In the mobility market, HISPASAT has collaborated in a ground-breaking project to provide high-speed trains with Internet connectivity and on-demand services. The pilot project was managed by HISPASAT’s Client Engineering team and resulted in the commercial contract to equip the AVE train fleet. This involved intense coordination efforts between the teams of HISPASAT (Operations, Systems and Marketing), the train manufacturer, the end client (RENFE), HISPASAT’s partner responsible for integrating different networks, the manufacturer of the satellite technology used and the main telephone operators. The activities carried out included improving the solution to achieve the greatest efficiency and best quality service possible. This involved many hours of on-board and remote testing, which led to unprecedented final results for this transport type and for client satisfaction.

HISPASAT continues to pursue growth in the mobility sector, not only by working with trains, but also with ships, airplanes and buses.

In the audiovisual market, the Group continues its intensive labour in developing new and advanced solutions, such as ultra high definition television, also called 4K, new video coding technology (HEVC), connected television, and distribution systems in multiscreen homes.

With the goal of maintaining its position on the cutting edge of technology, HISPASAT has continued its activity in diverse DVB working groups, specifically in DVB-S2 groups, and in the DVB-UHDTV group to continue shaping this type of television. In the framework of DVB-S2, the company has provided its experience and knowledge to work out the specifics of this standard’s evolution in DVB-S2X, seeking to incorporate new and improved modulations and coding that allow for further optimisation of the satellite’s resources. These technologies have been demonstrated on numerous occasions at specific client events as well as at major fairs in the sector (NAB, IBC and Washington Satellite).

As a result of these activities, many of HISPASAT’s clients have incorporated these new technologies into their networks, such as more efficient coding and modulation systems and adaptive systems, which has allowed them to improve service quality and efficiency, thus optimising system occupancy levels.

In this market, the main commercial milestone in 2015 was the unification of Telefónica Brazil’s DTH platforms, which involved more than twenty situations analysed by the Client Engineering team. Each situation included an analysis in six different satellites, with two types of TV channels (SD-Standard Definition and HD-High Definition) and hundreds of localizations to satisfy strict customer requirements. In addition, intensive studies on capacity optimisation and many on-site demonstrations took place throughout the country, thus helping develop a service that will involve up to 26 transponders, further consolidating the 61° West position as hot position in the Latin American market.

During 2015, Client Engineering dedicated a large part of its activities to analysing, planning and launching new services in the satellite fleet located at new orbital positions, such as 84° West, and supporting the commercialisation of new fleet satellites, such as Amazonas 5, Hispasat 30W-6 (Hispasat 1F) and Hispasat 36W-1 (Hispasat AG1), along with satellites already in orbit, such as Amazonas 4 (Amazonas 4A). It also focused on establishing itself in key areas such as Central America and North Africa.

In the case of Amazonas 4 (Amazonas 4A), after several analyses and proposals, it was determined that up to eight transponders could provide Claro’s DTH services to South America. Once the decision had been made by the client, work had to be carried out quickly to initiate broadcast plans and certify DBS ground stations, which were the first to be used in the region. This involved providing support in requesting and shipping specific parts, as well as ensuring quick delivery so that the system could be launched immediately as requested by Claro.

At 84° West, a series of networks have been designed and deployed throughout Peru for military, government and telephone uses, among others. To do so, optimised analyses were carried out for all points throughout the country’s diverse geography, and for the type of service and traffic applicable (cellular backhaul, data, etc.), choosing the most appropriate band and the most efficient, highest quality solutions for each case.

Afterwards, it was necessary to certify and approve various types of ground stations and hubs and create highly complex designs. This led to the quick deployment of approximately two thousand terminals in three months, a number that will continue to grow until a total of seven transponders are activated.

In Morocco, commercialisation of the Ka band of the new Hispasat 30W-6 (Hispasat 1F) satellite was achieved with support from Client Engineering. As part of HISPASAT Group’s growth in Central and North America, it is important to highlight the work carried out to foster growth in the México Conectado project.

As part of HISPASAT Group’s growth in Central and North America, it is important to highlight the work carried out to foster growth in the México Conectado project, a project promoted by the Mexican government to encourage social inclusion and reduce the digital divide in the region. This involved significant capacity optimisation work and dimensioning of growth scenarios on the part of the Client Engineering team.

Furthermore, plans for optimising the capacity of all HISPASAT fleet satellites were defined, thus allowing the company to increase and adjust the space capacity offered to clients.

During 2015, in addition to supporting tasks for service design and innovative activity development, HISPASAT Group contributed an added value of support to its clients for all aspects that affect satellite communications, including maintenance and support for already existing networks.

Worth noting is the audit carried out in MNLA’s facilities in Lurín, Peru, at the request of a client. This audit included a detailed analysis of incidents related to equipment on platforms and in remote locations, energy systems and client operations, and it led to improvement actions, verification tests, and the optimisation of networks used during the days of the visit. In addition, short-term and medium-term improvements, extensions and modifications have been proposed to optimise the service, avoid problems and foresee in a coordinated way the problems that could arise.

This business year, HISPASAT’s Client Engineering team also visited various client facilities to perform equipment demonstrations or carry out compatibility tests.