EchoStar Begins Construction of Global S-band Network

Rhea-AI Summary

EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS) has announced a partnership with Astro Digital to construct a global S-band mobile satellite service network. The project aims to deliver Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) services starting in 2024. The constellation will feature 28 satellites, equipped with advanced software-defined radios and the LoRa protocol for low-cost device connectivity. EchoStar will manage the operations from its Australian subsidiary. This initiative is part of EchoStar's broader goal to establish a global non-terrestrial 5G network, addressing the increasing demand for connectivity.

Positive

• Partnership with Astro Digital to build a global S-band MSS network.
• Operational launch of IoT and M2M services planned for 2024.
• 28 satellites equipped with advanced technology for enhanced connectivity.
• Strategic positioning in the growing 5G non-terrestrial network sector.

Negative

• None.

Procures satellites and plans Australian operations for new Low Earth Orbit constellation to power connectivity for smart devices

DENVER, Feb. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, EchoStar Corporation (Nasdaq: SATS) announced an agreement with Astro Digital, a designer, manufacturer and operator of small satellite systems, for the construction of a global S-band mobile satellite service (MSS) network. Under the agreement, Astro Digital will manufacture the satellites for the constellation, which will deliver global Internet of Things (IoT), machine-to-machine (M2M) and other data services beginning in 2024. EchoStar will operate the constellation from its Australian subsidiary, EchoStar Global.

"This agreement represents another step forward towards our goal of a global non-terrestrial 5G network," said Hamid Akhavan, CEO, EchoStar. "With our engineering ingenuity, our service delivery expertise and our spectrum rights, EchoStar is uniquely positioned to offer worldwide S-band satellite services to help meet the insatiable demand for complete and constant connectivity."

The 28 satellites in this constellation design will feature an advanced software-defined radio with onboard storage and processing to power smart two-way device connectivity. The satellites will be enabled with the LoRa^® (meaning "Long Range") protocol for connecting very low-cost, long-lived devices. With support for 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) services, the constellation will serve as a foundation for EchoStar to engineer 5G New Radio (NR) based NTN capabilities according to 3GPP release 17 specifications.

"These new capabilities will fill a gap in the connected ecosystem, greatly expanding worldwide IoT interoperability," said Josh Williams, managing director, EchoStar Global Australia. "Our team, together with Astro Digital, has already begun integration of our Australian-based operations to bring to market a truly global solution with consistent and reliable network performance."

Through its subsidiary EchoStar Mobile Limited, EchoStar also operates an MSS network in Europe using the geostationary EchoStar XXI satellite, which will interoperate seamlessly with the new LEO constellation.

About Astro Digital
From concept to constellation, Astro Digital provides customers with complete space-based systems and mission support services for applications such as earth observation, satellite communications, science, and technology demonstrations. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, the company manufactures satellites in its California factory and will provide a follow-the-sun satellite operations model from both the U.S. and Australia. For the latest updates and information, visit www.astrodigital.com and follow Astro Digital on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

About EchoStar
EchoStar Corporation (Nasdaq: SATS) is a premier technology and networking services provider offering consumer, enterprise, operator and government solutions worldwide under its Hughes^®, HughesNet^® and EchoStar^® brands. In Europe, EchoStar operates under its EchoStar Mobile Limited subsidiary and in Australia, the company operates as EchoStar Global Australia. For more information, visit www.echostar.com and follow EchoStar on Twitter and LinkedIn.

©2023 EchoStar. Hughes and HughesNet are registered trademarks of Hughes Network Systems, LLC, an EchoStar company.

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SOURCE EchoStar Corporation

FAQ

What is the significance of EchoStar's agreement with Astro Digital?

The agreement aims to create a global S-band mobile satellite service network, enhancing connectivity for IoT and M2M applications.

When will EchoStar's new satellite network become operational?

The new satellite network is expected to begin delivering services in 2024.

How many satellites are included in EchoStar's new constellation?

The constellation will consist of 28 satellites.

What are the capabilities of the new satellite system being developed?

The satellites will feature advanced software-defined radios and support the LoRa protocol for connecting low-cost devices.

What are EchoStar's plans regarding 5G network services?

EchoStar aims to engineer 5G New Radio capabilities based on the new satellite constellation, contributing to a global non-terrestrial 5G network.