ETL improve satellite communications for Speedcast in Singapore

Speedcast, a leading global network and satellite communications service provider, offers high-quality managed network services in over 140 countries, and a global maritime network serving customers worldwide. With over 4,500 links on land and 10,000 vessels and rigs at sea supporting mission critical applications, Speedcast has distinguished itself with strong operational expertise and is recognised as the partner of choice for satellite communications in Asia-Pacific.

In 2016, Speedcast acquired a new teleport in Singapore with plans to transform it into a media and broadcast hub. Speedcast tasked ETL Systems to help with the large transformation.

Speedcast recognised that its teleport occasional usage capability needed to be improved, in order to support the uplink and downlink requirements to provide seamless point-to-point satellite links to distribute major live events taking place across the Asia-Pacific region. It knew that it needed to enhance its L-band signal routing in its Singapore teleport to provide fast turnaround time for broadcast services. However L-band could be expensive and its chosen supplier would need to meet stringent requirements.

After a rigorous tender exercise, Speedcast ultimately chose ETL Systems as it met technical and pricing specifications, and provided the expertise and experience to deliver the products specific to their requirements.

In order to enhance Speedcast's L-band, ETL developed a custom-made satellite solution that would improve the speed and quality of its Singapore teleport operations. Speedcast's signalling design required the application of the ETL L-band 64x64 Vortex Matrix, which is used for many high resilience, high performing applications. With a variety of impedances and connector types available, the Vortex L-band Matrix is housed in an 8U 19 inch rack enclosure and is fully populated.

Due to ETL's 64x64 Vortex Matrix-based solution, the Speedcast Singapore Teleport operations have been enhanced with quick turnaround times supporting the Occasional Usage video uplink and downlink requirement. Troubleshooting the antenna/television receive-only (TVRO) downlink chain has become simpler, faster and more efficient. Furthermore, the system that ETL installed eliminates the traditional messy RF patching, poor contacts and human error issues.

"It was a great experience working with Speedcast and we are delighted that the project was a great success. Taking a consultative approach, we were able to offer Speedcast a tailored solution from ETL's wide matrix range, ensuring it was a suitable solution for their operations and met all requirements." 

Andrew Bond, Sales and Marketing Director, ETL Systems.