Boeing

New York Broadband has awarded a contract to Boeing to build the Silkwave-1 satellite to expand multimedia communication services for mobile users in China, India and other markets in Asia.

The satellite will be built on Boeing’s 702 platform, which will become operational in 2018.

The satellite will be procured by New York Broadband, which owns and operates 12 UHF television stations in the US.

The company will lease capacity to Hong Kong-based mobile multimedia service provider CMMB Vision to provide a set of media and information services to Asian customers.

Last June, CMMB entered a memorandum of understanding with New York Broadband (NYBB) to acquire its L-band AsiaStar satellite platform.

NYBB managing director Charles Naumer said: "NYBB and CMMB Vision are breaking new ground in mobile media services.

"The new Silkwave-1 spacecraft is designed to support broadband multimedia broadcasting to mobile users."

"With the finalisation of this contract with Boeing for a 702 satellite, we have significantly moved forward in making next-generation mobile communications widely available in Asia."

Silkwave-1 will take a 105° east-orbital slot, which has currently been occupied by NYBB’s AsiaStar spacecraft. Silkwave-1 is expected to offer 100 times greater transmission power than the AsiaStar spacecraft it will replace.

CMMB Vision chairman Charles Wong said: "With this new Boeing satellite, Silkwave-1, we will realise a vision to deliver quality multimedia capabilities to the consumer on the move.

"Video, voice, data and other new digital media will become more readily available than ever before along the Silk Road of Asia, one of the most historically significant routes for commerce in the world."

Silkwave-1 will be equipped with highly efficient solar cells that will generate 14Kw of power and carry a 9m reflector.

Boeing satellite systems international president Mark Spiwak said: "The new Silkwave-1 spacecraft is designed to support broadband multimedia broadcasting to mobile users.

"It will have dedicated beams over China and India and a steerable beam over other Asian countries for independent services for different regions.

"This optimises power based on regional needs and multiplies the overall bandwidth delivery capacity."

Image: Silkwave-1, a Boeing 702 satellite, will enter service in 2018 and expand multimedia communications for mobile users in China, India and other markets in Asia. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.