Read now on IrishTimes.com • May 30, 2017
Category: TELECOMMUNICATIONS
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Pivotel launches Thuraya Big Bundle to connect more people in remote Australia
Elevate Communication • April 4, 2017
A new hybrid satellite and mobile phone plan to be launched in April by Pivotel, is set to strengthen connectivity and reduce safety risks for residents and travellers across more than 10,800 Australian mobile black spots that currently create unreliable mobile coverage.
As Australia’s fourth mobile carrier, Pivotel is leading an industry-first initiative to bring historically more expensive satellite phone costs in line with contemporary mobile phone plans. Similar to ‘capped’ mobile plans, the service offers a large included satellite bundle and an unlimited voice and SMS bundle in standard mobile mode for $99 per month.
Pivotel CEO Peter Bolger said the new solution aims to help Australians stay in touch with friends and family from anywhere in the country, including notorious black spots areas, without the fear of satellite bill shock while providing them a single account for their mobile and their satellite services.
“Satellite phones have most commonly been used for emergency calls only as the cost per minute to talk is generally considered high compared to what we are used to with current mobile phone plans,” Mr Bolger said.
“For the first time in the satellite communications industry, we have engineered a new way to deliver a complete coverage solution, with customers enjoying unlimited voice and SMS to standard numbers while using the mobile service and having peace of mind that they have a very large satellite value bundle to use when outside of mobile coverage.
“It means peace of mind for travellers along some of the country’s most iconic off-road driving tracks including the Old Telegraph Track, Canning Stock Route and the Birdsville Track, which until now, have left travellers without network coverage, and with limited communication to friends, family and emergency services,” Mr Bolger said.
The new service builds upon Pivotel’s already unique satellite mobile service where the satellite phones use standard Australian mobile numbers, and callers on unlimited mobile bundles pay minimal costs to call a Pivotel satellite phone. This is in stark contrast to the high cost of calling competitor satellite phones that use satellite phone numbers.
The new plan will enable Pivotel customers to set up their Pivotel mobile service to automatically forward incoming calls to their satellite service when they are out of mobile coverage, with callers only needing to remember one mobile number.
“This really is a breakthrough for the mobile satellite industry; allowing travellers to stay in touch while also having a large enough mobile and satellite bundle to enjoy family milestones such as birthday calls, stay connected with friends and family, and take important calls from customers and suppliers from virtually everywhere,” Mr Bolger said.
“Australians travelling in remote areas rely on mobile devices to keep in touch with loved ones, and stay safe on the road. Running out of fuel, getting stuck in a storm or running out of water can quickly turn life threatening when exploring some of the world’s most remote terrains, which is why it’s important the satellite phone be regarded as a vital and helpful communication support, rather than an expensive emergency gadget.
“As well as all sorts of businesses, the Big Bundle plan will suit adventure seekers, grey nomads, tourists, and fly-in, fly-out workers who want to stay in touch with loved ones when outside of mobile range without breaking the bank,” Mr Bolger said.
The new offering extends cellular coverage by adding satellite connectivity on the Thuraya network and can work outside mobile coverage areas using a smartphone when accompanied by Pivotel’s SatSleeve. The SatSleeve is an innovative device that attaches to smartphones, instantly transforming a regular phone into a satellite phone without the need for a separate satellite phone.
Pivotel’s Thuraya Big Bundle plan will cost $99 and include unlimited calls and SMS when using the cellular service, plus $400 worth of satellite value for voice calling, SMS and data when using the satellite service. More information at http://www.pivotel.com.au/bigbundle.
Magnet offers free office space to Irish companies in London
TechCentral.ie • March 6, 2017
Ten Irish businesses looking to expand to Britain are being offered free office space in the heart of London as part of Magnet Networks’ Launchpad for London initiative.
“With Brexit dominating the news, it is easy to forget that Britain is our largest trading partner and offers better access to funders, a better attitude to risk and a massive market for many Irish firms,” said Magnet Networks CEO Mark Kellett.
“We believe that 2017 should be the year of Brentry, giving Irish businesses a launchpad into the city that hosts many of the world’s top companies and offers the best place to test your fundraising model, product or service offering.
“Most importantly, Irish companies who are also operating within Britain will be in a stronger position post-Brexit.
“The 10 Irish companies who base themselves at Magnet’s headquarters at York House in the smart city will pay no rent for four months. They will have the fastest connection available, direct fibre optic connections from Ireland to their London desks and access to one of the largest Internet of Things and Smart City test beds in the world.”
Enterprise Ireland regional director for the UK & Northern Europe Marina Donohue said: “The UK is the largest export market for Enterprise Ireland client companies, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future,” she said. “Having a presence on the ground in the market has always been important, and even more so since the decision was taken by Britain to leave the EU.
“Every year we help hundreds of Irish companies develop and grow their exports in to Britain, many of whom will establish a base here. The head start provided by Launchpad for London has the potential to be of huge value to help companies become established in the UK, as well as being well connected.”
Pivotel invests in groundbreaking IoT deployment solutions
Leading telecommunications provider Pivotel Group, has partnered with Canada’s revolutionary LTE (4G) private network solutions company Expeto, to deliver an Australian first partnership allowing Pivotel to manage EPC core network elements in remote virtual environments.
Pivotel this month launched its remote 4G LTE solution ecoSphereTM, demonstrating its intention to build an ecosystem of leading sensor, device, modem, network technology and application providers to deliver state-of-the-art solutions enabled by remote 4G coverage in the mining, resources and agricultural sectors.
Unlike the big three Australian telecommunications companies who spend large on buying bulky centralized core network appliances located in substantial data centres, Pivotel Group has ensured its services remain competitive by partnering with Expeto to deliver its all software 4G LTE core network solution.
Pivotel Executive Director Robert Sakker said with Expeto as its core network technology partner, customers will benefit from security, agility and flexibility in its network deployments.
“As Australia’s fourth mobile network operator in Australia alongside Telstra, Optus and Vodafone, Pivotel is a nimble network innovator, enabling us to push the boundaries and deliver global best practice,” Mr Sakker said.
“There is considerable value in partnering with Expeto. Firstly, it allows us to deploy targeted industrial and IoT solutions under our ecoSphereTM brand, which can be optimized for an end customer’s requirements, and secondly, customers maintain network access control at a granular level, with security forming a significant part of our service offering.
“Instead of the legacy solutions typically found only in large telco data centres, Expeto has developed an agile way for us to flexibly deploy our core network elements under a Platform as a Service model. Instead of a large upfront capex commitment, we are able to align our cost base with our revenue on an opex basis which will help us grow our 4G LTE footprint quickly,” Mr Sakker added.
The Expeto partnership will enable Pivotel to deploy the EPC core network elements in its remote virtual environments in seconds, without the need for a black box or multi-million dollar system integration. Critical customer data is kept secure, and most of the data can be processed locally, minimising expensive transfers over remote backhaul solutions.
Expeto CEO Ryley MacKenzie, said the foray into Australia helps expand the company’s global footprint.
“IoT service and solution providers such as Pivotel, are creating extremely innovative solutions. The Expeto platform ultimately enables enterprises to deploy wireless IoT and smartphone devices with more agility and configurability than ever before – all accomplished through IT methodologies, not telco complexity. We’ve built our service and reputation around the customers’ needs,” Mr MacKenzie said.
“It’s satisfying to see our developments rolled out by Pivotel in Australia. Expeto is cheaper, faster, easier and provides more control than legacy solutions. No boxes. No capex. With Expeto, Pivotel’s customers get their own network with their devices secured behind their firewall.”
The announcement comes in the lead up to Mobile World Congress, the world’s largest gathering for the mobile industry, held in the Barcelona, 27 February – 2 March 2017.
Firms here offered free London office
Irish Independent • March 6, 2017
Irish businesses looking to expand to Britain are being offered free office space in the heart of London with the launch of telecoms company Magnet Networks’ BrEntry initiative.
Launchpad For London will see 10 Irish companies establish themselves rent-free in London’s new smart city at Wembley Park.
CEO of Magnet Networks Mark Kellett and Louise McKeown
launch the BrEntry initiative. Picture: Conor McCabe
“With Brexit dominating the news, it is easy to forget that Britain is our largest trading partner and offers better access to funders, a better attitude to risk and a massive market for many Irish firms,” Magnet Networks chief executive Mark Kellett said.
“The 10 Irish companies who base themselves at Magnet’s headquarters at York House in the smart city will pay no rent for four months…they will have the fastest connection available, direct fibre optic connections from Ireland to their London desks and access to one of the largest internet of things and smart city test beds in the world,” he added, inviting interested companies to apply.
Enterprise Ireland’s regional director for the UK and northern Europe, Marina Donohoe, praised the initiative for focusing on the importance of having a UK presence in a post-Brexit Europe. She said the UK would continue to be the largest export market for Enterprise Ireland client companies for the foreseeable future.
Company merges 4G and satellites to bring reliable communications to the outback
Mobile service provider Pivotel Group is building custom-designed mobile network bases using 4G and satellite connectivity for use on pastoral stations, mine sites and oil and gas projects.
Called the ecoSphere, it offers secure point-to-point voice, video, tracking and monitoring connections.
Key points:
- Pivotel Group builds custom-designed mobile network bases using 4G and satellite connectivity
- System could provide an alternative to landline phones
Provides complete communications for pastoral stations, mine sites, and oil and gas projects - Remote communications have been a bugbear for rural communities and industries that often struggle just to get enough connection to send or receive a mobile phone call.
Despite the launch of the Federal Government’s Sky Muster satellite, communities also suffer from download speeds so slow they make normal business operations almost impossible.
Now they face the possibility of losing the only reliable communications systems many of them have, the landline phone.
The Productivity Commission has recommended the Federal Government save money by removing the current requirement to provide basic telephones, a move angrily received in the bush.
Pivotel chief executive Peter Bolger said providing a better alternative to landlines was one of the opportunities ecoSphere could provide.
Voice services part of new network
Typically, the Universal Service Obligation (the legislation on landlines) was for voice services only.
“But voice services absolutely run over the network we’ve developed, which incorporates 4G networks,” Mr Bolger said.
“4G networks are designed for much higher speed anyway, so it’s a very simple service to run voice with that.”
Many rural and remote areas are the home of farms, pastoral stations and mining companies that have become so frustrated with the communications systems on offer they have been jerry-rigging their own systems.
The vexed issue of internet speed, mobile phones and loss of landlines may be addressed with new trial.
Making remote communications work
Mr Bolger said marrying the 4G network with custom-built base stations meant high-speed ability for a large number of applications.
“It provides complete communications, particularly around machine to machine, such as on mine sites and other remote industrial sites, but there is also a lot of voice and video applications that will be picked up as well,” he said.
“Prior to launch of 4G, the mobile phone networks were built up around voice services first.
“With the emergence of 4G, it’s built around data first, so voice goes over the top of the data network very easily.
“And in development is another standard piece that supports very, very low power and also have very long life batteries.
“That’s best for sensors, so the machine to machine [data] business that’s coming about.”
Role for NBN
Another service that has yet to live up to its promise, particularly for the rural sector, is the National Broadband Network (NBN).
However, Mr Bolger said the NBN was also an enabler of the system, as much as a dedicated satellite.
“The NBN entitles all farm owners, all properties, who have NBN connection to the home,” he said
“But that doesn’t provide mobile phone coverage on their properties; their workplace is out on the farm, not necessarily in their homes.
“So we use that NBN to connect to the mobile base stations [purpose-built on properties], which will provide complete coverage at high speed.
“But it’s also for low speed, low power if for example you want to carry out simple tasks like monitoring water levels or soil quality.”
Communications systems in modern agriculture
Farmers and pastoralists have been using telemetry for some time, being able to open and close gates, measure water and other comparatively simple tasks.
“A lot of it has been happening around UHF [shortwave radios] and it’s very specific,” Mr Bolger said.
“We’re talking about bringing high speed voice, video, data, onto a single terminal where your iPad and mobile phone will work.”
Mr Bolger said asset optimisation was a big aim.
“I see in the future every single piece of livestock — cattle or sheep or goats — could potentially be tracked, and their own biometric conditions monitored so that you can say, maximise growth rate, minimise animal loss through theft, death and poor feed.
“Cattle farmers spend a very large amount of time simply going around making sure they’ve got decent water, decent food supply and they need to do it regularly.
“That is incredibly time consuming and it could be done via this system with simple monitoring and video cameras.”
GTT to acquire Hibernia Networks
Business Wire • November 9, 2016
GTT Communications, Inc. (NYSE:GTT), the leading global cloud networking provider to multinational clients, announced today a definitive agreement to acquire Hibernia Networks, a leading provider of global, high-speed network connectivity solutions and owner of terrestrial and subsea fiber assets including Hibernia Express, the lowest latency transatlantic cable system.
The $590 million transaction consists of $515 million in cash and approximately 3.3 million shares of GTT common stock, to be issued to the sellers at closing, valued at $75 million.
This strategic combination:
- Adds breadth and depth to GTT’s global Tier 1 IP network with owned and leased dark fiber assets including five owned subsea cables and eight cable landing stations
- Expands GTT’s cloud networking portfolio, composed of wide area networking, internet, managed services and voice services, with the addition of optical and low latency transport, video and CDN services
- Adds a world-class video transport platform servicing content rights holders, broadcasters, cable companies and OTT providers
- Grows GTT’s client base, adding marquee clients with depth in the financial services, media and entertainment, web-centric and service provider segments, which will remain strategic verticals of focus for GTT
- Enhances GTT’s financial profile by adding a substantial, highly complementary recurring revenue business with strong cash flow characteristics
“This acquisition accelerates GTT’s growth strategy by expanding our portfolio of cloud networking services, significantly increasing the scope and power of our global network, and growing our multinational client base,” said Rick Calder, GTT president and CEO. “Hibernia Networks has a demonstrated track record of growth, and brings unique, strategic network assets featuring high-bandwidth, low latency connectivity. We are very excited to welcome Hibernia Networks’ clients and talented team members to GTT. Following our successful, proven acquisition template, we expect to complete integration within two to three quarters post-close, and to achieve a post-synergy multiple of seven times Adjusted EBITDA or better on a pro forma basis.”
“GTT’s acquisition of Hibernia Networks provides great benefit to the entirety of our customer base as well as our two organizations,” said Bjarni Thorvardarson, Hibernia Networks’ chief executive officer. “GTT gains world class global fiber assets, including ultra-low latency routes between key financial markets, as well as optical, low latency and content services, and exceptional employees with a proven track record of network and commercial leadership, and exemplary customer service. Hibernia Networks clients around the world will benefit from the expansive reach of GTT’s Tier 1 IP network, the broader portfolio of products and services, improved scale, and the company’s expertise in delivering cloud networking solutions and managed services to multinational clients.”
The parties expect to close the transaction by the end of first quarter 2017, subject to certain regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
The Bank Street Group LLC served as exclusive financial advisor to Hibernia in connection with this transaction.
Transaction Financing
Under the terms of the agreement, the purchase price is $590 million, subject to customary adjustments for working capital and other items, composed of $515 million in cash, plus approximately 3.3 million shares of GTT common stock, to be issued to the sellers at closing, valued at $75 million. The cash portion of the purchase price will be funded with proceeds from additional debt issuance, consisting of secured term loans as well as senior unsecured notes.
The debt syndication process will be led by KeyBank National Association and Credit Suisse, who provided committed financing for the transaction.
At closing, the ratio of total net debt to Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be approximately 4.5:1, using annualized pro forma combined third quarter 2016 Adjusted EBITDA plus expected cost synergies. Within one year after closing, the ratio of total net debt to Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be at or below 4.0:1, reflecting continued Adjusted EBITDA growth and cash generation.
Hibernia Financial Information
For the three months ending September 30, 2016, Hibernia reported, on an unaudited basis, revenue of $45.5 million, Adjusted EBITDA of $16.1 million and capital expenditures of $1.9 million. For the nine months ending September 30, 2016, Hibernia reported, on an unaudited basis, revenue of $138.6 million, Adjusted EBITDA of $49.1 million and capital expenditures of $12.7 million. In 2015, Hibernia reported revenue of $148.9 million, Adjusted EBITDA of $34.2 million and capital expenditures of $161.5 million. Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA growth from 2015 to 2016 is primarily driven by completion of the Hibernia Express low latency transatlantic cable system in September 2015, including the impact of certain prepayments for long-term indefeasible rights of use (“IRUs”) from anchor tenants. The results listed above are as reported by Hibernia Networks, without expected future cost synergies, and without any pro forma adjustments. Detailed Hibernia results and pro forma information will be made available in a Form 8-K within the next several weeks.
About GTT
GTT provides multinationals with a better way to reach the cloud through its suite of cloud networking services, including wide-area networking, Internet, managed services and voice services. The company’s Tier 1 IP network, ranked in the top five worldwide, connects clients to any location in the world and any application in the cloud. GTT delivers an outstanding client experience by living its core values of simplicity, speed and agility. For more information on how GTT is redefining global communications, please visit www.gtt.net.
About Hibernia Networks
Hibernia Networks owns and operates a global network serving more than 100 markets and spanning 25 countries. Hibernia Networks serves customers with unparalleled support, flexibility and service in a variety of industry segments including financial markets, web-centric, media and entertainment, and telecom service providers. Providing enterprise-class and wholesale global connectivity solutions, Hibernia Networks offers secure and diverse optical transport, Ethernet and carrier-grade IP transit services. Hibernia Networks also offers dedicated cloud connectivity, low latency services, DTM and Hibernia CDN for seamless anytime, anywhere content delivery. Hibernia Express, Hibernia Networks’ transatlantic cable, provides the lowest latency connections available between major commercial and financial centers in North America, Europe and beyond. The state-of-the-art cable system garnered two Global Carriers Awards in 2015 — Subsea Project of the Year and Best Subsea Innovation, as well as the Global Telecom Business Innovation Award for 2016.
Columbia Ventures Corporation 