Latest news with #VSAT
Time of India
2 days ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Bad weather delays Dharali air rescue op; BROcompletes work on bailey bridge for road link
Dehradun: Rescue operations via helicopters in flash flood-hit Dharali were briefly stalled on Sunday morning due to poor weather conditions, officials said on the sixth day of the disaster that struck the hamlet. An XV-5 aircraft was deployed as part of a weather observation flight to assess visibility for safe operations at Dharali. Sorties resumed around 11am, with 78 people airlifted in 29 flights. IG SDRF Arun Mohan Joshi, the appointed incident commander, has been coordinating multi-agency efforts, including running community kitchens serving over 1,600 people since Aug 7 and organising free medical camps. He held coordination meetings with other agencies in Dharali on Sunday and prepared a detailed action plan with a concrete strategy for carrying out the rescue work. "Arrangements have been made for real-time information exchange and joint resource utilisation among all agencies to maximise the speed and effectiveness of the operation," said Joshi. Meanwhile, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), working to restore road connectivity in the affected area, completed the construction of a bailey bridge at Limchigadh Sunday evening after a vital 25m bridge that connected the road to Harsil was washed away by the Aug 5 flash flood. A senior BRO official told TOI: "Our team worked relentlessly for two nights to set up the bridge. The work was finally completed on Sunday evening despite all odds. The bridge will have a capacity to bear load of up to 24 tonnes. We were supposed to finish the work by 3pm but there was a slight delay due to a shortage of certain parts which were then supplied from Joshimath." The official added that the roads have been significantly damaged in eight more areas, in and around Dharali and Harsil, which are yet to be repaired. "In Dharali, there was 15m-deep muck on the road for about 300m, of which we were able to clear around 190m till Sunday afternoon. In Harsil, nothing much could be done so far as about 600m of road stretch remains submerged in a lake formed after the disaster. Similarly, in Bhatwari, on the way to Harsil, a 200m stretch of road was washed away," he said. Moreover, as the rescue operation entered its sixth day, the administration deployed extensive medical, transport and engineering resources. Medical teams, including specialists, have been stationed in Dharali, Harsil, Malti and Uttarkashi district hospital, with 294 beds — including 65 ICU beds — kept ready. Fourteen injured have been treated so far, with three of them referred to AIIMS Rishikesh. The transport department has mobilised 110 vehicles, while heavy machinery at Dharali includes five JCBs, three excavators, two dozers and 10 tippers. NDRF teams are using VSAT cameras, life detectors and thermal cutting tools; and two bodies have been recovered so far. Relief efforts continue by air, with food packets, blankets, medicines and livestock fodder delivered. BSNL mobile services in Harsil were restored via satellite on Saturday, and electricity from Maneri to Dharali had been re-established. The Aug 5 flash flood and heavy rains triggered massive debris flow in Dharali and Harsil, flattening homes and infrastructure. Officials said that focus will now be on restoring full road connectivity. A team from UJVNL (Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited) has also reached Harsil to drain out the artificial lake which had formed on the Bhagirathi after the deluge. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
IOL News
6 days ago
- IOL News
Obsolete communication infrastructure: A critical challenge for SAPS in KZN
SAPS in KZN brief the NCOP on challenges Image: File Outdated information technology infrastructure, including a radio communication system that is now obsolete, old computers, and telephone systems at 10111 centres, are among the key resource challenges impacting the South African Police Service (SAPS) in KwaZulu-Natal. This is revealed in a report that was tabled before members of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in KZN during a meeting with SAPS leadership this week. The Mercury reported yesterday on some of the challenges outlined during the discussion, but the report expands on the pressing matters. The report provides a detailed profile of the province, outlining the population that the police have to serve in comparison to their numbers. On the technological resources required by SAPS, the report states, 'Information technology infrastructure remains outdated, especially in rural stations that still rely on VSAT systems. The current radio communication system is obsolete, and several critical upgrades are required to support modern policing. 'These include replacing end-of-life user equipment such as desktops, laptops, and ICDMS scanners; upgrading network infrastructure and bandwidth capacity at all stations and switching centres; transitioning the radio network from analogue to digital; and replacing outdated telephone communication systems at 10111 centres across the province,' read the report. One member of the NCOP, who did not want to be named, confirmed the existence of the report and stated that the situation faced by the police was extremely shocking. He mentioned that another issue they were briefed on was related to case management technology and the shortage of two-way radios. Another NCOP member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, 'The challenges faced by the SAPS regarding technology stem from the fact that ICT procurement is centralised to the State Information Technology Agency, which has been facing challenges. They cannot procure from anyone else. This issue affects not only the SAPS but also the Department of Home Affairs, which has encountered similar challenges.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading The report further reveals basic shortages in essential resources, such as modern equipment and proper police facilities where police can securely store sensitive items, especially in rural areas. The meeting comes as KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, who is the executive authority for the Community Safety and Liaison department, handed over four state-of-the-art mobile police stations to the police this week. The department's mobile police stations will be strategically utilised in identified crime hotspots such as Inanda, Mbonambi, Bulwer, and KwaMakhutha. This intervention will improve police visibility in crime-riddled areas. The report detailed the profile of the province and laid bare the vast work to be covered with current resources, as approximately 23,000 police officers have to protect close to 12.5 million people, excluding foreign nationals, covering an area of 94,782 kilometres. It revealed that the police profile shows there are 184 police stations, 45 satellite police stations, 125 provincial units, and 40 national units. The report states, 'In terms of safety measures, the installation of adequate security infrastructure at police stations remains constrained by budget limitations. Most stations lack the necessary funding to procure essential security systems. Similarly, SAPS garages face a shortage of security personnel, as financial constraints hinder the ability to contract private security services. 'In terms of immovable assets, there is an ongoing shortage of budget for the routine maintenance of police buildings. This has led to the deterioration of holding cells at several stations, forcing the relocation of detainees to other facilities, often located at considerable distances, which disrupts operational efficiency,' it said. The SAPS also faced a persistent shortage of personnel, with the attrition rate of employees surpassing the rate of new recruits. This imbalance is further compounded by the loss of skilled and experienced members, which undermines institutional knowledge and service delivery capabilities. 'The rise in complex crimes such as extortion, construction mafia activities, and fraud in KwaZulu-Natal highlights the urgent need for enhanced cybercrime and commercial crime investigation capabilities. Addressing these threats effectively will require significant investment in specialised resources to position the province as a strong player in combating organised crime,' it said. NCOP provincial whip in KwaZulu-Natal, Mzamo Billy, said they had been briefed on the report but declined to comment further. Nthabeleng Molefe, Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union KZN provincial secretary, said the resource challenges were not new. Molefe said they reflect long-standing systemic problems that have consistently undermined the capacity of the police service to meet its constitutional mandate. 'One of the most pressing concerns is the outdated state of the SAPS communication system. When described as "obsolete," this refers to the continued reliance on analogue two-way radios and communication infrastructure that is no longer suited to the demands of modern policing. In many areas, especially rural and high-crime regions, officers have to operate without reliable communication tools. 'The lack of adequate handheld radios, poor signal coverage, and failure to maintain or upgrade the system has a direct impact on safety, coordination, and the ability to respond to emergencies in real-time. 'In some cases, members are forced to use personal devices to communicate, exposing them to additional risks and limiting operational efficiency. The combination of these factors results in a police service that is overstretched, under-resourced, and frequently demoralised,' said the provincial secretary. SAPS spokesperson in KwaZulu-Natal, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, declined to comment on the meeting, stating that the NCOP members had expressed their views, and the police would not be making comments on the engagement. THE MERCURY
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Viasat Inc (VSAT) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Highlights: Navigating Growth Amid Challenges
Revenue: $1.17 billion, a 4% year-over-year increase. Net Loss: $56 million, compared to a net loss of $33 million in the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA: $408 million, up 1% year over year, with a 35% adjusted EBITDA margin. Free Cash Flow: $60 million positive free cash flow for the quarter, with a trailing 12-month total of $88 million. Communications Services Revenue: $827 million, flat year over year. Aviation Revenue Growth: 14% increase, driven by a 9% year-over-year increase in commercial aircraft in service. Defense and Advanced Technology Revenue: $344 million, up 15% year over year. Infosec and Cyber Defense Awards: $224 million, a 225% increase year over year. Net Leverage: Approximately 3.6 times trailing 12 months EBITDA, flat year over year. Capital Expenditures Guidance: Expected to be about $1.2 billion for the year. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 6 Warning Signs with VSAT. Release Date: August 05, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Positive Points Viasat Inc (NASDAQ:VSAT) reported a 4% year-over-year revenue growth, driven by double-digit growth in the defense and advanced technology segment. The company completed testing and corrective actions for the deployable reflectors on the Viasat-3 satellites, progressing towards their launch. Viasat Inc (NASDAQ:VSAT) generated $60 million in positive free cash flow this quarter, marking a significant improvement in cash generation. The company secured $224 million in awards for its Infosec and Cyber Defense segment, reflecting strong demand for its encryption products. Viasat Inc (NASDAQ:VSAT) is focused on reducing capital intensity and leveraging shared infrastructure models to enhance operational efficiency. Negative Points Viasat Inc (NASDAQ:VSAT) reported a net loss of $56 million for the quarter, an increase from the $33 million loss in the same period last year. The company faced pressures in its fixed broadband business, with a decline in U.S. fixed broadband subscribers. There were lower IP licensing revenues and declines in the maritime segment, impacting overall financial performance. Viasat Inc (NASDAQ:VSAT) experienced elevated legal costs related to the Legato case, affecting its financial results. The company acknowledged challenges due to delays in satellite programs, which have increased debt and inhibited cash flow. Q & A Highlights Q: How does TrellisWare compare with other mobile ad hoc networking peers, and what are the growth prospects? A: Mark Dankberg, CEO, explained that TrellisWare operates in the mobile ad hoc networking space, primarily using a proprietary networking waveform designed for ad hoc mesh networking. The growth driver for TrellisWare has been the adoption of its waveforms as standards by the US government and allies. There is potential for growth in additional markets, including aerial platforms and drones. Q: What is driving the growth in Viasat's next-generation encryption products? A: Mark Dankberg, CEO, noted a large upgrade cycle driven by the need to make national security encryption systems robust against quantum computing. The data center market is growing, with increased demand for secure cloud communications and AI applications. Viasat's products are distinguished by security certifications and next-generation encryption standards. Q: Can you discuss the philosophy behind potential business separations and capital needs? A: Mark Dankberg, CEO, mentioned that Viasat evaluates its portfolio based on synergies and capital needs. The company aims to reduce the capital intensity of its satellite services businesses. Decisions on spin-offs will consider these factors, along with the potential to organize businesses into investable units for debt and equity holders. Q: How does Viasat plan to compete in the NTN D2D market with a focus on capital efficiency? A: Mark Dankberg, CEO, emphasized that Viasat is not pursuing a $5 billion capital investment. Instead, the company is exploring shared infrastructure models with other operators to reduce capital intensity. Viasat aims to leverage its strong presence in L-band and S-band, focusing on shared infrastructure to serve multiple operators and reduce costs. Q: What is the outlook for Viasat's fixed broadband and maritime businesses? A: Mark Dankberg, CEO, clarified that the growth in maritime is driven by the NexusWave hybrid geo system, which is expanding rapidly. The system offers higher average revenue per vessel by providing more bandwidth for operational and crew services. Viasat expects this growth to lead to year-over-year growth in maritime by the end of the fiscal year. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
ViaSat (VSAT) Q1 Earnings: Taking a Look at Key Metrics Versus Estimates
For the quarter ended June 2025, ViaSat (VSAT) reported revenue of $1.17 billion, up 4% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $0.17, compared to -$0.26 in the year-ago quarter. The reported revenue represents a surprise of +3.71% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.13 billion. With the consensus EPS estimate being -$0.05, the EPS surprise was +440%. While investors scrutinize revenue and earnings changes year-over-year and how they compare with Wall Street expectations to determine their next move, some key metrics always offer a more accurate picture of a company's financial health. As these metrics influence top- and bottom-line performance, comparing them to the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated helps investors project a stock's price performance more accurately. Here is how ViaSat performed in the just reported quarter in terms of the metrics most widely monitored and projected by Wall Street analysts: Revenue- Product revenues: $344.68 million versus $320.18 million estimated by four analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a +12.7% change. Revenue- Service revenues: $826.37 million versus $815.37 million estimated by four analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a +0.7% change. Revenue- Communication Services: $827.37 million versus the two-analyst average estimate of $804.49 million. Revenue- Defense and Advanced Technologies: $343.68 million versus the two-analyst average estimate of $345.17 million. View all Key Company Metrics for ViaSat here>>> Shares of ViaSat have returned +27.3% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1% change. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell), indicating that it could underperform the broader market in the near term. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Viasat Inc. (VSAT) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Qatar Tribune
05-08-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Es'hailSat and Viasat Energy Services expand regional satellite connectivity
QNA Doha Es'hailSat, Qatar Satellite Company, has announced that Viasat Energy Services, a business unit of Viasat, Inc., has added satellite capacity on Es'hail-1 satellite located at the 25.5 degrees East hotspot and will use this capacity to provide VSAT services across Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. In a statement, the company explained that Viasat Energy Services empowers industrial companies to unlock the full value of digital transformation through optimized industry solutions, advanced global software, and secure communications infrastructure. Whether operating in remote locations or managing complex, multi-stage operations, Viasat is the trusted partner for connecting distributed assets and driving the complete journey of digital enablement. Viasat Energy Services and Es'hailSat together are looking to cater to Oil & Gas segments, among others, that are in constant need for reliable high-speed connectivity in remote and challenging environments. In this regard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Es'hailSat Ali Ahmed Al-Kuwari said: 'Es'hailSat is excited to enhance and continue to deliver satellite capacity for Viasat Energy Services' VSAT Network in order to enable high speed connectivity across the Middle East and North Africa.' He added: 'We believe that the highly robust and reliable data services offered by us at Es'hailSat - Qatar Satellite Company, together with 50,000 sqm of Tier-4 certified Teleport infrastructure provide the strong base that Viasat Energy Services needs to further build their capabilities and serve end customers across the region.' VSAT is a satellite-based solution that provides high-speed internet connectivity in remote areas and is ideal for businesses that require continuous connectivity, such as oil rigs and mining sites.
