PanAmSat is joining forces with KenCast and Trinity Workplace Learning in the US to demonstrate what is claimed as the first satellite-delivered live video to handheld devices. The move positions PanAmSat in a race against Qualcomm and Crown Castle who are planning similar services. This week, PanAmSat demonstrated a live video stream from Trinity's facilities in Dallas, TX uplinked to PanAmSat's Galaxy 11, then encoded and transcoded by Kencast to handheld devices at a Vancouver trade show via WiMAX. "Satellite-delivered WiMAX technology is the future for handheld devices such as smartphones and laptops," said Bruce Haymes, senior vice president, Business Development. "WiMAX will also enable the delivery of IPTV throughout the US as well as being integrated into our satellite news gathering or SNG services. We are very excited to show the possibilities of WiMAX on our Galaxy 11 satellite." The demonstration provided live delivery of 10 streaming video channels. Two will be provided by Trinity, including a live feed of its Law Enforcement as well as its Fire and Emergency Training Network. By providing wireless broadband access, emergency personnel such as firefighters and police officers can be in immediate contact with a crisis situation.
Try to imagine this scenario, that General Motors and Ford were given exclusive franchises to build America's interstate highway system, and also all the highways that connect local communities. Now imagine that, based upon a financial crisis, these troubled companies decided to convert all "their" local arteries into toll-roads -- they then use incremental toll fees to severely limit all travel to and from small businesses. Why? This handicapping process reduced the need to invest in building better new roads, or repairing the dilapidated ones. But, wouldn't that short-sighted decision have a detrimental impact on the overall national economy? It's a moot point -- pure fantasy -- you say. The U.S. political leadership would never knowingly risk the nation's social and economic future on the financial viability of a restrictive duopoly. Or, would they? The 21st century Global Networked Economy travels across essential broadband infrastructure. The forced intro...