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O3b Networks bags ‘Satellite Operator of the Year’ award at Sattellite 2016
MUMBAI: Satellite services provider O3b Networks has been recognized as “Satellite Operator of the Year” for 2015 at the Via Satellite Excellence Awards during Satellite 2016.
“@O3bSatellites was recognized as “Satellite Operator of the Year” during #SatShow”, a short message said.
The Via Satellite Excellence Awards recognize innovative companies, technologies, campaigns, and people who shape the success of the global satellite industry.
O3b Networks has dramatically broadened the satellite market, providing modern high-performance connectivity to areas that had previously thought such service was only possible with terrestrial fibre. To date, the company has 12 satellites in orbit that provide services to more than 40 customers in 31 countries. Recently, O3b ordered eight more satellites to support growing demand.
The ultra-low latency, high throughput network facilitated by O3b’s Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite constellation provides connectivity to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to expand 3G and 4G/LTE services, enables Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to provide broadband internet to subscribers in remote locations, brings high-speed mobile and data connections to ships at sea, and allows Oil and Gas companies to reduce costs and improve efficiencies on deep water installations.
“Today, access to the internet is fundamentally important, and we are proud to support our customers in providing the core connectivity that is driving social and economic development around the globe,” said O3b Networks CEO Steve Collar.
“As a company, O3b has been fiercely dedicated to providing the best solutions for reliable connectivity in areas of the world that are beyond the reach of fiber. We are honored to be named Operator of the Year, and thank Via Satellite for this distinction.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
