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Tag: Universal

  • Telkomsat Joins Forces with Space42: A Game-changing Leap Towards Universal 5G D2D Connectivity

    Telkomsat Joins Forces with Space42: A Game-changing Leap Towards Universal 5G D2D Connectivity

    Space42 and PT Telkom Satelit Indonesia (Telkomsat) have agreed upon a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that intends to investigate the potential of direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity collaboration. The partnership will utilize Equatys, a joint initiative of Space42 and Viasat, which was created to ensure seamless 5G connectivity across both satellite and terrestrial networks. This partnership aligns with the objectives of both companies to enhance D2D connectivity beyond conventional infrastructure, leading to a unified communication experience.

    Equatys: Bridging Connectivity Gaps

    Equatys was launched in September 2025 to solve connectivity issues by implementing a 3GPP Release 17+ non-terrestrial network (NTN) framework. It supports over 100MHz of harmonized global mobile satellite services (MSS) spectrum, which allows standard smartphones and IoT devices to connect directly with satellites. This extends seamless 5G access to over 180 markets globally.

    Exploring Potential Collaboration Areas

    The MoU signed by Telkomsat and Space42 is a commitment to explore potential collaboration areas related to NTN and D2D connectivity. This includes examining the possibilities of technical integration to assess the feasibility of technical, commercial, and regulatory cooperation related to D2D and satellite-enabled communication services. This will involve adjusting network infrastructure to ensure a seamless handover between terrestrial and satellite systems without the need for additional hardware and setting service benchmarks for latency, bandwidth, and reliability. Moreover, the partnership will also help to develop new 5G NTN capabilities, ensure local regulatory and security compliance, and uphold data privacy to meet both regional and international standards.

    Joint Innovation Labs and Pilot Programs

    In addition to the above, joint innovation labs and pilot programs will be established to test new technologies, enhance service capabilities, conduct field trials, and assess interoperability with existing 4G and 5G networks. Equatys will be the medium through which Telkomsat can provide improved user experiences, supporting its leading market position as a technology provider.

    Executives’ Statements

    Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Space Services at Space42, highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating that Equatys represents the future of global connectivity as it addresses current gaps that leave billions unserved by terrestrial networks. On the other hand, Lukman Hakim Abd Rauf, CEO of Telkomsat, reiterated that satellite-based connectivity is crucial to the national network architecture, especially to ensure reliable communication in distant areas.

    The Future of Universal Connectivity

    Operating as a shared “space tower” company, Equatys uses a multi-tenant towerco model that minimizes redundant capital expenditure while offering cost-efficient capacity to multiple operators. Its architecture is designed to serve three market segments through a scalable, infrastructure-grade network, namely D2D, IoT, and MSS. By incorporating this scalable infrastructure with Telkomsat’s accessible markets, Equatys will transition from a mere concept to a commercial venture, transforming universal connectivity into a shared growth opportunity.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the purpose of the partnership between Space42 and Telkomsat?
    The partnership aims to explore potential collaboration areas related to non-terrestrial network (NTN) and direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity.

    What is Equatys and what is its role in this partnership?
    Equatys is a joint initiative between Space42 and Viasat designed to provide seamless 5G connectivity across both satellite and terrestrial networks. It will be a key tool in this partnership, allowing Telkomsat to offer enhanced user experiences.

    What is the significance of this partnership?
    The collaboration between Space42 and Telkomsat represents a new model for universal connectivity and has the potential to transform universal connectivity into a shared growth opportunity.

  • Universal Music opens concept store in Japan for music ‘super-fans’

    Universal Music opens concept store in Japan for music ‘super-fans’

    Universal Music Japan (UMJ), a subsidiary of Universal Music Group (UMG), has opened a concept store to cater to music enthusiasts.

    The four-storey store in the centre of Tokyo’s hip contemporary fashion destination Harajuku, provides a platform for artists to express their creative ideas and share them with their audience through activity programs.

    The store also ranges the brand RS No.9, which gained extensive notice from fans of The Rolling Stones worldwide for its apparel, merchandise, and unique collaborations, both in-store and online, after launching in London in 2020.

    “ This store represents an exciting new venture for UMG, and celebrates the incredible impact and role, that fans play in supporting their favorite artists,” said Naoshi Fujikura, president, and CEO of Universal Music Japan.

    “In the coming months, the store will offer unique fan experiences for our artists, both domestic and international, creating new commercial opportunities for our artists and business.”

    The new store displays the Rolling Stones’ “Lips and Tongue” logo and a variety of products on display and for sale. The Rolling Stones’ first new studio album in 18 years, Hackney Diamonds, was released alongside the launch of RS No.9 Harajuku, which also sells exclusive original Japanese-only clothing and items.

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  • YouTube and Universal Music clean up Adam Levine, Lady Gaga and other artists

    YouTube and Universal Music clean up Adam Levine, Lady Gaga and other artists

    If you were worried that your kids and their kids will never get to enjoy the music video for the late Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’” in high quality, you can now stop thinking about that and concentrate on more important matters. Google announced yesterday on the YouTube blog that it is teaming up with Universal Music Group to remaster and upgrade some of the most iconic music videos of all time. This includes the 30-year-old Tom Petty video.

    According to Google, 100 videos have already been remastered and now offer the highest quality audio and video. Artists in this group include Billy Idol, Beastie Boys, Boyz II Men, George Strait, Janet Jackson, Kiss, Lady Antebellum, Lady Gaga, Lionel Richie, Maroon 5, Meat Loaf, No Doubt/Gwen Stefani, Smokey Robinson, The Killers, and the aforementioned Tom Petty. Every week over the next year, more videos will be worked on until a total of 1,000 music videos are “painstakingly” remastered to the highest possible standards. The work will be complete by sometime next year.

    You’ll know which videos have been upgraded because they will have a “Remastered” label in the description and will shift from SD (standard definition) to HD. Besides “Free Fallin’” some of the other videos that have already been upgraded include the music videos for the Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage” and Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance.” Believe it or not, it has been 25 years and 10 years respectively since those two videos were first released.

    “It’s really an honor to partner with Universal Music Group and change the way fans around the globe will experience viewing some of the most classic and iconic videos. The quality is truly stunning. It’s our goal to ensure that today’s music videos — true works of art — meet the high-quality standards that artists’ works deserve and today’s music fans expect. For years, some of the greatest music videos in YouTube’s catalog have been available only in the outdated standards originally intended for tube televisions with mono speakers. With this new initiative, we’re upgrading videos, vastly improving the viewing experience, whether on mobile, desktop or living room screens. The new videos will seamlessly replace the original versions on both YouTube and within YouTube Music, while retaining the same url, view-counts and ‘likes.’-Stephen Bryan, Global Head of Label Relations, YouTube.

    Google compares these music videos to “priceless paintings or sculptures in museums” noting that even museum quality art needs some TLC every now and then.

  • Hulu now valued at $15 billion

    Hulu now valued at $15 billion

    Hulu is now valued at $15 billion following the company’s repurchase of a 9.5% stake owned by AT&T.  The telecommunications giant received $1.43 billion for its stake in the video streamer. Before the deal was announced, entertainment giant Disney owned 60% of Hulu via a joint venture. Comcast’s NBC Universal unit owns 30% of Hulu. Both Disney and Comcast will decide how to split up the chunk of equity that was just bought from AT&T.

    AT&T acquired the 9.5% ownership of Hulu when it purchased Time Warner last year. The company said that it plans on using the proceeds of the sale to pay down some of the $176.5 billion in debt on its books as of the end of last year. Because the deal did not require regulatory approval, it has already closed. Based on the price paid for AT&T’s 9.5% stake in Hulu, the latter has risen in valuation from $5.8 billion in 2016 to $15 billion. During the same time period, Hulu competitor Netflix has seen its value explode from $41 billion to $152 billion. Disney expects Hulu to turn a profit by 2023, and have 40 million to 60 million subscribers by fiscal 2024.

    “Warner Media will remain a valued partner to Hulu for years to come as we offer customers the best of TV, live and on demand, all in one place.”-Randy Freer, Chief Executive Officer, Hulu.

    Even though Disney owns a majority of Hulu, it’s not stopping the company from launching Disney+ this coming November. Priced at $6.99 per month, the service will feature 500 films from the Disney library along with 7,000 episodes of television shows from the Disney Channel and some original programming.

  • US theme park debut for Sanrio’s Hello Kitty

    US theme park debut for Sanrio’s Hello Kitty

    Global lifestyle brand Sanrio has opened a Hello Kitty Shop at Universal Orlando Resort in the US.

    Opened in conjunction with Universal Parks & Resorts, the store marks Sanrio’s official retail debut and Hello Kitty‘s first appearance at a theme park in North America. On Hollywood Boulevard in the theme park, the outlet offers specialty merchandise including stationery, home goods, apparel, accessories, collectibles and confectionery. Most product is exclusive to the park.

    Other Sanrio characters including Badtz-Maru, Chococat, Keroppi, My Melody and Pompompurin are also be featured.

    “Our partnership with Universal delivers a new touch point for the brand through special products, unique merchandising and a fully branded store experience that incorporates many of our beloved characters,” says Sanrio senior VP of brand management and marketing Jill Koch.

    As well as shopping for exclusive merchandise, customers have photo opportunities at the show, can create souvenir versions of Hello Kitty’s signature bow, send letters and receive gifts.

    Hello Kitty StoreMerchinterior Talent CharacterAven

    With four specially themed areas within the Hello Kitty Shop, fans can find treats at the Hello Kitty Sweet Yummy Shop, loungewear and home goods in the Hello Kitty Lounge, multi-character accessories, stationery and gifts in the Hello Kitty and Friends Town, and collectibles featuring Sanrio characters reimagined with classic Universal properties in the Hello Kitty at the Movies area. New products and designs will be released regularly.

    Guests can also meet Hello Kitty herself, with the 40-year-old Japanese icon making regular appearances.

    Sanrio launched in 1960 and now has more than 50,000 branded items in more than 130 countries, and upward of 15,000 US retail locations including 80 Sanrio boutiques.

    Academy Award-winning director Steven Spielberg is creative consultant for Universal Parks & Resorts, a unit of Comcast NBCUniversal, which wholly owns Universal Studios Hollywood, including Universal CityWalk Hollywood. It also owns Universal Orlando Resort and its two theme parks (Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure), four resort hotels and Universal CityWalk Orlando. It also has licence agreements with Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, and Universal Studios Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore.

    Comcast NBCUniversal also plans a theme park in Beijing and an indoor theme park in Moscow.

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