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Harmonic (HLIT) Concludes SES' C-Band Spectrum Deployment for 5G

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Harmonic Inc. (HLIT - Free Report) has teamed up with a telecommunications company — SES — to conclude the technology upgrades in relation to the latter’s Phase 1 transition plan for deploying the C-band spectrum ahead of schedule. Both the entities fast-tracked this deployment process, in turn, freeing up the spectrum for 5G with better SES C-band video service quality.

The deployment has been completed in nine months on the back of Harmonic’s XOS Edge software-based solution for satellite media processing and edge delivery. Equipped with up-to-date encoding and processing technologies for broadcast and OTT, the future-proof offering takes media processing a notch higher, thanks to the powerful built-in video pre-processor and artificial intelligence algorithm.

Harmonic’s XOS Edge software-based solution has a cloud architecture and makes the most of Intel processors for premium and dense applications. With superior audio capabilities, it adjusts audio levels between channels and supports Dolby AC-4 and audio watermarking. Moreover, the platform streamlines workflows with its all-in-one appliance and saves bandwidth up to 50% for optimized performance.

SES is a Luxembourg-based satellite and terrestrial telecommunications network provider. It has industry expertise of more than three decades and boasts an avant-garde network of satellite and ground infrastructure that offers high-performance video and data solutions. The company provides these solutions to mobile and fixed network operators. It caters to government institutions and businesses with seamless on-demand video content delivery.

Harmonic and SES initially partnered in July last year to accelerate the deployment of C-band spectrum for 5G. SES applied for its transition plan to the Federal Communications Commission on Jun 19, 2020. With the completion of SES' Phase 1 transition plan, the companies are focused on jointly installing the XOS media processing in the headend and XOS Edge transcoding solutions in remote sites for the primary distribution of video services.

This network transformation ensures a seamless transition for Comcast Technology Services (CTS) and its Managed Satellite Distribution affiliates. Incorporated with encryption from NAGRA, Harmonic’s XOS Edge software will allow SES to not only deliver high-quality programming across the United States but also create lucrative opportunities in the communications industry while enabling 5G, thanks to new edge distribution strategies.

Harmonic has been helping several media companies with faster solutions. These include virtualized cable access, video streaming and broadcast services. The smarter offerings aid cable operators to deploy breakthrough gigabit solutions and simplify streaming experiences on the back of efficient cloud platforms. Its CableOS Platform has been installed in more than 3 million cable modems across Asia, North America, Latin America and Europe.

The San Jose, CA-based company is blessed with a thriving ecosystem of technology partners that ensures access to a broad portfolio of third-party products and applications with seamless workflow integration. The latest project is likely to facilitate Harmonic to capture profitable business opportunities while transforming the cable industry scenario on the back of its digital acceleration efforts and revenue-driving business model, thereby driving long-term growth.

Zacks Rank & Other Stocks to Consider

Harmonic carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Its shares have gained 50.5% compared with 14.5% growth of the industry in the past year. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Zacks Investment ResearchImage Source: Zacks Investment Research

Clearfield, Inc. (CLFD - Free Report) sports a Zacks Rank #1. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has been revised 8.8% upward over the past 60 days.

Clearfield delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 50.8%, on average. It has surged 148.8% in the past year.

Qualcomm Incorporated (QCOM - Free Report) is another solid pick for investors, carrying a Zacks Rank #2. The consensus estimate for current-year earnings has been revised 14.1% upward over the past 60 days.

Qualcomm delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 11.2%, on average. It has gained 23.6% in the past year. QCOM has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 15.3%.

Sierra Wireless, Inc. also carries a Zacks Rank #2. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has narrowed from a loss of 22 cents per share to a loss of 12 cents over the past 60 days.

Sierra Wireless delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 34.2%, on average. It has returned 11.4% in the past year. SWIR has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 12.5%.


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