Astra Announces
Transponder Deal With GlobeCast
(12 July 2005) SES Astra, an SES
Global company, has announced its first transponder deal with GlobeCast, a
leading world-wide satellite services provider.
GlobeCast will use the transponder to provide additional transmission capacity
for new start-up channels, as well as for existing customers looking to expand
channels and offer new services such as interactive content.
Juliet
Bayliss, Director for Broadcast Services for GlobeCast UK said, "GlobeCast are
pleased to have worked with Astra on securing this new capacity for our
customers. The addition of this transponder to GlobeCast’s offer will help
our broadcast clients to target the British satellite television market and
will also contribute to the development of new services in the region –
most notably in the domain of HDTV.”
GlobeCast - a subsidiary of
France Telecom - operates on five continents and employs over 900 personnel
world-wide. It uses a global network of satellite platforms to deliver
professional broadcast, enterprise and retail media, government communications
and a growing range of file-based multimedia content.
SES Astra’s
Chief Commercial Officer and Senior Vice President Alexander Oudendijk, said:
"We are delighted to welcome a company of GlobeCast’s pedigree as a new
customer. The fact that GlobeCast chose Astra is another excellent endorsement
of our unrivalled reputation.”
About SES Astra
The Astra
Satellite System is Europe’s leading satellite system that provides
broadcasting and broadband services to more than 102 million households in
Europe. The Astra Satellite System currently consists of 12 satellites that
together transmit more than 1,400 analogue and digital television and radio
channels and a range of multimedia and internet services. Astra’s most
important orbital positions are 19.2° and 28.2° East. Professional
services, such as Direct-To-Cable, Satellite Newsgathering and Occasional Use
services are offered via the 23.5° East position.
SES Astra is a
wholly-owned SES Global company. SES Global is the owner of two leading
satellite companies: SES Astra in Europe and SES Americom in the United States.
The company also holds interests in AsiaSat in Asia, Star One and Nahuelsat in
Latin America and NSAB in Europe. SES Global offers a comprehensive range of
communications solutions through a fleet of 38 satellites in orbit.
GlobeCast - a subsidiary of France Telecom - is the leading global satellite
services company, operating a world-wide content management network over
satellite and fibre for delivery of professional media for broadcast,
enterprise, government and retail, including file-based content. In addition to
traditional distribution services, recent initiatives include WING - the
company's global Content Management Platform - which drives cutting-edge
IP-based applications that enable file exchange, store & broadcast,
streaming, VOD, program insertion and other non-linear solutions. The company's
19 global points-of-presence span America, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle
East and Australia, and include 15 teleports and technical operations
centres.
(source: SES Astra)