Archive for the ‘SES Astra’ Category
Newtec And SES Broadband Services Successfully Complete Ka-band Test
Satellite specialist Newtec today announced that they have successfully tested Newtec’s new high speed Ka-band technology for SES Broadband (previously called ASTRA2Connect) – Europe’s most successful satellite broadband service. Newtec has shipped well over 100.000 Ku-band Sat3Play® terminals for SES Broadband and is now providing the next generation Ka-band terminals for SES Broadband evolution, featuring download speeds beyond 10 Mbps.
The test was completed with next generation Ka-band Sat3Play terminals and related hub infrastructure. The new technology was tested on the ASTRA 1L Ka-band capacity at 19.2 degrees East.
“We have jointly tested and validated the Sat3Play Ka-band platform from Newtec with the objective of proving operational readiness for a rollout of SES Broadband Ka-band services later this year. The upgrade of existing end user terminals and the next generation Ka-band terminals, featuring speeds beyond 10 Mbps, are part of SES strategy to bring its successful broadband service to the next level. The test was very successful and we are pleased with the performance of the equipment. We look forward to the launch of our Ka-band services,” said Patrick Biewer, Managing Director, SES Broadband Services.
During testing, Newtec installed a Sat3Play hub at SES Broadband Services’ premises in Luxembourg, provided several Ka-band terminals working on Astra-1L Ka-band frequencies, and also provided the ability to remotely operate the Hub.
Serge Van Herck, CEO of Newtec, commented: “The testing has been a clear success. We have now completed the tests and look forward to the operational start of the SES Broadband Ka-band services later this year.”
SES Broadband currently offers download speeds up to 10 Mbps and delivers broadband Internet and Voice Over IP (VOIP) services to private households and small businesses. SES will further increase the performance of its service by using additional multiple spot beam Ka-band capacity that will become available onboard its ASTRA 2F, 2E and 2G spacecraft, with the first spacecraft, ASTRA 2F, scheduled for launch later in 2012.
At SATELLITE 2012, Newtec is presenting this new High Speed Ku/Ka-band Sat3Play terminal, including a new modem and a new Ka-band interactive LNB unit. The terminal features higher broadband forward and return speeds, the lowest power consumption available on the market and an easy installation tool based on Newtec’s Point&Play® technology.
SES renames ASTRA Broadband Services to SES Broadband Services
SES (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG) has announced that it has renamed its satellite internet subsidiary ASTRA Broadband Services as SES Broadband Services. Its successful satellite internet service ASTRA2Connect is renamed as SES Broadband.
The new names are in line with SES’ new Corporate Identity and its consistent use for all SES companies. SES Broadband Services provides high-speed broadband via satellite for individuals, businesses and communities.
Patrick Biewer, Managing Director of SES Broadband Services, said: “With its fleet investment, SES has laid the foundation for future growth. The new corporate identity supports SES’ ambitious goals. These include a unified service offering to customers across the globe. Leveraging on SES’ global presence and access to its entire fleet, we are convinced that the new names will strengthen our market position and benefit the expansion of our business into new and exciting regions”
SES Broadband was introduced in 2007 and represents Europe’s largest satellite broadband network with more than 80,000 subscribers. Marketed via distribution partners in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the service offers a unique opportunity to individuals, businesses and communities to access the internet independent from any terrestrial infrastructure. The service is technically available across the entire fleet of SES and able to support Triple Play services combining broadband access with Voice over IP (VoIP) telephony and TV reception.
SES Broadband Services will exhibit at Information and Communication Technology trade fair CeBIT in Hannover, 6-10 March 2012 at the BITKOM Broadband World stand in hall 13.
About SES:
SES is a world-leading satellite operator with a fleet of 50 geostationary satellites. SES satellite communications service broadcasters, content and internet service providers, mobile and fixed network operators and business and governmental organisations worldwide.
SES stands for long-lasting business relationships, high-quality service and excellence in the broadcasting industry. The culturally diverse regional teams of SES are located around the globe and work closely with customers to meet their specific satellite bandwidth and service requirements.
SES (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG) holds participations in Ciel in Canada and QuetzSat in Mexico, as well as a strategic participation in satellite infrastructure start-up O3b Networks. Further information under: www.ses.com.
SES Selects Newtec To Deliver Next Generation Ka-band Sat3Play® Technology For ASTRA2Connect
Luxembourg and SINT-NIKLAAS, Belgium, 10 August 2011. SES S. A. (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG) and the satellite communications technology specialist Newtec today announced that they have signed an agreement to provide Europe’s largest satellite broadband network ASTRA2Connect with next generation Ka-band Sat3Play® terminals and related hub infrastructure.
SES is currently delivering Broadband Internet and Voice-over-IP services to over 80,000 private households and small businesses across Europe using Newtec’s technology in Ku-band and offering download speeds up to 6 Mbps.
With this new agreement, Newtec will be providing the next generation Ka-band terminals featuring higher download speeds beyond 10 Mbps and Newtec’s Point&Play® self-installation capability. Newtec will also enhance existing ASTRA2Connect end user terminals in Ku-band to enable download capabilities of up to 10 Mbps. These terminals are “Ka-Ready” providing an easy and low cost migration path from Ku-band to Ka-band.
The upgrade of existing end user terminals and the next generation Ka-band terminals featuring speeds beyond 10 Mbps are part of SES’s strategy to bring its successful ASTRA2Connect service to the next level. Starting in the fourth quarter of 2012, SES will further increase the performance of its ASTRA2Connect service by using additional multiple spot beam Ka-band capacity onboard its ASTRA 2F, 2E and 2G spacecraft to be launched between 2012 and 2014 and located at 28.2 degrees East.
“We now have the capabilities to enhance our existing service offerings to 10Mbps”, said Patrick Biewer, Managing Director of ASTRA Broadband Services (ABBS) – SES’s broadband subsidiary. “With Ka-band capacity coming online we are investing in future proof technology to support even higher speeds and extended services,” he said. “Efficient and reliable technology provides the foundation for this strategy. With our new hardware partnerships now in place, we will strengthen our service offering and help us to further grow our customer base.”
Serge Van Herck, CEO of Newtec, is convinced that Newtec’s Ka-band Sat3Play terminals and hubs are helping SES to further extend its reach into areas poorly connected by terrestrial means, whilst making its service more competitive. Van Herck said: “The future of consumer broadband services over satellite is Ka-band. This is simply because the total capacity offered by other commercial frequency bands cannot possibly cope with new demands. ASTRA2Connect’s download speed and volume has increased over the years and these new Sat3Play Ka-band terminals will enable a further expansion to its offering.”
Newtec and SES will be showcasing the Ka-band terminal at the IBC2011 show taking place at Amsterdam RAI between 8 – 13 September.