Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I), operator of the world’s first Globalized Network, powered by its leading satellite backbone, announced that TIM, one of the largest mobile communications operators in Brazil, has contracted to incorporate Intelsat EpicNG high-throughput services into its network infrastructure, providing expanded connectivity throughout the country.

Under the multi-year agreement, TIM will become the first mobile network operator in Brazil to incorporate high-throughput satellite (HTS) services into its infrastructure. Intelsat’s first EpicNG satellite, Intelsat 29e, located at 310º East, is a high-performance, high-efficiency satellite that will enable TIM to deliver more throughput across its network, with a backwards-compatible design that allows the use of existing hardware. This means TIM can satisfy its current and future demands while improving its total cost of network ownership.

The exceptional performance brought by Intelsat 29e’s Ku-band spot beams will enable the fast and efficient roll-out of new sites in currently underserved areas and  support the deployment of 3G and 4G services. The Intelsat EpicNG solution will augment TIM’s existing C-band network to serve new demand with attractive economics.

“Our goal is to provide more throughput, and achieve high penetration within our service territories.  Our Intelsat EpicNG solution allows us to do more than just improve services for our existing mobile customers; we will also be able to deliver connectivity in remote and less-densely-populated regions of Brazil where terrestrial infrastructure is difficult to efficiently deploy,” said Marcelo Duarte,  TIM’s Wholesale Director. “Intelsat has been a strong partner in the development of our network infrastructure and our business, and when we looked for means to continue our evolution, Intelsat EpicNG proved to be the only option for satisfying customer needs today as well as for establishing an infrastructure that can efficiently and cost-effectively meet demands in the future.”

“TIM needed a solution that would support its technology roadmap of deploying 3G and 4G, as well as its desire to improve coverage and services in remote areas. The ideal solution would minimize disruption in TIM’s network, enable the use of existing equipment and be rapidly deployable and scalable,” said Carmen Gonzalez-Sanfeliu, Intelsat’s Regional Vice President, Latin America. “The design of Intelsat EpicNG meets these requirements and allows TIM to evolve its network and coverage with the right economics, enabling TIM to reach new markets and develop new applications and services. Many mobile network operators are looking to upgrade their networks and extend their reach, and Intelsat EpicNG is optimized to deliver the improved performance that solves both needs.”

Intelsat 29e is the first Intelsat EpicNG satellite to serve Brazil.  In 2017, the company expects to launch two more Intelsat EpicNG satellites that will also provide full coverage of Brazil with additional throughput and resilience, demonstrating Intelsat’s commitment to the region.

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(Source: Intelsat press release)