International broadcast services provider VT Communications is working
with Arqiva Satellite Services to deliver a radical and forward-looking Global
Media Network (GMN). The GMN is a purpose-designed, IP media delivery and integrated satellite network, using
multicast techniques to provide broadcasters and content providers with both
streaming and file-based media distribution. VT has signed a five year agreement
with Arqiva to provide the satellite edge services to carry multiple radio
channels around the globe.
By integrating the GMN with distributed asset-management, network automation and
custom developed content management, VT Communications is able to offer a
complete, single-sourced, media-management, distribution and
transmission/platform delivery service over multiple media platforms. Live or
stream management is facilitated within the GMN allowing point-to-point and
point-to-multi-point distribution within the network.
To complete the global network, Arqiva has provided a flexible, three satellite
solution, initially providing coverage to four continents. This will be used as
an overlay over VT Communications terrestrial MPLS infrastructure, to enable
delivery to those places not connected by fibre and where a satellite solution
is the only option, such as Ascension Island and Ulan Bator in Mongolia.As part of
the agreement, VT Communications has located its state-of-the-art GMN services
and management infrastructure at Arqivas Chalfont Grove Media Centre north of
London in the UK, where it can derive maximum benefit from Arqivas extensive
satellite capabilities and provide distribution and uplinking from its global
network of teleports. The agreement opens the way for both companies to pursue
new, cross-platform media opportunities utilising their combined network
infrastructure, expertise and services.
Bryan Coombes, Director of Broadcast at VT Communications said: We are delighted to
be partnering with Arqiva on this critical development of our business. They
offered us the most robust and resilient solutions allowing us to, not only
offer a plethora of new services, but also to raise the bar to a new level
within our existing service offerings. This is an exciting time at VT
Communications as we develop our distribution and transmission infrastructure,
providing our customers with a simple path to the benefits of our global,
multi-platform, media services.