8 June 2015
With ninety-seven percent of passengers carrying a phone, laptop or tablet when they travel, the demand for in-flight broadband communications and entertainment has never been greater. While passengers want expanded entertainment options, service providers and airlines are grappling with how to quickly integrate satellite technology to satisfy their customer’s burgeoning requirements, all while balancing operational budget realities.
Today, Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I), the world’s leading provider of satellite services, introduced IntelsatOne Flex for distribution partners serving the commercial air transport market. IntelsatOne Flex aggregates Intelsat’s global and Intelsat EpicNG® high throughput satellite (HTS) fleet and the IntelsatOne terrestrial network into a simplified ecosystem that enables Intelsat’s distribution partners to easily and cost efficiently scale their service delivery capability to meet emerging in-flight demands.
An enterprise grade, customizable “Wholesale Mbps”, managed mobility service; IntelsatOne Flex allows Intelsat’s distribution partners and their aeronautical customers to access bandwidth when and where it is needed the most without the complexity of managing multiple beams and satellites. In addition, it provides tiered Committed Information Rate (CIR) plans that mean Intelsat distribution partners can offer unique and tailored services to the air transport sector.
Christopher Baugh, President, NSR stated, “With high throughput satellite technology forthcoming, the inflight-communications and entertainment market is poised to take off. We anticipate that the number of global aeronautical satcom units will increase from 47,500 units in 2014 to 95,500 units by the end of 2024. In order to capture this market growth, aeronautical service providers and airlines will benefit greatly from having this new technology in their networks.”
IntelsatOne Flex service will enable Intelsat aero distribution partners to:
- Maintain Control over their network by allowing them to continue to manage the customization, contention and prioritization of individual airborne terminals without the overhead of multiple network builds and inefficient use of bandwidth.
- Streamline the management of capacity for geographic expansion and surge, providing flexibility across multiple satellite beams and resulting in a more predictable cost structure directly matched to revenue generating activities.
- Leverage wide beams for broadcast applications to the plane and high throughput spot beams for high throughput data.
- Rapidly and cost effectively expand while retaining control over service differentiation, brand and visibility of end-user terminals.
- Customize the Quality of Service for “wholesale Mbps” procured on a region-by-region basis, bound by a Service Level Agreement (SLA) and underpinned by guaranteed CIRs.
- Minimize operational costs associated with network infrastructure, allowing service providers to focus on product differentiation, value added services and revenue growth.
- Lower Total Cost of Ownership through reduction in capital expenditure and elimination of unnecessary bandwidth overhead.
James Collett, Head of Mobility and Energy Services, Intelsat, said, “Inflight entertainment is no longer a nice to have element for airlines today. Passengers require the same level of connectivity that they would receive at home or in the office. This leaves many airlines and their distribution partners needing to rapidly invest in new technology to meet growing bandwidth demands, satisfy the needs of passengers and capture revenue growth. However, integrating new technology can be a complex process and choosing the wrong network, a costly mistake. With IntelsatOne Flex, aeronautical distribution partners have a new option that provides a flexible operational environment that easily scales to meet growing broadband requirements optimizes bandwidth allocations and aligns costs with revenue demands. Importantly, to take advantage of the power, accessibility and efficiency of Intelsat EpicNG, aeronautical distribution partners can easily integrate high throughput technology into existing networks with minimal capital expenditure and provide a platform that will support their technology requirements well into the future.”
With Intelsat’s global Ku-band satellite fleet and Intelsat EpicNG high throughput satellite platform, distribution partners using IntelsatOne Flex will benefit from a global network and coverage. Intelsat’s wide beams will enable the accommodation of broadcast applications and service to the most remote regions, while fully integrated spot beams will provide layers of high throughput capacity across the highest traffic routes.
IntelsatOne Flex uses iDirect Velocity®, a ground infrastructure platform designed for large-scale global HTS networks, which has been fully optimized for Intelsat EpicNG to provide scalability, performance and higher throughput. Leveraging iDirect Velocity, IntelsatOne Flex incorporates features that have been optimized to the Intelsat EpicNG environment including next-generation remote and hub processing capabilities that enable significantly higher throughput rates and global bandwidth management ensuring seamless connectivity across multiple spot-beams, and very fast beam switching features. IntelsatOne Flex is fully integrated with Velocity’s companion network management system, Pulse®, enabling Intelsat distribution partners to develop differentiated service offerings, create customized applications and system integration through open APIs and provide visibility for real-time monitoring, tracking and adjustment of vessel service levels.
For more information, please visit Intelsat at the Global Connected Aircraft Summit 2015 which is taking place at the Westfield Marriott Washington Dulles located in Chantilly, Virginia between 8-10 June 2015.
James Collett, Intelsat’s Head of Mobility and Energy Services will be participating on a panel on 9 June, 2015, entitled “Ku-band vs. Ka-band: Pros and Cons of Each Band” at 10:45 am EDT. In addition, Vinit Duggal, Intelsat’s Director and Chief Security Officer, will be featured on a panel on 10 June, 2015, where he will address “Cyber Security: How Can a Connected Aircraft Manage this Threat?” at 2:20 pm.
Supporting Resources
3 June 2015
Jewellery channel Rocks & Co to use Arqiva’s new Connected Broadcaster solution
Arqiva has today announced that the high fashion jewellery shopping channel, Rocks & Co, is now available via a cutting-edge combined hybrid TV-Internet solution to internet-enabled Freeview devices.
Tom Cape, Director of Connected Solutions at Arqiva said, “The launch of Rocks & Co represents our latest thinking in hybrid TV – combining the very best in broadcast and IP delivered content and services. Audiences will have a seamless experience where throughout different times of the day they won’t be able to tell if their channel is via DTT or over IP.”
Rocks & Co TV brings consumers exquisite ranges of jewellery via their gemstone experts and jewellery designers. While already available on the Sky and Freesat platforms, plus Freeview channel 40, Rocks & Co via Arqiva’s Connected Broadcaster solution, is now available to audiences 24/7. Currently Freeview audiences can only shop the channel between 1pm and 11pm daily, but via IP delivery, the channel is now available to Freeview HD connected viewers homes continuously.
“There are many new ways content and services can be delivered and consumed in an IP enabled world,” continued Tom Cape. “As part of our ‘Connected Broadcaster’ range of solutions we are exploring new and exciting combinations of promoting and distributing content through a combination of IP and broadcast services. We need to continue to push the boundaries of what audiences and content providers know about content delivery.”
Richard Northall, Director of Rocks & Co Productions Limited, commented, “Our philosophy is to provide not only genuine gemstones and high-end jewellery, but fantastic customer service. This means we must be available to our loyal customer-base whenever and wherever. By providing a hybrid-TV offering we’re ensuring we engage with our audience in the best way possible.”
Rocks & Co TV is available on Freeview channel 40 from 1pm to 11pm and on Freeview HD connected devices 24/7. Rocks & Co is due to launch on YouView platforms at the end of June 2015.
2 June 2015
Episode 1 was broadcast on the 1st June 2015
One of the world’s oldest countries, the Republic of Georgia has plenty of wonders to discover.
In this series of programmes, Euronews’ journalist Denis Loctier crosses Georgia, learning more about this country’s traditions, its history and its modern day life.
Warming to Tbilisi
Episode 1: Monday 1st June at 23:45 CET
The journey begins in the country’s largest city, its capital – Tbilisi.
The city is a patchwork of ancient and modern urban spaces, reflecting Tbilisi’s history from its foundation in the fifth century to the latest architectural achievements.
“Georgia is trying to preserve its ancient history. Sometimes a plain stone at a corner can tell you more than a book of many pages,” says Rezo Gabriadze, a Georgian artist Denis Loctier met in the capital.
Emerging from the long Soviet era and the severe difficulties of the 1990s, today’s Georgia has reinvented itself as an open, friendly country, welcoming guests from all around the world.
Emerging from the long Soviet era and the severe difficulties of the 1990s, today’s Georgia has reinvented itself as an open, friendly country, welcoming guests from all around the world.than a book of many pages,” says Rezo Gabriadze, a Georgian artist Denis Loctier met in the capital.
Kakheti, Georgia’s cradle of wine
Episode 2: Monday 15th June at 23:45 CET
In this episode of Georgian Life, Denis Loctier visits to Kakheti, Georgia’s main wine-producing region in the country’s East. Wine grapes have been cultivated in these lands for 8,000 years, which, archaeologists say, makes Kakheti the cradle of wine.
We discover the unique Georgian way of making wine, passed on by the Orthodox monks through the ages.
Batumi, Georgia’s top Black Sea resort
Episode 3: Monday 29th June at 23:45 CET
For this last episode, Euronews explores Batumi, the marvel of the Black Sea, and the party capital of the region.
The main city of Adjara, an autonomous republic in South-West Georgia, Batumi is the place young people come looking for warm sea, cool clubs and a never-ending holiday atmosphere.
At night Batumi’s boulevard throngs with couples and party-goers, drawn to the music and dancing on the beach, on the streets and in the restaurants.
| Georgian Life
Three episodes of 5 minutes starting on Monday 1st June at 23:45 CET
Follow it simultaneously on all digital platforms in the 13 language services of Euronews
Live or on demand on
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About Denis Loctier
Having joined Euronews in 2001, Denis Loctier directs, writes and hosts feature programmes on science, technology, culture, social and political affairs. He produces and presents Euronews’ award-winning Futuris series on European research in action, as well as the Russian Life saga discovering hidden jewels in the world’s largest country.
Beyond feature production, Denis Loctier reports breaking news, interviewing major newsmakers in Europe and around the globe. A Lomonosov Moscow State University graduate, Denis holds PhD degrees in Russian philology and in information and communication sciences (Université Lumière Lyon 2).
Beyond feature production, Denis Loctier reports breaking news, interviewing major newsmakers in Europe and around the globe. A Lomonosov Moscow State University graduate, Denis holds PhD degrees in Russian philology and in information and communication sciences (Université Lumière Lyon 2).
About Euronews
Euronews, the most-watched news channel in Europe, is an independent and multi-platform media hub. Euronews covers news worldwide, offering a unique perspective on events through factual analysis. Six hundred journalists, from more than 30 countries, report round-the-clock in 13 editions (Arabic, English, Persian, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish and Ukrainian). Established in 1993 in Lyon, France, the channel is received by 420 million homes in 156 countries, and offers a complete range of products: websites, smart TV, radio, on-board technology (for cars), and portable technology (mobile apps, smartwatch).
In 2015 Euronews will launch Africanews, the first pan-African multilingual news channel.
Find Euronews in your country: click here
2 June 2015
SES S.A. (NYSE Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG) announced today that StarTimes, China’s leading systems integrator, technology provider and network operator, has extended its partnership with SES on the SES-5 satellite. StarTimes has contracted additional capacity to provide an enhanced TV viewing experience for its subscribers in Africa by providing better picture quality content and more TV channels on its DTH package.
StarTimes currently provides English-language direct-to-home (DTH) content to viewers across the region, via the SES-5 satellite located at 5 degrees East, and is today the fastest-growing digital TV operator in Africa, with more than 5 million DTT and DTH subscribers across 26 countries in Africa.
StarTimes Group Chairman and President Pang Xinxing said, “We see unprecedented growth opportunities for StarTimes in the region. We are extending our presence and reach in the DTH market to deliver on our promise to provide affordable, world class Pay TV services across Africa. SES is the leader in providing satellite services and well regarded for its reliable and comprehensive networks, and we are confident of realising our mission, together with SES, of enabling every household in Africa to have the chance to experience digital TV.”
“Both SES and StarTimes have continued to invest in the African market over the past few years. We are proud to be a part of the growth of StarTimes as it ventures into new markets and we look forward to supporting their development in the region,” said Ferdinand Kayser, Chief Commercial Officer of SES.
(Source: SES press release)
1 June 2015
Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I), the world’s leading provider of satellite services, and BT Group (NYSE: BT) today confirmed that BT has renewed and expanded services on three Intelsat satellites, spanning the Asia-Pacific, Africa and Latin America regions.
Under the new multi-year, multi-transponder agreement, BT will leverage capacity from three of Intelsat’s leading satellite neighborhoods to distribute programming for BBC World Service, a premier provider of global news and content. BT will have access to Intelsat’s teleport facility in Napa, California along with the company’s terrestrial network, IntelsatOne®.
The three satellite video neighborhoods, Intelsat 10-02 located at 1°W, Intelsat 805 at 55.5°W and Intelsat 19 at 166.0°E, combined with BT’s service offerings, will allow BBC World Service to increase its channel line-up and continue access to millions of listeners and viewers throughout Asia Pacific, Africa and the Americas.
“Intelsat and BT have a long and proven track record of leveraging each other’s technical strengths to help advance our customers’ business and growth objectives,” said Mark Wilson-Dunn, Vice President BT Media & Broadcast. “The high quality, resiliency and flexibility of Intelsat’s global satellite solutions, combined with the power of its regional video neighborhoods, make Intelsat the ideal partner to support BBC World Service’s global programming needs.”
Nigel Fry, Head of Distribution, BBC World Service, added, “In today’s information age, our viewers want fast-breaking, high quality and reliable content at all times regardless of location. By partnering with BT and Intelsat, we know that we will receive a seamless, integrated solution and distribution platforms that enable us to reliably reach our audience around the world.”
“BBC World Service has very specific requirements as it relates to its global programming needs, including optimizing its distribution and overall operational efficiency. By combining our distribution network with BT’s service offerings, we created a solution that provides BBC World Service with international distribution that serves its global audience, and supports its growth objectives,” said Kurt Riegelman, Intelsat’s Senior Vice President, Global Sales and Marketing. “BBC World Service premier content contributes to the nearly 5,500 SD and HD channels distributed across our fleet and can be accessed by tens of millions of viewers across Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America through our media neighborhoods.”
Intelsat is at CommunicAsia 2015 from June 2 through June 5 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, Stand 1S3-01.
Resources
(Source : Intelsat press release)
27 May 2015
Euronews benefits from increased exposure on TELUS Optik TV
With the launch of TELUS’s new packaging on Optik TV, Euronews is now available in some brand new theme packs. Euronews English can be found in the News International theme pack and is also available a la carte. Euronews French is part of the Carnet Monde theme pack. For existing Optik TV customers Euronews English is still available a la carte, and Euronews French can be found in the Savoir French pack.
For more information visit telus.com/Optik.
Euronews on MTS
MTS will carry Euronews, the most-watched news channel in Europe. The channel will be part of MTS’s French channel group “Variété” and will provide French-speaking subscribers of MTS Ultimate TV with a French feed of international news.
Arnaud Verlhac, Worldwide Distribution Director of Euronews said: “Euronews’ multilingualism is well-matched with Canadian multicultural market expectations. These new agreements are a step forward in our strategy to continue reinforcing Euronews’ strong presence on all Canadian platforms, where the channel reaches already close to one million Canadian households.”
Corine Babani, Distribution Manager North America said: “This step is a positive sign from our valued partners: adding Euronews in their most accessible packages consolidates the channel visibility and allows to expand its audience in the Canadian broadcasting scene. At the same time it gives Canadian viewers a different perspective on the news.”
Euronews has been available in Canada since 2003 and is now carried on Rogers, Cogeco, Videotron, TELUS, Ethnic Channel, GLWiz, Bell Fibe, Sogetel and CCSA association members such as Eastlink, CableCable, CoopTel reaching close to one million households.
(Source: Euronews press release)
