SatNews

Satellite Industry Intelligence Since 1983

ORBITZ — iDirect — SES NEW SKIES — Vizada Networks — WildBlue Communiations + Dell —

  • BUSINESS — iDirect, Inc. (iDirect) has announced that its satellite communications platform was chosen by BT Latam Colombia to support a high-speed IP satellite network that will enable the Colombian government to improve the collection and management of real estate property records. BT Latam Colombia, a division of BT Group plc and a provider of communications services in Latin America, will manage a network of more than 60 iDirect iNFINITI 3100 Series Satellite Routers installed throughout Colombia. The Colombian government plans to expand the use of the network to support VoIP and Web access applications for remote offices—Herndon, Virginia

  • BUSINESS + DELIVERY — SES NEW SKIES has a multi-year, multi-transponder agreement with the Essel Group for the provision of C-band satellite capacity to support the digitalization of India’s vast cable infrastructure comprising more than 70 million homes. The agreement is for capacity ramping up to six transponders over a five year period, and initially covers capacity on NSS-703 at 57° E, transitioning to NSS-12 in 2009. The Essel Group is India’s largest media enterprise with diversified interests in broadcasting (Zee TV), direct-to-home (Dish TV) and cable networking (WWIL) among others. SES NEW SKIES’ satellite capacity will be used to support a new digital headend-in¬the-sky (HITS) platform to distribute pay-TV signals to cable headends serving millions of Indian homes.

  • BUSINESS — Taide Network has rebranded to Vizada Networks. This rebranding will clarify the entity’s position as a key business unit within the Vizada Group and will also enable former Taide customers to benefit from the Vizada Group’s market position and reputation as worldwide leading provider of global satellite communications. The Vizada Group was formed in September 2007 and combines the former Telenor Satellite Services and France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications. The Group is composed of two principal business divisions — Vizada Mobile Satellite Services and Vizada VSAT for Fixed Satellite Services—Oslo, Norway

  • BUSINESS — WildBlue Communications has instituted a partnership with Dell Computers that will enable WildBlue subscribers to enjoy the same savings as members of the Dell Employee Purchase Program. This elite discount program is effective immediately for all WildBlue subscribers, residential and business, with potential savings of up to 12 percent on all Dell Inspiron desktops and notebooks. There are also discounts available for all electronics and accessories purchased with a new Inspiron desktop, Inspiron notebook, or XPS system.