Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) today announced
the signature of a far-reaching contract concluded between its Skylogic
broadband affiliate and SFR, one of the leading telecommunications operators
in France. SFR has selected Tooway(TM) to meet demand for broadband from its
customers beyond ADSL coverage. Called the 'Satellite Internet Pack' the new
service supplied by SFR was launched today using capacity on Eutelsat's HOT
BIRD(TM) 6 satellite. It will be extended on Eutelsat's new-generation KA-SAT
satellite whose launch is scheduled for end 2010. With more than 80 beams
operating in the Ka-band, KA-SAT will enable up to two million homes across
Europe to benefit from broadband access.
In France, the Tooway(TM) service offers a consumer broadband
solution at speeds and prices meeting the "Digital France 2012" Plan.
Operating totally independently from terrestrial networks, the service
enables users to establish a high-speed Internet connection using a 67cm
antenna and a modem that interfaces with a user's PC.
Designed to serve homes in metropolitan France located in grey
areas, SFR's 'Satellite Internet Pack' is available in two packages: either a
package with a specified subscription period from 34.90EUR a month including
satellite kit, or a package with no commitment to a specific subscription
period from 29.90EUR a month (plus 399EUR for the satellite kit).
The service offers download speeds of up to 3.6 Mbps and
between 2.4 and 4.7 GB of data downloads per month depending on subscription.
An "Endless Night" option also enables users to surf the Internet on an
unlimited basis between 11 pm and 7 am with no data exchange deducted from
the monthly total volume. Additional services include six mailbox addresses,
antivirus software and anti-spam protection. The satellite kit comes with a
DVD and installation guide as well as a satellite finder and a set of cables
for self-installation. For customers preferring a professional installation
SFR also provides a list of approved installers.
Launched in Europe in 2007, Tooway(TM) is based on Eutelsat's
satellite coverage, the commercial and infrastructure operating experience of
its Skylogic subsidiary and SurfBeam technology developed by ViaSat. This
technology used by Tooway(TM) comes to Europe after acquiring extensive
experience on the North American market, where ViaSat already provides the
equipment and network for over 500,000 homes.
Commenting on the signature with SFR, Michel de Rosen,
Eutelsat CEO declared: "The selection of our new Tooway(TM) broadband service
by SFR, a hallmark in telecommunications for quality service and reliability,
underscores the intrinsic ability of satellite technologies to complement
terrestrial networks. This major contract also clearly demonstrates the
ability of Tooway(TM) to deliver a comparable service to terrestrial
broadband networks, with ease of use and high levels of scalability that can
accompany growth. It consolidates our objective for large-scale development
of satellite broadband in the Ka-band using dedicated in-orbit and ground
infrastructure offering both compelling prices and speeds to consumers.
Combined with the advanced performance of the SurfBeam technology developed
by ViaSat, the multi-spot KA-SAT satellite that is currently in construction
by EADS Astrium will have the capacity to deliver high-speed performance to
up to two million subscribers."
About SFR: http://www.sfr.com
SFR and Neuf Cegetel have merged to create the new SFR and
make it the leading alternative telecommunications operator in Europe.
Revenues in 2008 were nearly 12 billion euros. Almost one person in two uses
SFR's services in France, and by becoming a global operator SFR can meet the
needs of general consumers, professional users, business companies and
operators by supplying them with mobile, fixed or Internet-based services. In
the first half of 2009, SFR's user base exceeded 20 million mobile users,
while more than 4 million homes were subscribing to its broadband Internet
offer.
As the owner of its fixed and mobile telephone infrastructures, and
backed by substantial expertise in IP (Internet Protocol) matters, the
new SFR has the means to fulfil its ambitions of being an open and
responsible operator, capable of facilitating the digital experience of
everyone by offering ever greater ease-of-use, worthwhile innovation and
service quality. SFR has a workforce of nearly 10,000 and a stable base of
two major shareholders: Vivendi, with 56%, and Vodafone with 44%.
About Eutelsat Communications
Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL, ISIN code: FR0010221234) is
the holding company of Eutelsat S.A.. With capacity commercialised on 27
satellites that provide coverage over the entire European continent, as well
as the Middle East, Africa, India and significant parts of Asia and the
Americas, Eutelsat is one of the world's three leading satellite operators in
terms of revenues. At 30 September 2009, Eutelsat's satellites were
broadcasting 3,300 television channels and 1,100 radio stations. More than
1,000 channels broadcast via its HOT BIRD(TM) video neighbourhood at 13
degrees East which serves over 123 million cable and satellite homes in
Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. The Group's satellites also serve a
wide range of fixed and mobile telecommunications services, TV contribution
markets, corporate networks, and broadband markets for Internet Service
Providers and for transport, maritime and in-flight markets. Eutelsat's
broadband subsidiary, Skylogic, markets and operates services through
teleports in France and Italy that serve enterprises, local communities,
government agencies and aid organisations in Europe, Africa, Asia and the
Americas. Headquartered in Paris, Eutelsat and its subsidiaries employ 615
commercial, technical and operational employees from 28 countries.
http://www.eutelsat.com
http://www.tooway.com
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Source: Eutelsat Communications
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