THE HAGUE, The Netherlands, December 10, 2002 – New Skies Satellites N.V. (AEX, NYSE: NSK), the global satellite communications company, signed an agreement with U.S.-based Microspace Communications, operator of one of the largest business satellite broadcasting networks in the world, to broadcast real-time, IP-based information to thousands of locations throughout Europe and the Middle East over New Skies’ NSS-7 satellite.
With an eye towards international expansion, Microspace will co-locate equipment at New Skies’ Washington D.C. Mediaport to access real-time data streams from various fiber and domestic U.S. satellite networks for uplink to NSS-7. One of Microspace’s initial clients will broadcast continuously updating market quotes for stocks, options and futures, as well as charts, news, research and alerts to offices, brokerages and individual investors.
The service takes advantage of New Skies’ IPsys IP/DVB-based Internet transmission platforms to enable cost-effective distribution using low-cost receive terminals similar to those used in direct-to-home television systems. The company’s IPsys brand of services currently provide Internet backbone access to dozens of Internet service providers around the world.
“Microspace is one of North America’s largest providers of broadcast video, data and audio satellite services for business applications,” said Stephen Wilson, New Skies’ vice president of sales for North America. “Their selection of New Skies to launch their services internationally is a strong reflection of the excellent connectivity and technical capabilities of our Washington D.C. Mediaport, the coverage and power of NSS-7, and our responsive customer service.”
“New Skies was extremely flexible in designing our network, creating the most cost-effective service based on their IPsys platforms for Internet backbone connectivity,” said Joseph Amor, Microspace’s vice president and general manager. “Given the characteristics of IP/DVB transmissions and the high-power Ku-band coverage of NSS-7, we are able to broadcast more information to smaller antennas and lower cost terminals.”
NSS-7, a Lockheed Martin A2100AX model spacecraft, was launched on April 16, 2002 from the Guiana Space Center in French Guiana and commenced commercial services on May 30, 2002. The satellite boasts 36 C-band and 36 Ku-band transponders and eleven high-powered coverage beams capable of broadcasting video, Internet and data traffic throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
New Skies’ recently enhanced Washington Mediaport serves as a gateway between the United States and Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The facility offers co-location facilities as well as local loop connectivity to a major metro video hub and North American fiber network.
About Microspace Communications Corporation
Microspace Communications Corporation (Microspace) is the largest business satellite broadcasting network operator in the world, with over 300,000 remote sites. Through its Velocity service, Microspace offers superior delivery of audio, video and data content for applications ranging from business television to datacasting and Internet Protocol multicasting.
Microspace’s Velocity Ku-band satellite service sets the standard for reliability and affordability – truly satellite broadcasting you can depend on. Through relationships with key satellite transponder time providers, Velocity offers the highest levels of reliability. On the ground, Microspace ensures reliability with open systems technology that works with multiple hardware suppliers and 24-hour monitoring from its state-of-the-art Network Control Center.
The company offers its clients fixed pricing for content delivery (unique among satellite service providers), allowing for low-cost network expansion. Businesses from Morgan Stanley to Muzak to Metrocall count on Microspace to deliver content to domestic and international remote sites. Founded in 1988, Microspace is a privately-held company headquartered in Raleigh, NC, and a subsidiary of North Carolina’s respected Capitol Broadcasting Company, founded in 1937. For more information, visit www.microspace.com, or phone: 919-850-4500.
About New Skies Satellites
New Skies Satellites (AEX, NYSE: NSK) is one of only four fixed satellite communications companies with truly global satellite coverage, offering video, voice, data and Internet communications services to a range of telecommunications carriers, broadcasters, large corporations and Internet service providers around the world. New Skies has five satellites in geosynchronous orbit and ground facilities around the world. Additionally, the company is scheduled to launch its NSS-6 pan-Asian satellite in mid-December and has another spacecraft under construction, which is being designed to serve the Americas from a new orbital location. The company also has secured certain rights to make use of additional orbital positions, including four serving the Americas. New Skies is headquartered in The Hague, The Netherlands, and has offices in Johannesburg, London, New Delhi, São Paulo, Singapore, Sydney and Washington, D.C. Additional information is available at: www.newskies.com.
