The Hague, The Netherlands, March 7, 2001: New Skies Satellites, (AEX, NYSE: NSK), the global satellite communications company, has signed a contract with Zee Interactive Multimedia Limited (ZIML), an “All-India” Internet and eCommerce service provider, for a total of 30 megabits of satellite capacity for Internet backbone connectivity.

Under the terms of the contract, New Skies will provide its IPsysSM high-performance Internet connectivity to ZIML gateways in Delhi, Bangalore and Hyderabad for one year starting in May 2001.

ZIML, which is building a multi-billion dollar hybrid fiber and coaxial network to provide country-wide interactive multimedia services, will use the satellite capacity primarily for Internet services via cable and corporate VPN networks.

IPsys creates a direct link from the Internet backbone to an ISP’s local service point using a high-bandwidth Digital Video Broadcast (DVB) or Single Channel per Carrier (SCPC) stream. Multi-homing satellite links will enable ZIML to offer its customers faster Internet connections through fewer router and network hops, thus reducing latency and loss of IP packets. The system also eliminates any single points of failure.

“We are delighted to be working with such a prestigious company as Zee Interactive Multimedia,” said Srini Prasanna, Vice President of Sales for India, the Middle East and Africa for New Skies. “ZIML is a leader in the development of broadband Internet applications and services in India, and parent company, Zee TV, is one of India’s preeminent media companies.”

Mr. Prassana added, “India is seeing an Internet revolution and the number of users is expected to grow exponentially over the next couple of years. It is therefore important for ISPs in India to look to satellite based communication solutions to provide their customers with more robust, scalable and faster connectivity.”

About New Skies Satellites N.V.

New Skies is a global satellite communications company with five satellites in geosynchronous orbit and ground facilities around the world. New Skies has two new satellites under construction. Headquartered in The Hague, The Netherlands, New Skies is one of only three fixed satellite services companies with truly global satellite coverage. It offers video, voice, data and Internet communications links.

New Skies began operations as a commercial spin-off from INTELSAT, the US-based international satellite communications organization in November, 1998 and completed an Initial Public Offering in October, 2000, listing on both the Euronext Amsterdam exchange and the New York Stock Exchange. New Skies generated revenues of $198.3 million in 2000.

About Zee Interactive Multimedia Limited

ZEE Interactive Multimedia Limited (ZIML) is a fully-owned subsidiary of Siticable, India's largest TV cable company. Siticable belongs to ZEE Telefilms, the largest media broadcasting company in India, broadcasting a rich bouquet of satellite channels with footprints stretching from New Zealand to Europe. ZIML has a license to provide Internet services on an “All-India” basis.


For any further information, please contact:
Daniëlle Keukenmeester, Corporate Communications, New Skies Satellites
Tel: +31 70 306 4227, dkeukenmeester@newskies.com