GITEX 2012 INTERVIEWS ITU TELECOM World 2012 - Teletimes

performance layer to theIntelsat fleet.It will combine our spectralrights with the technicaladvantages of spot beamtechnology.It is designed to provide highperformance capacity to ourcustomers with an architecturethat gives them a greaterlevel of control and freedomof choice over hardware andservice attributes, allowingmore opportunity to developnew service offerings andgrow their businesses.TT - When will be the newsystem in operations?SK - To start, the platformwill be comprised of twoIntelsat EpicNG-class satellites– Intelsat 29e and Intelsat 33e -with expected in-service datesin 2015 and 2016, respectively.Combined, the satellites willhave extensive coveragethroughout the globe.TT - How do you distinguishyourself from other satellitesolution providers?SK - Our satellite fleetis integrated with ourIntelsatOne terrestrialinfrastructure, whichincludes 36,000 miles offiber, teleports, shared datanetworking platforms, andpeered points of presence(PoPs) to deliver themost efficient solutions tocustomers. Our allianceswith BT and PCCW enableIntelsat to extend the reachof IntelsatOne to customersoperating in new locationsaround the globe.TT - Are you looking forwardto attract the cellularcustomers in the Middle Eastregion?SK - The cellular backhaulsector is one of the fastestgrowing sectors in theindustry, not only in the MiddleEast, but in other regions likeAfrica.We offer connectivity toserve cellular backhaul inthe Middle East and Africa,either by working directlywith operators or via valueaddedofferings by Intelsatcustomers, who are offeringmanaged services to thissector. Currently, we havesignificant capacity on ourfleet that is utilized for cellularbackhaul.Satellite is a very cost effectiveway for the mobile operatorto deploy quickly new networkor to expand existing networkin less populated area. Inaddition to offering the localconnectivity, Intelsat is alsowell designed to provideinternational communication.Our product developmentteam is continuously workingon new solutions andapplications to support theongoing growth of this sectorand to ensure Intelsat remainsthe industry leader.TT - Please highlights somedetails for Media services?SK - There is moderate growthfor media services in theMiddle East following the ArabSpring. FTA channel platformsare adding more SD and HDchannels.Intelsat is providinginternational distribution fora number of Media customersin the region. We have beenselected by the ASBU (ArabSate Broadcasting Union)for the distribution of theirbouquet into North America.We also distribute a number ofchannels in Australia.TT - What do you rate as adriving force for broadcastingbusiness with reference toINTELSAT?SK - Customers taking theirprogramming to the globalplatform. Many programmers(Discovery) offer multipleversions of its channel indifferent languages in thesame region (Asia), forexample. More programmersgoing global than ever beforeand we enable that.New channels are beingcreated to reach smalleraudience and deregulationis creating a flurry of smallchannels.TT - Satellite communicationsare considered very expensivecommunication medium. Is ita reality?SK - Satellite communicationsis well suited for specificapplications that can benefitfrom the technology. Ifyou consider that satellitecan make available Gbpsof capacity to each homewith a dish, then you couldargue that this is significantlycheaper than laying fiber tomillions of homes. In someparts of the globe, satellitetechnology is simply a morepractical and reliable solution.Intelsat has the benefit ofoffering a ground and satellitetechnology solution thatprovides reliable and extensivecoverage to our customers ineven the most challenging ofcircumstances.TT - Some words aboutTeletimes International.SK - Teletimes is a publicationthat gives insight informationabout various sectors ofindustry, not only for theMiddle East, but in Africaand Asia. It provides valuableinformation about the hottopics of the Industry.November 2012www.teletimesinternational.com41