(23 April 2007 6:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Global satellite services provider Intelsat has announced a multi-year, multi-million-dollar contract with Arqiva for satellite capacity to carry digital programming for the BBC following its digital switch over.

Intelsat is providing space segment capacity on its IS-907 satellite at 332.5º E which Arqiva will use as part of its distribution solution to around 90 main terrestrial transmitter sites in the UK.

Arqiva Terrestrial Media Solutions MD Steve Holebrook says, "We are happy to entrust Intelsat with this important task which provides us with cost-effective coverage of the UK as part of the distribution system for the BBC’s digital channels. The capacity on IS-907 provides us with an excellent technical solution, based on its high-power UK coverage. Intelsat was also flexible in its approach, helping us meet the commercial and technical needs of the BBC.”

Intelsat regional VP, Europe and Middle East Jean-Philippe Gillet says, "Intelsat has played a key role for many years in the distribution of terrestrial television signals with Arqiva. The addition of the BBC’s digital switchover programme reinforces the high-performance, high-reliability solution we are able to provide to our video customers.”