(30 October 2007 6:00 pm)

MUMBAI: BT's Media and Broadcast sector has implemented a state of the art network based managed services deal for Asian broadcaster Star.

With this deal, Star for the first time shifts its technology platforms from the traditional satellite and leased circuit service to the multi protocol label switching (MPLS) / internet protocol (IP) technology for their contribution link to Europe.

The new system also promises to bring Star's services to the UK and Europe with greater ease, more manageability and in a more efficient manner.

BT currently carries four Star channels (Star Plus UK, Star News UK, Star Gold International and Star One International) from Hong Kong to BSkyB and Arqiva in UK, with these signals fed through direct-to-home (DTH) platforms reaching subscribers across UK and Europe.

Star chief technology officer Dr Guo Xiao Yong said, "After months of trial this deal caps an intensive effort of both teams towards the transformation and transition from our traditional satellite route to an MPLS platform. Through extensive testing we are confident that the BT network is not only reliable and resilient but will also provide the additional benefits of cost effectiveness and point-to-multipoint connectivity, giving us more flexibility to expand our services going forward."

BT Asia Pacific president Allen Ma said, "Star has placed a great deal of trust and confidence in BT’s Media- IP network as we transition them through technology platforms. We are confident of our platform's capabilities and this contract is an excellent opportunity for BT to showcase its network especially in terms of resiliency, security and around the clock global service. We are confident of building this relationship as a benchmark for today’s global broadcast industry."

Star is one of Asia's leading media and entertainment company broadcasting over 60 services in ten languages and reaching more than 300 million viewers in 53 countries across Asia.