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Switch and Data supports DirecTV’s local digital and HD expansion
MUMBAI: DirecTV, Inc. is continuously expanding the entertainment channels and services it provides to its more than 15 million customers. This expansion includes local and high definition (HDTV) programming in more than 141 markets in the US.
Switch and Data, a provider of carrier-neutral collocation and internet exchange services, is accelerating DirecTV’s expansion with the local and regional data centers required to enable the delivery of critical content, including local standard and high definition local programming to its customers.
DirecTV uses Switch and Data’s data centers in key markets for collocation of their specialised equipment to access local programming (standard definition and high definition) from the local television stations.
Switch and Data data centers also serve as DirecTV’s regional network hub in four markets where they consolidate local collection facilities (LCF). From these hubs, the signals are consolidated again on DirecTV’s backbone and backhauled to Los Angeles, Denver, New Hampshire or Minneapolis where they uplink it to their satellites for transmission to customer dishes.
“Switch and Data provides the reliable and redundant local and regional facilities DirecTV needs to deliver and expand their services. Our presence in 23 markets in North America allows DirecTV to maintain consistency in the roll-out of new programming. DirecTV’s customers rely on them to deliver quality programming and we are pleased to have been a key component in DirecTV’s local channel expansion over the last five years,” said Switch and Data CEO Keith Olsen.
Switch and Data manages all aspects of the physical infrastructure installation, from power to carrier connections to roof access. DirecTV is able to leverage Switch and Data’s extensive footprint of data centers while relying on a single point of contact for billing and technical support for critical operational efficiency.
DirecTV, Inc chief technology officer Romulo Pontual said, “Local channels, along with our fully integrated program guide and award-winning digital quality signal, provide the best viewing experience for DirecTV customers. As a reliable and efficient provider of data center services, Switch and Data has played an important role in the success of our local channel initiative.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
