News Headline
Intelsat launches video fibre network
MUMBAI: Intelsat on Monday commercially launched its North American video fibre network , which claims to present broadcasters worldwide with an enhanced opportunity to reliably transmit video content to, from or within North America.
The network, known as, Intelsat’s Terrestrial Media Transport, TMT, is the North American extension of Intelsat’s GlobalConnexSM suite of services which are provided using a worldwide hybrid terrestrial and satellite infrastructure.
The extended network, designed with North American broadcasters in mind, is among the first of its kind specifically designed to support both standard and high-definition digital video transmissions for news and sports distribution as well as for contribution and syndication.
The scaleable, fibre-based network is optimized for broadcasters to provide flexible transmission throughout, multiple format support, added security in collocation facilities, an innovative back-up approach and end-to-end monitoring to support smooth trouble-shooting. In addition, it offers high quality of service that can be extended to all Intelsat GlobalConnexSM customers.
Intelsat COO Ramu Potarazu said, “Broadcasters are driving demand for a new type of fiber-based network; one that can flexibly accommodate their diverse needs from standard definition to high definition via a single interface, in an end-to-end, digital environment”.
The TMT network leverages a new back-up approach to replace conventional “telco-oriented” redundancy with a broadcaster-focused, secure approach utilizing “slipless-switching” technology. This will enable two simultaneous and redundant content feeds to be carried on diverse paths for every transmission that takes place on the network
In addition, the network is capable of providing a scalable service using MPEG-2 and other formats of compression encoding, employing variable bit rates up to 45 Mbps, HDTV or higher within a single pipe. It supports digital television transmissions, with end-to-end digital formatting, allowing the signal to remain digital throughout the entire transmission. Tandberg Television has undertaken the integration of the new network.
“We are pleased that Intelsat, one of the world’s leading satellite companies, selected Level 3 to enable the commercial launch of the TMT network,” said Level 3 senior vice president of transport and infrastructure Steve Liddell.
He added “Working together, our combined team of network architects designed what we believe is one of the most technically advanced terrestrial distribution networks in operation today”.
Intelsats new TMT network features private line services from Level 3.This service is ideal for customers with multiple locations who need to transport high volumes of voice, video, or data over a secure channel, says a press release.
Awards
Hamdard honours changemakers at Abdul Hameed awards
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.








