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Data Access, Intelsat deal for satellite capacity
NEW DELHI: Data Access, which claims to be the country’s fastest gowing telecom company has signed a multi-million dollar agreement with Intelsat. The deal will support Data Access’ International Private Leased Circuits (IPLC).
Under this agreement, Data Access will utilise satellite capacity from Intelsat worth 100 Mbps over a multiyear period.
The deal marks Data Access’ foray into the international IPLC business between India and Europe. The alliance will significantly boost Data Access’ current capacity of 1024 Mbps on C & KU band to 1200 Mbps. Data Access will utilize capacity on multiple Intelsat transponders on the 704 satellite located at 66° E in geostationary orbit. Connectivity will be established from Data Access’ Network Operating Centre (NOC) in Delhi to Intelsat’s teleport in Fuchsstadt, Germany, via satellite. Traffic will be routed from Germany on fiber backhaul to Intelsat’s London Point of Presence (PoP) to connect with Data Access’ London PoP.
The founder and MD of Data Aceess Siddhartha Ray has been quoted in an official release saying, “We are glad to be working with Intelsat and look forward to a constructive and long-term relationship. The market potential of switched IPLC business in this sector is getting stronger with current volumes reaching 18 million minutes per year and estimated to go up to 90 million minutes per year by the end of 2006. Our existing world-class ILD infrastructure coupled with additional satellite capacity will further widen our horizons to enter other lucrative business segments.”
With a unique ‘hybrid’ IP based network and a dedicated lean management team Data Access has set itself the goal of being the first global telecom player from the country. This year, it has become the first-ever Indian telecom company to be nominated for the prestigious ‘World Communication Awards’ under the ‘Best Regional Carrier category, rubbing shoulders with fellow nominees Sing Tel, Belgacom, COLT Telecom and Easy Net. The company has rapidly expanded beyond our shores to developed and emerging markets such as the US, UK and Sri Lanka.
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.
