Intelsat likely to buy New Skies Satellites

MUMBAI: Satellite service provider Intelsat is believed to be looking at acquiring one of its rivals New Skies Satellites (NSS).
 
 

NSS is said to be worth around $1.3 billion. Media reports indicate that if the deal goes through it could result in fresh consolidation in the satellite industry.
 
 

The proposed new entity would have 33 spacecraft in orbit, including five relatively young New Skies Satellites designed to serve emerging international markets for video, Internet and data. That compares with 35 that the largest satellite firm SES Global operates. New Skies was originally a part of Intelsat.

Other satellite service providers like Panamsat, Eutelsat and SES Global may also consider buying NSS, media reports state. The aim could be to raise the price if not anything else and make it difficult for the other bidders.

NSS states that it is one of only four fixed satellite communications companies with global satellite coverage, offering data, video, Internet and voice communications services to a range of telecommunications carriers, broadcasters, large corporations, Internet service providers and government entities around the world. NSS has five satellites in orbit, one spacecraft under construction (NSS-8) and ground facilities around the world.