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Intelsat to purchase Loral’s NA satellite assets
BERMUDA: Intelsat, the global satellite communications leader, has announced that it has signed a $ one billion definitive asset purchase agreement with Loral Space & Communications Corporation for six satellites and the rights to their orbital locations.
The proposed acquisition of the Loral assets would complement Intelsat’s global network, which includes capacity on 26 satellites, by adding complete coverage of the North American market and by increasing Intelsat’s customer base in the cable television and broadcasting segments, says a company release. The total consideration for the assets may increase or decrease based on business performance and as provided for in the agreement.
Of the six satellites to be purchased, four are operational, serving cable television, broadcast and private data network customers in North America. Two satellites are currently under construction and are scheduled to be launched into North American orbital locations in the coming year. Intelsat would assume responsibility for launch and insurance-related costs for one of the satellites currently under construction and would make a $100 million secured down payment on a future satellite to be built by Space Systems/Loral to Intelsat’s specifications.
Intelsat CEO Conny Kullman has been quoted in an official release saying, “Intelsat has been pursuing a focused strategy that includes seeking strategic transactions that enhance Intelsat’s service application mix and geographic coverage. This transaction, if consummated, meets both of these objectives and enhances our position as a global leader in the fixed satellite services sector. The transaction would provide Intelsat a North American franchise that, given the scarcity of orbital locations, is virtually impossible to build on an organic basis and can be quickly integrated into our business.
The assets to be purchased include the Telstar 4, Telstar 5, Telstar 6 and Telstar 7 satellites, which today provide North American coverage from the 89°W, 97°W, 93°W, and 129°W orbital locations. The agreement also includes two satellites currently under construction, Telstar 8 and Telstar 13. The Telstar 13 satellite, co-owned with EchoStar Communications Corporation, is expected to launch in early August and will be located at the 121°W orbital location.
The Telstar 8 satellite is scheduled to launch into the 89°W orbital location early next year, at which time Telstar 4 will move to 77°W. The in-orbit satellites to be acquired currently carry traffic for premiere broadcasters, cable operators and private data network operators, such as CBS and Fox Broadcasting, and have a contracted backlog of approximately $550 million. Collectively, the satellites have an average remaining orbital maneuver life of 13.7 years.
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.
