SES and Newtec already work together to deliver broadband and VoIP services to 80,000 homes and businesses across Europe, which offer download speeds of up to 6Mbps using Newtec’s Ku-band terminals. The upgraded Ka-band terminals will provide higher download speeds of up to 10Mbps.
“We now have the capabilities to enhance our existing service offerings to 10Mbps,” said Patrick Biewer, MD of SES broadband subsidiary ASTRA Broadband Services (ABBS). “Efficient and reliable technology provides the foundation for this strategy.”
The European satellite network connects mainly rural areas across the region through existing last-mile infrastructure.
“The future of consumer broadband services over satellite is Ka-band,” commented Serge Van Herck, CEO of Newtec. “This is simply because the total capacity offered by other commercial frequency bands cannot possibly cope with new demands.”
SES plans to enhance its ASTRA2Connect system in the final quarter of next year by adding additional spot beam Ka-band capacity on its ASTRA 2F, 2E and 2G spacecraft, which will be launched between 2012 and 2014.
