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Tag: PanAmSat

  • Former Intelsat chairman inducted into satellite pros hall of fame

    Former Intelsat chairman inducted into satellite pros hall of fame

    MUMBAI: Global satellite services provider Intelsat has announced today its former chairman Conny Kullman is a 2007 inductee to the Society of Satellite Professionals International (SSPI) Satellite Hall of Fame.

    Kullman led Intelsat and its global employee base through its privatisation, and its metamorphosis into a highly competitive operator. In addition, he was a driving force behind commercial, operational and engineering changes during his tenure as Intelsat’s Chief Executive Officer from 1998-2005.

    Under his leadership, Kullman implemented a terrestrial strategy resulting in the development of Intelsat’s Global Connex portfolio suite of services, which now represents approximately $130 million in annual revenues. In addition, Kullman led a $2.5 billion, three-year fleet replenishment campaign that increased available capacity in growth markets.

    In 2003, Kullman was at the helm when Intelsat announced its acquisition of the North American satellites of Loral Space and Communications, providing Intelsat with access to the North American market and completing Intelsat’s global system.

    In 2004, Kullman recognised the opportunity to achieve the goals of the Orbit Act while at the same time obtaining premium shareholder returns, by conducting an LBO process which resulted in the acquisition of Intelsat by a consortium of private equity firms at a competitive price. Kullman capped his career in 2005 as Intelsat chairman playing a role in the completion of Intelsat’s acquisition of Panamsat.

    Intelsat CEO Dave McGlade says, “Conny led Intelsat through its privatisation and began the challenging task of transforming the company from an intergovernmental organisation to a commercial company, positioning Intelsat to become the leading global satellite operator. His many achievements throughout his career shaped Intelsat and the industry.”

  • Intelsat promotes Linda Kokal to senior VP, treasurer

    Intelsat promotes Linda Kokal to senior VP, treasurer

    MUMBAI: Global satellite service communication provider Intelsat has promoted Linda J. Kokal to senior VP and Treasurer.

    Kokal’s areas of responsibility and oversight include treasury, risk management, and financial planning and analysis. She joined Intelsat’s finance department in April 2006 as Vice President and Treasurer and played an integral role in the capital structuring related to the merger with Panamsat.

    Intelsat executive VP and CFO Jeff Freimark says, “Linda has proven herself to be an invaluable member of Intelsat?s new finance team. With this promotion we are delighted to recognize the solid leadership and integration process expertise she brings to our company.”

  • Intelsat completes acquisition of PanAmSat

    Intelsat completes acquisition of PanAmSat

    MUMBAI: Leading satellite service provider Intelsat today announced the completion of its $ 6.4 billion acquisition of rival PanAmSat.

    The addition of PanAmSat’s video market expertise, advanced satellite fleet and blue-chip media customer base makes the new Intelsat the largest provider of fixed satellite services (FSS) worldwide to each of the media, network services/telecom and government customer sectors.

    Intelsat acquired all of the outstanding common shares of PanAmSat for approximately $3.2 billion. As a result of the merger, PanAmSat is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Intelsat, and the common stock of PanAmSat has been delisted from the New York Stock Exchange. The total value of the transaction, including PanAmSat debt that was refinanced or remained outstanding, is approximately $6.4 billion.

    Using optimized capacity on a combined fleet of 51 satellites and a large, complementary terrestrial infrastructure including eight owned teleports, fiber connectivity and over 50 points of presence in almost 40 cities, the new Intelsat:

    — Carries one out of every four television channels transmitted over fixed satellites;

    — Supports 27 DTH platforms worldwide;

    — Operates 16 satellites that are part of video neighborhoods around the world;

    — Is the number one provider of transponders for video programming worldwide;

    — Carries more high definition (HD) programming than any other FSS carrier;

    — Is the largest provider of commercial satellite services to the government sector;

    — Is the leading provider of services to enterprise, Internet and mobile network operators; and

    — Provides communications services to 99 percent of the world’s populated regions.

  • Intelsat completes acquisition of PanAmSat

    Intelsat completes acquisition of PanAmSat

    MUMBAI: Leading satellite service provider Intelsat today announced the completion of its $ 6.4 billion acquisition of rival PanAmSat. 

    The addition of PanAmSat’s video market expertise, advanced satellite fleet and blue-chip media customer base makes the new Intelsat the largest provider of fixed satellite services (FSS) worldwide to each of the media, network services/telecom and government customer sectors.

    Intelsat acquired all of the outstanding common shares of PanAmSat for approximately $3.2 billion. As a result of the merger, PanAmSat is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Intelsat, and the common stock of PanAmSat has been delisted from the New York Stock Exchange. The total value of the transaction, including PanAmSat debt that was refinanced or remained outstanding, is approximately $6.4 billion.

    Using optimized capacity on a combined fleet of 51 satellites and a large, complementary terrestrial infrastructure including eight owned teleports, fiber connectivity and over 50 points of presence in almost 40 cities, the new Intelsat:

    — Carries one out of every four television channels transmitted over fixed satellites;

    — Supports 27 DTH platforms worldwide;

    — Operates 16 satellites that are part of video neighborhoods around the world;

    — Is the number one provider of transponders for video programming worldwide;

    — Carries more high definition (HD) programming than any other FSS carrier;

    — Is the largest provider of commercial satellite services to the government sector;

    — Is the leading provider of services to enterprise, Internet and mobile network operators; and

    — Provides communications services to 99 percent of the world’s populated regions.

  • Intelsat-Panamsat merger approved by FCC

    Intelsat-Panamsat merger approved by FCC

    MUMBAI: America’s media regulatory body Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved Intelsat’s acquisition of Panamsat.

    Noting that the transaction was unopposed, the FCC Commissioners found that “the transaction will be in the public interest,” and they therefore granted Intelsat’s application for a transfer of control of Panamsat’s FCC licenses. No other regulatory approvals are required, in the US or elsewhere, prior to the closing of the transaction.

    Intelsat is planning on completing the Panamsat acquisition on 3 July 2006. Intelsat CEO David McGlade said, “The closing of the merger will open a new chapter for our industry and our customers, who will benefit from expanded services and improved network flexibility and resilience as we bring together these two great companies.

    “Serving our customers with innovation and quality is our highest priority, and the first step in accomplishing that objective is through implementing a seamless integration.”

    Intelsat and Panamsat had announced their merger agreement on 29 August 2005. Under the agreement, Intelsat will acquire Panamsat for $25 per share in cash, or approximately $3.2 billion in the aggregate.

  • Panamsat launches US satellite for HDTV, IPTV

    Panamsat launches US satellite for HDTV, IPTV

    MUMBAI: Satellite provider PanAmSat has launched its Galaxy 16 satellite in the US.

    Launched into orbit by Sea Launch, Galaxy 16 is the 24th satellite in Panamsat’s fleet and its 11th over the US. The satellite, to be located at 99 degrees west longitude, will replace Galaxy 4R.

    Panamsat CEO Joe Wright says, “We promised customers that we would have the most extensive and reliable neighborhood of satellites in the US to deliver standard and HDTV television channels and Galaxy 16 expands on that reality.

    “We have also promised shareholders to build satellites in a capital efficient manner and to launch them with our customers’ design requirements. And that’s exactly what we’ve done: Galaxy 16 takes over for Galaxy 4R and the satellite is nearly sold out.

    “Galaxy 16 is a broadcasters’ dream satellite. With its remarkable power and expansive footprint reaching from Maine to Alaska and Hawaii, it can deliver today and tomorrow’s technological advancements. In addition to providing thevery clearest broadcast signal, this versatile spacecraft has the digital muscle to deliver IPTV, HDTV or VOD. Galaxy 16 is one blockbuster of a satellite for existing and emerging technologies.”

    With its 24 C-band and 24 Ku-band payloads, the satellite will be home to channels like ABC, Fox , Warner Bros., Buena Vista and Televisa as well as major customers such as National Public Radio (NPR) and Hughes Network Systems (HNS).

  • PanAmSat named best ‘Satellite Carrier’ at 2006 Telecom Asia Awards

    PanAmSat named best ‘Satellite Carrier’ at 2006 Telecom Asia Awards

    MUMBAI: PanAmSat has received a top honour from Telecom Asia magazine. The publication awarded PanAmSat with the “Best Satellite Carrier” award at the 2006 Telecom Asia Awards, held in Thailand on 24 April.

    PanAmSat was selected for the award due to its market leadership, innovations in technology and services as well as its strong financial performance in one of the world’s most challenging telecommunications markets.

    “PanAmSat has been dedicated to serving the Asia-Pacific region with world-class satellite services for more than 10 years. Our customers and partners in the region continually look to us for industry-leading solutions for the transmission of broadcast programming, worldwide breaking news and critical business data. We are pleased that Telecom Asia has recognized our achievements in the region with this award,” said PanAmSat vice president for Asia Pacific David Ball.

    This is the second time that PanAmSat has been recognised as the region’s best satellite carrier.

    The award winners were chosen for their combined financial, market and technology strengths based on financial analysis and assessments by an 18-member judging panel. The judges are backed by a research team at IDC, a leading provider of global research and advice, using a combination of its extensive communications research in Asia-Pacific and financial analysis of the carriers.

    PanAmSat began operations in the Asia-Pacific region with the launch of the PAS-2 satellite in 1994. Today, operating a hybrid network of fiber and five high-powered satellites in orbit over Asia, PanAmSat is able to offer a wide range of services for businesses and events in the Asia-Pacific region.

    Customers in the region include: NHK, China Central Television (CCTV), Doordarshan, Korea Broadcasting System, Arirang TV, ABS/CBN, TVB, NicNet and Telstra.

  • Panamsat unveils new solution for news delivery across the US

    Panamsat unveils new solution for news delivery across the US

    MUMBAI: Global satellite services provider Panamsat and On Call Communications have developed a new satellite-based communications solution to enable the coverage of breaking news and live events by local and independent news stations in the US. By using PanAmSat’s QuickSPOT on-demand satellite technology and On Call’s OnSpot auto-deploying broadband satellite communications systems, broadcasters can now report on breaking news events as they happen and then transmit the coverage to viewers in real time with unrivalled simplicity, mobility and cost-efficiency.

    Koce, a PBS-affiliate based in California, is using the new system to provide live news coverage to viewers of events that previously could only be pre-recorded. Koce says that the QuickSPOT/OnSPOT solution gives it the opportunity to deliver live remote broadcasts at far lower costs and convenience than anything it has been able to do in the past. Koce says that being live on the scene gives it a new dimension, covering the news as it happens, making the story much more ‘real’ to viewers. The recent fires in Southern California exemplified this as it reported from the field, delivering the latest updates from fire officials, what areas were being evacuated and what schools remained open. Thereffore the news was much more relevant to our viewers compared to something written and broadcast from the studio.

    The QuickSPOT/OnSPOT solution provides a cost-effective broadcast delivery system making it possible for smaller broadcasters to access the formerly cost-prohibitive world of live broadcasts. These stations can now avoid the expense of dedicated satellite space by paying only for their on-air time. And, no technical knowledge is required to operate the auto-deploying terminals.

    Panamsat executive VP, global sales and marketing Mike Antonovich says, “Through our work with OnCall, we’ve developed a truly game-changing broadcasting solution that transforms the world of satellite news gathering. By using smaller auto-pointing antennas in conjunction with the latest generation of digital encoding and compression and our bandwidth-on-demand provisioning service, live news coverage is now simpler, smarter and smaller then ever before. These lower-cost systems can now affordably be made available to support everyone from major market television stations to local community cable channels. Smaller communities benefit by getting up-to-the-minute reports on local weather, storm conditions and developing news events. And, independent stations can provide a wider variety of coverage and perspectives as they serve up their own live reports. It is a win-win for everyone—the broadcaster and the viewer.”

    On Call Communications specialises in providing quick deployments of mobile satellite telecommunications systems for broadcasting, disaster recovery and government applications. They design, integrate and install custom satellite communications networks.

  • PanAmSat solidifies HD dominance with National Geographic HD win

    PanAmSat solidifies HD dominance with National Geographic HD win

    MUMBAI: National Geographic HD has chosen to join PanAmSat’s high-definition neighborhood. PanAmSat’s Galaxy HD neighborhood reaches over 9,000 cable systems throughout the US and features many of America’s top HD offerings, including: HBO HD, Cinemax HD, National Geographic HD, HDNet, HDNet Movies, Encore HD, ESPN HD, Fox Sports Net HD, NBA HD, NFL Network HD, The Outdoor Channel, Showtime HD West, STARZ! HD, TNT HD, WB HD and Wealth TV.

    “National Geographic’s high-quality, award-winning programming lends itself perfectly to high-definition television delivery. By joining the A-list roster of customers on Galaxy 13, National Geographic HD will enjoy the industry’s best coast-to-coast coverage that this powerful spacecraft offers. And, bar none, the Galaxy HD neighborhood delivers what television networks want — to pass every potential HDTV cable home in the nation’s top ADIs,” said PanAmSat executive vice president global sales and marketing Mike Antonovich.

    National Geographic HD is distributed by Fox Entertainment Group. Fox had signed a long-term, multi-year, multi-satellite, multi-transponder deal with the Company, consolidating its entire suite of US programming onto PanAmSat’s global fleet as well as a significant portion of its international traffic. The contract was later expanded to include two additional transponders on Galaxy 13, the new home for National Geographic HD.

    High-definition television has made large strides in the US and is predicted to make even larger inroads in the next four years.

    According to industry analyst reports, by 2009, HDTV will be in 52 million households, up from the current four million households. Northern Sky Research estimates that 500 channels will be broadcast in HD by 2010. And, the Consumer Electronics Association reports that seven in 10 consumers are planning to purchase a digital cable-ready HDTV as their next television.

    Ultimately, the continued price reductions in the HDTV arena, coupled with the looming analog cut-off, will result in 55 percent of US households having at least one HD-capable TV by the end of 2010 explain analysts from Leichtman Research Group’s in a recent report entitled, “HDTV: Awareness, Interest and Intent to Purchase 2005.”

  • Panamsat reports four per cent revenue growth

    Panamsat reports four per cent revenue growth

    MUMBAI: Global satellite service provider Panamsat has reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended 31 December, 2005

    For the year, total consolidated revenues of $861. million increased by 4.1 per cent from 2004 while video services revenues grew by 7.3 per cent over 2004. This year was significant as the company was acquired by Intelsat for $3.2 billion.

    The company paid down $676 million of long-term debt and paid out $300.3 million of dividends to shareholders as a result of strong financial results and a successful IPO. The company also achieved a year end 2005 cash balance of $126.3 million compared to $39 million at year end 2004.

    Total revenues for the fourth quarter of 2005 were $229.2 million, compared to revenues of $207.7 million for the same quarter last year, an increase of 10.4 per cent.

    Panamsat CEO Joe Wright said, “Panamsat finished the year in an extremely strong position as we completed one of the most successful years in the company’s history. Our management team has now met or exceeded guidance for four years in a row while also continuing to increase our revenues and profitability. The utilisation on our satellite

    fleet increased to 73 per cent compared to an industry average of less than 60 per cent, while our fleet reliability remained at an industry high of 99.9 per cent.

    “Equally as important as our strong financial results, we made real progress in the three major strategic areas that we identified early last year for future growth: 1) High Definition video in North America and expansion of Direct-to-Home (DTH) video services in international markets. 2) satellite-based connectivity in rural America and remote regions of the world and 3) servicing the U.S. Government. We capped off the year with an agreement to merge with Intelsat.
    “In the first strategic area of video expansion, we expanded our industry leading HD

    neighborhood in the U.S. on Galaxy 13 by signing a multiple year, multiple transponder contract with HDNet as well as by adding new channels to the platform including the Outdoor Channel. In addition, to meet strong demand for Ku-band capacity in North America, we signed an agreement with JSat to co-develop the Ku-band Horizons-2 satellite for the US market, which will support expanded HDTV, digital video, and IP-based content distribution

    networks to broadband Internet and satellite news gathering (SNG) services.

    “We also launched Vis-a-TV, an ethnic programming service for the U.S. marketplace. Vis-a-TV represents a milestone for the industry as it is the first time an operator will partner with its customers to bring the world’s programming to the U.S. Internationally, we developed the PanGlobal TV DTH

    platform in Australia, which currently offers 25 different channels of ethnic programming content and will be duplicated in additional international markets, including New Zealand, this year.

    “In our second strategic area, providing satellite-based connectivity to developing markets, several of our initiatives have already developed into real growth opportunities. In South Africa, we joined the Liberty Foundation and are providing over 1,000 schools with general curriculum and other teaching aids from Johannesburg. We are also using our satellites to provide health education to citizens across the country via a network of government healthcare clinics. In Mexico, we have joined with our partner Grupo Pegaso to expand satellite-based broadband services to government, enterprises and consumers.

    “Our G2 Satellite Solutions unit, formed several years ago, also made significant progress during the year. This Panamsat subsidiary now accounts for nearly $90 million in annual revenues and is recognised as one of the

    premier full-service total solutions providers to the U.S. Government. In 2005, the G2 team created a managed network solution specifically for the US government and its various agencies.

    “The network uses high-powered Ku-band beams around the globe to deliver voice, data, video and Internet connectivity. At the end of 2005, this service was installed in over 300
    locations and is projected to be the fastest growing part of the business. And, equally important, we were able to clearly demonstrate the value of our satellites in the case of emergencies such as Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. We were ready then and will be in the future to provide communications services in the event of an emergency, either natural or man-made,” adds Wright.