Spotlight: China Gains Two-way Satellite Broadband

Chinese satellite services operator ChinaCast is introducing two-way broadband service by teaming with Germantown, Md.-based Hughes Network Systems. Both companies will jointly market the two-way networking services in China as a follow-up to the one-way service HNS’ DirecWay currently provides through ChinaCast.

The deployment of a new network operations center (NOC), along with remote satellite terminals, will enable ChinaCast to meet the demands of its Chinese customers in sectors such as government, insurance, health care, banking and energy.

“In the past, we have provided broadband one-way satellite services to universities, government agencies and ministries,” said ChinaCast CEO Ron Chan. “The new DirecWay system will help us better address the expanding needs of our customers.”

K.C. Kuo, vice president and general manager of the Asia Pacific Business Group at HNS, said its ongoing relationship with ChinaCast has demonstrated the value of broadband services and satellite technology in China.

“Satellite technology is very mature,” Kuo said. “The key is for the service provider to develop a profitable business by packaging applications.” –Paul Dykewicz

(K.C. Kuo, Hughes Network Systems, 301/601-7330; Bahram Pourmand, Hughes Network Systems, 301/428-7129)