Latest News

Newtec Technology Helps SES Broadband Pick Up Speed in Europe

By Jeffrey Hill | March 12, 2012

[Satellite TODAY Insider 03-12-12] Satellite specialist Newtec has successfully tested its new high-speed Ka-band technology for the SES Broadband service in Europe, Newtec announced March 9.

   The test was completed with Newtec’s next-generation Ka-band Sat3Play terminals and related hub infrastructure on SES’ Astra 1L Ka-band capacity at the 19.2 degrees East orbital slot. During the testing phase, Newtec installed a Sat3Play hub at SES Broadband Services’ premises in Luxembourg and provided several Ka-band terminals working on Astra-1L Ka-band frequencies.
   Newtec CEO Serge Van Herck said his company has already shipped more than 100,000 Ku-band Sat3Pla terminals for SES Broadband and is now providing the next-generation Ka-band terminals that feature download speeds beyond 10 Mbps. “The testing has been a clear success. We have now completed the tests and look forward to the operational start of the SES Broadband Ka-band services later this year,” Van Herck said in a statement.
   Newtec will present the tested high-speed Ku-/Ka-band Sat3Play terminal at the SATELLITE 2012 conference and exhibit. The unit will include a new modem and Ka-band interactive LNB unit. “The terminal features higher broadband forward and return speeds, the lowest power consumption available on the market and an easy installation tool based on Newtec’s Point & Play technology,” said Newtec.
   SES Broadband, formerly called Astra2Connect before its recent re-branding, currently offers download speeds up to 10 Mbps and delivers broadband Internet and Voice-over-IP services to private households and small businesses.
   SES Broadband Services Managing Director Patrick Biewer said the operator plans to increase the performance of its service by using additional multiple spot beam Ka-band capacity that will become available onboard its Astra 2F, 2E and 2G spacecraft, with the first spacecraft, Astra 2F, scheduled for launch later in 2012.
   “We have jointly tested and validated the Sat3Play Ka-band platform from Newtec with the objective of proving operational readiness for a rollout of SES Broadband Ka-band services later this year,” Biewer said in a statement. “The upgrade of existing end-user terminals and the next-generation Ka-band terminals, featuring speeds beyond 10 Mbps, are part of SES strategy to bring its successful broadband service to the next level. The test was very successful and we are pleased with the performance of the equipment. We look forward to the launch of our Ka-band services.”