[Satellite TODAY 08-15-11] SES has selected satellite communications technology specialist Newtec to provide next-generation Ka-band Sat3Play terminals and related hub infrastructure for the operator’s Astra2Connect satellite broadband network, SES announced Aug. 12.

   Newtec will provide SES with Ka-band terminals featuring higher download speeds beyond 10 Mbps and Newtec’s Point-and-Play self-installation capability. Newtec has also been contracted to enhance existing Astra2Connect end-user terminals in Ku-band to enable download capabilities of up to 10 megabits-per-second (Mbps).

   Starting in the fourth quarter of 2012, SES said it would increase the performance of its Astra2Connect service by using additional multiple spot beam Ka-band capacity onboard its Astra 2F, 2E and 2G spacecraft, which are scheduled for launch between 2012 and 2014 to the 28.2 degrees East orbital slot.

In a statement, SES Managing Director of Astra Broadband Services Patrick Biewer said the Newtec terminals aim to provide an easy and low cost migration path from Ku-band to Ka-band.

   “We now have the capabilities to enhance our existing service offerings to 10Mbps. Efficient and reliable technology provides the foundation for this strategy. With our new hardware partnerships now in place, we will strengthen our service offering and help us to further grow our customer base,” he said.