The AMC-23 satellite has completed in-orbit testing and has begun operations from its orbital slot of 172 degrees East, SES Americom announced March 2.

The spacecraft, placed into orbit in December, carries C- and Ku-band transponders and will be used to provide communications services for the Connexion by Boeing in- flight Internet service over the Pacific Ocean, as well as for various commercial and government customers.

AMC-23 was manufactured by Alcatel Alenia Space and is based on the Spacebus 4000 platform.