[SatNews] BT’s Media & Broadcast division and RRsat Global Communications Network Ltd (RRsat) have engaged in a five year strategic alliance. The alliance will enable their customers to benefit from high quality broadcast services over a deeper global reach, as well as being a catalyst to facilitate both companies growth in their global media businesses.

The alliance will combine RRsat’s capabilities in content management and global distribution services to the television and radio broadcasting industries over satellite, fibre and IP with BT’s Global Media Network and existing satellite portfolio. RRsat will gain access to BT’s media switch in London, linking in to its Global Media Network, satellite services, and offering dedicated bandwidth for short-term event coverage. BT’s media customers will benefit from the RRsat Global Network, which offers extensive distribution coverage currently provided to more than 550 channels using more than 50 satellite platforms in more than 150 countries. Each company has agreed to bring between 5 to 10 million pounds of additional business to the other party.