[SatNews] A new distribution agreement centers on KA-SAT...

Skylogic, the broadband subsidiary of Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL), and Sat Internet Services GmbH have sealed a distribution agreement for broadband services using the powerful KA-SAT High Throughput Satellite. The initial three-year broadband utility contract, worth more than 5 million euros, will enable Sat Internet Services to market Eutelsat's next generation Tooway™ service to users across Germany, which offers download speeds of up to 10 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 4 Mbps, will be available mid-2011 with the entry into service of Eutelsat's KA-SAT satellite.

Tooway™ will be provided via Eutelsat's KA-SAT satellite, which was launched in December 2010. As Europe's first High-Throughput Satellite (HTS), with total capacity of more than 70 Gbps, it is ushering in a new era of competitively-priced satellite-delivered services for homes and businesses across Europe and the Mediterranean Basin. KA-SAT uses next-generation two-way wireless Ka-band spotbeam technology, which lowers the cost of providing high-bandwidth access to the Internet. The complete KA-SAT infrastructure, comprising the satellite and a network of eight gateways across Europe connected to the Internet via a fibre backbone ring, will enter service in mid-2011. The user equipment for Tooway™ comprises a small satellite dish and a modem connected to the PC via the Ethernet, giving immediate and always-on Internet access following simple installation. The service can also deliver Voice over IP, and DTH television. Tooway™ is delivered across Europe via a network of certified distributors who have the flexibility to offer packages for consumers, home workers and businesses with speeds, volumes and prices to match their local market demands.