SES WORLD SKIES, a division of SES S.A. (Paris:SESG)(LUxX:SESG), today announced it has signed a multi-transponder deal with Artel to help the leading integrator meet growing U.S. government demand for end-to-end communications networks throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Artel will use four full Ku-band transponders (144 megahertz) on the ASTRA 3B satellite, set to launch early next year, to provide the Department of Defense with broadband, IP voice, data and video solutions across a variety of regional operations.

The SES WORLD SKIES-Artel agreement represents a major milestone in a long-term alliance that has developed and delivered essential global communications services for nearly a decade. Artel is a telecom and IT services provider to the U.S. Government, under the Defense Satellite Transmission Services – Global procurement program managed by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). “Our ability to provide state-of-the-art communications solutions to government operations in some of the remotest corners of the world is a testament to the responsiveness and expertise of the SES WORLD SKIES team and the coverage, reliability and flexibility of its powerful satellites,” said Abbas Yazdani, Founder and CEO of Artel.

“When crucial projects and lives are on the line, we are confident we have the right infrastructure partner to help us fulfill the connectivity needs of our customers,” added Yazdani, noting Artel and SES WORLD SKIES share a strategic philosophy. “SES WORLD SKIES has honed its core strengths, developing tailored satellite solutions. We look forward to further expanding our global services delivery on the SES WORLD SKIES platform.”

“The rise in communication needs across some of the world’s remotest regions is driving demand for reliable and robust satellite capacity capable of delivering connectivity where it’s needed most,” said Andrew Ruszkowski, Vice President, North America Sales for SES WORLD SKIES. “Artel is a leading integrator of world class communications solutions and SES WORLD SKIES is dedicated to extending the reach of its corporate, government and military customers around the globe.”