The award-winning ASBU-MENOS network is operated by the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) on the Arabsat 5A satellite slotted at 30.5 degrees East. By deploying the Newtec technology, hosted on the ASBU platform, TDA will now have access to their own IP-based and fully automated secure Virtual Network (VN) for contribution and exchange of radio and TV content at low and high bit rates. Using a VN provides the same services and benefits as owning a dedicated physical network, but is provided as “hosted services” by ASBU without TDA having to operate the complete system.

TDA will integrate Newtec’s Ku-band Radio Satellite Interactive Terminals (SIT), TV Satellite Interactive Terminals, fixed and portable Fast News Gathering (FNG) SITs and IP data SITs. Those SITs will be deployed over 48 regions across Algeria with two separate networks for radio and TV contribution, connecting five major cities and villages. This allows users to collect and access content at each site.

The MENOS terminals will be deployed nationally over the next 12 months and will use the ASBU-MENOS hub, located and operated in Algiers. Newtec will provide on-site planning and installation service as well as training, both in Algiers and Newtec’s HQ in Belgium, to certify TDA’s engineers as part of the handover phase.

Newtec installed the first MENOS network at ASBU’s facility in Algiers in 2008. The platform supports multiple simultaneous managed exchange services for use by broadcasting organizations throughout the Middle East and African countries.