...signed another long term contract for Telesat satellite capacity. This latest agreement represents a major pre-launch sale for Telesat’s new Anik G1 satellite and comes on the heels of the contract Panasonic signed for Telstar 11N capacity over the North Atlantic announced in June of 2012. This new agreement enables Panasonic to expand its aeronautical broadband service over Latin America by adding Telstar 11N capacity in combination with the South American coverage of Telesat’s Anik F1 satellite. Panasonic will transition from Anik F1 to Telesat’s new Anik G1 satellite when it begins commercial service. The launch of Anik G1 is presently scheduled for early 2013.

“Telesat has become a leader in both Latin America and the North Atlantic through the innovative coverage options provided by our satellites,” said Nigel Gibson, Vice President, International Sales, for Telesat. “Panasonic decided, based on their satisfaction with Telstar 11N over the Atlantic, that additional Telstar 11N capacity in combination with our new Anik G1 satellite would result in important operational advantages for Panasonic’s Latin American expansion. Telesat is delighted to have another major pre-launch sale on Anik G1 and pleased to be expanding our activities in the growing aeronautical market through our ties to Panasonic.”