[SatNews] It's their first third party center in this locale...

Turkey-based SVS Telekom has signed an agreement with the satellite communication company Newtec to become its first third party repair center in the Middle East. It will cover all repairs to Newtec equipment sold in the region.

SVS Telekom began working with Newtec as a distributor in 1997 and has since become one of its lead resellers in Turkey as well as neighboring countries Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the wider Middle East. SVS has also built a strong reputation as an integrator of SNG vehicles and fixed earth stations. More than one hundred million people in the Middle East rely on these solutions for their communications and entertainment provided by Turksat, Turk Telecom, Monaco Telecom, Arabsat, TRT, Digiturk DTH.

Abdullah Saglam, Vice President of SVS Telekom, said: “Becoming an Authorized Repair Center represents an extra step in our 14 years‟ cooperation with Newtec. We look forward to adding value for our customers and creating a faster and more flexible service for them.” Up until now, all Newtec equipment repairs in the Middle East were carried out at Newtec’s own production facility in Erpe-Mere, Belgium.

“Having a centralized repair center presented a suboptimal solution for customers in different regions, where there were often logistical difficulties,” said Sander Boom, Newtec's VP Customer Services and Production. “We therefore decided to seek partners to carry out 'in-region' repairs and participate in the incident handling process.”

“With SVS‟ high-level expertise and local knowledge, we know that we can provide an impeccable service to customers in the Middle East region whenever it is required,” Serge Van Herck, CEO of Newtec, completed.

In the course of six months, SVS Telekom received training in order to meet the requirements Newtec has introduced as part of its certification process. The rigorous selection and training ensures the highest standard of workmanship and product knowledge.

SVS Telekom proved its ability to meet the strict criteria laid down by Newtec. The center will guarantee reduced turnaround time for repairs and will optimize the entire logistic process as all repairs will be carried out in the region where they are used. Newtec is extending its regional repair centre initiative and is actively looking for partners in other regions to further extend a comprehensive, reliable support infrastructure for Newtec products worldwide, with a first focus on South America, India and MENA.

For further information about Newtec and its support services please visit.