[SatNews] The solution uses a single satellite antenna installed as a central head-end, and the broadband connection is supplied to end-users via Wi-Fi access.

SES Broadband Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SES S.A. (NYSE Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG), announced that it has won the contracts to provide its Astra Connect for communities satellite broadband service to 36 German villages located across the Eifel district of Bitburg-Prüm. 

Astra Connect is Internet via satellite from SES Broadband Services, named for the fleet of ASTRA satellites that carries their service’s high-speed broadband connections.

The contracts were put out for public tenders, with financial support from the Eifel district of Bitburg-Prüm, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the regional Improvement of AgriculturalStructures and Coastal Protection program The plan is for all broadband access networks in Bitburg-Prüm to be rolled out by the end of May 2015.   

Internet Service Provider Orbitcom is SES Broadband Services’ partner for the project and will be responsible for marketing, selling and managing the Astra Connect for communities solution as well as providing customer support to end users. 

The Astra Connect for communities broadband service has already been rolled out in several parts of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The solution uses a single satellite antenna installed as a central head-end, and the broadband connection is supplied to end users via Wi-Fi access. This provides all households within the head-end reach with Internet access at speeds of up to 25Mbit/s. 

“Improving broadband penetration in our area is essential, as fast and easy access to the Internet ensures quality of life and competitiveness,” said District Administrator Dr. Joachim Streit. “Our communities need high speed Internet, and expanding the broadband infrastructure nationwide is essential for both businesses and residents in rural areas.” 

“We are honored to have won the contracts and to assist in providing broadband access for all in the region. This will further demonstrate that satellite technology is a key solution to accelerating broadband roll-out,” said Patrick Biewer, Managing Director of SES Broadband Services. 

SES Broadband Services, in cooperation with the Bitburg-Prüm administration, also hosted an information event in Bitburg to present the Astra Connect for communities broadband service solution and the planned service deployment for mayors on November 7.