Monday, August 07, 2006

Digital Broadcasters | SES Global Satellite

SES GLOBAL satellite broadcast operations in SD and high definition TV continued to grow in the half year to June 30, 2006.

Romain Bausch, President & CEO, SES GLOBAL reports a net profit increase of 28.6% on revenue growth of 16.6% citing organic growth and acquisition of New Skies as the main drivers for the SES Group.

In regard to Asian activities, however Bausch notes that in the region, demand remains subdued, although there are some signs that the satellite sector is now responding to the strengthening of regional economies, resulting in increased demand for capacity for VSAT and internet traffic.

AsiaSat (SES GLOBAL shareholding: 34.1%) confirmed the procurement of AsiaSat 5, a replacement for AsiaSat 2 at 100.5°E, with an extended payload and broader footprint, as well as having the flexibility of a steerable beam. This satellite is scheduled for launch in the second quarter of 2008.

SES NEW SKIES (completed June 30) delivered favourable results relative to plan in both revenues and costs. Transponder utilisation grew from 65% to 67%, being 216 of 324 commercially available transponders. New business signed included Optus Networks Pty, Intelsat General, Telekom PNG (Papua New Guinea) and the Department of Space of the Indian Government for the expansion of DTH (Doordarshan Bouquet) services in India. The NSS-8 satellite now under construction is presently expected to be launched late in the fourth quarter of this year, ultimately replacing NSS-703 at 57°E, which satellite we intend to relocate to 340°E. NSS-8 will support future growth by adding 92 transponders to the fleet, and has enhanced power, flexibility and coverage from its desirable orbital position over the Indian Ocean Region.

Romain Bausch believes SES Group revenues will continue to grow faster than those of its peers.

SES Global satellite operations including servicing digital radio and TV broadcasters, as a key business component, is based in Luxembourg.

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