EMS Satellite Networks And Alcatel Partner To Deliver The ‘DSL In The Sky’ Two-Way Satellite Solution
Alcatel Space, a
subsidiary of Alcatel and EMS Satellite Networks,
a division of EMS Technologies, Inc., have signed an agreement
supporting the “DSL in the Sky” DVB-RCS solution proposed by Alcatel Space.
This solution provides satellite operators, telcos and ISPs with DSL-like
capabilities, enabling the providers to offer broadband services to consumers
and/or SMEs over satellite communication networks. This agreement expands on
the DVB-RCS preliminary cooperation agreement signed in June 2002.
As a result of this agreement, EMS Satellite Networks will provide Alcatel
Space with its Return Link Sub-System (RLSS), and its end-user terminals.
Alcatel integrates this EMS equipment into its “DSL in the Sky” solution.
Among other key features, the “DSL in the Sky” solution supports a complete
service management suite enabling service providers to offer broadband access
services to end users located outside landline DSL areas. Alcatel markets
this solution through its worldwide commercial network.
Alcatel has concluded several contracts with satellite and broadband
service providers concurrently with the signing of this agreement, and
deliveries from EMS Satellite Networks to Alcatel under this agreement that
are due over the next few months will help Alcatel fulfill those contracts.
“Standards are essential to availability of the low-cost terminals
required for wide market acceptance. We are convinced that the DVB-RCS
evolution will deliver superior space segment performance. For this reason,
when combining Alcatel’s expertise in telecommunication networks and also in
Operation and Support Systems (OSS) with the proven capability of EMS
Satellite Networks to deliver DVB-RCS subsystems and terminals, we have a very
effective partnership able to deliver superior broadband solutions over
satellite,” said Didier Verhulst, vice president of the Telecom Systems and
Networks activities in Alcatel Space.
“This next step in our partnership with Alcatel reflects a growing demand
for commercial satellite broadband services based on the DVB-RCS open
standard. We are excited by the opportunity to offer EMS equipment and
services as part of a world class system such as Alcatel’s ‘DSL in the Sky’
offering,” said Don Osborne, senior vice president & general manager, EMS
Satellite Networks.
About Alcatel
Alcatel designs, develops and builds innovative and competitive
communications networks, enabling carriers, service providers and enterprises
to deliver any type of content, such as voice, data and multimedia, to any
type of consumer, anywhere in the world. Relying on its leading and
comprehensive products and solutions portfolio — stretching from end-to-end
optical infrastructures, fixed and mobile networks to broadband access —
Alcatel’s customers can focus on optimizing their service offerings and
revenue streams. With sales of EUR 25 billion in 2001 and 99,000 employees,
Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries. Visit Alcatel at
www.alcatel.com.
About Alcatel Space
Alcatel Space ranks among the world’s leading space systems prime
contractors. Leveraging its dual expertise in civil and military
applications, Alcatel Space develops satellite technology solutions for
telecommunications, navigation, optical and radar observation, meteorology,
and scientific applications. The company is also Europe’s number one prime
contractor for Earth observation, meteorology and navigation ground segments,
as well as space systems operations. A wholly owned subsidiary of Alcatel,
Alcatel Space generated revenues of 1.4 billion euros in 2001 and has 6,000
employees. For more information, please visit our website at
www.alcatel.com/space
About EMS Technologies, Inc.
EMS Technologies, Inc. is a leading innovator in the design and
manufacture of wireless, satellite and defense solutions, and focuses its
unique range of advanced technologies on the needs of broadband and mobile
information users. The Company is headquartered in Atlanta, employs
approximately 1,700 people worldwide and has manufacturing facilities in
Atlanta, Ottawa, Montreal and Brazil.
The Satellite Networks Division of EMS Technologies has played a critical
role in the development of the DVB-RCS international open standard for high-
speed bi-directional Internet communications via satellite, and is a leading
provider of broadband satellite communications ground terminal and hub
solutions.
For more information, visit EMS on the World Wide Web at www.ems-t.com.
