(MCLEAN, VA (January 25, 2010) Satellite solutions provider AMERICOM Government Services (AGS) today announced that within hours of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, they initiated efforts to augment the Navy’s wideband commercial satellite communications to ships responding to relief efforts.
Within 24 hours of the Haiti earthquake disaster, AGS joined forces with MTN to provide additional satellite bandwidth to the Navy’s Commercial Wideband Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Program (CWSP). The solution utilizes bandwidth from the SES WORLD SKIES satellite fleet, specifically the AMC-1 satellite, as well as teleport services out of the MTN’s Holmdel teleport.
The added SATCOM capabilities provide much needed capacity to U.S. Navy ships as they respond to Haiti relief efforts. The speed of delivery was the result of an intimate understanding of Navy requirements, availability of SATCOM assets within SES WORLD SKIES and MTN, and government contracting vehicles that could be applied quickly and precisely to meet the Navy’s needs. U.S. Navy ships are arriving in the affected operating area just as the additional bandwidth is being made available.
Tip Osterthaler, AGS President and CEO, noted, “We’re focused on the communications required to support the life-saving measures currently underway, and will continue to reach out to our U.S. Government customers to offer any assistance we can through this significant disaster.”
About AMERICOM GOVERNMENT SERVICES
AMERICOM Government Services, Inc. (AGS), an independent corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of SES WORLD SKIES, is exclusively focused on meeting the satellite communication needs of the U.S. Government. Leveraging more than three decades of experience in the government SATCOM market, AGS offers robust and secure satellite-based communications solutions. By integrating hybrid telecommunications and information technology systems, including leading-edge IP platforms and applications, AGS provides secure broadband communications in support of mission-critical needs as well as day-to-day operations. Supported by SES’s fleet of 41 satellites offering comprehensive global coverage and bandwidth portability, AGS’s solutions including highly reliable fixed, transportable and on-the-move services can be provided on a global basis. AGS’s reputation as a provider of high-value end-to-end solutions has been validated by long-term relationships with diverse customers, including DoD, Department of Commerce/NOAA, Department of Justice, Department of the Interior, Department of Transportation, NASA, and other civilian and defense-related agencies.
About SES WORLD SKIES
SES WORLD SKIES is the new global division of SES, created through the combination of the former SES NEW SKIES and SES AMERICOM. The company operates a fleet of 25 satellites – part of the 41 spacecraft of the SES group – delivering services as diverse as television distribution and broadcast, internet access, data transmission and business and government communications to customers worldwide. SES WORLD SKIES currently has five additional satellites under construction. The company’s unique customer-focused approach allows it to offer the best satellite solutions for a host of business and government requirements, with a view toward helping customers meet their short-term challenges and realize their longer-term goals. SES WORLD SKIES comprises a world-class team of customer care and technical professionals located in Princeton (NJ), The Hague, Washington D.C., Singapore, Beijing, London, Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Sydney, Accra and Johannesburg. Visit www.ses.com for more information.
About SES
SES (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG) wholly owns the market-leading satellite operators SES ASTRA and SES WORLD SKIES, 90% of SES SIRIUS in Europe, and participations in Ciel in Canada and QuetzSat in Mexico. SES provides outstanding satellite communications solutions via a global fleet of 41 satellites in 26 orbital locations. For further information: www.ses.com
# # #
CONTACT:
Nicole Robinson, 703-610-0972
nicole.robinson@americom-gs.com