Global Crossing, Setanta Sports and MEASAT Satellite Systems Bring New 24 Hour Sports Channel to Asia
March 28, 2011
Millions of rugby enthusiasts across Asia now can enjoy 24-hour programming through a new sports channel offered by Setanta Sports and delivered by Global Crossing. Genesis Solutions and MEASAT Satellite Systems ('MEASAT'). Setanta Sports is using Global Crossing Genesis Solutions' high-performance IP network from Dublin, Ireland to the MEASAT Teleport and Broadcast Centre in Cyberjaya, Malaysia, where the signal is then uplinked to the MEASAT-3a satellite, co-located with MEASAT-3 at the orbital hot slot of 91.5 degrees E. MEASAT is a satellite operator providing premium satellite communication services to the Asia-Pacific region.
This new programming relationship expands the longstanding association between Setanta and Global Crossing Genesis Solutions, which currently supports Setanta's programming in Canada and Australia. MEASAT is the satellite provider working with Global Crossing Genesis Solutions to help make this hybrid transmission model possible.
"Setanta Sports programming now is available in close to five million homes across Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong since our launch in January," said Roger Hall, managing director, international, Setanta Sports. "With the support of Global Crossing Genesis Solutions and MEASAT, we plan to expand across the Asia region. These additional markets have the potential to place us in 330 million homes and therefore represent a major growth opportunity for Setanta."
Global Crossing Genesis Solutions is providing Setanta Sports with a hybrid transmission model of fully managed solutions delivered over an IP network that is linked with MEASAT. In addition, the Global Crossing Genesis Solutions Network Operations Center is providing 24x7 technical support and monitoring services.
"Global Crossing created a custom-tailored solution to seamlessly accommodate the unique and burgeoning requirements of Setanta Sports," said Paul Parente, vice president, Major Account Sales, Global Crossing Genesis Solutions. "By using our purpose-built IP solutions, we helped them satisfy a vital business need to expand into a new and virtually untapped market, and delivered on our commitment to a longstanding and trusted broadcasting collaborator."
"We are delighted to be working with Global Crossing Genesis Solutions to bring Setanta Sports to Asia Pacific," said Jarod Lopez, MEASAT's director of sales, broadcast services. "Setanta Sports joins eight other sports channels on the MEASAT-3/3a video neighborhood providing a compelling location for quality sports content in the region."