SES WORLD SKIES Leases Capacity on NSS-12 to Supernet Limited in Pakistan for GSM Backhaul

15 June 2010

SES WORLD SKIES has signed an agreement with Supernet Limited, Pakistan’s leading satellite service provider, for 52 MHz of C-band transponder capacity on the NSS-12 satellite at the orbital location of 57 degrees East. NSS-12 will support an important GSM backhaul network being deployed by Supernet for one of the leading GSM operators in Pakistan.

Supernet will provide GSM backhaul services over satellite for a network consisting of more than 50 sites spread over the mountainous northern areas of Pakistan. The satellite backhaul will enable the GSM operator to extend its mobile services to remote areas of Pakistan that are unreachable through other transmission means.

With over 16 years of experience, Supernet has deployed a number of satellite-based networks including three very large GSM backhaul networks operating in Pakistan. Supernet also operates a shared IP-based VSAT service in the country.

Imran Malik, CEO Supernet Limited, commented: “It’s great to partner with a leading satellite operator like SES and its fleet of 44 satellites. At Supernet, we strive to provide world class services to our customers and hence we select world class partners for our service requirements.”

Deepak Mathur, Vice President South Asia and Middle East for SES WORLD SKIES stated, “We are delighted to have Supernet on board NSS-12, and look forward to a long-term relationship with this leading satellite service provider in Pakistan. The cellular industry continues to enjoy explosive growth across the region, and GSM backhaul via satellite offers operators the opportunity to deploy a truly ubiquitous network with near instant connectivity.”