EUTELSAT's Ka-Sat High Throughput Satellite Goes Live
31 May 2011
Eutelsat Communications announced the commercial entry into service of its KA-SAT High Throughput Satellite, marking the official launch of its new-generation Tooway™ broadband service.
Eutelsat's high-capacity all Ka-band system, combining satellite and on-ground infrastructure, opens a new chapter in the market for satellite-based IP services. As a powerful new platform for delivering high-bandwidth services to users beyond range of terrestrial networks, it can deliver cost-effective and competitive solutions that contribute to building inclusive digital economies across Europe and the Mediterranean Basin.
Michel de Rosen, Eutelsat CEO commented on the entry into service: "The entry into service of KA-SAT, the world's most powerful spotbeam satellite, turns a new page in affordable and immediately available IP solutions, and places Europe at the forefront of high-capacity satellite technologies that can serve to quickly close the broadband gap. We look forward to working with our service and technology partners to unleash the huge potential of this new pan-European wireless infrastructure."
Up to 10 Mbps immediately available for consumers irrespective of location
The new-generation Tooway™ system now running through KA-SAT, and shown live today in locations from Dublin to Athens, is a cost-effective and immediate response to users waiting to access the benefits of broadband irrespective of their location. Europe's broadband map* shows that at least 13 million households are still beyond range of ADSL, and 17 million access the Internet at speeds below 2 Mbps, which closes the door to many media-rich applications that users today expect to use on a daily basis.
* European Union member states, Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia.
Operated by Eutelsat's Skylogic affiliate, Tooway™ can provide homes with an always-on service delivering speeds of up to 10 Mbps downstream and 4 Mbps upstream. The customer equipment comprises a small satellite dish (77 cm) and a sleek modem, which is connected to a PC or Mac via an Ethernet connection. Customers can select professional or self installation. The equipment is installed by pointing the dish to 9° East using an included sound beeper and following indications on-screen to activate the modem. The Tooway™ system can also be used for Voice over IP and IPTV. With a dual-feed (Ku-Ka), Direct-to-Home reception of television channels from adjacent broadcast satellites is also possible.
