Press Release: 08^th March, 2005

GlobeCast and Arabsat to Launch European Gateway on Arabsat 4A

Fourth-generation Arabsat satellite will allow European uplink to Middle Eastern Direct-To-Home market

CABSAT, March 08, 2005

Leading satellite services company GlobeCast and leading satellite operator Arabsat announce an agreement to launch a new broadcast platform on Arabsat’s fourth-generation satellite Arabsat 4A, set for launch in late 2005.  This digital distribution platform in Ku-band will offer the first European gateway to an Arabsat satellite and will allow broadcasters from around the world direct access to the Middle Eastern and North African markets via GlobeCast’s worldwide satellite and fiber distribution network.

GlobeCast President and CEO Christian Pinon stated, “The new platform on Arabsat 4A will continue the spirit of partnership that GlobeCast and Arabsat share.  GlobeCast works with all of the world’s major satellite operators, so launching a broadcast platform with Arabsat is a natural step and reinforces GlobeCast’s status as the leading global satellite services company.”

Arabsat CEO Eng. Khalid A. Balkheyour said, “Arabsat is enormously proud of the success of the service to global broadcasters and the strong partnership we have developed with GlobeCast.  The European Gateway on Arabsat 4A is another example of Arabsat’s commitment to quality, reliability and service to its customers,” Balkheyour added.

GlobeCast (www.globecast.com) is the world’s leading global satellite services company, operating a global network of satellite distribution platforms for DTH and cable broadcast, enterprise media and advanced IP-based content delivery.   The company distributes more than 500 channels worldwide to supply Direct-to-Home Pay TV providers as well as cable operators, and specialises in satellite delivery of multicultural programming to overseas markets through multiple platforms.

ARABSAT (www.arabsat.com) is dedicated to enabling the Arab World with a range of satellite-based communications services. ARABSAT continues to offer customers multi-mission satellite services, such as television, telephony, Internet and the provision of VSAT and other interactive services that meet both current and emerging demands of ARABSAT customers. The ARABSAT vision is to be recognized as the pioneer of satellite communications in the Arab World. ARABSAT is committed to continuously expanding its services in order to meet the evolving needs of customers, delivering an unparalleled level of service by maintaining a quality product, employing the most skilled individuals, and remaining educated in new technologies.  

GlobeCast Contact:

Lucy Smith                                lucy.smith@globecast.com                     + 33 1 55 95 26 10
Denis Gomez                            denis.gomez@globecast.com               + 33 1 55 95 26 04

UK Press Contact – ING MEDIA:

Donna Coyle                             donna@ing-media.com                         + 44 207 247 8334

ARABSAT Media Contact:

Mr. Saad al Tehaif                     saadt@arabsat.com                               +966 1 482 0000

Public Relations