| [April 19, 2004] |
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Intelsat Launches Fiber-Based, Digital Video Delivery Network, Enabled by Level 3, at NAB 2004
LAS VEGAS --(Business Wire)-- April 19, 2004 -- Today marks the commercial launch of Intelsat's North American video fiber network, enabled by Level 3 Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:LVLT), presenting broadcasters worldwide with an enhanced opportunity to reliably transmit video content to, from or within North America.
The state-of-the-art network, called Intelsat's Terrestrial Media Transport (TMT), is the North American extension of Intelsat's GlobalConnex(SM) suite of services, which are provided using a worldwide hybrid terrestrial and satellite infrastructure. The extended network, designed with North American broadcasters in mind, is among the first of its kind specifically designed to support both standard and high-definition digital video transmissions for news and sports distribution, contribution and syndication. NASCAR is using the TMT network for the international distribution of its programming, while HTN and the NBA are using it to distribute their programming for viewing within North America.
The scaleable, fiber-based network is optimized for broadcasters to provide flexible transmission throughput, multiple format support, added security in colocation facilities, an innovative back-up approach and end-to-end monitoring to support smooth trouble-shooting. Additionally, this type of secure network connectivity offers enhanced capabilities and high quality of service that can be extended to all Intelsat GlobalConnex(SM) customers, making TMT a product offering that benefits many Intelsat customers across all business lines.
"Broadcasters are driving demand for a new type of fiber-based network; one that can flexibly accommodate their diverse needs from standard definition to high definition via a single interface, in an end-to-end, digital environment," said Ramu Potarazu, COO Intelsat, Ltd. speaking at NAB 2004 in Las Vegas. "The TMT network allows broadcasters to experience a higher quality level since the signal avoids multiple encoding and decoding processes, while allowing them to experience the highest level of service dependability."
The TMT network leverages a new back-up approach to replace conventional "telco-oriented" redundancy with a broadcaster-focused, secure approach utilizing "slipless-switching" technology. Using this technology, two simultaneous and redundant content feeds are carried on diverse paths for every transmission that takes place on the network. The "slipless-switch," managed by Intelsat, constantly monitors the reception quality of both simultaneous feeds and switches to the higher quality signal in the case of either feed experiencing a degradation or outage. Transport stream packet synchronization is maintained, and the switching occurs at speeds indiscernible to the human eye and significantly faster than traditional SONET.
Additionally, the network is capable of providing a scalable service using MPEG-2 and other formats of compression encoding, employing variable bit rates up to 45 Mbps (HDTV) or higher within a single pipe. It supports digital television transmissions, with end-to-end digital formatting, allowing the signal to remain digital throughout the entire transmission. TANDBERG Television has undertaken the integration of the new network.
"We are pleased that Intelsat, one of the world's leading satellite companies, selected Level 3 to enable the commercial launch of the TMT network," said Steve Liddell, Senior Vice President of Transport and Infrastructure Services for Level 3. "Working together, our combined team of network architects designed what we believe is one of the most technically advanced terrestrial distribution networks in operation today -- one that will deliver superior levels of quality and reliability to Intelsat's growing base of broadcast customers."
"Level 3's track record of providing the architecture, innovation, responsiveness and reliability its customers need when they need it is what sets them apart from the rest of the industry, and allowed Level 3 to gain an enviable position in target markets relatively quickly," added Jon Romm, President, Intelsat's Media and Entertainment unit.
Intelsat's new TMT network features private line services from Level 3. Level 3's (3)Link(R) Private Line service provides dedicated point-to-point intercity connectivity between 83 markets in the U.S. and Europe. This service is ideal for customers with multiple locations who need to transport high volumes of voice, video, or data over a secure channel.
Level 3 was recently ranked among the top three primary providers of wholesale private line services in North America based on a survey published by the Yankee Group, a global leader in technology research and strategic consulting.
About Intelsat
Building on 40 Years of Leadership. As a global communications leader with 40 years of experience, Intelsat helps service providers, broadcasters, corporations and governments deliver information and entertainment anywhere in the world, instantly, securely and reliably. Intelsat's global reach and expanding solutions portfolio enable customers to enhance their communications networks, venture into new markets and grow their businesses with confidence. For more information, visit www.intelsat.com.
About Level 3 Communications
Level 3 (Nasdaq:LVLT) is an international communications and information services company. The company operates one of the largest Internet backbones in the world, is one of the largest providers of wholesale dial-up service to ISPs in North America and is the primary provider of Internet connectivity for millions of broadband subscribers, through its cable and DSL partners. The company offers a wide range of communications services over its 22,500 mile broadband fiber optic network including Internet Protocol (IP) services, broadband transport and infrastructure services, colocation services, and patented Softswitch managed modem and voice services. Its Web address is www.Level3.com.
The company offers information services through its subsidiaries, Software Spectrum and (i)Structure. For additional information, visit their respective Web sites at www.softwarespectrum.com and www.i-structure.com.
(3)Link is a registered service mark of Level 3 Communications, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
Note: Some of the statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" that do not directly or exclusively relate to historical facts, including statements that the commercial launch of Intelsat's Level 3-enabled North American video distribution network presents broadcasters worldwide with a new opportunity to reliably transmit video content to, from or within the North American market and statements that the network allows broadcasters to experience a higher quality level. The forward-looking statements made in this news release reflect Intelsat's intentions, plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of Intelsat's control. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements include known and unknown risks. Detailed information about some of the known risks is included in Intelsat's annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2003 on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Because actual results could differ materially from Intelsat's intentions, plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs about the future, you are urged to view all forward-looking statements contained in this news release with caution. Intelsat does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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