[September 14, 2009] SES WORLD SKIES Signs Transport Deal with Galaxy Backbone to Connect Remote Communities and Government Agencies across Nigeria Tweet THE HAGUE, The Netherlands --(Business Wire)-- Bridging communications gaps around the world, SES (News - Alert) WORLD SKIES, a division of SES S.A. (Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG), today announced Galaxy Backbone has signed a multiyear, two-transponder agreement for delivery of a broad range of information and communication technology (ICT) services to rural and remote government offices, schools and hospitals in communities throughout all 36 states of Nigeria. Satellite IP backhaul over ASTRA 2B is providing Internet access and private video, voice and data network links to universities, medical centers and between Nigerian government field offices and the nation's capital city of Abuja. As part of the deal, SES WORLD SKIES capacity is also enabling Galaxy Backbone to offer broadband, long distance learning, telemedicine and videoconferencing services out of mobile, solar-powered vehicles that take to the streets of rural towns and villages. "Demand for connectivity is spreading across Nigeria at levels we've never seen before, much of it driven by the huge economic growth in the country," said Martin Ahachi, CTO of Galaxy Backbone, noting that Nigeria has one of the fastest growing economies in the world. "SES WORLD SKIES, with its powerful satellites and experienced team, provides us with the capacity and connectivity we need to help our customers keep pace with the rapid growth and succeed, regardless of whether they're in metropolitan areas or the remotest Nigerian town." "Galaxy Backbone has developed innovative information and communication technology services that are helping government agencies, corporations, educators and medical leaders improve the productivity of their operations and spur economic growth across Nigeria," said Nicolas Baravalle, Vice President of Africa Sales for SES WORLD SKIES. "Working closely with the Galaxy Backbone team, SES WORLD SKIES is delivering the connectivity that is enabling better communication and collaboration among a broad range of mission critical workers, such as doctors, government employees, teachers and administrators," explained Baravalle. "The list of people and communities benefiting from the networks and services offered by Galaxy Backbone is growing quickly and SES WORLD SKIES is proud to play a part in the increasingly connected country of Nigeria." About ASTRA 2BThe ASTRA 2B satellite offers 16 Ku-band transponders that provide beam coverage over West Africa. The spacecraft is fully capable of providing highly reliable Internet, telecom and DTH services in this fast growing region. About Galaxy BackboneGalaxy Backbone Plc is a public enterprise of the Federal Government of Nigeria with an official mandate to operate a single nation-wide infrastructure to provide network services to all Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). The company will manage all national databases, transversal applications and services for all Federal Government MDAs. Galaxy Backbone is also charged with the responsibility of facilitating digital inclusion through the provision of connectivity and internet access to rural and underserved communities in Nigeria. About SES WORLD SKIESSES WORLD SKIES is the new global division of SES, created through the combination of the former SES NEW SKIES (News - Alert) and SES AMERICOM. The company operates a fleet of 25 satellites - part of the 40 spacecraft of the SES group -- delivering services as diverse as television distribution and broadcast, internet access, data transmission and business and government communications to customers worldwide. SES WORLD SKIES' unique customer-focused approach allows it to offer the best satellite solution for a host of business and government requirements, with a view toward helping customers meet their short-term challenges and realize their longer-term goals. The company comprises a world-class team of customer care and technical professionals located in Princeton, The Hague, Washington D.C., Singapore, Beijing, London, Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Sydney, Accra and Johannesburg. Visit www.ses.com for more information. About SESSES (Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG) wholly owns the market-leading satellite operators SES ASTRA and SES WORLD SKIES, 90% of SES SIRIUS in Europe, and strategic participations in Ciel in Canada and QuetzSat in Mexico. SES provides outstanding satellite communications solutions via a global fleet of 40 satellites in 26 orbital locations. For further information: www.ses.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]