MUMBAI: Global satellite services communciations provider Intelsat has announced that Australia Network, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s international television channel, has renewed its multi-year contract with Intelsat.

It has expanded the contract to include transmission services on an additional satellite.Using the Intelsat global system, Australia Network will now be able to distribute programming beyond its existing Asia-Pacific footprint to reach new viewers in the cable neighborhoods of the South Asian region served by Pas-10 and to be positioned for additional access into new markets such as India and the Middle East.

Under the terms of the new agreement, Intelsat will also provide Australia Network with turnaround services from its leased teleport facilities in Singapore. Prior to this contract, Australia Network only had available a single time feed. Intelsat’s enhanced fleet and teleport facilities now enable the broadcaster to transmit its programming in three prime time feeds covering the Pacific island nations, Asian land mass and South Asia regions.

Australia Network CEO Ian Carroll says, “As Australia Network was seeking wider distribution in the region, we needed a service provider that would enable us to accomplish multiple business goals with one turnkey offering, and Intelsat provided that solution. Our long-standing relationship with Intelsat was enhanced with the inclusion of PAS-10 transmission services into the South Asia markets and we look forward to continued growth of this relationship.”

Intelsat regional VP, Asia-Pacific, David Ball said, “For Intelsat, helping our customers achieve their strategic business goals is top priority. With respect to Australia Network, our solution is unique in the market and showcases Intelsat’s regional strength for video distribution through its expanded satellite fleet and terrestrial infrastructure. We are proud that Australia Network is entrusting us to transmit its programming into these new markets.”