Intelsat, Ltd, the world's leading provider of commercial satellite services, and Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), today announced the signing of a multi-year service agreement that will result in the next generation of in-flight passenger broadband access.
Panasonic, known for delivering state-of-the-art in-flight technology, is introducing an advanced satellite transmission platform that will allow airline passengers the ability to access Internet-based information and entertainment. The service, Panasonic eXConnect, provides passengers Internet connectivity.
The platform will leverage Intelsat's existing GlobalConnexSM Network Broadband service which is available on Intelsat's global satellite fleet of 53 in-orbit satellites, and regional teleport facilities. By utilising Intelsat's existing infrastructure, Panasonic will be able to introduce eXConnect in key regions around the world, providing an efficient and cost-effective means to scale the network capacity as demand grows.
Panasonic eXConnect enables two-way broadband connectivity that provides a wide range of applications useful to both the passengers and crew such as VPN, live television, shopping, streaming media, telemedicine, operational applications and personal devices integrated to the airline's in-flight entertainment systems. With data rates comparable to ground public WiFi hotspots, eXConnect offers airlines the opportunity to further differentiate their in-flight product with a valuable service to their passengers.
"On-demand, mobile communications continues to fuel the widespread integration of cutting-edge satellite services," said Jay Yass, Intelsat's Vice-President, Network Services. "The agreement with Panasonic further demonstrates Intelsat's ability to lead the global satellite industry in creating innovative data, video and voice infrastructure solutions. The Panasonic eXConnect platform, powered by the Intelsat system, delivers seamless broadband connectivity to passengers who seek Internet access wherever and whenever they need it, enabling them to stay connected while in flight."
"At Panasonic, we believe that true broadband communication is an enabling technology that will unlock new efficiency and reliability improvements in the aeronautical world in addition to groundbreaking passenger connectivity service," said Paul Margis, Chief Executive Officer at Panasonic Avionics Corporation. "We believe Intelsat has the best in class satellite communications systems to provide Panasonic with the satellite resources and operating knowledge necessary for the new eXConnect service to be operationally and financially successful."
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Panasonic Avionics Corporation is the world's leading supplier of in-flight entertainment (IFE) and communication systems. The company's best-in-class solutions, supported by professional maintenance services, fully integrate with the cabin enabling airlines to deliver the ultimate travel experiences with a rich variety of entertainment choices, resulting in improved quality communication systems and solutions, reduced time-to-market and lower overall costs. Established in 1979, Panasonic Avionics serves over 200 customers worldwide and provides systems on over 3 700 aircraft. Headquartered in Lake Forest, California, the company employs over 2 600 employees with operations in 80 locations worldwide. For additional information, please visit www.panasonic.aero. Panasonic Avionics Corporation is a subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co, Ltd (NYSE: MC). Additional information on Matsushita Electric and Panasonic is available at www.panasonic.com.
Intelsat
Intelsat is the leading provider of fixed satellite services (FSS) worldwide, delivering advanced transmission access for information and entertainment to many of the world's leading media and network companies, multinational corporations, Internet service providers and governmental agencies. Intelsat also offers seamless service for voice, data and video transmission unmatched in the industry. With the globalisation of content, broadband, telecom, HD and IPTV fuelling next-generation growth, the ever-expanding universe of satellite services are the cornerstones of today's Intelsat. Real-time, advanced communications with people anywhere in the world is closer, by far.
Intelsat Safe Harbour Statement: Some of the statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" that do not directly or exclusively relate to historical facts.
The forward-looking statements made in this release reflect Intelsat's intentions, plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs about future events and are subject to risks, including known and unknown risks. Detailed information about some of the known risks is included in Intelsat's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended 31 December 2007 and Intelsat's other periodic reports filed 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.
Intelsat is the world's leading provider of fixed satellite services. Real-time, constant communication with people anywhere in the world is closer, by far.
For more information about Intelsat, visit www.intelsat.com.
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