Press Releases
Telesat earns Government approval for new direct broadcast satellite
New orbital location enables Telesat to expand direct-to-home services
OTTAWA, ON, December 18, 2003 - Telesat announced today that the Canadian government has approved the company’s bid to design, build and launch a new direct broadcast satellite that will carry a wide range of advanced direct-to-home (DTH) services to consumers. The satellite will enable the expansion of services such as high-definition television, local services and new broadcast technologies as they evolve.
“Telesat is pleased to continue its long tradition of innovation with a new direct broadcast satellite that will bring important new services to our customers,” said Larry Boisvert, Telesat’s president and CEO. “Telesat’s satellites are the foundation for the success of Canadian direct-to-home satellite television. The new orbital location gives us the opportunity to expand our fleet and plan for growth in the DTH marketplace.”
Following a call for interest by Industry Canada, the government approved Telesat’s plan to serve customers from Canada’s orbital position at 72.5° WL. Telesat will announce specific plans for the satellite, including a proposed launch date, in the near future.
The new satellite will be Telesat’s third direct broadcast satellite. The company is currently flying nine satellites - five for its own customers, and four for other service providers. Two new Telesat satellites are also under construction.
About Telesat
Telesat is a world pioneer in satellite operations and systems management. The company made history in 1972 with the launch of the first domestic commercial communications satellite in geostationary orbit. Today, Telesat competes with other top international satellite fleets in providing telecommunications and broadcasting services throughout the Americas. Telesat is a wholly owned subsidiary of BCE Inc., a leading communications company with shares listed in the United States, Canada and Europe.
For more information:
Marilynn Wright
Telesat
(613) 748-0123
Dan Tisch or Melissa Chang (Media Only)
Argyle Rowland Communications
(416) 968-7311, ext. 223 or 239
dtisch@argylerowland.com
melissa@argylerowland.com
