7/16/2004

Companies in this story Telesat Canada Articles in related categories Satellite

KOUROU, French Guiana - Delayed by a rocket glitch and poor weather this week, Telesat oversaw the successful launch of Anik F2, the world's largest commercial communications satellite and the first to fully commercialize the Ka frequency for two-way broadband services via satellite.

Anik F2 will enable improvements in access to two-way, high-speed Internet services for consumers and businesses. The satellite will also provide new capacity for a wide range of broadcasting and telecommunications services across North America.

"Anik F2 is a historic milestone for Telesat, and for the global satellite communications industry," said Larry Boisvert, Telesat's president and CEO. "The launch of Anik F2 reflects Telesat's commitment to providing the most advanced communications to North American consumers and businesses - anywhere and anytime."

Anik F2 will be used in the delivery of high-speed broadband data to consumers and businesses, and it will also bring high power capacity for direct-to-home broadcast services. 16 of the bird's 32 Ku transponders have been contracted to Star Choice for the expansion of its programming lineup.

After testing, F2 should be ready for use by the end of September.

Look for the next issue of Cablecaster Magazine for our feature interview with Boisvert.
 
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