3 June 2008

Newtec, announced that satellite transmission tests using Newtec Azimuth equipment and carried out with Russian operators, RSCC and Gascom, have demonstrated performance and bandwidth efficiency set to rival that of even the most advanced international satellites.

The tests, carried out on the RSCC Express-AM33 satellite in April 2008, demonstrated that with Newtec’s DVB-S2 implementation the satellites performed at an efficiency level not yet seen in any Russian satellites currently in operation. Gascom saw a performance and bandwidth efficiency increase of 42 percent, with no performance degradation on a crowded transponder. RSCC tests on full saturated transponder even achieved bandwidth efficiency increase of up to 58.7 percent, (32APSK 9/10 with 2 dB margin) as well as improved ACM, allowing for optimised transmission parameters for users.

Natalia Nikolaeva, RSCC Deputy Director General, said: “We are extremely pleased with the outcome of this latest Newtec DVB-S2 test campaign in Russia. We are confident that the widespread introduction of DVB-S2 will significantly increase profitability of projects on our satellites, as well as allowing the transmission of much greater volumes of data on our transponders”.

General Director of Gascom Dmitry Sevastyanov: «The fact that the new innovative technology has been successfully tested on "Yamal" satellites currently in operation is of principal importance, especially taking into account that these satellites are loaded for more than 90% with commercial traffic. We have proved it to ourselves and to our users that during the time left until the launch of the new "Yamal" generation the existing satellite capacity can be used yet more efficiently».

Svetlana Almakaeva, regional representative of Newtec in Russia and CIS, said: “The results of these tests have confirmed without doubt that the most technologically advanced equipment can be successfully used on the Russian satellites. Therefore the solution to the lack of satellite capacity, and consequently higher profitability of satellite projects, lies in the hands of the network operators when choosing the most effective solutions for their networks. Newtec prides itself on being an innovative and forward looking company and this is no better demonstrated than in our unwavering support for DVB-S2. Relying on its broad international experience, Newtec is always ready to provide necessary support in this process to its Russian clients and partners.” concluded Almakaeva.