In the first stage, P&TLuxembourg intends to provide broadband connectivity service primarily to consumers in Luxembourg. However, P&TLuxembourg will also be able to provide service to SOHO (Small Office and Home Office), SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) customers and public entities in the entire Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and in adjacent territory.

The contract with SATLYNX enables P&T to provide interactive broadband satellite technology as a ubiquitous geographic broadband service. Individuals located in rural locations and companies working in geographically dispersed environments are increasingly relying on satellite communications services for broadband connectivity.

P&TLuxembourg expects the two-way broadband Internet Service to begin in the first quarter of 2003. Details regarding the commercial rollout are expected by year-end.

Marcel Gross, CEO, P&TLuxembourg, stated: "The agreement with SATLYNX will enable us to promote the European wide initiative to develop broadband connectivity. We can offer Luxembourg-based companies and international organizations the possibility to improve existing connectivity within their communication infrastructures.

"We are now in a position to offer private households, who will not have access to a terrestrial broadband connection within the near future, a real alternative. We are excited about the possibility of overcoming the 'digital divide' within our society."

Yves Elsen, President and CEO, SATLYNX said: "This agreement shows that telecommunication companies consider broadband technology as an important business factor even in a difficult economic environment. Due to the lack of appropriate terrestrial connectivity, and in order to be able to offer a complete range of services with full regional coverage to professionals and consumers, these companies depend on satellite communications.

"In addition many teleworkers (home workers) and demanding consumers will choose a customized satellite connection that offers the most efficient and cost effective solution. I'm confident that our agreement with P&TLuxembourg will be a signal for other operators to include two-way satellite Broadband Service in their portfolio."

SATLYNX is a joint venture owned by SES GLOBAL and Gilat Satellite Networks based in Luxembourg. Its is expected that the Alcatel subsidiaries Alcatel Space and SkyBridge will join soon as a third shareholder. Customers being served by SATLYNX's network include La Poste, BT Openworld, Tiscali, Neo Sky and PSA Peugeot Citroen.

P&TLuxembourg, a public service company since 1992, is the main provider of postal and telecommunication services in Luxembourg. In the telecommunications area, P&T runs both fixed and mobile networks providing a full range of voice and data services including satellite uplinks. With its lean and easily manageable size, it serves private customers as well as business clients including international banks, insurance companies and European institutions.

Community
Email This Article
Comment On This Article

Related Links
SATLYNX
SpaceDaily
Search SpaceDaily
Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express
Satellite-based Internet technologies