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Globecomm Systems Makes Pre-Launch Commitment for GEi Capacity
GE Americom and GSI Form Cooperative Agreement for Next-Generation Satellite Services
 Globecomm Systems Inc. (GSI) recently secured capacity on two of GE Americom's next-generation C-band satellites - marking the first pre-launch commitment to the international fleet. Signed at Americom's Princeton, N.J., headquarters, the agreement commits GSI to a full transponder on both GE-1i and GE-2i. Alcatel Space is currently constructing the fleet of four spacecraft, which will be collectively known as GEi for its international footprint. The satellites will begin to come online in 1Q 2003.
"We are pleased that Globecomm, one of the most fully integrated services organizations in the satellite industry, has expressed such great confidence in our next generation spacecraft," notes Andreas Georghiou, senior vice president of global satellite services, GE Americom. "In addition, we congratulate GSI's Long Island Teleport which was recently recognized by the WTA for consistently demonstrating operational, marketing and strategic excellence."
The two companies also established a broad cooperative agreement granting access to each other's key global resources. GSI will benefit from Americom's rapidly expanding fleet of satellites, and Americom will leverage GSI's extensive terrestrial infrastructure, "Internet-in-a-box" technologies and platforms to provide a range of satellite-based solutions to customers worldwide.
"This strategic partnership establishes a framework to leverage both companies' resources," explains Cynthia Dickins, vice president for international sales, GE Americom. "GSI and GE Americom can tap into each others' networks to optimize our response to customer needs. The agreement creates a literal plug-and-play situation, with all administrative issues handled on the front-end."
GE-1i will feature 72 36 MHz C-band transponders configured into a hemi-beam over Europe and Africa and two zone beams covering North and South America. GE-2i will feature a 60 transponder 36 MHz C-band payload with coverage of Asia Pacific, Australia and western U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska.
Interim capacity is currently being provided to the Americom customer base through three former Columbia satellites, as well as through GE Spacenet 4, which has moved into a fourth orbital slot, 172° E.L. The interim spacecraft carry television, data, Internet and telephony services among the African, Asian, European, North and South American continents.
Globecomm Systems provides end-to-end, value-added, satellite-based communications services, and satellite ground segment systems and networks, which support a wide range of satellite communications applications. The company's majority-owned NetSat Express subsidiary is a leader in providing end-to-end satellite-based Internet solutions around the world. Currently, NetSat Express offers start-up and expanding ISPs and other enterprises a wide range of solutions, including Internet backbone connectivity, network applications, back-office capabilities, POP infrastructure, Web hosting and network management services.
GSI has also agreed to be one of the founding members of GE Americom's Quality Satellite Network (QSN), a worldwide alliance of premier teleport and transmission service providers created in fall 2000. This global network will expedite service implementation and provide customers, members and GE Americom with feedback on local practices, including information facilitating compliance with regulatory administrative requirements.
"We are excited about Americom's next generation of satellites and this opportunity to extend our entwined heritage as two pioneer companies in the satellite industry," comments David Hershberger, chief executive officer, GSI. "As currently framed by GE Americom, QSN offers great promise and we are delighted to work with our colleagues at Americom and within the QSN to shape this remarkable global services alliance." 
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