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Viacom Signs With GE Americom for Next-Generation Satellites
PRINCETON, N.J.--Sept. 4, 2001--GE American Communications (GE Americom) announced today that New York-based Viacom Inc. has signed a long term, multi-transponder agreement for next generation C-band capacity on GE-10 and GE-11, the successor satellites to Satcom C-3 and C-4. The higher-powered satellites will be used for distributing such popular programming as Showtime, The Movie Channel, MTV, VH1, TV Land and Nickelodeon to viewers across the nation.
"We are delighted to be able to extend Viacom's programming to our next-generation satellite platform," said Carl Capista, Vice President, Satellite Services-North America. "Their diversified programming provides entertainment that attracts audiences of all ages, from music based programming to children's programming to top-rated box office movies and more. We are proud to be able to continue our long-term relationship with Viacom."
Paul Heimbach, Senior Vice President/Chief Technology Officer, Viacom Inc. commented, "We are remaining with GE Americom because they have a proven track record of launching and operating reliable and robust satellite systems. Also, because GE-10 and GE-11 are located at the same orbital position as C-3 and C-4, the transition to GE-10 and GE-11 will be virtually seamless for our distributors." He continued, "GE Americom's flexibility and willingness to meet and even exceed our requirements will enhance the ability of our cable networks to continue to introduce new and advanced digital services and applications such as high definition television, subscription video on demand, streaming media and interactive TV."
GE-10 and GE-11, the all C-band next generation satellites planned for operation in 2004, will each have 24 transponders and will be located at 135 degrees and 131 degrees W.L., respectively. Each transponder will have a minimum of 20 watt SSPAs, an increase over their predecessors, Satcom C-3 and C-4. In addition, a higher level of on-board redundancy plus an in-orbit protection satellite, GE-7, currently operating at 137 degrees W.L. will protect the programming services.
About Viacom
Viacom Inc. is the No.1 platform in the world for advertisers, with preeminent positions in broadcast and cable television, radio, outdoor advertising and online. With programming that appeals to audiences in every demographic category across virtually all media, the company is a leader in the creation, promotion and distribution of entertainment, news, sports and music. Viacom's well-known brands include CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1, BET, Paramount Pictures, Infinity, UPN, TNN: The National Network, CMT: Country Music Television, Showtime, Blockbuster and Simon & Schuster. More information about Viacom and its businesses is available at www.viacom.com.
About Americom
With over twenty-five years' experience, GE American Communications, Inc. is recognized as a pioneer and leading provider of global satellite communications solutions. GE Americom is able to provide end-to-end telecommunications solutions to any region in the world through a fleet of 20 satellites. GE Americom's key customers include ABC Radio Networks, AT&T Alascom, British Telecom, Cidera, Deutsche Welle, Discovery, Fox, TV Guide/Gemstar, Gannett, ICG, Merlin, NBC, the New York Times, NHK, PaxNet, PBS, TELE Greenland, TV Europa, Viacom and TimeWarner/Turner Broadcasting.
On March 28, 2001, GE Capital announced with SES Astra that it plans to combine the assets of GE Americom to form a new premier global satellite company, SES Global. The new company will have a fleet of 29 satellites and be able to deliver broadband satellite services to more than 90% of the world's population. In addition, SES Global's strategic partnerships and participations in AsiaSat, NSAB, Star One, Americom Asia-Pacific and Nahuelsat will combine to give entertainment, Internet, news and enterprise customers access to a fleet of 42 satellites. When the transaction is finalized, GE Capital will hold a 25.1% economic interest and 20.1% voting interest in SES Global S.A.
GE Americom is a GE Capital company. GE Capital, with assets of more than US$370 billion, is a global, diversified financial services company grouped into six key operating segments comprised of 24 businesses. A wholly-owned subsidiary of General Electric Company, GE Capital, based in Stamford, Connecticut, provides a variety of consumer services, such as credit cards and life and auto insurance; mid-market financing; specialized financing; specialty insurance; equipment management, and specialized services, to businesses and individuals in 47 countries around the world. GE is a diversified services, technology and manufacturing company with operations worldwide.
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Contact: Monica Morgan
+1-609-987-4143
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