Newtec, a satellite communications company, announced that they have successfully tested their new high speed Ka-band technology for SES (News - Alert) Broadband (ASTRA2Connect, earlier), Europe’s satellite broadband service.

Newtec has shipped more than 100,000 Ku-band Sat3Play terminals for SES Broadband. It is now providing next generation Ka-band terminals for SES Broadband evolution, featuring download speeds beyond 10 Mbps.

The test was completed with next generation Ka-band Sat3Play terminals and related hub infrastructure. The new technology was tested on the ASTRA 1L Ka-band capacity at 19.2 degrees East.

A standard Sat3Play consists of a small, high quality and easily installed antenna (75 or 100cm), an interactive LNB (iLNB) combining a low noise block down converter and 500mW or 800mW transmitter, an IP modem with Ethernet connection and a screen stylus used for Point & Play.

Key Features of Sat3Play include: DVB-S2 ACM, 4CPM true MF-TDMA Adaptive Return Link, High speed connection with embedded acceleration, encryption and pre-fetching, wireless software upgradeability, wireless monitoring and diagnostics tools and low jitter for real time applications.

 “We have jointly tested and validated the Sat3Play Ka-band platform from Newtec (News - Alert) with the objective of proving operational readiness for a rollout of SES Broadband Ka-band services later this year,” stated Patrick Biewer, Managing Director, SES Broadband Services. “The upgrade of existing end user terminals and the next generation Ka-band terminals, featuring speeds beyond 10 Mbps, are part of SES strategy to bring its successful broadband service to the next level. The test was very successful and we are pleased with the performance of the equipment. We look forward to the launch of our Ka-band services.” 

 During testing, Newtec installed a Sat3Play hub at SES Broadband Services’ premises in Luxembourg, provided Ka-band terminals working on Astra-1L Ka-band frequencies, and the ability to operate the Hub remotely.

Said Serge Van Herck, CEO of Newtec, “The testing has been a clear success. We have now completed the tests and look forward to the operational start of the SES Broadband Ka-band services later this year.”

At SATELLITE 2012, Newtec is presenting this new High Speed Ku/Ka-band Sat3Play terminal, including a new modem and a new Ka-band interactive LNB unit. The terminal features higher broadband forward and return speeds, the lowest power consumption available on the market and an easy installation tool based on Newtec’s Point&Play® technology.