Corporate Profile
About Us
The combined experience of Arqiva and its predecessor organisations dates back more than 80 years in broadcast engineering and wireless communications infrastructure. Today Arqiva operates at the heart of the broadcast and mobile communications industry and is at the forefront of network solutions and services in the digital world. The company provides much of the infrastructure behind television, radio and wireless communications in the UK and has a significant presence in Ireland, mainland Europe and the USA. There are three business units:
Terrestrial Broadcast:
Broadcast origins can be found in the transmission functions of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA), which pioneered many of the major developments in radio and television networks, including the launch of ITV in 1955, Channel 4 1982, Five in 1997, digital radio (DAB) in 1996 and digital terrestrial television (DTT) in 1998. More recently Arqiva was awarded contracts by the BBC, Digital 3 & 4 and SDN to provide the new digital TV network infrastructure after digital switchover. The company itself owns and operates two of the six UK DTT multiplexes, enabling major media companies to bring their TV and radio services to Freeview. In addition Arqiva provides transmission for all BBC domestic radio services and most commercial radio stations. The new online TV service SeeSaw takes the company directly into the consumer arena with a platform that is complementary to the delivery of traditional linear TV channels.
Satellite & Media:
Media content management and distribution services with global reach form the core of a range of services for satellite broadcasters, content providers, production companies, retail chains and advertisers. This capability is truly end-to-end and includes channel playout, satellite uplinking and international connectivity via ten satellite teleports, studios and post-production, HD Outside Broadcast facilities and occasional video and data services. Many of these facilities and services are offered in the United States and in mainland Europe, with infrastructure and operations based in Washington DC, Paris and Rome.
Wireless Access:
Arqiva is the largest independent provider of radio sites in the UK and Ireland. The company has a long track record in neutral host, multi-operator, wireless communication networks, and offers everything from fast-access site sharing and installation services to managed network provision. With its own spectrum, Arqiva can design, build and operate critical end-to-end wireless communication networks, including backhaul links. Cellular, wireless broadband, voice and data solutions are provided for the mobile communications, public safety, local government and commercial markets.
Arqiva has its headquarters near Winchester and other major UK offices in London, Warwick, Buckinghamshire and Yorkshire. The company is owned by a consortium of investors including Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) and Macquarie European Infrastructure Fund 2 (MEIF2). Customers include major broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV, BSkyB and the independent radio groups, major telco providers including the UK's five mobile network operators, and the emergency services.
