Joint Press Release with VT Communications

International broadcast services provider VT Communications is working with Arqiva, leading suppliers of media and satellite services, to deliver a radical Global Media Network (GMN).

The GMN is a purpose-designed, IP media delivery and integrated satellite network, using multicast techniques to provide broadcasters and content providers with both streaming and file-based media distribution.  VT has signed a five year agreement with Arqiva, who will provide the satellite edge services to carry multiple radio channels around the globe.

By integrating the GMN with distributed asset-management, network automation and custom developed content management, VT Communications is able to offer a complete, single-sourced, media-management, distribution and transmission/platform delivery service over multiple media platforms.  Live or stream management is facilitated within the GMN allowing point-to-point and point-to-multi-point distribution within the network.

To complete the global network, Arqiva has provided a flexible, three satellite solution, initially providing coverage to four continents.  This will be used as an overlay over VT Communications' terrestrial MPLS infrastructure, to enable delivery to those places not connected by fibre and where a satellite solution is the only option, such as Ascension Island and Ulan Bator in Mongolia.

As part of the agreement, VT Communications has located its state-of-the-art GMN services and management infrastructure at Arqiva's Chalfont Grove Media Centre, where it can derive maximum benefit from Arqiva's extensive satellite capabilities and provide distribution, uplinking from its global network of teleports.  The agreement opens the way for both companies to pursue new, cross-platform, media opportunities utilising their combined network infrastructure, expertise and services.

Bryan Coombes, Director of Broadcast at VT Communications said:  "We are delighted to be partnering with Arqiva on this critical development of our business.  They offered us the most robust and resilient solution, allowing us to not only offer a plethora of new services, but also to raise the bar to a new level within our existing service offerings. This is an exciting time at VT Communications as we develop our distribution and transmission infrastructure, providing our customers with a simple path to the benefits of our global, multi-platform, media services."

Nick Thompson, Managing Director at Arqiva's Satellite Media Solutions division said: "The GMN project with VT Communications is harnessing skills, experience and knowledge from both organisations to push the boundaries both technically and logistically.  Following our recent acquisition of BT's satellite broadcast business, we have extended our own network reach, which allows us to support further VT growth both geographically, and through our scaleable platforms.  This will allow the network to develop and deal with increased traffic volumes where necessary, which is essential in future-proofing the network."

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