Intelsat Ltd is on a gobbling spree. The satellite operator that provides telephony, corporate network, broadcast and Internet solutions around the globe via capacity on 21 geosynchronous satellites in prime orbital locations, today announced two acquisitions which will signficantly strengthen its ground-based satellite infrastructure.
In a press release issued today, Intelsat announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire the World Systems business unit of Lockheed Martin Corp, including existing service contracts with World Systems‘ customers for Intelsat capacity as well as earth stations located in Clarksburg, Maryland and Paumalu, Hawaii. Under the agreement, Intelsat will also purchase the teleport facilities and related assets of COMSAT Digital Teleport. Intelsat further announced that it had acquired a teleport facility in Fuchsstadt, Germany from Deutsche Telekom AG.

Additionally, Intelsat said that it has established points of presence (POPs) connected by fiber at key traffic exchange points in Los Angeles, New York and London that will be connected to the teleport facilities which it is planning to acquire.

In the release, Intelsat says it expects to use this ground-based infrastructure to begin offering hybrid space/terrestrial services in a new service portfolio called "Global Connectivity Solutions." Hybrid services in this family are being designed to address increasing customer demand for one-stop shopping and end-to-end services. Finally, it hopes the new deals will help bring Intelsat closer to its customers in the US market.

"These developments clearly demonstrate Intelsat‘s commitment to provide our customers with the tools they need to better succeed in their own markets," said Intelsat CEO Conny Kullman. "This move also shows how a privatized Intelsat has quickly begun to execute its business strategy to move from a satellite-centric to a network-centric company."

The assets to be acquired under the Lockheed Martin agreement will include:

* All of World Systems‘ existing service contracts for Intelsat capacity with its customers.

* The assets of COMSAT Digital Teleport, Inc., including a total of 19 antennas (of which 15 are located in Clarksburg, two are located in California, one is located in Maine and one is located in Italy).

* Tracking, telemetry, command and monitoring (TTC&M) earth stations located in Clarksburg, Maryland and in Paumalu, Hawaii. These are two of the six major earth stations that Intelsat uses to monitor and control its satellites and are currently operated by World Systems under contracts with Intelsat. The Clarksburg earth station has 11 TTC&M antennas and the Paumalu earth station has seven antennas. The teleport acquired in Fuchsstadt, Germany includes one 18-meter and two 32-meter antennas and operating facilities.

Intelsat Global Sales & Marketing president John Stanton noted: "The agreement with Lockheed Martin represents more than just an infrastructure play as it will allow us to get closer to our customers in the United States and provide them with value-added services."

Intelsat Global Service Corporation president & COO added: "These initial steps represent the first elements of a basic infrastructure we are putting in place for our Global Connectivity Solutions portfolio, while streamlining our current operations. We are planning to expand our terrestrial network throughout the world via additional teleports, associated fiber links and POPs. We are looking to work with our distributors to help us lease or acquire these elements, and expect to partner with these customers to expand our terrestrial network as new opportunities arise."

The closing of the Lockheed Martin transaction is subject to regulatory and other approvals and certain other conditions.

Zee TV is pulling out all the stops to increase its visibility at the ground level. To this effect it has announced a unique talent contest The Zee Mytho Show.

It will take place in ten major cities according to reports. The focus is on mythological serials Ramayan, Mahabharat and Jai Santoshi Ma.

Reports state that the programme schedule includes two fancy dress contests. One will see five to eight year olds participate. The other is for those in the nine to fourteen year age group. In addition there will also be a quiz contest for kids between nine and fourteen.

The show will be hosted by actor Swapnil Joshi who is known for his role in Sri Krishna. The Mumbai leg will take place at Rang Bhavan on 25 March from 5pm onwards.

Alpha Marathi has announced the commencement of the serial 405 Anandwan. Producer, director and writer Pratima Kulkarni was behind the highly successful Prapancha which ran for 78 episodes on the channel.

A channel spokesperson said that Prapancha was one of the few serials that held its ground during the onslaught of the Kaun Banega Crorepati phenomenon on Star Plus. Prapancha ratings hovered between 2 - 3 which is normal for the channel.

Prapacha which concluded last May on the channel dealt with a joint Maharashtrian family. In fact there was demand for the show long after it wrapped up but apparently Pratima Kulkarni decided that it was time to move on.

405 Anandwan which commenced last week airs every Tuesday at 9:30 pm. It sees stars of Prapancha like Sudhir Joshi, Anand Ingle return to create the magic through a different theme. Pratima Kulkarni has tried to showcase the positive nature of todays youth. The perception today is that the youth are self centred and lack a larger perspective on issues affecting the world.

While all that is true the serial attempts to strike a balance by showcasing the sensitive, serious and introspective side of todays youth. The fact that not all of them are happy-go-lucky is the perspective that the show will adopt.

The residents of 405 Anandavan are a brother and sister who are home alone as their parents are working in Nigeria. Relatives, friends and neighbours frequently troop in and out of the place. Characters include a bookworm and a student trying to become a veterinary doctor much against the wishes of his mother.

The home thus becomes a place where social activity takes place sometimes with comical and at other times with tragic results. The youth‘s relationship with society is examined through apparently mundane situations. In this manner they learn and grow.

The spokesperson also said that from Thursday at 9:30 pm the channel will show a serial Sai Baba. This is the first time a serial on Indian television has dealt with the subject. It deals with his relevance in modern India, why people continue to put their faith in him. It has been directed by Deboo Devdar and Sharavani Devdar.

The channel won plaudits on 16 March at the Maharashtra Times Sanmaan Awards which took place at Rang Bhavan. The channel bagged nine out of ten awards for serials like Zale Mokhale Aakash and Nupur. In an ironic twist of fate rival channel ETV bagged the rights to show the programme.