Press Releases

Build out of high speed mobile network over North Atlantic positions Panasonic to continue expanding in-flight broadband and TV services to commercial airlines

OTTAWA, CANADA, June 13, 2012 – Telesat, a leading global fixed satellite services operator, announced today that Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), the world’s leading supplier of in-flight entertainment and communication systems, has signed a long term contract for capacity on Telesat’s Telstar 11N satellite.

Located at 37.5 degrees West, Telstar 11N is the first satellite to provide Ku-band service in the Atlantic Ocean from the Arctic Circle to the equator. Customers in shipping and aviation are using the satellite’s unique, single-beam coverage to deploy cost-effective, full-time mobile broadband services over the Atlantic that support video and high speed Internet access.

“This commitment by Panasonic not only confirms the competitive advantages of Telstar 11N, but also brings the dream of transatlantic in-flight broadband and TV to reality,” said Nigel Gibson Vice President, International Sales for Telesat.“Airline passengers want to be able to use their smart phones and PCs in flight as they do in their everyday lives. We congratulate Panasonic on their progress in meeting this demand and look forward to serving their needs over the Atlantic for years to come.”

“The capabilities and single-beam coverage of the North Atlantic offered by Telstar 11N give Panasonic important operational advantages in providing in-flight broadband and TV to our commercial airline customers,” said David Bruner, Vice President, Global Communications Services at Panasonic. “As the technology to deliver this service has improved, the business case has become more attractive for all parties. Panasonic knows and appreciates technology leadership and is pleased to be working with a company like Telesat that has many satellite industry firsts to their credit, including the unmatched Atlantic Ocean coverage of Telstar 11N.”

About Telesat (www.telesat.com) Telesat is a leading global fixed satellite services operator providing reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions worldwide to broadcast, telecom, corporate and government customers. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, with offices and facilities around the world, the company’s state-of-the-art fleet consists of 13 satellites and the Canadian Ka-band payload on ViaSat-1, plus one satellite under construction. Telesat also manages the operations of additional satellites for third parties. Privately held, Telesat’s principal shareholders are Canada’s Public Sector Pension Investment Board and Loral Space & Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: LORL).

For further information:
Gerry Nagler, Telesat +1 908 698-4907 (gnagler@telesat.com)