SES AMERICOM Launches IP·PRIME, Inaugurating Broadbased IPTV via Satellite

NRTC set to run first trials of high-end video services aboard IP·PRIME^TM

Scientific-Atlanta and Globecomm to provide design, integration, equipment and network management services for SES AMERICOM IPTV Broadcast Center

PRINCETON, NJ – September 7, 2005 – With major IPTV trials in the works and plans for regional and rural telephone companies to commercially offer hundreds of high-quality video channels to millions of consumers by spring, SES AMERICOM today launched IP·PRIME^TM, a centralized, satellite delivered IPTV distribution solution enabling telcos to bundle traditional standard and HD television programming with their voice and broadband services. IP·PRIME will originate from the SES AMERICOM IPTV Broadcast Center based in Vernon Valley, New Jersey, where video and audio will be received and processed for distribution via satellite and fiber to telco video hubs nationwide.

The National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC), which serves rural and independent telephone operators in a market of more than 10 million homes, has signed a preliminary agreement to initiate trials of the new service early next year.

Scientific-Atlanta has been selected to provide an MPEG-4 encoding system for the SES AMERICOM IP·PRIME video network and the multi-channel standard and high definition television package it will deliver to telcos. Once the initial phases of the distribution network are complete, SES AMERICOM will enlist more than 100 Scientific-Atlanta MPEG-4 standard definition encoders. SES AMERICOM has also selected Scientific-Atlanta’s ROSA™ Network Management System for its powerful, flexible video services, network and equipment monitoring and control capabilities.

Globecomm Systems will provide the overall design and integration services as well as the major components for the IPTV broadcast distribution center, which include systems for RF and program acquisition, MPEG-4 compression, and uplinking services. SES AMERICOM, the largest satellite services provider in the U.S., will deliver the IPTV programming over its reliable, secure satellite fleet to authorized telco video hubs throughout the country.

“SES AMERICOM’s IP·PRIME represents a significant advancement in the efficient DSL delivery of high-end video services to the home. By transporting quality video over the most reliable and secure hybrid satellite/fiber distribution network in the world to authorized IP telco hubs, IP·PRIME arms phone companies of all sizes with the solution they need to cost effectively deliver voice, broadband, and television over a single line to the home,” said Bryan McGuirk, president of North American media solutions for SES AMERICOM. “IP PRIME enables telcos to bypass extensive and expensive fiber installations and accelerate their IPTV initiatives by months, even years. We look forward to working with the NRTC, Scientific-Atlanta, Globecomm and other innovators as we create and launch an exciting and viable path to the true triple play.”

IP·PRIME programming will be delivered encrypted to the telco’s video center for decryption. SES AMERICOM will offer the option of conditional access and middleware solutions all the way to the IP set-top for customers who want to minimize local headend investment and streamline their video operations.

“NRTC is pleased with our preliminary agreement and we look forward to working with SES AMERICOM, as it develops the exciting, new IP·PRIME platform,” said Bob Phillips, NRTC’s president and CEO. “NRTC is focused on finding telecommunications solutions that are ideal for rural communities and working with our membership to make those solutions a reality across the country.”

“IP·PRIME will help deliver critical momentum for the launch of IPTV services for regional and rural telephone companies,” said Paul Kosac, vice president of market development, Digital Media Networks, Transmission Network Systems at Scientific-Atlanta. “Our involvement in IPTV initiatives that are already underway and our state-of-the-art MPEG-4 technology are solid complements to SES AMERICOM’s plans for the launch of IPTV services.”

“SES AMERICOM’s IPTV Broadcast Center and innovative IP·PRIME solution mark a significant milestone in the delivery of broadband television to homes across America,” said David Hershberg, chief executive officer and chairman of Globecomm Systems, Inc. “As we initiate support of SES AMERICOM’s exciting IP·PRIME service, Globecomm becomes one of the first companies to participate in the design and delivery of an all IP-based MPEG-4, satellite-delivered IPTV video distribution facility.”

SES AMERICOM’s extensive experience in programming distribution, for cable operators, programmers, and broadcasters, enables the largest satellite-based distribution services provider in the U.S. to offer the NRTC and other telcos a proven platform to deliver the powerful and elusive triple play of video, voice and broadband.

The NRTC plans to begin IP·PRIME trials with several of its members early next year. The organization views SES AMERICOM, with its IP·PRIME solution and powerful relationships with the world’s leading television programmers, as the most effective path to meeting increasing consumer demand for a true triple play of compelling video services together with voice and broadband.

About SES AMERICOM

The largest supplier of satellite services in the U.S., SES AMERICOM, Inc., an SES GLOBAL company (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg stock exchanges: SESG), is recognized as a pioneer of global satellite communications services. Established in 1973 with its first satellite circuit for the U.S. Department of Defense, the company currently operates a fleet of 18 spacecraft in orbital positions predominantly providing service throughout the Americas. As a member of the SES GLOBAL family, SES AMERICOM is able to provide end-to-end telecommunications solutions to any region in the world via a fleet of 40 plus satellites. In 2001, the company established AMERICOM Government Services, a wholly owned subsidiary dedicated to providing satellite-based communications solutions to both civilian and defense agencies of the U.S. government. With its combined operations, SES AMERICOM serves broadcasters, cable programmers, aeronautical and maritime communications integrators, Internet service providers, mobile communications networks, government agencies, educational institutions, carriers and secure global data networks with efficient communication and content distribution solutions.