PanAmSat Corporation announced today that the company requested authorization September 26 from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to launch a 12-satellite global network that will provide digital transmissions services in the V-band frequencies. The system, called V-Stream, is expected to provide high-power, flexible broadcast and telecommunications services after the year
2000.

The V-Stream system will consist of 12 geostationary satellites
that use 3 gigahertz (GHz) of spectrum in the 50/40 GHz band of
frequencies. Key components of the system will include
inter-satellite links, on-board processing and high-powered spot
beams. Through the use of these technologies, the V-Stream system is
expected to be capable of efficiently providing a full range of
digital satellite services on a global basis. PanAmSat has requested
FCC authorization to operate the global V-band network in 11 orbital
slots, ranging from 99 degrees West Longitude for service over North
America to 124.5 degrees East Longitude for service over the
Asia-Pacific.

“With today’s V-Stream application, PanAmSat continues to plan
for the evolving needs of its customers as well as the satellite
resources required for service applications just on the horizon,”
said Robert Bednarek, PanAmSat’s chief technology officer. “We
expect that this new 40 GHz system will become an important part of
our existing global capabilities in C-band, Ku-band and emerging
Ka-band frequencies.”

PanAmSat operates a global network of 16 satellites providing
services in the C-band and Ku-band frequencies. In addition to its
orbital slots for C-band and Ku-band satellites, PanAmSat has
received FCC authorization to operate Ka-band satellites in nine
orbital slots.

PanAmSat Corporation is the world’s leading commercial provider
of global satellite-based communications services. The company’s
16-satellite network is supported by PanAmSat professionals on five
continents. These resources enable PanAmSat to provide broadcast and
telecommunications services to hundreds of customers worldwide.

PanAmSat resources and services include:

  • The premier cable and broadcast television satellites in the
    United States, Latin America, the Indian subcontinent and the
    Asia-Pacific;

  • Satellite platforms for direct-to-home television services in
    Latin America, South Africa, the Middle East and India;

  • Live transmission services for news, sports and special events
    coverage worldwide; and

  • Global satellite-based telecommunications services and
    Internet access.

    PanAmSat plans to launch five additional satellites by late 1998,
    including the Galaxy VIII-i satellite in December 1997.

    PanAmSat