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Satellite
& Cable
January
15, 2004
Europe*Star
satellite used for rural broadband
UNITED
KINGDOM -- Europe*Star and Ireland's South West Regional
Authority (SWRA) recently announced the former's participation
in a pioneering program to address a growing issue faced
by geographically disadvantaged regions within the European
Community.
The
SWRA covers an area of over 12,000sq. km. in South-West
of Ireland. It has statutory responsibility for the
co-ordinated delivery of public services in the region,
and the management of a number of European pilot programs.
It is encouraging the Irish government to bulk-buy satellite
bandwidth, in order to resell it strategically across
the country to areas that are void of broadband connectivity.
The South West Broadband initiative, launched in January
2003 and co-funded by the European Space Agency, is
evaluating the use of satellite to deliver high-speed
Internet access to rural communities, thereby encouraging
balanced regional development. Taoiseach Bertie Ahern,
the Irish prime minister, recently launched the official
rollout of the project in the town of Listowel.
The
Europe*Star 1 satellite has been selected for its performance,
which allows true broadband data rates in both directions
using compact VSATs, and for extended coverage over
the extremities of Ireland. Operated by Netdish of Italy
from its teleport near Venice, the satellite service
uses equipment supplied by iDirect of the USA.
John
McAleer, director of SWAR said: "Securing broadband
connectivity is critical to the overall economic sustainability
of regions across Europe, as ICTs have a propensity
to become tools of greater centralisation, rather than
decentralisation to those based outside of the main
urban areas. Satellite broadband is a viable and welcome
option, offering a flexible and scaleable service to
public, business and residential communities."
David
Chégnion, general manager, Europe*Star, added:
"Even in developed countries, many communities
outside urban areas find themselves left out of the
benefits of broadband Internet, restricting the development
of the local businesses that employ people, and also
individuals' leisure time surfing at home. With the
EU expanding to include countries from Central and Eastern
Europe, steps needed to be taken to avoid the creation
of a detrimental digital divide within and between countries
in the European Community."
Contact:
Europe*Star
Tel +44-20-8831-4526
irina.petrov@europestar.co.uk
www.europestar.co.uk
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