OTTAWA, Aug. 17 /CNW/ – =

“Telesat, the world’s fourth largest fixed satellite services operator,
announced today that its new Nimiq 5 satellite is scheduled to launch
on an ILS Proton vehicle from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan
on September 18, 2009 (September 17th in Ottawa).

Nimiq 5 will utilize 32 high powered Ku-band transponders and the latest
in satellite technology to deliver a wide range of high-definition and
direct-to-home television services across a broad footprint covering Canada
and the United States. Based on Space Systems/ Loral’s proven 1300 platform,
Nimiq 5 has a planned 15-year mission life and will operate in geostationary
orbit from 72.7 degrees West.

The capacity on Nimiq 5 is fully pre-sold and the satellite is expected
to commence service prior to the end of the fourth quarter of this year.”

Bev will use half of the satellite to provide a wide range of high-definition and specialty television services to its subscribers, and lease the other half of the satellite to charlie. This is also a new orbital slot for Bev.

OTTAWA, April 29 2009: BEV today proposed a series of innovative public policy and regulatory recommendations designed to address financial challenges facing the broadcasting industry, including a proposal to provide Canadians who currently rely on analog over-the-air television with a package of local and regionally relevant over-the-air television channels free of charge as part of the transition to digital broadcasting.

If conventional broadcasters do not replace all their analog towers with digital towers, many Canadians are at risk of losing access to over-the-air television channels. Bevs “freesat” proposal would guarantee consumer access to these TV channels, helping avoid any new tax on consumers or a government bailout for Canadian broadcasters. Consumers would be required only to purchase a compatible satellite dish and digital receiver.

“Our ‘freesat’ proposal addresses the needs of Canadian consumers who rely on over-the-air television channels,” said Kevin Crull, President, Bev Residential Services. “If Bev’s recommendations are accepted by the CRTC, then consumers would be able to receive a package of at least five digital TV channels without having to subscribe to Bev TV. For many consumers, that’s more channels than they can access today over the air.”

Bev submitted its proposals to the CRTC as part of a licensing renewal proceeding underway for Canada’s major broadcasters. In contrast to proposals from broadcasters, “freesat” and other solutions put forward by Bev would benefit consumers without impairing the company’s ability to compete in broadcasting distribution.

Many of Canada’s leading broadcasters are arguing they need new sources of funding to support a changing business model, including a “fee-for-carriage” that would essentially amount to an additional tax on satellite and cable companies’ customers. Bevs proposals would help eliminate the need for fee-for-carriage or any increase to other subsidies. “Our ‘freesat’ proposal offers significant public interest benefits,” added Mirko Bibic, Bevs Senior Vice-President, Regulatory and Government Affairs. “It would be good for Canadian consumers and it would enable Canadian broadcasters to save hundreds of millions of dollars by not having to construct new digital infrastructure.”