New satellite licences awarded to Telesat and Ciel

TORONTO – The federal government has awarded licences for new broadcasting and telecom satellites to Telesat Canada and Ciel Satellite. The firms intend to spend several billion dollars building and launching the new satellites by as early as 2010. The birds will increase capacity to fully implement high-definition TV; carry new and advanced telecom services such as satellite Internet, Internet protocol television, and triple play services (high-speed Internet, VOD, and telephony); and better link Canadians in remote regions with public safety, national security, and government services. The licences were awarded as part of the largest spectrum licensing ever undertaken in...