[Satellite Today 09-12-08] SES Astra has created a new company, Astra Broadband Services (ABBS), a wholly-owned subsidiary set to further promote and enhance SES Astra’s portfolio of products, the company announced Sept. 12.
    SES Astra said that the main focus of the new company is the further development and roll-out of Astra2Connect, a two-way high-speed internet service launched in April 2007 across several European markets.
    Norbert Willems has been appointed CEO of ABBS. Willems served in other management positions at SES Astra prior to this new assignment. Alessandro De Meo has been appointed CFO. Peter Schüler has been named CCO and Patrick Biewer was named CTO.
    “In the last year, we have experienced an immense success with the roll-out of Astra2Connect” said Ferdinand Kayser, president and CEO of SES Astra. “In order to further support the dynamic development and serve the high demand from different European markets, we have created this new company. It will fully focus on this promising sector and serve the growing number of customers. I am confident that with ABBS we have created a centre of excellence for our growing number of broadband customers.”