[Satellite TODAY 08-11-10] Intelsat revenues fell and net losses increased, according to the operator’s 2010 second quarter results, issued Aug. 10.
    Intelsat losses were $180.6 million during the quarter, compared to $32.7 million in losses reported during the same period last year. Revenues also fell year-to-year from $642.5 million to $635.3 million. Intelsat Luxembourg’s adjusted EBITDA of $496.9 million accounted for 78 percent of the operator’s total revenue.
    Intelsat CEO David McGlade said the operator took a hit in the second quarter due to technical setbacks, including unanticipated costs related to Intelsat’s Galaxy 15 communications satellite anomaly in April.
    “Intelsat executed well in the second quarter, as we managed through the impact of several previously reported events. We enter the second half of the year making good progress on the initiatives that position us for long-term growth. We are building backlog on our new satellites, enhancing the value of our regional satellite neighborhoods and capturing government opportunities with long-term commitments. Our ability to execute on these strategic projects and others, combined with our solid contract backlog of $9.4 billion, supports our view that our revenue growth profile will improve in the second half of 2010,” McGlade said in a statement.
    Separately, Intelsat announced that Sony Pictures Television signed a long-term C-band capacity agreement on the Intelsat 17 satellite, which is scheduled for launch later this year. Intelsat 17 will replace the Intelsat 702 satellite at 66 degrees East. Intelsat said the deal aims to expand its program distribution platform on the neighboring Intelsat 10 satellite at 68.5 degrees East longitude.    
     Financial details of the contract were not disclosed.