[Satellite TODAY 12-16-11] Global missions communications provider Cable & Wireless (C&W) has inked a contract to provide Artel with a multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) data network connecting 30 locations in 10 countries across the globe, C&W announced Dec. 15.

   When fully implemented, the MPLS-based, wide-area network will connect satellite Earth stations, Artel network points and several U.S. government locations in the United States, Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific. The solution utilizes C&W’s global Multi-Service Platform (MSP). C&W said the solution is compatible to Artel’s existing networks and can be scaled to meet growing network demands during the next few years.

   “We have been impressed with the customer focus and dedication of the team at C&W Worldwide. With C&W Worldwide as our partner, we can continually enhance our capabilities to deliver solutions based on a diverse portfolio of global, secure, managed communications services and the ability to meet the stringent and evolving satellite requirements of the U.S. government," Artel President Derek Woods said in a statement.

   Financial details of the contract were not disclosed.