NEWS BYTES...

Globalstar, the MSS operator hoping to avoid the fate of fellow LEO system Iridium, has demonstrated transmission of Internet data over its system at the ITU America Show in Rio de Janeiro. Globalstar has said it will introduce the service on a commercial basis later this year. The company claims that the demonstration, conducted in partnership with Qualcomm, shows that the voice-based Globalstar system can also support data and Internet connectivity. However, the rate at which the system currently can transmit data – an underwhelming maximum of 9,600 bit/s – does not suggest that Internet connectivity will be a prime market for Globalstar.

Kingston TLI has signed a deal with Locked-On Communications giving it access to Satellite News Gathering trucks. Locked-On specialises in providing engineering support, satellite trucks and flyaway equipment for live events. The deal will allow Locked-On to offer turnkey solutions to its clients, including space segment. Meanwhile, Globecast Italia has taken delivery of a new lightweight Ku-band analogue and digital flyaway system from Advent Communications Ltd. Advent says its new Mantis antenna is about 130kg lighter than comparable models and fits into two flight-cases.

Knut Reed, formerly CEO of Telenor Satellite Services, has been appointed as chief executive of Dutch telecom operator KPN’s satellite communications unit, Station 12. KPN recently formed a joint venture with Australia’s Telstra to merge the satellite businesses of the two groups later this year. KPN will hold a 65 per cent stake in the venture, with Telstra holding the remaining 35 per cent. The company will be headquartered in The Hague and will operate under the Station 12 name. It is envisaged that the joint venture will offer Inmarsat voice, fax and data services and tailored services via other satellite platforms, including Internet via satellite. Reed is currently regional director for Telenor in Asia and interim chief operating officer of Malaysian mobile operator DiGi Telecommunications Berhad, in which Telenor holds a 30 per cent stake.

MTV Networks can from now on operate its German-language channel MTV Central with a dedicated German licence. Bavarian media authority Bayerische Landeszentrale fur neue Medien last week granted the service nationwide cable and satellite permission valid for eight years. Until now, it has operated using a licence from UK-based ITC.

News Corp is reportedly planning a health channel, with the UK, Australia and the US as priority markets.

Toy company Lego confirmed last week it plans to set up a UK production arm to create and build its own library of kids’ programming. In the long term the company says it will develop projects for multi-platform broadcast.

Cable company NTL is to set up its own production programming arm under new hire Scott Ferguson. Besides stakes in various soccer clubs NTL also provides studio space for British Eurosport.

Middle East satellite broadcaster MBC has unveiled a new look for its news and current affairs shows.

Sony Pictures and Disney’s Buena Vista International Television will launch Cinenova, a premium movie channel for Holland and Flemish-speaking Belgium, starting May 18. UPC has a stake in the venture.

ArtsWorld is a new premium BSkyB channel backed in part by Sir Jeremy Issacs offering original and acquired arts programming exclusively on Sky Digital and available on an a la carte basis.

AEPOC, the pan-European coalition formed to combat piracy is holding a summit conference in London on Tuesday May 16. Details from +44-0207 905 2505

BBC Worldwide has teamed up with Canada’s Atlantis Alliance Communications to create a digital-only BBC-branded channel for Canada. The pair have applied to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission for a digital licence. The aim is to launch BBC Canada in 2001. The BBC will license programming to the new channel, in which it will have a 50 per cent stake via a new BBC Canadian holding company. Canadian licence conditions will require a certain proportion of Canadian-produced content. The channel will be marketed and distributed by Atlantis Alliance from Toronto.

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