EMS Technologies Inc. of Norcross, Ga., [LMG] has completed live, closed-loop, broadband satellite access tests as part of a Societe Europeenne des Satellites (SES)/Astra Broadband Interactive project. The tests used the Digital Video Broadcast – Return Channel via Satellite (DVB – RCS) international open standard.

Luxembourg-based SES wants to be the first European satellite carrier to commercially exploit the Ka-band frequency for interactive and multimedia service, via the Astra Broadband Interactive System.

EMS said the technology it has developed provides user uplinks at almost 2 megabits per second and downlink speeds of 40 Mbs, as well as the ability to support multiple subscribers per transponder. This technology will allow more widespread access to Internet backbones via satellite.

The company added that it has agreed to supply SES, operator of the European Astra system, with “a full DVB — RCS demonstration system” by the end of June. “This is a precursor to the delivery of a fully operational system by the end of 2000. EMS will supply the critical hub technologies as well as the end-user terminals under the agreement with SES,” company officials said.