Planas: MNLA alone has 40 transponders of capacity and more than 400 channels to serve our customer base, which is spread throughout South America and up into Mexico. Beyond video, we’re happy to announce that we will be delivering the first Ka-band satellite Internet capacity to the region next year through the ViaSat-1 satellite. The decision to go to Ka-band data was a natural one for MNLA, as the limitations of Ku-band became increasingly evident in the region. There wasn’t a sufficient amount of infrastructure for the Ku-band approach. The physics of the Ka-band environment allow us to reach millions of subscribers through one satellite. This not only allows us to hit commercial consumers, but also enterprise businesses, which are a key target for us moving forward.

Via Satellite: With the eventual introduction of Ka-band, will Ku-band maintain its important role in the region?

Planas: Yes. We are one of the leading providers of internet via satellite Ku-band in Latin America. The reason we’ve pioneered the wholesale distribution of I-Sat Ka-band in the region is because satellite technology can offer broadband Internet beyond the limits of coverage of fixed and mobile networks, complementing, expanding and enhancing the scope for operators to offer their end customers.

Via Satellite: You recently signed a wholesale capacity deal with SES. Can you explain what drove the deal?

Planas: We saw that SES had the ideal coverage, spectrum and DTH experience to expand our presence into new markets throughout Latin America. We consider this long-term agreement with SES as a strategic partnership aimed at meeting the increasing demand from our customers, the existing and new pay-TV operators in the region, and will allow us to continue offering a growing lineup of compelling content. We’re very excited about the possibilities we’ve created with this deal.

Via Satellite: How important has the development of infrastructure been for MNLA? What role does satellite play in that infrastructure?

Planas:  We manage a very complex and advanced satellite infrastructure from our teleport in Peru to deliver pay TV services and satellite internet to end users of our clients. Satellite technology allows us to offer the shortest time to market and to reach all markets and all segments, even where there is no fixed network coverage and, or mobile.

Via Satellite: Which aspects of your business model have been the most successful for you in the region?

Planas: We have a comprehensive solution that we designed for analog pay TV operators, which gives them fast access to digital capabilities in a simple and cost-effective way. This business model allows our customers to remain competitive. Digitization allows inclusion of more channels and offer premium services and HD. It also enhances the value proposition that operators offer to their customers. We lower the costs of complex and expensive solutions by staying dynamic and innovative with our offering and providing the maximum efficiency and shortest time to market in our industry.