Algeria contract boosts content sharing for ASBU

Improvements to content-sharing among members of the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) have taken another step forward with a deal to deploy new interactive satellite terminals on the union’s Multimedia Exchange Network over Satellite (MENOS).

The multimillion Euro contract between the Algerian broadcaster Télédiffusion d’Algérie (TDA) and satellite communications specialist Newtec is to deploy several of Newtec’s interactive satellite terminals running on MENOS.

Newtec says by deploying their technology hosted on the ASBU platform, TDA will now have access to their own IP-based and fully automated secure Virtual Network (VN) for contribution and exchange of radio and TV content at low and high bit rates. Using a virtual network provides the same services and benefits as owning a dedicated physical network, but is provided as “hosted services” by ASBU without TDA having to operate the complete system.

TDA will be able to deploy Satellite Interactive Terminals over 48 regions across Algeria with two separate networks for radio and TV contribution, connecting five major cities and villages, allowing users to collect and access content at each site.

TDA General Manager Abdelmalek Houyou says the beauty of MENOS is the real-time transmission it provides to access content quickly and efficiently for transmission of feeds from anywhere in Algeria to the radio and TV stations.

“The ability to receive content at any time will greatly improve our workflow and is fully compliant with current TDA requirements,” he says.

Newtec CEO Serge Van Herck says the multiservice broadcast network combines into one powerful, unique system for exchanging media content, allowing companies like TDA to provide better connectivity for broadcasters in Africa.

ASBU Director-General Slaheddine Maaoui adds: “We are always keen to help improve broadcasting services and enable access to numerous services to contribute content from anywhere across Arab countries in Africa and the Middle East. We know this project is very important and the MENOS capability will continue to encourage a robust media industry to thrive through the new connectivity it will enable.”