Iraq rebuilds media infrastructure with a Virtual Broadcast Network using award-winning MENOS-ASBU exchange service

BAGHDAD, Iraq, and SINT-NIKLAAS, Belgium, 21 February 2012 - Iraq has deployed several Multimedia Exchange Network over Satellite (MENOS™) TV interactive terminals from leading satellite communications company Newtec.

The terminals will operate within the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) exchange network. By deploying the technology, broadcasters within Iraq will now have access to their own IP-based and fully automated secure Virtual Network (VN) for contribution and exchange of TV content.

Using a VN provides the same services and benefits as owning a dedicated physical network, but one where it is provided as ‘hosted service’ without having to deploy and operate the complete system. Through the VN, MENOS service providers can partition their capacity and allocate such partitions per group of users. Dedicated Service Level Agreements (SLA) are also provided tailored to the users’ specific needs.

Newtec installed the first MENOS multimedia network at ASBU’s facility in Algiers in 2008. The award-winning platform supports multiple simultaneous managed exchange services for use by broadcasting organisations throughout the Middle East and the North African region.

Many of the video and audio services have been developed to meet the exacting needs of the broadcasting industry, and now Iraq has its own private network via this platform.

Serge Van Herck, CEO of Newtec said: “MENOS has native IP at its core and is a revolutionary technology for exchanging media content. We are pleased that we can lend our satellite expertise to assist Iraq with the deployment of its own virtual network. We are proud to be part of the development of Iraq’s television infrastructure.”

There are several MENOS terminals in the country making up the VN, and already plans to expand this network by adding more terminals. With the new MENOS VN, Iraq will be able to grow its network according to its needs, without the need for major upfront capital investment.

Slaheddine Maaoui, ASBU Director General, pointed out: “We are eager to improve the ability of broadcasters and to give them access to a number of life-line services to contribute content from anywhere in the country. We believe this to be an important way of encouraging a robust media to thrive, resulting in strong regeneration in Iraq. We are sure that this virtual network will vastly improve the capabilities for broadcasters inside Iraq.”

For further information about MENOS visit www.newtec.eu/MENOS.