Satellites constitute an essential instrument for development

“Satellites constitute an essential instrument for development,” affirmed Mr. Sergio Autrey, Director General and CEO of Satmex, who visited CITEL’s offices in Washington, D.C., on February 8, 2006.

Satmex is an Associate Member of CITEL’s Permanent Consultative Committees I and II and is the satellite communications provider that operates Mexican satellites Solidaridad II and Satmex 5. Its satellite fleet provides regional and hemispheric coverage in bands C and Ku, with coverage from Canada to Argentina.

Set out below are extracts from an interview given by Mr. Autrey to Mr. Mario Martínez of “The Voice of the OAS” during Mr. Autrey’s visit to CITEL headquarters, which was aired throughout the region on February 10, 2006.

In particular, Mr. Autrey indicated that “Satmex is part of the global telecommunication infrastructure network.  The terrestrial part may be cable, fiber optic, or wireless via microwave; the satellite part is linked to these communication media to be able to offer other services to areas that terrestrial infrastructure does not reach (remote).”  He explained that “in addition, there are some applications where satellites are more efficient than land resources.  For example, if we want to send a signal to 300 points, it is more economical to do so by satellite than via a terrestrial medium.  Satellites have their market niche and appropriate uses.”

Regarding his view of relations among the countries of the Americas given existing technological differences, Mr. Autrey indicated, “technology must be considered from a regional standpoint.  It is not necessary to have a satellite or teleport to use the satellite.  A teleport may be located in one country and provide service in others.”  He added that “technology is increasingly affordable in terms of price and much more elegant in terms of simplicity.”

It was underscored during the interview that Mr. Alonso Picazo of Satmex is Vice Chair of the Working Group Relative to Satellite Systems to Provide Fixed and Mobile Services of CITEL’s Permanent Consultative Committee II as, for Satmex, it is important to coordinate and assist in “achieving consensus among everyone regarding proper use of this technology.”