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Ra’anana, Israel, January 16, 2017 – Telefónica Móviles Argentina (Movistar) recently launched the Antarctica’s first 4G LTE mobile network, supported by NOVELSAT NS3000 Professional High-Data Rate Satellite Modems. At Marambio Base, a permanent Argentine research facility in Antarctic territory, the most remote region on the planet, the only viable method of data communication is through a satellite network. To meet the unique challenges of Antarctica, Telefónica choose to run with NOVELSAT modems and NOVELSAT NS4™, the 4th generation satellite transmission waveform from NOVELSAT, a world leader in satellite transmission technology.

In addition to increased data capacity to support 4G service for the 70 permanent residents and 5,000 annual visitors at Marambio, the NOVELSAT solution has increased network stability and reliability compared to the previous communication network solution. Thanks to Telefónica’s deployment at Marambio, where mobile data transfer speeds previously reached 1.5Mbps, you can now enjoy speeds of up to 20Mbps.

4G data is transmitted and received through a point-to-point link between Balcarce Teleport in continental Argentina and Marambio base. The NOVELSAT modem includes industry leading technologies including 2% ROF, NOVELSAT DUET CeC™ for simultaneous bidirectional transmission, Fast ACM to dynamically adapt links to constantly changing conditions and the highest satellite MODCODS available. These and other unique technologies are responsible for enabling the resilient and consistent data speeds to meet the requirements of Telefónica.

After trying several solutions, we are very satisfied with the reliability and speed of the NOVELSAT satellite network solution,” said Adrián di Meo, CTIO, Telefónica Argentina. “Since launching our 4G service in 2014 in Argentina, we have powered up more than 3,600 LTE base stations. Providing 4G in the inhospitable, remote environment of Antarctica, though, is definitely a different kind of challenge that NOVELSAT helped us address.”

NOVELSAT NS4 is an optional software package available in all NOVELSAT satellite modems, modulators and demodulators, which also support and are backward compatible with all industry standards, including DVB-S, DVB-S2 and DVB-S2X. NOVELSAT NS4 can boost capacity by up to 45% compared with DVB-S2, the current industry standard, without increasing bandwidth demand. The NOVELSAT NS4 waveform, like all NOVELSAT features, is a software-upgradable option that can be installed over the air (OTA) on all NOVELSAT satellite devices. For remote locations such as Antarctica, OTA updates are a critical factor.

“Antarctica is a milestone for both Telefonica and NOVELSAT,” expressed Efi Levinzon, NOVELSAT CPO. “Our solutions are now installed on every continent on the planet. Not many companies can make that claim. But as intriguing as an installation on Antarctica is, for NOVELSAT the most exciting part is knowing that NOVELSAT NS4 made it possible.”

About NOVELSAT

NOVELSAT is a leading provider of next-generation content connectivity solutions. Powered by innovative technologies, our broadcast and broadband solutions are transforming networks’ capabilities to expand growth potential and to drive new experiences on any device, anytime, anywhere. Our high-performance products for satellite and terrestrial content connectivity include integrated video solutions and highly efficient broadband connectivity solutions, as well as best-in-industry content security solutions. Transforming delivery of data and video with new levels of performance, efficiency, agility, and security, NOVELSAT empowers mission-critical and demanding applications for the telecom, enterprise, media, entertainment, government, and mobility markets. For more information visit www.NOVELSAT.com