FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Patriot Antenna Systems
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Press Release .....
SES AMERICOM EXPANDS HD-PRIME, PROVIDES CABLE OPERATORS WITH ACCESS TO FUTURE HD PROGRAMMING
-SES AMERICOM taps Patriot Antenna Systems to produce and deliver triple-feed dishes for the simultaneous reception of 3 satellites on one antenna-

PRINCETON, NJ - Aug 21, 2006 With consumer demand for high definition television accelerating, SES AMERICOM, an SES GLOBAL company (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg stock exchanges: SESG), today announced that Comcast, Bresnan Communications, Brighthouse Networks, and Metrocast are among the first group of domestic U.S. cable MSOs to participate in an innovative triple-feed antenna program, offering access to the next generation of HD channels.

By installing a free triple-feed antenna, produced and delivered by Patriot Antenna Systems, MSOs will be able to receive quality programming over three SES AMERICOM satellites. Cable operators, many who already get programming from SES AMERICOM’s Americom2Cable neighborhood (AMC-1 at 101 degrees WL and AMC-4 at 103 degrees WL), will be well positioned to access the next wave of HD content carried on AMC-18 (at 105 degrees WL). The newest addition to SES AMERICOM’s HD-PRIME neighborhood is scheduled to be operational early next year following a planned launch this fall.

“Our first two HD-PRIME satellites are nearing capacity, as leading programmers rely heavily on AMC-10 and AMC-11 to launch cable subscriber favorites and brand new programming in HD,” said Bryan McGuirk, president of media solutions for SES AMERICOM. “Our triple-feed antenna program ensures that HD programmers have a place, in AMC- 18, to cost-effectively grow their HD programming distribution for years to come.”

Using advanced production methods, Patriot Antenna Systems manufactures an array of satellite reflectors from stretch formed aluminum, a process that generates highly accurate antenna surfaces, designed for high performance programming reception for the cable headend and Broadcast markets. Depending on the geographic location of their U.S. headends, operators will be equipped with a 3.8 meter, 4.5 meter or 5.0 meter PATRIOT antenna fitted with the triple-feed receiving assembly.

“Our quality controlled and timely production processes enables Patriot to meet the high performance and minimized interference demands of cable operators across the U.S. as they prepare their cable headends for additional television programming,” said Steve Pokornicki, Director of Sales and Marketing for Patriot Antenna Systems. “We look forward to working with SES AMERICOM, as it enables cable operators of all sizes to readily meet the growing subscriber demand for HDTV programming.”

The HD-PRIMETM Satellites AMC-10 and AMC-11 are all C-band satellites, which operate from 135 and 131 degrees west longitude, respectively. The two A2100 spacecraft, built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems, have been optimized for next-generation programming services, including high-definition channels. Each of the 24 transponders is supported by a 20 watt SSPA, delivering almost a 20% increase in power over their predecessors. In addition, a higher level of on-board redundancy plus an in-orbit satellite protect the cable programming services. A third HD-PRIME satellite, AMC-18, another all C-band satellite, is scheduled for launch later this year.

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About PATRIOT ANTENNA SYSTEMS

Manufacturing a large array of antenna systems that exceed 40 different sizes in the Broadcast, Cable, Military Satcom, VSAT, DTH, Educational, B2B and Broadband markets. Patriot manufactures and distributes a wide array of antennas and RF equipment that includes LNBs, cable, mounting structures, feed assemblies and control systems for motorization. Patriot utilizes the most advanced manufacturing capabilities in the industry and produces the full line of Patriot antennas in its over 300,000 sq. foot facility in Albion, Michigan. Patriot has manufactured over 1 million antennas since its inception as an antenna manufacturer and has offices in Michigan, Nebraska, Idaho, California and Buenos Aires, Argentina.

About SES AMERICOM

The largest supplier of satellite services in the U.S., SES AMERICOM is recognized as a pioneer of global satellite communications services. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the launch of its first satellite, the company today operates a fleet of 18 spacecraft in orbital positions predominantly providing service throughout the Americas. As a member of the SES GLOBAL family, SES AMERICOM is able to provide end- to-end telecommunications solutions to any region of the world via a fleet of 43 satellites. In addition, AMERICOM Government Services, a wholly owned subsidiary, is dedicated to providing satellite-based communications solutions to both civilian and defense agencies of the U.S. government. With its combined operations, SES AMERICOM serves broadcasters, cable programmers, aeronautical and maritime communications integrators, Internet service providers, mobile communications networks, government agencies, educational institutions, carriers and secure global data networks with efficient communication and content distribution solutions.

Patriot Antenna Systems
Steve Pokornicki
Director of Sales & Marketing
phone: 517.629.5990
SES-Americom
Monica Morgan
phone: 609-987-4143