SISLink has had a successful September. Not only has it announced its latest deal with Sky Sports News, which sees it embark on a new five year contract to provide SNG and satellite services to the channel, but it has also acquired IP and data over satellite provider, FatPipe.
As part of the FatPipe deal, SISLink gains the existing i-Direct platforms operated by FatPipe and has also invested in further i-Direct hubs allowing SISLink to offer access via multiple satellites and other enhanced services. The demand for cost-effective satellite IP links currently outstrips supply, and is seen as a strong growth area due to increasing requirements for internet provision for mobile and remote workers and OB connectivity. In addition, the system can provide a business continuity solution to corporate IP WANs, an increasingly critical aspect of corporate business in the world today.
Additional benefits to both the SISLink and FatPipe client base will be considerable not only in enhanced services but in the all important area of support. All clients can now enjoy the provision of unequivocal field support (with the introduction of a 24-hour help and scheduling support desk), plus the creation of ‘time to site’ repairs within an unprecedented 3-hour time frame – a service no other organisation is able to offer their customers and a service key vital to the military and EMS markets.
“The acquisition of FatPipe by SISLink will allow SISLink to become Europe’s premier IP via satellite provider to the business user not only extending the range of products we offer to our existing clients but allowing us to reach a new, wider client base confirming our leading position in the satellite services market,” said David Meynell, MD of SISLink.
The Sky Sports contract meanwhile will see SISLink provide Sky Sports News with a bespoke service comprising two leased highly specified SNG uplinks supplemented by significant additional ad hoc SNG provision, plus the associated satellite and communication services. These services will be provided seven days a week, providing Sky Sports News critical coverage of key UK and European sporting fixtures, including major events such as Gillette Soccer Saturday and the Euro 2008 qualifiers plus other key live events.
“When Sky Sports News decided to change provider for its TES uplinks we set an incredibly high standard of criteria we needed companies to hit. SISLink ticked all the boxes and showed a willingness to listen to our requests across all our various operations and adapt to both our current and future needs,” commented Darren Long, head of Sky Sports Operations.
