MUMBAI: Intelsat has announced that it has signed a additional 10-year contract, today, with Golden Telecom, Inc.

A leading facilities-based provider of integrated telecommunications and Internet services in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States- Golden Telecom will integrate with Intelsat for Ku-band satellite capacity for a major expansion of its telecom and Internet services in Russia and Central Asia.

Golden Telecom has been a long time user of the Intelsat system. The telecom giant previously had an existing multi-transponder contracts with Intelsat.
The additional capacity, totaling over 60 MHz, is provided over satellites located at the 60ºE and 83ºE orbital locations, informs an Intelsat release.

According to the release, an expanded number of Internet, data and regional voice services can now be provided to Internet Service Providers, major business centers, hotels, banks and other corporations that Golden Telecom serves.

"Internet and corporate network services in Russia are growing rapidly, requiring that telecom providers continually improve and grow their networks. Using Intelsat for our connectivity ensures that we have the network flexibility to expand and grow our business as and when it is needed to accommodate increased public demand for our services," said Golden Telecom COO Michal Cupa.

According to Intelsat's Data, Carrier and Internet unit, vice president, Europe sales Yuli Wexler, "Intelsat helps our customers grow their businesses in existing markets and expand into new ones by providing them with the constant support and flexibility necessary to respond quickly to changing market demands. We are pleased that Golden Telecom has come back to Intelsat to fill its additional requirements."