Siemens IPTV Middleware Integrated with SES AMERICOM's IP-PRIME Content Distribution Platform, Creating Full-Service Broadcasting Solution for Operators

Business Wire, Sept 6, 2006

BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Siemens Communications Inc. today announced the integration of its industry-leading Internet protocol television (IPTV) middleware - powered by Myrio, a Siemens(R) company - with SES AMERICOM's IP-PRIME content distribution portfolio. With the combined technologies, the IP-PRIME platform provides broadband operators with a cost-effective, end-to-end delivery solution for bringing the next generation of IPTV programming and services to homes.

SES AMERICOM, an SES GLOBAL company (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg stock exchanges: SESG), is the largest supplier of satellite services in the United States. IP-PRIME, scheduled for U.S. commercial launch later this year, provides rural and independent telephone operators with hundreds of standard and high-definition (HD) IPTV channels. SES AMERICOM's IP-PRIME IPTV Broadcast Distribution Center, based in Vernon Valley, N.J., is the processing hub where content is aggregated and prepared for satellite delivery to telephone company headends and, ultimately, consumer set-top boxes.

The National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC), representing more than 900 rural and independent telephone companies serving more than 10 million homes, has deployed the fully managed SES AMERICOM IPTV solution to conduct field trials with selected members. The trials, according to NRTC executives and members, are demonstrating a cost-effective deployment solution for independent telephone companies to expand consumer revenues with a barrier-free IPTV service.

Middleware solutions that are part of the Siemens SURPASS(R) Home Entertainment portfolio provide an award-winning consumer interface with a proven track record as a quality IPTV service delivery platform of choice for more than 75 U.S. regional operators and many others worldwide.

"With Siemens IPTV middleware in place, IP-PRIME helps provide a true end-to-end distribution solution that allows hundreds of telephone and communications companies to cost effectively deploy IPTV offerings for consumers," said Alan Young, chief technology officer at SES AMERICOM. "IP-PRIME creates a level playing field, making it simple and affordable for rural and independent communications companies to deliver a new generation of television services."

"The integration of Siemens SURPASS(R) Home Entertainment into the SES IP-PRIME solution is a great benefit to the U.S. telco market," said Ron Freeman, vice president of sales at Siemens Communications. "This solution will allow operators the ability to roll out a complete package of IPTV services quickly and at cost savings never before thought possible."

As part of the PRIME IPTV distribution system, Siemens open, standards-based IPTV middleware has been integrated with content protection technology and MPEG-4 video, including high-definition (HD) video support to provide an end-to-end certified solution.

The Siemens LifeWorks Vision

The Siemens SURPASS Home Entertainment solution is a critical component of the Siemens LifeWorks(TM) vision to help people interact, work and be entertained - without technology boundaries - in an always-on world. The company's award-winning LifeWorks vision provides the building blocks for the ongoing development of secure, reliable and high-quality converged communication solutions that drive greater efficiencies and improve user satisfaction.

About SES AMERICOM

The largest supplier of satellite services in the United States, 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 in the world via a fleet of 43 satellites. In addition, AMERICOM Government Services, a wholly owned subsidiary, is dedicated to providing satellite-based communications.

About Siemens

Siemens AG (NYSE: SI) is one of the largest global electronics and engineering companies with reported worldwide sales of $96 billion in fiscal 2005. Founded nearly 160 years ago, the company is a leader in the areas Medical, Power, Automation and Control, Transportation, Information and Communications, Lighting, Building Technologies, Water Technologies and Services and Home Appliances. With its U.S. corporate headquarters in New York City, Siemens in the USA has sales of $18.8 billion and employs approximately 70,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Eleven of Siemens' worldwide businesses are based in the United States. With its global headquarters in Munich, Siemens AG and its subsidiaries employ 460,000 people in 190 countries. For more information on Siemens in the United States: www.usa.siemens.com

About Siemens Communications Inc.

Siemens Communications Inc. offers its customers a broad portfolio of communication products and services and is a leader in convergent technologies, products and services for wireless, fixed and enterprise networks. The company's portfolio ranges from devices for end users to complex network infrastructures and complementary services for enterprises, carriers and service providers. Siemens Communications Inc. is headquartered in Boca Raton, Fla. For more information, visit www.usa.siemens.com/communications