INC.L Regulatory News (INC)

1 Sep 2005 07:01

Avanti Screenmedia Group PLC01 September 2005 For release 07.00am 1 September 2005 AVANTI AUTHORISED TO OPERATE COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITE BY OFCOM Avanti Screenmedia Group Plc ("Avanti"), announces that it has been granted twoauthorisations by Ofcom for the exclusive use of radio frequency spectrum andsatellite orbit resources in the geostationary orbital position of 33.5 degreesWest. The two authorisations cover the Broadcast Satellite Services band from 11.7 to12.5 GHz in the downlink on two polarities, with UK and European coverage.Avanti therefore has 1.6 GHz of total bandwidth to utilise that can support upto 40 x 33 MHz transponders, sufficient capacity to broadcast 240 highdefinition TV channels. Avanti is planning to launch and operate its first communications satellite byno later than March 2008. This activity will complement the previously announcedINSPIRE project, creating a vertically integrated communications servicescompany offering broadband, broadcast and IPTV services in Europe. Aspreviously announced, the company is investigating in the best interests ofshareholders the corporate structure most appropriate for this activity, sinceit is wholly different from screenmedia, the existing core activity of thegroup. The Company expects to announce its conclusions shortly. ENDS Editor's Notes: About Avanti Screenmedia Avanti was established in 1996 and is the leading supplier of screenmediaservices to shopping mall, high street retail and bar market clients. Thismarket is rapidly expanding as companies recognise the advantages of adoptingtheir own TV channels to promote their brands and products, entertain customersand generate advertising revenue. Avanti offers mall operators a one-stop shop screenmedia service, which includeschannel strategy, content production, media distribution, network maintenance,advertising sales and research. Avanti's channel strategy in malls is about providing unique and tailoredservices to cater for each client's needs. Not all malls are the same, which iswhy the company offers a modular approach to its channel design. This allowsoperators to choose the right mix of content to suit the environment, day of theweek and time of day. Avanti's consultancy business also created a broadband service using highpowered satellite and wi-fi infrastructure called INSPIRE which is in theprocess of being deployed to 600 communities. Business credentials • Avanti floated on the London Stock Exchange in July 2004 • The company is profitable, cash rich and debt free • Current market capitalization: circa £30 million • Combined retail, leisure, and shopping mall audiences exceed 12m perweek. • Based in London, 99 employees www.avanti-screenmedia.com For further information: Avanti Screenmedia Group Plc David Williams Chief ExecutiveTel: 020 7749 1600 Financial PR: Binns & Co PR Ltd Peter BinnsTel: 020 7786 9600 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange