July 6, 2006
ABS-CBN International (ABS-CBNi), the US-based subsidiary of the Philippines' ABS-CBN Broadcasting, has completed the first round of technology upgrades and the launch of voice, video and data services at the San Francisco International Gateway (SFIG) satellite uplink center in Richmond, California.
SFIG, a large "carrier class" satellite communications facility, remains one of the few independent and multi-platform capable operators in the world, providing Northern California with access to communication satellites serving North America, Asia, Latin America and select European satellites. With other facilities, it also provides services to the Middle East and Africa.
It has 18 antennas ranging in size from 4.5m to 13m, emergency generator backup, fiber connectivity from two vendors, along with C-band and Ku-band capabilities.
ABS-CBNi's strategic upgrades are designed to boost the gateway's capabilities for triple-play services.
The company purchased the facility from Loral Space and Communications Corp. in November 2005. It received FCC licensing approval last April.