From the globalization of content and the proliferation of HD, to the expansion of cellular networks and broadband access, Satellite services has helped provide advanced communications anywhere in the world.

Space Systems/Loral, a provider of commercial satellites, announced the successful launch of Intelsat (News - Alert) 20 satellite, designed and built for Intelsat S.A., a provider of satellite services.

The satellite deployed its solar arrays on schedule following its launch aboard an Ariane 5 launch vehicle provided by Arianespace (News - Alert) from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, and has begun firing its main thruster to complete its travel to geostationary orbit.

Intelsat 20 is the 47th spacecraft that SS/L has provided to Intelsat and it is the most powerful satellite in the Intelsat fleet. From its orbital slot at 68.5 degrees East longitude, it will provide high-power distribution of video, voice, and data network services in C- and Ku-bands across four continents.

"The launch of Intelsat 20 is one more testament to the success of our longstanding relationship with Intelsat and our ability to work together as a team," said John Celli, president of Space Systems/Loral. "It is always an honor for us to help support Intelsat's efforts to provide a critical layer to the global communications infrastructure."

The Intelsat 20 video neighborhood provides premium content that is carried by India's leading cable MSOs and DTH operators, reaching more than an estimated 90 million Pay-TV subscribers across India. Intelsat 20 also hosts the largest DTH platform in Africa.

The satellite is based on the Space Systems/Loral 1300 platform which has the flexibility to provide a broad range of high performance applications. It will replace Intelsat 10 and Intelsat 7, and is expected to have a service life of more than 18 years.

For over 45 years, Intelsat has been delivering information and entertainment for many media and network companies, multinational corporations, Internet service providers and governmental agencies. Intelsat's satellite, teleport and fiber infrastructure is unmatched in the industry, setting the standard for transmissions of video, data and voice services.

Space Systems/Loral, a subsidiary of Loral Space & Communications (News - Alert) (LORL), has been delivering satellites and spacecraft systems for commercial and government customers globally. The company works closely with satellite operators to provide spacecraft for a broad range of services including television and radio distribution, digital audio radio, broadband Internet, and mobile communications. Space Systems/Loral was selected by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to determine how small satellites can be carried to geostationary orbit as hosted payloads on commercial satellites.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2012, taking place Oct. 2-5, in Austin, TX. ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. For more information on registering for ITEXPO click here.

Stay in touch with everything happening at ITEXPO. Follow us on Twitter.