China Satcom has signed an agreement with European satellite operator Eutelsat, allowing the latter's Italian subsidiary, Skylogic, to launch broadband satellite service in China. The operator is targeting the 11,000 European firms, of which 1,000 are Italian, now operating in China. Services from the bi-directional satellite broadband operator will take off as soon as the Chinese government assents to the deal in early 2005.

 

Initially, the deal will permit Chinese divisions of Italian companies to communicate with headquarters in Italy. Subsequently, European branches of Chinese companies will be able to communicate via Skylogic with head offices in China.

 

Skylogic's services will enable subscribers to exchange email and data, as well as hold telemedicine, teleconferencing, and online services such as e-learning.

 

Eutelsat is a 25-year-old intergovernmental institution, with 24 broadcast and telecommunications satellites in service.