SAO JOSE DOS CAMPOS, Brazil, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- A joint venture of Embraer and public-private company Telebras is to supply Brazil with a strategic communications geostationary satellite system.
The system from Visiona Tecnologia Espacial S.A. will be operated by Telebras and the Ministry of Defense for civilian and military communications, officials said.
The satellite system will expand broadband Internet access in remote regions of the country and ensure Brazil's control over the communications of its armed forces.
The program involves the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Communications, and the Ministry of Science and Technology. Visiona will be responsible for integration the system. Thales Alenia Space will supply the satellite and Ariane Space will launch the satellite into orbit.
"The SGDC system not only will meet the needs of Telebras' National Broadband Program and the strategic communications of the Brazilian armed forces, but it is also an opportunity for Brazil to ensure the sovereignty of its strategic communications in both the civilian and military areas," said Telebras President Caio Bonilha.
"We are honored to have been chosen to supply a system so important to the country," states Visiona President Nelson Salgado. "We trust that this program represents the beginning of a long-term relationship, by establishing a Brazilian space systems integration company, similar to what Embraer represents for the aeronautical and defense segments."
