Paradigm Services - Skynet 4 and Skynet 5 Secure Global Satellite Communications

The Paradigm Team is led by Paradigm Secure Communications. Paradigm Services are contracted to deliver the full Skynet 5 service and EADS Astrium to design and manufacture the Skynet 5 satellites and ground systems. These three key players are all wholly owned by EADS, the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company, and form part of the EADS Space Division.

SECURE GLOBAL MILITARY SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS (MILSATCOMS)

Paradigm Secure Communications under contract to the UK MoD for Skynet 5 is, for the first time, delivering secure global military satellite communications (milsatcoms) to the UK armed forces in the form of a service provision contract. Worth around £2.5 billion over the 15-year period, this service is being procured under a Private Finance Initiative (PFI). Paradigm is able to offer similar services to other armed forces and organisations. Paradigm is delivering similar services to armed forces and other organizations including NATO.

PARADIGM NETWORK OPERATIONS SERVICES

Paradigm Services a key player in the Paradigm Team, is responsible for all aspects of service delivery, including network operations, maintenance and customer support.

Paradigm Services operates military information services in a multimedia environment and offers a highly flexible approach. New service products and technological advancements are brought into the military arena more rapidly than ever before. The Company's proactive strategy for introducing the latest state-of-the-art technologies promotes new service opportunities by the rapid insertion of suitable commercial and military products into its catalogue.

WELFARE VOICE SERVICE COMMUNICATIONS

Under its Skynet 5 military satellite communications contract, Paradigm Services provides all armed forces personnel deployed on MoD-defined 'welfare-entitled' operations that are expected to last more than two months, with 20 minutes of publicly funded telephone calls per week. UK armed forces can also purchase more minutes through the 24/7 Paradigm customer care helpdesk or by buying Paradigm phone cards. As part of the Operational Welfare Package (OWP), this successful service is key to boosting morale and sits alongside Paradigm's complementary Internet and email service, allowing troops to keep in regular touch with their friends and families at home.

PERSONAL COMMUNICATION CUSTOMER SERVICES

An integral part of the Skynet 5 service offer is the provision of customer services to support the full range of Paradigm services - from communications to terminal supply, maintenance, repair and replacement, together with a range of supplementary services. A helpdesk is available to address all customer care issues including order fulfilment, problem handling, quality of service reporting and service planning. For welfare communications services, Paradigm also provides a team of in-theatre engineers to maintain the telephone and Internet systems.

SKYNET 4 SECURE SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAMME

Paradigm Secure Communications took over ownership and operation of the Skynet 4 satellites from the UK MoD as part of the Skynet 5 contract in May 2003. Today Paradigm is operating the Skynet 4 satellites and delivering secure satellite communications services to the UK armed forces. These will continue to operate for a number of years alongside the new Skynet 5 satellites which are due to be launched in 2006 and 2007.

SKYNET 5 SATELLITE SYSTEM

Paradigm Secure Communications is both owner and operator of the complete Skynet 5 system. Service delivery is managed by the service prime contractor, Paradigm Services, which is responsible for delivering all UK MoD satellite communications needs, including maintenance and operation of the complete ground infrastructure, from now until 2018. The system consists of control centres and fixed, mobile and transportable gateways which provide seamless links into fixed and mobile ground networks.

The unique and innovative nature of this PFI contract structure, which includes comprehensive insurance and financing, was recently recognised with the selection of the Skynet 5 programme for the 'Minister of Defence Procurement's Award for Smart Acquisition in 2004'. The Skynet 5 system is designed to grow in line with the UK MoD's capacity requirements, and other nations and multinational organisations can be offered a similar range of tailored services.