Satellite Connectivity Services for Programme Contribution

The BBC owns and operates an extensive fleet of technical vehicles that are used predominantly for news content contribution from the field. They provide both a means of moving content (either live video/audio & file transfer) back to BBC production centres and internet access for editorial and technical staff on location should cellular connectivity be constrained or unavailable.

The fleet services a broad range of BBC output ranging from, but not limited to digital platforms and products, local radio programming, national bulletins, domestic & international news channels and language services.

The technical vehicles fall into the following categories:

• VERV (Video Enabled Reporter Vehicle) - Small size vehicle, reporter operated, IP based system architecture, fully automated satellite acquisition, currently serviced via the Eutelsat Ka band High Throughput Satellite platform
• IP VSAT (Internet Protocol Very Small Aperture Terminal) - Intermediate size vehicle, typically operated by a camera crew, IP based system architecture, fully automated satellite acquisition, currently serviced by BBC owned VSAT hub and operated on existing leased Ku space segment.
• DSNG (Digital Satellite News Gathering) - Large vehicle size, typically operated by an engineer, IP & SDI system architecture, automated satellite acquisition though can be manually driven, equipped with traditional video encoders and modulators with the addition of a VSAT modem within the RF chain.

In addition to the vehicle fleet the BBC owns and operates a network of fixed earth stations and control rooms around the UK, these facilities are used to conduct pre transmission line up procedures, transponder monitoring & control, fault escalation & resolution and transponder frequency planning.

The BBC seeks to procure satellite connectivity services for programme contribution to enable the provision of live and field reporting services to audiences across Network, Nations, Regions, and World Service News Programmes.

The requirement is broken into 2 lots:

• Lot 1 - Ku band satellite connectivity services
• Lot 2 - Ka band satellite connectivity services