The World Teleport Association (WTA) announced on December 16, 2020, that A1 Telekom Austria Group has achieved a tier 4 certification of its Aflenz Earth Station in Austria under WTA’s Teleport Certification Program.

This certification is issued on a provisional (self-reported) basis after completion of a +170-item questionnaire that is evaluated against standards developed by WTA’s Certification Committee. The teleport has six months to achieve the Full Certification. To achieve Full Certification under WTA’s program, an auditor is dispatched to visit the teleport, provide independent validation of the data submitted in the questionnaire, and identify additional factors that may positively affect the score. Full Certification is issued at a tier number from 1 through 4, of which 4 represents the highest degree of excellence, and remains in effect for 3 years.

At its teleport in Aflenz, A1 operates worldwide data services, satellite measurement services and its direct2home platform for TV channels, willing to extend their footprint via satellite distribution and contribution to cable and IPTV head-ends in Europe (on Eutelsat 16A and Eutelsat 9B), in Asia and Australia (on Apstar-7) and US market via different IP delivery solutions. A1´s platform is also provided to network operators in Europe who are interested in launching satellite TV to their subscribers.

Elena Petrova, Head of Wholesale Broadcasting at A1 Telekom Austria Group commented: “The main objective of A1 Wholesale Broadcasting is to constantly improve its operations and provide the most secure and reliable technical services to its partners worldwide. In this regards, the process of achieving Tier 4 certification was extremely valuable for our team. The recognition from the WTA demonstrates our excellence in teleport operations and supports our leading role in the media and broadcasting business in Europe, Asia and the US. Another proof for that is the positive feedback from our customers – their trust, collaboration and willingness to choose A1 Wholesale Broadcasting as their main technical partner”.

“We welcome A1 Telekom Austria Group to the family of operators around the world who have achieved Full Certification of their facilities, technology and operating procedures,” said executive director Robert Bell. “Independent, standards-based evaluation and validation sets teleport operators apart and assures customers that they will receive the price-performance outcome they expect.”

About World Teleport Association
Since 1985, the World Teleport Association (www.worldteleport.org) has focused on improving the business of satellite communications from the ground up. At the core of its membership are the world’s most innovative operators of teleports, from independents to multinationals, niche service providers to global carriers. WTA is dedicated to advocating for the interests of teleport operators in the global telecommunications market and promoting excellence in teleport business practice, technology and operations.