Star One, the satellite operating subsidiary of Embratel, has won an orbital position at 65o W auctioned by Anatel. Bid envelopes were opened in Brasília on Tuesday, September 24. The only other bidder was Hispamar, a joint venture between Spain?s Hispasat and Brazilian ILEC Telemar. The satellite will operate C, Ku and Ka bands, covering the whole of South America and part of North America. The final bid was 5.25 million Brazilian Reals (now about 1.5m US Dollars), for a premium of 20% more than the minimum price set by Anatel (4.34m BRL). Hispamar initially bid 4.4m BRL and Star One 4.345m BRL, but the rules allowed a rebid. Hispamar then bid 4.99m BRL and was beaten out by Star One. Hispamar opted not to challenge the result. Qualifying documents must now be approved and the contract signed. Anatel will then open bid envelopes for a second orbital position.
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