Nahuelsat receives operating authorization

Mexico's communications ministry has authorized Argentine satellite operator Nahuelsat to do business in Mexico, local daily El Universal reported. Nahuelsat will sell capacity on its Nahuel I satellite to third parties in Mexico, according to the paper. The local subsidiary of Nahuelsat includes Mexican shareholders as mandated by law. Nahuelsat follows in the footsteps of Holland's New Skies Satellites, which received the 105 west orbital slot in June. The newcomers will compete with incumbent Satmex, which is partly owned by the Mexican government, as well as Controladora Satelital de Mexico (PanAmSat and Pegaso) and Sistemas Satelitales de Mexico (GE Americon and Telesistema Mexicano). Satmex, which is trying to reduce its debts and launch a new satellite, has in the past turned to the courts to oppose the entrance of new competitors.