The World Teleport Association (WTA) today announced that it has completed a re-certification audit of Santander’s Teleport in Spain and renewed their Tier 4 Certification.
Since its introduction at IBC 2015, the Certification program has quickly grown in popularity. Starting with one certified facility in 2015, the program has added 40 in 3 years, and currently has 12 teleports engaged in the quality evaluation process. Certifications have been issued to teleports operated by A1 Telekom Austria, Arqiva, Azercosmos, COMSAT, Cyta, du, Es’hailSat, Etisalat, Eutelsat, Globecast, Hellas Sat, Hispasat, SES (Intelsat), KT sat, Nilesat, Orange, PlanetCast, Primacom, SageNet, Singtel, Speedcast, Telespazio, USEI, VIVACOM and Space42. The industry has quickly adopted the transparent, independently verified standards as a means for teleports to differentiate themselves and for customers to choose the price-performance level suitable for their applications.
To achieve Provisional Certification, a teleport operator completes a +170-item questionnaire and submits it to WTA. The Association analyzes the data based on standards established by its Certification Committee and issues the Provisional Certification based on the self-reported information. The teleport then has six months to achieve 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 or negatively 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. Re-certification requires review and update of the questionnaire and a facilities audit conducted by a WTA auditor.
“The renewal of our Tier 4 Certification by the WTA is a testament to Santander Teleport’s unwavering dedication, robust safeguards and dependable service,” said Mark DeSantis, SVP of Operations at MTN. “This re-certification validates our position as a leader in providing satellite communication services and recognizes our commitment to excellence and best industry practices. As we look ahead, we remain focused on pioneering innovation to deliver the highest value to our clients and partners.”
“Santander Teleport is a regional leader in high-value transmission services for government, maritime and aero markets,” said WTA Executive Director Randall Barney. “Its Tier 4 re-certification by the World Teleport Association reflects a sustained commitment to operational excellence, security and reliability. This level of certification is not only a mark of global best practices – it’s also becoming a powerful way to distinguish top-tier teleports in an increasingly competitive market.”
WTA’s Teleport Certification Program serves both teleport operators and their customers by creating an objective, transparent, and internationally accepted method for teleport operators to document the quality of their operations for customers and strategic partners. It also provides a means for customers to select teleport vendors delivering the price-performance level that is appropriate for their applications. Click here for a list of certified teleports.
For more information about the Teleport Certification Program, or email WTA Executive Director Randall Barney.