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Eutelsat Selects All-Electric Satellite from Space Systems Loral to Expand Broadcasting in Africa, Middle East, TurkeyRegulatory News: Eutelsat Communications (Paris:ETL) (NYSE Euronext Paris: ETL) has entrusted Space Systems Loral (News - Alert) (SSL) with the manufacture of a high-power broadcast satellite to serve markets in Africa, Europe, Middle East and Turkey. A fast-growing video neighbourhood Called EUTELSAT 7C, the new satellite will be located at Eutelsat's (News - Alert) 7° East position that already broadcasts over 370 channels and is one of Eutelsat's fastest-growing video neighbourhoods, serving anchor clients that include Digiturk, Turkey's leading pay-TV platform, as well as the rapidly expanding Azam TV, Montage and Muvi TV platforms in Sub-Saharan Africa. An enhanced two-satellite constellation To be launched in third quarter 2018, and equipped with 44 operational Ku-band transponders, the new satellite will be copositioned with EUTELSAT 7B, releasing EUTELSAT 7A to another orbital location. This improved two-satellite constellation will enable Eutelsat to optimise resources across both satellites, with enhanced coverage flexibility and connectivity set to take the 7° East neighbourhood to a new level. By almost doubling capacity over Sub-Saharan Africa, from 22 to 42 transponders, it will also make room for several hundred additional digital channels to support the region's fast expading TV market. Rodolphe Belmer, Eutelsat CEO, said: "With EUTELSAT 7C, we are leveraging advanced technologies to improve synergies across two high-power copositioned satellites. In raising the bar at the 7° East neighbourhood we will be able to increase our support for clients in fast-growing video markets. We look forward to collaborating with SSL on another innovative programme." EUTELSAT 7C will also be equipped with a beam providing enhanced capacity for government services over Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia, and a beam that can be steered to cover any region visible from 7° East. Fifth all-electric satellite EUTELSAT 7C is the fifth all-electric satellite ordered by Eutelsat, enabling the company to take advantage of reduced launch mass while retaining payload performance. Based on the SSL 1300 platform, it is the third satellite built for Eutelsat by SSL (following EUTELSAT 25B and EUTELSAT 65 West A, launched by Ariane on 9 March). About Eutelsat Communications Established in 1977, Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL, ISIN code: FR0010221234) is one of the world's leading and most experienced operators of communications satellites. The company provides capacity on 40 satellites to clients that include broadcasters and broadcasting associations, pay-TV operators, video, data and Internet service providers, enterprises and government agencies. Eutelsat's satellites provide ubiquitous coverage of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Americas, enabling video, data, broadband and government communications to be established irrespective of a user's location. Headquartered in Paris, with offices and teleports around the globe, Eutelsat represents a workforce of 1,000 men and women from 37 countries who are experts in their fields and work with clients to deliver the highest quality of service. For more about Eutelsat please visit www.eutelsat.com View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160321006246/en/ |
