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Tag: Eutelsat

  • Eutelsat’s 70B satellite delivered into orbit

    Eutelsat’s 70B satellite delivered into orbit

    MUMBAI: Eutelsat Communications has said its Eutelsat 70B satellite has been successfully delivered into orbit by a Zenit-3SL rocket operated by Sea Launch AG from the ocean-based Odyssey Launch Platform in international waters of the Pacific Ocean.

    Lift-off of the rocket carrying the 5.2 tonne satellite took place on 3 December at 20.44 GMT/UTC, the company said.

    After a 1-hour 6-minute flight, the Zenit-3SL booster released Eutelsat 70B into geosynchronous transfer orbit. Partial deployment of the solar array was carried out successfully approximately two hours after spacecraft separation, it added.

    Following early orbit operations managed by Eutelsat and Astrium engineers and which include circularising the satellite‘s orbit, fully extending the solar arrays and deploying the antennas, Eutelsat 70B will undergo a full series of in-orbit tests.
    The latest satellite to Eutelsat‘s fleet is expected to enter full commercial service in mid-January 2013.

    Commenting after launch and the first manoeuvres, Eutelsat CEO, Michel de Rosen said: “We are delighted to announce that Eutelsat 70B is on its way to 70.5 degrees East and thank Sea Launch, Energia Logistics and RSC Energia for this flawless launch. With a footprint connecting Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia, Eutelsat 70B will be a powerful asset to our in-orbit resources. Its reach into Asia will also be a strong complement to the Eutelsat 172A satellite integrated into our fleet in September following the acquisition of this satellite from GE Capital.”

    Built for Eutelsat by Astrium using its E3000 platform, Eutelsat 70B is designed to optimise resources from the 70.5° East orbital slot. With high frequency reuse, four powerful regional beams connected to 48 Ku-band transponders are located on a single platform, more than doubling current capacity at 70.5° East for data and government services, broadband access, GSM backhauling and professional video exchanges.

    Eutelsat 70B will replace the Eutelsat 70A satellite which will subsequently be redeployed to another location for continued commercial service.

  • Eutelsat 21B satellite lofted in space, commercial launch by mid-Dec

    Eutelsat 21B satellite lofted in space, commercial launch by mid-Dec

    MUMBAI: Eutelsat 21B satellite, which will have a fleet of 40 transponders, was lofted into space on Sunday by an Ariane 5 rocket from Kourou, French Guiana.

     

    Manoeuvres to circularise the new satellite’s orbit and place it into its operational configuration are now underway, managed by Eutelsat from its Rambouillet teleport, using a global network of earth stations. This will be followed by in-orbit testing before Eutelsat 21B enters full commercial service in mid-December.

    Commenting after launch and first manoeuvres, Eutelsat CEO Michel de Rosen said, “Eutelsat 21B is the first of seven satellites we will launch by mid-2015 to increase our commercial flexibility and our overall resources by almost 30 per cent. We are delighted to see this new satellite on its way to an orbital location that is a point of reference for customers providing professional video, data and government applications in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia.”

     

    The 40-transponder Eutelsat 21B Ku-band satellite will occupy the 21.5° East position, which has become a location of choice for broadcasters, news agencies, telcos, enterprises and government administrations. Its deployment is expected to enable Eutelsat to expand capacity at this sought-after location by more than 50 per cent.

    The satellite will replace Eutelsat 21A which will continue commercial service at another orbital location. Eutelsat’s 70.5° East orbital position that sits at the crossroads between Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.

     

    Eutelsat’s launch programme progresses with the lift-off, scheduled for early December, of the Eutelsat 70B satellite, designed to more than double resources at Eutelsat’s 70.5° East orbital position that sits at the crossroads between Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.
  • Eutelsat acquires GE-23 satellite from GE Capital

    Eutelsat acquires GE-23 satellite from GE Capital

    MUMBAI: Eutelsat Communications, one of the world’s leading satellite operators, on Thursday announced closure of the transaction to acquire GE-23 satellite, associated customer contracts and orbital rights from GE Capital, having obtained all required regulatory approvals.

     

    The satellite, renamed Eutelsat 172A, is now part of Eutelsat’s fleet, with technical and commercial teams working to ensure a smooth transition for existing customers.

    Commenting on the acquisition, Eutelsat Communications CEO Michel de Rosen said, “We are delighted to announce finalisation of this acquisition that brings three key assets to Eutelsat: first, a high-quality satellite equipped with a flexible payload of C and Ku-band capacity in great demand over the Asia-Pacific region. Secondly, the transaction includes orbital rights at 172° East, giving us an exceptional platform to serve dynamic markets in the region as well as headroom for further expansion.

     

    “Thirdly, we are acquiring a portfolio of quality customer relationships that we are excited to serve. This satellite adds further ballast to Eutelsat’s organic growth initiatives, notably our Eutelsat 70B satellite which is equipped with a dedicated Asian beam and on track for launch later this year.”

    Built by Thales Alenia Space, the satellite was launched in December 2005 with expected performance for 15 years. From geostationary orbit at 172° East, it offers unique coverage over the Asia-Pacific region via a payload of 20 Ku-band transponders accessing five interconnecting beams and 18 C-band transponders connected to a trans-Pacific beam.

     

    Leveraging its comprehensive coverage and high-bandwidth capability, Eutelsat 172A already offers a broad range of telecom services to a diverse base of blue chip customers.
  • Eutelsat acquires GE-23 satellite for $228 mn

    Eutelsat acquires GE-23 satellite for $228 mn

    MUMBAI: Satellite operator Eutelsat has concluded negotiations to acquire from GE Capital the GE-23 satellite, associated customer contracts and orbital rights.

     

    The deal for $228 million is expected to close in the second half of the year, subject to regulatory approvals.

     

    Built by Thales Alenia Space, GE-23 was launched in December 2005 and has an expected life of 15 years. From its location in geostationary orbit at 172°E, the satellite offers unique coverage over the Asia-Pacific region via a payload of 20 Ku-band transponders accessing five interconnecting beams and 18 C-band transponders connected to a trans-Pacific beam.

    Leveraging its coverage and high-bandwidth capability, GE-23 offers a broad range of telecom services to a diverse base of blue chip customers.

     

    GE-23 will be integrated into the Eutelsat’s fleet, with a smooth transition for existing customers. It will be renamed Eutelsat 172A.

     

    The opportunity was assessed consistently with the Group’s disciplined approach to both organic and external growth opportunities. The transaction is expected to be accretive to EBITDA margin and to EPS in year 1.

     

    It will be financed through Eutelsat’s existing liquidity. From a leverage standpoint, it will lead to a moderate increase in the Net Debt / EBITDA ratio, and will, therefore, have no material impact on Eutelsat’s financial flexibility.

    Expanding Eutelsat’s reach and commercial offering in Asia

     

    The acquisition of GE-23 fits with Eutelsat’s strategy to expand its presence in the most dynamic geographic regions. The satellite brings coverage of the Asia-Pacific markets where growth is driven by a broad range of applications. It will complement Eutelsat’s organic initiatives, notably the Eutelsat 70B satellite, equipped with a dedicated Asian beam, which is scheduled to launch in the fourth quarter of 2012.

     

    With GE-23, Eutelsat is also acquiring a quality customer portfolio with a strong track record of contract renewals. The extended coverage also opens the way for Eutelsat to broaden its offering to its existing clients and to develop new business.
  • Eutelsat, Es’hailSat select Arianespace for satellite

    Eutelsat, Es’hailSat select Arianespace for satellite

    MUMBAI: Global satellite operator Eutelsat and Es’hailSat, the Qatar Satellite Company, have selected Arianespace to launch their Eutelsat 25B[1] / Es’hail 1 satellite in the second quarter of 2013 on board an Ariane 5 launcher.

     

    The contract signed with Arianespace to deliver Eutelsat 25B / Es’hail 1 into orbit marks a further step forward in Eutelsat and Es’hailSat’s joint programme to operate a high-performance satellite at 25.5° East, a longstanding orbital position serving expanding markets in the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia.

    The new satellite will provide superior coverage and power to follow on from Eutelsat’s Eutelsat 25A satellite. In addition to securing Ku-band continuity for Eutelsat and Ku-band resources for Es’hailSat, it will initiate a Ka-band capability to open business opportunities for both parties.

     

    The satellite, weighing over six tonnes, is under construction by Space Systems/Loral (SS/L).

    Eutelsat CEO Michel de Rosen said, “Together with our partner, Es’hailSat, we are delighted to entrust the launch of our satellite to Arianespace that has delivered Eutelsat with reliability, flexibility and on-time performance over almost 30 years. This mission for 2013 is a new marker in a solid and longstanding relationship, enabling Eutelsat to pursue our objective to renew and expand the resources and quality of service we provide our customers.”

     

    Es’hailSat CEO Ali Ahmed Al Kuwari said, “We are delighted that, together with Eutelsat, we have been able to select Arianespace to launch our first satellite. Es’hail 1 is just the start of our mission to provide high quality, independent satellite services to meet Qatar’s national stakeholder’s interests and serve customers throughout the Middle East and North Africa”.
  • BBC Arabic launches on E-Vision in UAE

    BBC Arabic launches on E-Vision in UAE

    MUMBAI: BBC Arabic has extended its television availability in the UAE. It has partnered with the UAE-based cable TV platform, E-Vision for this.

    BBC Arabic’s news and information programming is now available to audiences in the Emirates via Channel 41 of E-Vision.

    This is the first local cable agreement for BBC Arabic television. The partnership with E-Vision further reinforces the BBC’s multimedia presence in the UAE.

    BBC World Service head of business development (Africa and Middle East) Simon Kendall said, “We are delighted that viewers in the UAE will be able to watch BBC Arabic on the E-Vision platform.

    “We have always had a strong and loyal audience to our radio and online services in the UAE. Through this agreement, our new Arabic television service is even more accessible to audiences in the country.”

    BBC Arabic head Hosam El Sokkari says, “This is exciting news. The launch of our programming on the E-Vision cable platform in the Emirates means further expansion of the BBC Arabic audience base in the Arab world.

    “We know our viewers in the UAE – a key regional and international business hub – want excellent international news. With our unique experience of bringing the key issues of region and world to Arab audiences, we will deliver just that, and in turn, involve our audience in an authentic dialogue on the issues that reflect their lives.”

    BBC Arabic is also distributed free to air by Arabsat, Eutelsat and Nilesat satellite systems.

  • Eutelsat selects Alcatel Alenia Space for W7 satellite

    MUMBAI: European satellite comunications firm Eutelsat and Alcatel Alenia Space have signed a contract under which Alcatel Alenia Space will manufacture and deliver Eutelsat’s W7 communications satellite.

    To be launched in second quarter of 2009 at Eutelsat’s 36 degrees East location, W7 will double the capacity currently available at a key neighborhood in the group’s fleet of geostationary satellites. Through a configuration of high-performance fixed and steerable beams, W7 will also boost coverage and flexibility for addressing growing markets, notably in central Asia and Africa.

    W7’s mission comprises up to 70 Ku-band transponders that can be connected to six beams serving Europe, Russia, Africa, the Middle East and central Asia. To be co-located with Eutelsat’s W4 satellite, which already serves anchor pay-TV operators in Russia, the Ukraine and sub-Saharan Africa, W7 will enable Eutelsat to almost double bandwidth for digital video services in these regions.

    It will also replace all capacity on Eutelsat’s Sesat 1 satellite which serves Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and central Asia, and bring fresh capacity to South Africa through a high-power fixed beam and to central Asia through a spot beam which can be reoriented in orbit. Following W7’s deployment at 36 degrees East, SESAT 1 will continue in commercial service at an alternative location.

    Weighing in at 5.6 tons and with 12 kW of payload power, W7 is based on the Alcatel Alenia Space Spacebus 4000 platform and will be boosted into orbit by Sea Launch.

    Eutelsat CEO Giuliano Berretta said, “Since 2000, we have proactively built our video neighbourhood at 36 degrees East into a prime location for digital markets in eastern Europe and Africa. This commitment has won the confidence of pay-TV operators who are pioneers in their markets, notably NTV Plus from Russia, Poverkhnost from the Ukraine and MultiChoice Africa which reaches large parts of sub-Saharan Africa through this neighbourhood.

    In order to support growth for broadcast and telecommunications services in these regions and to boost capacity for other markets, we looked closely at how we could even more efficiently exploit the resource at 36 degrees East.

    “With W7, this key position in our fleet will benefit from capacity enabling us to use the full spectrum of Ku-band frequencies, and to respond to market demands in multiple regions through a high degree of operational flexibility.”

    Alcatel Alenia Space CEO c says, “We are very pleased and fully committed to supporting Eutelsat sustainable growth. We are also very proud of working alongside Eutelsat to meet the increasing market demand and emerging new applications by delivering technologies with outstanding performance.

    W7 is the second satellite after W2A to be awarded by Eutelsat to our company in 2006. This contract further consolidates an historical year for our company: we have been chosen by a large number of operators, making us the world leader in the communications satellite market.”

  • SES, Eutelsat in JV to serve mobile broadcast markets

    SES, Eutelsat in JV to serve mobile broadcast markets

    MUMBAI: Sateelite operators SES Global and Eutelsat have announced a joint investment in the first European satellite infrastructure for broadcasting video, radio and data to mobile devices and vehicle receivers.

    In view of the innovative nature of this market SES and Eutelsat have agreed to join forces to form a new company, which will operate and commercialise the S-band payload on W2A. The company will be set up by SES Astra and Eutelsat following approval from relevant regulatory agencies. The S-band space segment represents an investment of
    approximately 130 million euros.

    The S-band (2.0 and 2.2 GHz), which represents a new frequency band for both SES and Eutelsat, provides a set of frequencies optimised for supporting a wireless distribution network for delivering video and other services to mobile devices, including phones, PDAs, laptops and vehicle receivers. Mobile video services represent a large and currently undeveloped market in Europe, emerging today through existing terrestrial solutions.

    The development of mobile video services through a satellite-based hybrid network will provide content providers and operators with alternative or complementary solutions to terrestrial based networks and will bring the benefit of the universal coverage that satellites can provide.

    Eutelsat has commissioned the W2A satellite from Alcatel Alenia Space for launch on Sea Launch in the beginning of 2009. W2A will be operated at 10 degrees East, with a state-of the art S-band payload which will be an essential building-block for a hybrid infrastructure over Europe, combining satellite and terrestrial networks, to provide both universal coverage and indoor penetration for mobile video services. The S-band payload has also been optimised for a broad range of business applications such as security surveillance and other commercial data services including two-way communications.

    SES Global president and CEO Romain Bausch says, “This joint investment will allow for the development of new, innovative satellite delivered mobile broadcast services thereby enabling satellite to compete with as well as to complement terrestrial infrastructure solutions in the mobile television and radio distribution chain. Satellite provides a unique and highly efficient coverage and the joint investment will therefore increase choice and convenience for consumers, content providers and service providers.

    “Mobile applications form an important element of our strategic development plan, and by joining forces with Eutelsat, this infrastructure investment offers an attractive business opportunity in line with our internal investment hurdle rates.”

    Eutelsat chairman and CEO Giuliano Berretta says, “Digital content and the mobility afforded by new portable devices lie at the heart of the current dynamic in the communications landscape, bringing new revenue streams for electronics manufacturers, content and service providers, as well as new products for consumers.

    “Through a resource, which is optimised in terms of bandwidth and universal coverage, satellite services using S-band frequencies can make a vital contribution to the overall success of the mobile broadcasting market while the design of the S-band payload is also fully suited for two-way communications. By adding this new payload to a platform using our traditional set of Ku-band and C-band frequencies it has also been possible to put in place an efficient and cost-effective solution for entering a new frequency band.”

  • Eutelsat’s Hot Bird 8 broadcast satellite speeds into orbit

    Eutelsat’s Hot Bird 8 broadcast satellite speeds into orbit

    MUMBAI: The Hot Bird 8 broadcast satellite of Eutelsat Communications was successfully launched today by a Proton Breeze M launch vehicle from the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 03.48 am Baikonur time 5 August. Weighing 4.9 tonnes, Hot Bird 8 is the largest and most powerful European Ku-band broadcast satellite to go into geostationary orbit.

    In less than 10 minutes after lift-off, the three-stage Proton vehicle supplied by International Launch Services (ILS) finished its climb into space, leaving the Breeze M upper stage to continue its mission for the next nine hours. The Breeze M’s engine underwent five burns to place the EADS Space- built satellite into a transfer orbit.

    The satellite was separated this morning from the Proton launch vehicle at 06.59 GMT with signal acquisition established by Eutelsat from its Rambouillet teleport near Paris. Manoeuvres that will be conducted over the next days include full circularisation of the satellite’s orbit and deployment of the solar panels and antenna reflectors, which will be followed by a series of in-orbit tests.

    Eutelsat Communications CEO Giuliano Berretta said, “Equipped with a payload which spans the entire range of frequencies at our 13 degrees East position, Hot Bird 8 takes our inter-satellite back-up to a new level of security. We are looking forward to bringing our new broadcast satellite into commercial service in October, less than six months since Hot Bird 7A went live at 13 degrees East. My particular thanks also go to our industrial partners, EADS Space for completing this important satellite programme and ILS for executing a faultless launch for our company.”

    Hot Bird 8 will assume all broadcast traffic currently carried by the 20-transponder Hot Bird 3, which will subsequently continue commercial service at an alternative location. The new satellite’s additional capacity will contribute to raising in-orbit security at Eutelsat’s Hot Bird video neighbourhood which broadcasts 950 digital channels to over 110 million cable and satellite homes across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.

  • Eutelsat reports marginal revenue growth

    Eutelsat reports marginal revenue growth

    MUMBAI: FGlobal Satellite operator Eutelsat has reported revenues for the year and fourth quarter ended 30 June, 2006. Revenues for the year stand at 791.1 million euros. This represents an increase of 5.4 per cent.

    Eutelsat CEO Giuliano Berretta said, “Thanks to the strong increase of our activities we have generated growth of 5.4 per cent, which exceeds our objective for 2005-2006. This performance highlights the quality of the execution of our strategy: to consolidate our leading position in European Union countries, and to optimise use of capacity through the creation and development of major new video positions, and the continued expansion of value added services.

    “In particular, our satellites today transmit more than 2,100 television channels, representing over 400 new channels compared to last year, of which more than half are from central and eastern Europe, Russia, the Middle East and Africa. In addition, our D-Star broadband service, for which the installed base of terminals grew over the year by nearly 30 per cent has benefitted from sustained demand from service providers in emerging markets and in regions in Europe not satisfactorily covered by terrestrial broadband networks.

    “Meanwhile, the 14.5 per cent growth in Multi-usage stresses the attractiveness of our satellites in this opportunistic segment. With a growing portfolio of activities across our markets, Eutelsat reaffirms its profile as one of the leading operators in the most profitable sectors of the industry, combining long-term visibility and growth.”

    In European Union countries served by the Hot Bird and Eurobird1 positions, the number of channels grew by 16.7 per cent year-over-year, from 1,051 channels to 1,227. Expansion was driven notably by the increased offer from blue chip pay-TV platforms, including Sky Italia, BSkyB and TPS.

    The launch of the Hot Bird 7A broadcast satellite increased capacity at the Hot Bird neighbourhood to 102 transponders and enabled replacement of Hot Bird. This event marked the last major phase in the switchover from analogue to digital at the Hot Bird position, with only four analogue channels broadcasting as of June