Intelsat has bought 10 transponders on Telenor’s Thor 6 satellite, which is to be launched in the second quarter of 2009. According to the satellite operator, it has acquired the capacity to expand its growing DTH business within Central and Eastern Europe.
“Central and Eastern Europe is fast becoming a highly competitive market, placing ever-increasing demands for quality DTH capacity”, said David McGlade, CEO of Intelsat, adding: “This agreement represents a new phase in growing our long-standing relationship with Telenor Satellite Broadcasting and enables us to provide our customers with the capacity required to support their future expansion plans in this region”.
Telenor owns part of Intelsat’s IS 10-2 satellite co-located with the operator’s Thor satellites at the 1 degree West slot. “For Telenor Satellite Broadcasting and Intelsat, this contract signifies the joint ambition to make 1 degree West the choice platform for broadcasting services in Central and Eastern Europe”, said Cato Halsaa, CEO of Telenor Satellite Broadcasting.
Thor 6 will be based on a Thales Alenia Space Spacebus 4000B2 platform. Fitted with 36 Ku-band transponders, 20 of which will be positioned to serve the growing business demands in Central and Eastern Europe. The satellite will be launched on either an Ariane 5 or a Soyuz launcher from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana.