IBC 2012 – AMSTERDAM. The Israeli satellite operator Amos (Spacecom) is keeping a close eye on developments at Hellas Sat, the future of which has yet to be decided.
Speaking to Broadband TV News, Amir Carmelli, VP Sales West Europe, said that there was the possibility of some collaboration, though it was still unclear as to what would happen to the Greek company and its clients.
Carmelli spoke at some length about Amos-6, which will have a pan-European beam and therefore reach western parts of the continent, unlike the standard Amos 1, Amos 2 and Amos 3 and their coverage of CEE.
This is being done following requests from the market and one of the interesting features of Amos-6, once it is fully operational in two and a half years time, is that it will allow UK channels to broadcast in CEE.
Another interesting feature will be multibeam Ka, targeting two markets (CEE and Africa), and the actual coverage will be decided in the next few months.
Commenting on Russia, Carmelli said that Amos-4, targeting the country and neighbouring Kazakhstan, is scheduled to launch in mid-2013.
Amos only has a limited number of clients in Russia at the moment, one of which is looking to launch a DTH platform outside the country, and expects the number to grow, despite the challenges of regulation, following the launch of Amos-4.
Indeed, entry barriers may become an advantage once the company’s fully operating in the Russian market.
