Eutelsat has extended its agreements with the Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCC) for future capacity on the latter’s satellites for the delivery of digital broadcasting and broadband services.
Following on from the signing of leases in November 2012 for capacity on RSCC satellites to be launched at 140 degrees East this year and 36 degrees East in 2015, the extension is for an additional 15-year lease for 19 Ku-band transponders on Express-AT1, due to launch at the end of this year in the 56 degrees East position.
Taken together, these three positions will provide full coverage of the Russian Federation and help such leading clients as the DTH platforms NTV+ and Tricolor TV.
In related developments, Nikolay Orlov, Eutelsat’s regional VP for Russia and Ukraine, has been appointed CEO of Eutelsat International, a new consolidated subsidiary set up as Eutelsat’s platform to serve the market for broadcast and broadband services in Russia.
Tricolor TV has meanwhile signed a multi-year lease with Eutelsat International for a total of 16 transponders on Express-AT1 at 56 degrees East and Express-AT2 East to reach homes in the footprints of both satellites in Siberia and the Far East from the first quarter of next year.
Tricolor TV already uses the 36 degrees East slot to reach over 11 million homes in the European part of Russia.
