Intelsat kept its fill rate up amid a new contract with MultiChoice as its anchor customer in Africa.
The satellite operator reported lower second quarter revenues, though at $615.7 million this was in line with expectations. EBITDA of $485.5 million for the three months ending June 30, 2014 was an improvement on last year’s $435.7 million.
Intelsat CEO Dave McGlade the company was making solid progress towards its long-term business strategy. “We remain focused on working with our blue chip customers to provide them with satellite-based infrastructure that supports their business growth,” he said. “During the quarter we announced a new satellite program with DTH operator MultiChoice as the anchor customer. The 15 year agreement expands our relationship with the leading pay television operator in Africa.”
Intelsat’s average fill rate on approximately 2,150 transponders was 76% at the end of the second quarter, a shade lower than the 77% at the end of the first.
The operator’s next launch is planned for the fourth quarter of 2014. Intelsat 30 is the first of the two satellites primarily for DTH operator DirecTV Latin America.
