ViewMedia is to launch a new DTH platform on Spacecom’s Amos-17, located at the 17 degrees East orbital position above Africa.
Employing Amos-17’s Ku-band frequency, it will provide DVB-S2 services to a mainly Francophone audience in the west of the continent. Spacecom is partnering with Mediaport Services Ltd (SMS), located in Rugby, UK, to provide uplink services to the platform.
ViewMedia is the new commercial name of Viewsat the UK-based media content distributor. Its infrastructure provides digital satellite services to broadcasters in the Middle East, North and sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.
Commenting on the new platform, Safia Rana, ViewMedia’s commercial director, said: “This is a significant moment for West African broadcasters. Our newest platform will provide an important service to television viewers throughout the region. Amos-17’s technology is top-of-the-line, enabling us to offer additional and improved services.”
Ido Ginsburg, VP sales North America, UK & Nordic at Spacecom, added: “Amos-17’s Ku-band capacity is the perfect answer for Africa’s growing French speaking broadcast market. With its powerful signal, the satellite will enable ViewMedia’s platform to answer the demands of television viewers in urban as well as rural and other low-density population areas. Spacecom is energized to take a greater role in the African market and we look forward to many exciting years providing our customers with the best possible solutions.”
