DStv, Eutelsat long-term agreement
July 31, 2014
Eutelsat Communications and MultiChoice Africa, one of Africa’s most prominent media companies, have signed an agreement that will ensure the continuing expansion of the DStv pay-TV platform over the coming 15 years. The multi-transponder contract also further anchors Eutelsat’s neighbourhood of high-power satellites at 36° East as the point of reference for broadcasting in sub-Saharan Africa.
MultiChoice Africa will take advantage of the entire payload of 15 Ku-band transponders connected to the African service area of the Eutelsat 36C satellite that will be launched next year.
In advance of the launch, MultiChoice has also booked two transponders on the Eutelsat 36A broadcast satellite that provides reach of the 38 countries in sub-Saharan Africa served by the DStv platform.
Following the launch of Eutelsat 36C, MultiChoice Africa will be leasing a total of 36 Eutelsat transponders from 25 today. In addition to securing bandwidth for new Standard Definition and High Definition channels and services, the agreement equips MultiChoice Africa with in-orbit back-up capacity that will increase network continuity.
Nico Meyer, CEO of MultiChoice Africa, said: “We are delighted to make this announcement with Eutelsat who have partnered with us to meet the needs of our growing business in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is exciting to be planning this new expansion with a company that is not only committed to ensuring we are able to provide the best television experience to our subscribers, but a company that, like ourselves, is committed to making a difference in Africa through investing in developmental projects. We look forward to being able to provide new and exciting services to our DStv subscribers in the future.”