Eutelsat claims 50% of African TV
June 11, 2012
By Chris Forrester
Research agency Datixis says satellite TV is the star broadcasting performer over Africa and the Indian Ocean islands, where there are now more than 1250 channels operating. Eutelsat satellites supply more than half of this number.
According to Datixis, the number of satellite homes in Africa will experience a solid year-to-year growth in the coming years, up from 4.5 million in 2010 to 8.7 million in 2015 (+ 13 per cent CAGR).
The 36 degrees East neighbourhood occupied by Eutelsat 36A and 36B is one of the two top positions for satellite TV across Africa. The DStv platform owned by MultiChoice and ZAP owned by ZON, the Portuguese operator, have both benefited from Eutelsat’s continued investment in capacity at 36 East. New resources have facilitated the arrival of over 170 channels in two years, taking the count at 36 East to 300 channels.
The 16 degrees East neighbourhood, already selected by Canal+ Overseas, Orange, Parabole Reunion and France Televisions, is the broadcasting point of reference in Indian Ocean islands, says the report. Channels broadcasting from this neighbourhood increased by 40 per cent to almost 150 in the 24 months to end 2011. The launch of the Eutelsat 16A satellite in October 2011 was a new landmark for 16 East increasing capacity and extending reach to open new broadcast opportunities in Western and Central Africa.