Télédiffusion d'Algérie renews business with Eutelsat for nationwide Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) deployment

11 March 2013

Eutelsat Communications announced a five-year extension of a contract for capacity on the EUTELSAT 5 West A satellite in order to pursue the roll-out of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) across Algeria.

The renewal concerns a 36 MHz transponder on EUTELSAT 5 West A which is connected to a high-power footprint centred over Algeria to feed the terrestrial transmitter network and to enable Direct-to-Home reception with 60 cm dishes.

The capacity is deployed by TDA to ensure that DTT in Algeria can be available nationwide, either on a DTH basis or via the terrestrial network which is being progressively deployed. TV channels broadcast include Canal Algérie, A3, Programme National, TV4 Coran and TV5 Tamazight in addition to 20 national and regional radio stations.

Abdelmalek Houyou, Director General of TDA commented: '"Eutelsat has provided TDA with clear evidence of its expertise in satellite broadcasting services. The successful DTH broadcasting of our radio and television services since 2007 represents a major step towards the successful deployment of Digital Terrestrial Television across Algeria."

Jean-François Leprince-Ringuet, Eutelsat's Chief Commercial Officer added: "We are delighted that the specific service area we have put in place for Algeria is meeting the satisfaction of key players in its national broadcasting sector. EUTELSAT 5 West A is now further consolidated as the point of reference for Algeria's transition into a fully digital broadcasting environment."