Eurovision Takes Ku-Band Capacity On Eutelsat W2a Satellite And Books First Permanent C-Band Capacity For Africa Coverage

 

June 15, 2009

Eurovision and Eutelsat Communications are further strengthening their longstanding collaboration with two new contracts inked for capacity on Eutelsat's W2A satellite in the Ku-band and in the C-band.
Eurovision, the premier distributor of sports and news content for the world's top broadcast and media platforms will incorporate the new capacity in its global network to provide variable bandwidth capabilities including HD and the highest quality multichannel audio.

"Eurovision has over 50 years of experience in putting live sports and news programming exactly where broadcasters and federations want it, in a seamless, reliable and cost-effective way. We are delighted to extend our agreement with Eutelsat for this vital leg in our worldwide video network. Eutelsat consistently deliver us highly reliable and secure services, which are critical for our operations," said Stefan Kuerten, Director of Eurovision Operations.

Using Ku-band capacity with pan-European coverage, Eurovision has decided to consolidate the European part of its network at two Eutelsat locations: at 10 degrees East, using its newly-leased capacity on W2A and at the historical 7 degrees East position occupied by Eutelsat's W3A satellite.

Eurovision has also selected W2A for its first permanent lease of C-band capacity to facilitate exchanges between Europe and Africa. This full-time multi-year lease replaces temporary C-band capacity previously leased on satellites operated by other companies and enables Eurovision to pursue its objective to develop a platform for contribution links between the two continents. The capacity was initiated with the FIFA Confederations Cup, which is taking place from 14 to 28 June in South Africa, and which will be followed in 2010 by the World Cup, also hosted by South Africa.

Commenting on the contracts, Olivier Milliès-Lacroix, Eutelsat Commercial Director said: "We are delighted to continue to satisfy the requirements of Eurovision, which sets global standards for the quality and sheer volume of news and sports exchanges around the globe. It is a privilege to have won their confidence with W2A for their new permanent C-band platform which will enable Eurovision to continue to expand its network capabilities, add to its range of services and rise to the fast-paced challenges of the broadcast industry."

Launched on 3 April and in service since 19 May, the high-capacity W2A satellite almost triples resources at Eutelsat's 10 degrees East position, one of the most longstanding locations in Europe and Africa for professional video, data and Internet services.