Algérie Télécom Satellite Selects Eutelsat's new ATLANTIC BIRD 7 Satellite to Extend Mobile Telephony and Data Networks Across Algeria

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Feb 08, 2012, 09:50 ET

PARIS, February 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Algérie Télécom Satellite (ATS), a subsidiary of Algeria's leading telecom operator, is expanding its relationship with Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) with five-year capacity contracts concluded on the new ATLANTIC BIRD 7 satellite. ATS has chosen the superior coverage of the entire Algerian territory afforded by ATLANTIC BIRD 7, enabling it to further extend mobile telephony penetration and data networks operated by the public administration.

The two new leases, covering a total 47 MHz of capacity, join the five 36 MHz transponders already used by ATS on Eutelsat's ATLANTIC BIRD 3 satellite. It further anchors satellite as a core technology for the largest country in Africa, as Algeria's leading telecom operator continues to build out digital networks to rural areas and to serve demand for interconnectivity from the finance and energy sectors.

Andrew Wallace, Eutelsat's Chief Commercial Officer, commented: "As a partner of Algérie Télécom Satellite since it was established in 2004, we are delighted to take our collaboration to a new level with these two long-term contracts. They highlight the strong featuresof ATLANTIC BIRD 7and the potential of its high-power and reach to contribute to completing digital infrastructure across Algerian territory."

For more information on Algérie Télécom Satellite: http://www.ats.dz

About Eutelsat Communications

Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL, ISIN code: FR0010221234) is the holding company of Eutelsat S.A.. With capacity commercialised on 29 satellites that provide coverage across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and significant parts of Asia and the Americas, Eutelsat is one of the world's three leading satellite operators. Eutelsat's satellites broadcast more than 4,000 television channels, of which over 1,000 from the HOT BIRD video neighbourhood at 13 degrees East which serves 120 million cable and satellite homes in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. The Group's satellites also provide a wide range of fixed and mobile telecommunications services and TV contribution services. Eutelsat's broadband subsidiary, Skylogic, markets and operates access to high speed internet services through teleports in France and Italy that serve enterprises, local communities, government agencies and aid organisations in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas. Headquartered in Paris, Eutelsat and its subsidiaries employ just over 700 commercial, technical and operational professionals from 30 countries.