Eurochannel Picks EUTELSAT 16A to Extend Reach in Sub-Saharan Africa

PARIS, April 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

The range of channels broadcasting across sub-Saharan Africa via the EUTELSAT 16A satellite further increased today with the launch of Eurochannel, the international TV channel dedicated to European films and series. Eurochannel's selection of EUTELSAT 16A marks the latest step in its international expansion and comes three months after its launch into all Europe via Eutelsat. The channel has signed a new five-year contract for capacity and services with Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL).

Leveraging EUTELSAT 16A's powerful Ku-band footprint that sweeps across Africa, from Senegal in the West to Madagascar in the East, Eurochannel has joined a digital platform uplinked by Eutelsat and comprising over 20 TV channels. Eurochannel is broadcasting programmes subtitled in English, French and Portuguese, with terrestrial headends its principal target.

Eurochannel Chairman and CEO, Gustavo Vainstein commented: "When we analysed our options for expansion across sub-Saharan Africa EUTELSAT 16A quickly emerged as the obvious choice for its high-power and strong reach of our target audience. Working withEutelsat since our launch across allEurope last year has enabled us to develop a solid relationship which we look forward to taking to the next level with this new phase in our international development."

Rodney Benn, Regional Vice-President Africa at Eutelsat, responded: "EUTELSAT 16A has quickly established itself as a valued platform for content delivery to network headends and for DTH reception in Africa. Its reach of over 25 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, combined with the services we are supplying from our Rambouillet teleport, enable us to satisfy a surge of new demand and we are delighted to welcome Eurochannel as the latest addition to the platform."

How to receive Eurochannel:
EUTELSAT 16A at 16° East
Downlink Frequency: 10 804 MHz
Polarisation: Horizontal
DVB-S2 8PSK FEC, 2/3 Symbol rate, 30 Mbaud

About Eurochannel (http://www.eurochannel.com)

Eurochannel is a one-of-a-kind network. Its vast selection of modern entertainment from every corner of Europe takes viewers on a whirlwind tour of European culture. Eurochannel presents only top of the line European programming: From traditional films to the hottest new cinema; from sweeping, epic serials to heart-pounding mini-series; from specials on historical art to the very latest in modern rock, pop and easy listening music, Eurochannel has something for everybody. Eurochannel is more than just shows: it also shows its viewers the best, most secret parts of European culture with travel specials, and an all-access coverage of Europe's most important film festivals. Eurochannel airs in Latin America, United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Africa, France, Serbia and Portugal. Eurochannel is also available as an On Demand service in Korea. For more information, please visit http://www.eurochannel.com, Facebook and Twitter.

About Eutelsat Communications (http://www.eutelsat.com)

Eutelsat Communications is the holding company of Eutelsat S.A. With capacity commercialised on 30 satellites delivering reach of  Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, significant parts of the Americas and the Asia-Pacific, Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL, ISIN code: FR0010221234) is one of the world's leading satellite operators. As of 31 December 2012 Eutelsat's satellites were broadcasting almost 4,500 television channels to over 200 million cable and satellite homes in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The Group's satellites also provide a wide range of services for TV contribution, corporate networks and fixed and mobile broadband markets. Headquartered in Paris, Eutelsat and its subsidiaries employ over 780 commercial, technical and operational professionals from 30 countries.

SOURCE Eutelsat Communications and Eurochannel