New Serbian DTH platform to launch on W2

[Analoguesat]

Eutelsat press release

SERBIA BROADBAND (SBB) LAUNCHES NEW DIRECT-TO-HOME TV PLATFORM ON
EUTELSAT’s W2 SATELLITE
Paris 24 January 2006
SBB, Serbia’s leading cable operator, has concluded a contract with Eutelsat
Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) to support a new direct-to-home (DTH) television platform for South-east Europe. The contract concerns a total of 72 MHz capacity (equivalent to two 36 MHz transponders) on Eutelsat’s W2 satellite positioned at 16 degrees East. Called TotalTV, the new DTH platform will offer 25 television channels, including Serbian national and regional channels and international channels. SBB’s objective is to reach homes in Serbia and Montenegro not already served by its cable system. It also plans to create special programme packages for neighbouring regions.
Commenting on the contract’s signature, Dragan Solak, CEO of SBB, said: “We are pleased to be working with Eutelsat as part of our launch of DTH television service in South-east Europe. As one of the largest and most dynamic television providers in the region, we look forward to offering our exciting package of exclusive entertainment and information channels to an expanded base of customers.”

Giuliano Berretta, Eutelsat CEO, said: “With the launch of SBB’s new DTH platform on W2, our 16 degrees East position is firmly anchored as the one of choice for digital broadcasting in eastern Europe and the Balkans. This satellite’s proximity to Eutelsat’s HOT BIRD™ neighbourhood, also presents excellent potential for reception of channels from both locations with double-feed antennas. We welcome SBB onto our system and look forward to supporting their objectives to complement cable distribution with their new direct-to-home broadcast platform.”