T-Systems signs contract to lease transponder on Eurobird™ 9

[Analoguesat]

Media&Broadcast, a business unit of T-Systems. and Eutelsat Communications have signed an agreement for the lease of a full transponder on Eutelsat’s Eurobird™ 9 satellite. The capacity will be used for video networks and data distribution services in Germany and international markets. Signed for 10 years, the contract was announced at IBC Amsterdam by both companies.

Eurobird™ 9 is a 20-transponder high-power Ku-band satellite optimised for television and radio broadcasting in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. The satellite’s recent entry into service at Eutelsat’s new 9 degrees East position, adjacent to the Hot Bird neighbourhood, underlines Eutelsat’s objective to develop multi-satellite reception in Europe in order to accompany the growing number of channels and the arrival of HDTV.

Satellite homes equipped for DTH reception from the Hot Bird™ position can easily add channels broadcast by Eurobird™ 9 by fitting a second LNB beside the LNB pointed to the Hot Bird™ satellites.

The new multiplex will be uplinked to Eurobird™ 9 from T-Systems’ earth station facilities in Usingen (Germany). Commenting on the contract, Helmut Egenbauer, CEO of Media&Broadcast said: “Our new agreement with Eutelsat secures us with capacity at a new satellite neighbourhood over Europe which is ideally positioned for our clients for broadcasting Standard Digital and HDTV channels. We also plan to use this capacity for radio and data applications.”

(Source: Eutelsat)