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Digital migration inspired Eutelsat's MultiChoice Africa deal

Digital migration inspired Eutelsat's MultiChoice Africa deal

Eutelsat Communications and video entertainment company MultiChoice Africa's signature of a nine-year contract for the expansion of the MultiChoice DStv platform at Eutelsat 36° East video neighbourhood is in preparation for a digital future across the continent, according to the satellite operator.

The two companies signed a new contract for one transponder in Amsterdam two weeks ago in a move they say will reinforce the longstanding relationship between them and further anchor 36° East as a premier location for digital video entertainment services in Africa.

Rodney Benn, Vice President of International Key Accounts for Eutelsat in English West Africa says the new deal builds on longstanding cooperation in line with the move towards digital that is currently underway all around the continent.

"We have had a long-lasting relationship with MultiChoice, one of Africa's most go-ahead media companies, to ensure the continuing expansion of their DStv pay-TV platform. MultiChoice broadcasts this platform over the Eutelsat 36° East neighbourhood that provides reach of the 38 countries in sub-Saharan Africa served by the DStv platform. Last year, MultiChoice had secured significant bandwidth requirements over this neighbourhood over the coming 15 years. MultiChoice has now signed an additional contract for one transponder that will further enhance digital video entertainment services in Africa"

The International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) latest report on the status of the deployment of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) in Africa shows that digital migration is ongoing or complete in the majority of African countries, although it is yet to begin in Central African Republic, Comoros (Union of the), Eritrea, Liberia, Libya, Sao Tome and Principe and South Africa.

The status of deployment is unknown in Somalia and Mauritania.

"Terrestrial infrastructure has its limits when it comes to covering a continent which is 30 million square km and where 50% of the population lives in rural areas. This creates significant opportunities for satellites that deliver seamless coverage across large geographic areas for broadcast and broadband services that leave no one beyond the benefits of digital. Africa's ongoing move to a fully digital broadcasting environment is one of the key technology transformations underway across the continent. With half of our satellite fleet covering this continent, we are fully engaged in supporting digital switchover for viewers across the continent," added Benn.

While neither of the companies were willing to divulge how the new agreement will complement the launch of Intelsat 36 late last month for MultiChoice to extend high definition channels throughout the African region, Michel Azibert, Chief Commercial and Development Officer at Eutelsat, emphasised that the contract further anchors their cluster of high-power satellites at 36° East as a point of reference for broadcasting in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Tim Jacobs, MultiChoice Africa CEO hailed the new agreement with the Paris listed Eutelsat which employs a workforce of 1,000 in 37 countries around the world.

"Thanks to the additional capacity booked with Eutelsat we will be able to accelerate our services and live up to our brand promise of delivering a great customer experience through providing the best possible video entertainment service in Africa marked by quality and choice. We look forward to strengthening our cooperation with our longstanding satellite partner."

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