Spacecom, the Israeli operator of the AMOS satellite fleet, has announced that its latest satellite, AMOS-17, has been successfully launched.

The 6.5 ton AMOS-17 will provide HTS beams From 17°E orbital position and is designed with the technical capabilities, including C-band, Ka-band and Ku-band, to meet the continent's demand for fast, reliable communication, according to Spacecom.

AMOS-17's advanced digital payload will enable a combination of broad regional beams and high throughput spot beams to maximise throughput and spectral efficiency.

It will also offer connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, Europe, India, China and as far west as Brazil.

David Pollack, chief executive officer and president of Spacecom, said: "AMOS-17 places us directly into the exciting growth of Africa's Sub-Saharan vibrant markets. Spacecom is introducing the most technologically advanced satellite with HTS beams to service Africa where AMOS-17 will deliver a large selection of services to a variety of broadcast, broadband and telecom clients."

Prior to the launch, Spacecom signed a deal with Nigerian broadcaster IDS Africa to use AMOS-17 to broadcast Channels TV across Nigeria and to the Nigerian diaspora in Europe.

"Spacecom worked closely with local partner Intertel Nigeria to bring this deal to fruition," Spacecom stated.

Toyin Ogunlade of IDS Africa said, "We are very much looking forward to using AMOS-17's beams to broadcast Channels TV to our audiences here in Nigeria and abroad. The satellite's power will enable our entertainment and messages to be easily picked up and enjoyed by our audiences."

The satellite is now undertaking a sequence of in-orbit tests, which is expected to take approximately three months. Commercial operations of the satellite are scheduled for later this year.