Serbia Broadband (SBB) will be expanding its Total TV platform via new multi-year contracts signed with Eutelsat Communications for two transponders at its 16 degrees video neighbourhood. SBB and Eutelsat have also agreed on the long-term extension of contracts for the two transponders which are already in service (since 2006). Total TV will be broadcast from Eutelsat's specialist video neighbourhood for Central European digital TV markets.
The boost to digital broadcasting in Central Europe has been made possible by Eutelsat's decision to significantly increase the 16 degrees East capacity. In addition to the W2 satellite, the 16 degrees East services now host the Eurobird 16 satellite which was redeployed from 7 degrees West. Both the satellites at 16 degrees East offer high-power coverage of Europe, enabling Direct-to-Home reception with small antennas; both are equipped with steerable beams which are oriented to serve video clients operating on Indian Ocean islands.
SBB's additional capacity will be used to support a number of new Total TV channels, including Cinemax 2, MGM, Discovery ID, Disney and two new channels from Pink Media Company. It will also support expansion to additional regional markets including Macedonia, as well as further improve signal quality. Channels are uplinked from the company's own teleport in Belgrade and the new teleport facility operated by STN near the Slovenian capital Ljubljana.
Commenting on the new capacity, Dragan Solak CEO of SBB said: "In a very short time Total TV has become the leading DTH platform in the Adriatic region, covering five countries, with an additional country to be added shortly. Aggressive organic growth of the business is based on superior content combined with the best technology. From the very beginning, Eutelsat has been one of the cornerstones of our success and I am happy to see it will remain so in the future. This new capacity extension and the further launch of Eutelsat's W3B satellite will ensure that the planned development of Total TV in the region as well as improvements in our content offer are properly supported."
Olivier Millies-Lacroix, Eutelsat Commercial Director said: "Providing video clients using our 16 degrees East neighbourhood with room for growth on the long-term is a key objective for Eutelsat. Eurobird 16's arrival at this position to join W2 is the first step in our plan for significant expansion at our premium neighbourhood for television markets in Central Europe and on the Indian Ocean islands. It will be followed in the middle of 2010 by the launch of W3B which will inject further capacity and scope for growth..."
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