Brazil and Latin America a sweet spot for Eutelsat satellites

Eutelsat Communications confirmed the order of a new multi-mission high-capacity satellite on Tuesday designed to serve dynamically expanding video and broadband markets in Brazil and across Latin America.

Eutelsat has selected U.S.-based Space Systems/Loral to manufacture the Eutelsat 65 West A satellite that will be launched and operational in early 2016. It will be located at 65 degrees west longitude on the Earth's equator, where Eutelsat's subsidiary, Eutelsat do Brasil Ltda. was granted frequencies in C, Ku and Ka-bands by Aantel, the Brazilian telecommunications regulatory authority, in June.

The new satellite will combine the benefits of C and Ku-bands for video distribution and Direct-to-Home broadcasting, with broadband access in the Ka-band. This tri-band configuration will equip Eutelsat to target markets with the highest growth potential across Latin America, in particular Brazil as it upgrades its digital infrastructure and prepares to host the 2016 Olympic Games.

Eutelsat 65 West A will deliver service for 15 years or more, the company said in press release.

Eutelsat's use of 65 degrees west, already a well-anchored neighborhood for video services, will transform the company's commercial presence in the Latin American region which is undergoing dynamic economic growth, generating high demand for digital infrastructure with ubiquitous coverage. Satellites are well-positioned to benefit from this trend, with forecasts of above 7 percent average annual growth in transponder demand over the 2011-2016 period.

Eutelsat has been operational in Brazil since 2000 through its Eutelsat do Brasil subsidiary located in Rio de Janeiro that markets capacity through a first generation of satellites providing connectivity between South America, Europe and Africa. These resources will be boosted in 2014 by EUTELSAT 3B and in 2015 by EUTELSAT 8 West B that will both deliver Latin American coverage.

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