Eutelsat sees Middle East and Africa boost

Increased satellite capacity and growth in the Middle East and Africa helped Eutelsat report strong first quarter results.

The satellite operator saw revenue from video applications increase by 9.1% in the three months ending September 30, which helped overall revenues rise by 6.5% to €314.4 million.

Eutelsat saw strong growth in the Middle East and North Africa, with a 37% increase in TV channels year-on-year to a total of 587. Capacity in the region was expanded with the launch of Eutelsat 7 West A in September 2011. It will be further increased in 2013 with the redeployment of an existing Eutelsat satellite to 8° West.

At 30 September, the total number of channels broadcast by Eutelsat’s satellites stood at 4,403, up 11% year-on-year. Of those, 379 were HD, meaning an HD penetration rate for the entire fleet of 8.6% compared to 6% at September 30, 2011.

Eutelsat reported total revenues for the quarter of €314.4 million, up 6.5%.

Michel de Rosen, Eutelsat CEO said: “Eutelsat delivered solid first quarter 2012-2013 revenue growth. The strong performance of video applications reflects the rapid uptake of additional capacity made available last year to serve the dynamic regions of the Middle East and North Africa.”