Eutelsat to lease future RSCC capacity

Russian satellite operator RSCC and Eutelsat have announced an agreement that will see Eutelsat lease capacity for broadcasting and IP services on two RSCC satellites to be launched in 2013 and 2015.

The contracts for Eutelsat’s two 15-year leases are valued at approximately €300 million. Sate-owned RSCC’s satellite expansion plans include Express-AT2 that will be launched to 140° East in 2013 and Express-AMU1 that will be launched in 2015 to provide follow-on and expansion capacity for Eutelsat 36A at the 36° East position.

Express-AT2 will more than double Ku-band capacity for satellite broadcasting serving Russia’s Far East region. Express-AMU1 will offer up to 70 transponders, providing coverage of the European part of the Russian Federation in Ku- and Ka-bands. Eutelsat said it will also ensure service continuity and growth for broadcast markets in sub-Saharan Africa. Eutelsat will commercialise the capacity under the name Eutelsat 36C.

Eutelsat CEO, Michel de Rosen, said: “We are delighted to have built a solid relationship with RSCC over 15 years and that we have together decided to take this new step to partner on satellite ventures which will secure long-term visibility at the 36° East position and open new opportunities for business at 140° East. We share the common objective to continue to work together for the benefit of our customers and to deliver satellite resources that support the expansion of a vibrant digital economy for the Russian Federation.”