SES launches West African digital TV platform

Astra 2F

Satellite operator SES has launched a new digital TV platform for West Africa on its Astra 2F satellite at 28.2°  East. 

The Nigerian platform, which launches in cooperation with local service provider Computer Warehouse Group (CWG), will be the country’s first free-to-air DTH digital TV platform, according to SES.

The platform is designed to reach millions of satellite homes in West Africa and to provide growth and digital migration opportunities for local and international broadcasters.

“For years, the majority of households in West Africa has been shut out of the digital broadcasting experience. Together with SES, we are excited to enable broadcasters to deliver their content cost-effectively, and in excellent technical quality to millions of households across the region,” said CWG founder and CEO Austin Okere.

The platform will offer end-to-end contribution, ground and space services to local, regional, national and international TV broadcasters across West Africa and is due to launch in September.

SES will provide the space segment and specific ground services, while CWG will manage the teleport services as an SES partner teleport operator. The 28.2 degrees East orbital position is SES’s prime position for West Africa and the firm already transmits 28 free-to-air channels at this neighbourhood.