Eutelsat wins Ethiopian contracts

Satellite operator Eutelsat has signed new multi-year contracts with the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation and the Association of Ethiopian Broadcasters for video capacity on its Eutelsat 8 West B satellite, representing an increase in resources contracted.

According to Eutelsat, both media groups will enjoy nationwide coverage for their free-to-air DTH platforms, representing a total of 30 channels. Introduced to the local market in 2012, Eutelsat’s 7/8° West orbital position will now broadcast the vast majority of Ethiopia’s channels thanks to these new agreements, according to the company..

The Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) is the country’s largest free-to-air broadcaster, programming features news, sport, music and entertainment. The Association of Ethiopian Broadcasters (AEB), established in September last year, is a group of privately owned, licensed broadcasters. Members include Ethiopian Broadcasting Service (EBS), Fana TV, Walta, Kana TV, Arts, Nahoo TV, Afrihealth, OBS, LTV, Ahadu, DWTV, Asham TV and Balageru.

Michel Azibert, Eutelsat’s chief commercial and development director, said: “We are proud to be working with leading broadcasters Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation and the Association of Ethiopian Broadcasters in enriching the FTA experience for viewers across Ethiopia. These agreements also highlight the strength of Eutelsat’s 7/8° West orbital position.”

Messay Hurissa, EBC’s CTO, said: “We are delighted to be working with an industry leader such as Eutelsat as part of our expansion into the untapped broadcasting public sphere within our territory and beyond. This partnership will allow EBC’s customers to benefit from a much better performance with high quality broadcasting and customer support.”

Anman Fissehazion, CEO of AEB, said: “Satellite technology plays a key role in reaching TV households across Ethiopia. One of AEB’s goals is to increase and strengthen the number of TV households in our country. This goal can be reached if all broadcasters operate from a common orbital position to reach their audiences, such as 7/8° West. Today’s signing is a major step in this venture and I am sure that our contract with Eutelsat will lead us to many more successes to better serve our viewers.”