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Yves Feltes
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Wednesday, 26 November 2008 |
SES S.A. (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG), announced today a multi-year agreement to provide satellite capacity to EchoStar Corporation (Nasdaq: SATS).
It is expected that capacity on QuetzSat-1, a new satellite, will be used by Dish Mexico, an EchoStar joint venture, to provide direct-to-home (DTH) services in Mexico. It is further expected that EchoStar will provide capacity on QuetzSat-1 to DISH Network Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH) for use in connection with its U.S. DTH business.
SES will start the procurement process for QuetzSat-1, a Ku-band BSS satellite planned for launch into the orbital location of 77 degrees West. Rights to use this orbital position for direct broadcast services (DBS) were granted in 2005 by the Mexican government to QuetzSat S. de R.L. de C.V., a Mexican-controlled partnership that includes principals of Grupo Medcomand SES Global South America Holdings, S.L., a company held 100 percent by SES. SES Global South America Holdings, S.L holds 49% of QuetzSat S. de R.L. de C.V.
Clemente Serna Alvear, Chairman of QuetzSat, said, “This agreement builds on our 2005 winning bid for the Ku-Band DBS frequencies at 77 degrees West Longitude. It is an important step in offering greater choice and service quality for television households in both Mexico and the U.S.”
“This long-term agreement exemplifies our strategy to develop wholesale DTH platforms to maximize the range of entertainment and information services available to homes in markets around the world,” said Romain Bausch, President and CEO of SES. “It also demonstrates our commitment to develop prime DTH spectrum in the Americas.”
About SES
SES (Euronext Paris, Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG) wholly owns three market-leading satellite operators, SES ASTRA in Europe, SES AMERICOM in North America and SES NEW SKIES which provides global coverage and connectivity. The company also holds 90% of SES SIRIUS in Europe as well as strategic participations in Ciel in Canada and QuetzSat in Mexico. SES provides outstanding satellite communications solutions via a fleet of 39 satellites in 26 orbital positions around the globe. |
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