StarTimes, one of the fastest-growing operators of digital TV networks in Africa, and French-based satellite provider, Eutelsat Corp. have concluded a new multi-year agreements that sets the stage for accelerated roll-out of digital broadcasting services across Africa.
StarTimes uses satellites to deliver its multi-channel TV platform to over seven million homes in 13 Sub-Saharan African countries and is gearing up to expand into DRC Congo and Zambia in August. The platform transmits over 200 channels, including international channels, regional and country-focused channels as well as StarTimes own branded content both on a Free-to-View and pay-TV basis, with exclusive programming including front-line events.
Group Chairman and President at StarTimes, Pang Xinxing said in a statement, that they rely on Eutelsat’s advanced satellite communication technology to make their signals available throughout the African continent.
The company has renewed capacity contracts on two Eutelsat satellites as well as agreements for up linking services provided by a partner teleport operated by Satellite Telecommunications Network (STN), in Slovenia. In anticipation of continued expansion of Africa’s TV market.
StarTimes has also secured extra capacity and plans to scale up further by the end of the year. This expanded portfolio equips StarTimes to host more services, up link channels from Europe and Africa and provide the highest levels of service continuity.
Rodolphe Belmer, Eutelsat CEO added said they can help StarTimes achieve its ambition to reach 30 million homes in 30 African countries by 2018.
