PR/38/06
EUTELSAT SELECTS ALCATEL ALENIA SPACE FOR THE DELIVERY
OF W2A SATELLITE
Paris, September 1, 2006 - Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris : ETL), one of the world’s
leading satellite operators, and Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) today announced that
Eutelsat has retained Alcatel Alenia Space, the European leader in satellite systems, for the design,
manufacturing, assembling, tests and on-ground delivery of the W2A satellite.
Due to be launched in first quarter 2009, the main mission of this powerful new satellite will be to
extend Ku-band capacity for video, broadband and telecommunications services in Europe, Africa and
the Middle East, and boost the C-band capacity available through Eutelsat’s fleet for services across
Africa.
Eutelsat has also asked Alcatel to proceed with head start activities for a state-of-the-art S-band
payload at 2.2 GHz on W2A. A final decision on flying the S-band payload will be taken by Eutelsat in
October following completion of a full assessment of market demand, the regulatory framework and
financing.
Based on the Alcatel Alenia Space Spacebus 4000C4 platform, W2A’s baseline mission comprises up
to 46 transponders in Ku-band and a C-band payload of 10 transponders. The Ku-band payload will
provide up to 37 transponders connected to a fixed Widebeam serving Europe, North Africa and the
Middle East, which will enable Eutelsat to provide capacity for business networks and broadcasting
services and additional capacity for expansion of services. Additionally, up to 12 Ku-band
transponders will be connected to a second fixed beam serving southern Africa and Indian Ocean
islands. The C-band mission of 10 transponders will provide pan-African coverage for broadband and
telecommunications services.
The state-of-the-art S-band payload at 2.2 GHz on W2A would allow the delivery, for the first time, of
mobile multimedia broadcast services (Mobile TV, digital radio, …) directly onto user terminals over
key markets in western Europe. It will therefore initiate the building of hybrid infrastructure over
Europe, combining satellite and terrestrial networks, providing both universal coverage and indoor
penetration for Mobile TV services. W2A will also enable direct satellite communications, for example
for security communications or crisis management.