PUTTING SPORTS AND NEWS WHERE BROADCASTERS WANT IT
Eurovision takes capacity in Ku-band and C-band on Eutelsat’s W2A satellite
As part of the European Broadcasting Union
(EBU), Eurovision is a premier distributor of
sports and news content for the world’s top
broadcast and media platforms, servicing over
3,000 members.
In June 2009, Eurovision inked two new
contracts with Eutelsat for capacity in the Ku-band
and in the C-band on the W2A satellite,
further strengthening the longstanding
collaboration between the two organisations.
The new capacity in its global network will
provide Eurovision with variable bandwidth
capabilities including HD and the highest
quality multichannel audio.
Using Ku-band capacity with pan-European
coverage, Eurovision is consolidating the
European part of its network at two Eutelsat
locations: 10° East, on W2A and at their
historical 7° East position occupied by
Eutelsat’s W3A satellite.
Eurovision has also selected W2A for its
first permanent lease of C-band capacity to
facilitate exchanges between Europe and
Africa. This full-time multi-year lease replaces
temporary C-band capacity previously leased
on satellites operated by other companies
and enables Eurovision to pursue its objective
to develop a platform for contribution links
between the two continents.
The capacity was initiated with the FIFA
Confederations Cup, which took place in
June this year in South Africa, and which will
be followed in 2010 by the World Cup, also
hosted by South Africa.
Stefan Kuerten, Director of Eurovision
Operations said of the joint move: “Eurovision
has over 50 years of experience in putting live
sports and news programming exactly where
broadcasters and federations want it, in a
seamless, reliable and cost-effective way. We
are delighted to extend our agreement with
Eutelsat for this vital leg in our worldwide video
network. Eutelsat consistently deliver us highly
reliable and secure services, which are critical
for our operations.”
In service since 19 May, the high-capacity
W2A satellite almost triples resources at
Eutelsat’s 10° East position, one of the most
longstanding locations in Europe and Africa for
professional video, data and internet services.
Commenting on the developments, Olivier
Milliès-Lacroix, Eutelsat’s Commercial
Director said: “We are delighted to continue
to satisfy the requirements of Eurovision,
which sets global standards for the quality
and sheer volume of news and sports
exchanges around the globe. It is a privilege
to have won their confidence with W2A
for their new permanent C-band platform,
which will enable Eurovision to continue to
expand its network capabilities, add to its
range of services and rise to the fast-paced
challenges of the broadcast industry.”
