Via Sat Brasil books full High Throughput Payload on EUTELSAT 3B satellite for broadband services across Brazil

15 May 2014

Via Sat Brasil today announced that it has concluded a multi-year contract with Eutelsat do Brasil, the Brazilian affiliate of Eutelsat Communications (NYSE Euronext Paris: ETL) for the entire High Throughput payload on the EUTELSAT 3B satellite that is scheduled for launch on May 26.

Working closely with Via Sat Brasil, Eutelsat will configure the Ka-band payload on its new satellite to deliver full coverage of Brazil via five steerable Ka-band spotbeams. It is the first time that Brazil will benefit from nationwide satellite coverage in the Ka-band to complement fixed and mobile terrestrial infrastructure used for broadband services.

Via Sat Brasil will use EUTELSAT 3B to complement its existing coverage of specific areas of Brazil for consumer and SME markets. It will notably expand the service it can provide to enterprise markets and offer a response to increasing demand for Internet connectivity from high-tech companies operating in rural areas beyond terrestrial broadband arteries. The company also plans to diversify into satellite Internet access on selected airline routes between Brazil’s main business hubs.

Antonio Castro, CEO of Via Sat Brasil commented on the agreement: “Via Sat Brasil is very excited about the arrival of EUTELSAT 3B over all of Brazil. Its unique architecture will enable us to offer high-quality ICT solutions that will reduce the digital divide across the entire country. Thanks to the broadband service we will offer, no business will be deprived of the opportunity to grow because connectivity simply doesn’t meet their requirements.”

Michel de Rosen, Chairman and CEO of Eutelsat, added: “This landmark agreement with
Via Sat Brasil reflects our strategy to provide bespoke satellite resources for market-leading partners in key countries in Latin America. Our broadband customers want the assurance that their satellite partner has the highest levels of understanding of IP markets and this is where Eutelsat has a competitive edge. Through the experience already garnered with our KA-SAT High Throughput Satellite, we are in an exceptional position to work with clients worldwide on broadband deployment for enterprises and consumers on ground, in-flight and at sea. This agreement with Via Sat Brasil is new evidence of the value of this competence, and we look forward to partnering with them on delivering users across Brazil a high-quality Internet experience.”

With offices in Rio de Janeiro, Eutelsat do Brasil is part of Eutelsat Americas that provides satellite capacity and services to telcos, broadcasters, ISPs and government agencies across the Americas.