MultiChoice Africa steps up capacity on EUTELSAT 36A to expand the DStv platform

25 February 2013

MultiChoice Africa has signed new multi-year contracts with Eutelsat Communications  to boost the offer of its popular DStv pay-TV service. MultiChoice Africa is activating one additional transponder on the EUTELSAT 36A satellite from March, with a second to be activated from May. This takes to 22 the total number of transponders leased by MultiChoice at Eutelsat's 36° East video neighbourhood.

The new capacity will reinforce the African content provided by MultiChoice Africa through its leading Direct-to-Home platform. Launched from Eutelsat's 36° East neighbourhood in 2000, DStv delivers television to viewers in 50 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, offering a dynamic technology platform and a range of bouquets built around compelling news, premium films, documentaries and sports channels.

In support of this move, Nico Meyer, CEO of MultiChoice Africa said: "At MultiChoice Africa, our mission is to be constantly at the cutting edge of new technology that enables DStv subscribers to enjoy the very best home television experience. Our partnership with Eutelsat has enabled MultiChoice Africa to expand DStv services with the launch of new channels. We are proud that the DStv channels remain of the best quality and consistently deliver new and exciting programming that enhances subscriber viewing pleasure, with examples of constant product developments including our DStv-on-Demand services and High Definition channels."

Jean-François Leprince-Ringuet, Eutelsat's Chief Commercial Officer added: "This new step strengthens our longstanding collaboration with MultiChoice, a hallmark in Africa for quality and creative digital TV services that continue to innovate and match consumer expectations. The additional capacity booked by MultiChoice also further anchors 36° East, occupied by the EUTELSAT 36A and B satellites, as a beacon for multi-channel viewing across sub-Saharan Africa."