Satnews Daily
September 5th, 2008

Intelsat's Romania Connection


Intelsat 10-02 satellite Intelsat, Ltd. has announced that Romania Cable Systems and Romania Data Systems S.A. (RCS & RDS), a DTH video content provider in Eastern Europe, have signed a multi-year, multi-transponder expansion contract for capacity at 1º W. The additional capacity will be used to offer a larger DTH bouquet for RCS & RDS’ DigiTV service and also introduce new sports channels for its Romanian audience. RCS & RDS launched its service at the 1º W neighborhood in 2004 and it has since become a fast-growing video provider in Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Serbia, and Croatia. RCS & RDS offers more than 130 channels of primarily European and North American programming. The 1º W neighborhood is served by Intelsat’s IS-10-02 satellite, along with Telenor Satellite Broadcasting’s THOR satellites. Intelsat expects to expand its capacity serving the region through ownership of 10 transponders on THOR 6, which is scheduled for launch in 2009.

Intelsat has also announced that SkyVision Global Networks LLC signed a multi-year, multi-transponder contract for C- and Ku-band transponder services on Intelsat’s IS-4 satellite, located at 72º E. Intelsat will be also be exhibiting in Hall 1, Stand C71 at IBC 2008, the international tradeshow for professionals involved in the creation, management, and delivery of content for the broadcasting industry, which is being held at the RAI Centre in Amsterdam from September 12th through 16th.