Channel network and content distributor AfricaXP has signed multi-year agreements with Eutelsat Communications for Ku-band capacity on two Eutelsat satellites, positioned at 16° East and 7° East.
This capacity will enable AfricaXP to extend the reach of its DTH free-to-air TV platform, Premium.Free. Currently broadcast in West Africa, the platform will leverage the coverage of Eutelsat’s 7° East hotspot to roll out a regionally customised offer of 23 channels across Eastern and Southern Africa from mid-February.
In addition, AfricaXP will launch an inaugural, 10-channel French language bouquet from Eutelsat’s 16° East position with its powerful footprint over French-speaking African countries.
Commenting on the agreements, Craig Kelly, AfricaXP’s CEO, said: “Premium.Free has been entertaining viewers in Anglophone West Africa for the past year by providing a pay-TV quality experience to the public free-of-charge as an unencrypted satellite service. Eutelsat’s 7º East and 16° East positions offer us comprehensive geographic reach in Africa’s key Western, Eastern and Southern markets where they serve large audiences. This has ignited a strong interest from our advertising partners.”
Nicolas Baravalle, Director of the Sub-Saharan Africa region at Eutelsat, remarked: “Eutelsat is delighted to be supporting AfricaXP in rolling out this multichannel Free-to-Air model across Sub-Saharan Africa. Moreover, this partnership reinforces the strength and desirability of these two orbital hotspots for the Sub-Saharan region, which are becoming increasingly sought after by broadcasters.”
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