With the successful launch of Intelsat–20 on Thursday night (2 August 2012), MultiChoice said it will now have more satellite capacity than it has on IS–7.
In a press statement announcing the success of the launch, Intelsat said that IS–20 is to replace IS–7 and IS–10, and will provide a large number of telecommunication, video, telephone and data transmission services in Europe, the Middle East, Russia, and Asia.
Intelsat–20 weighs over 6 tonnes, and according to its fact sheet, has 24 C-band transponders, 12 C/Ku cross-strap transponders, and 54 Ku-band transponders.
The Ariane 5 rocket carrying IS–20 also had the Hylas 2 satellite on board for Avanti Communications.
Hylas 2 will deploy 24 fixed beams and one steerable beam in the Ka-band, which Avanti said will offer customers flexibility and significantly increased speeds and data throughput at a much lower cost.
This is the second satellite of new European operator Avanti Communications. The 3.3-tonne satellite is to provide broadband services for eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East for more than 15 years.
Intelsat-20, DStv, and Hylas 2 logos on Ariane 5 fairing
Image taken from the Intelsat blog
MultiChoice was asked about the impact of the successful launch of IS–20. The questions and answers follow below:
Q: Intelsat–20 is said to replace IS7 and IS10. Does MultiChoice now have more capacity available to it than it had on IS–7?
A: Yes the IS-20 satellite is a replacement satellite for the IS7 and IS10 satellite. MultiChoice has secured more capacity on IS20 than it currently has on IS7.
Q: What are your plans for the additional capacity?
A: The launch of the new satellite is in line with our strategy and plans to bring more services to our subscribers. Watch this space!
Q: Is there room to expand on the satellite, should you require it?
A: The launch is in line with our requirements for more capacity. However as part of our long term plan, we have ongoing discussions with our suppliers on future capacity requirements.
Q: When will DStv be switched from IS–7 to IS–20? Will subscribers have to retune their decoders or realign their dishes?
A: The transition date will be communicated soon. Subscribers do not have to prepare for or do anything for this transition.
Q: Are there any other changes subscribers can look forward to as a result of the switch from IS–7 to IS–20?
A: Yes, we do have plans to bring more services to our subscribers. Watch this space!
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* Additional reporting by Sapa-AFP
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