Intelsat’s new high-throughput satellite arrives in French Guiana

Intelsat 33e

Satellite operator Intelsat’s new high-throughput satellite, Intelsat 33e, has arrived in French Guiana prior to its August 24 launch on an Ariane 5 rocket.

The satellite is the second of Intelsat’s new fleet of Epic NG satellites to launch, and the first multi-spot-beam, Ku-band high-throughput satellite to serve Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Asia Pacific region, according to Intelsat.

The Boeing-built Intelsat 33e will extend Intelsat’s high throughput capacity in both C- and Ku-band from the Americas to include Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean regions, according to the operator.

Customers that have committed to the craft so far include Pakistani ISP SuperNet Limited, African telecommunications providers such as Telkom South Africa, Orange, IP Planet, Vodacom, Dijoubti Telecom, Safarifone and Africell RDC SPRL, Russian network service providers Romantis and RuSat LLC, and media customers TV & Radio Broadcasting – formerly Television and Radio Broadcasting of Armenia – and MultiChoice of South Africa.

The satellite will be placed at the 60° East orbital slot and is expected to enter service by the end of this year.