AfricaXP taps Eutelsat to extend DTH TV offering in Africa

Channel network and content distributor AfricaXP has signed multi-year agreements with satellite operator Eutelsat for Ku-band capacity on two satellites at the 16° East and 7° East orbital slots. 

This capacity will enable AfricaXP to extend the reach of its DTH free-to-air TV platform, Premium.Free,according to Eutelsat.

Currently broadcast in West Africa, the platform will use Eutelsat’s 7° East hotspot to roll out a regional offer of 23 channels across Eastern and Southern Africa from mid-February.

AfricaXP will also launch a 10 channel French language bouquet from Eutelsat’s 16° East position with its footprint over French-speaking African countries.

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, said: “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.”