Azerbaijan’s satellite carries 81 TV channels to the region

Azerbaijan’s first communications satellite Azerspace-1 is now broadcasting 81 television channels and 16 radio stations, with more expected to come on board.

“Services of Azerspace-1 are in demand all over the world. The satellite can broadcast for 50 countries of Central Asia, Europe and Africa,” said the Ministry of Communications and High Technologies.

Around 80 per cent of the satellite’s capacity is available for commercial purposes. It currently hosts broadcasts from Turkey, Georgia, Ukraine, Lebanon and South Africa – with Iraqi and Afghan networks also reportedly interested in using the satellite.

Baku is expected to earn between US$500 and $600 million by operating the satellite over its 15-year lifetime.

Azerspace-1 was launched in February 2013, and covers Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia and North Africa.