Eutelsat looks to Asia-Pacific

Eutelsat is to significantly scale up its presence in the Asia-Pacific region by embarking on a new triple mission satellite programme that will support sustained demand for capacity for data, fixed and mobile broadband services, as well as video.

Broadband TV News reports the satellite will also host the Pacific Ocean Region’s first High Throughput payload, which Panasonic Avionics Corporation has already selected as its key growth platform for trans-Pacific and Asian in-flight broadband and live TV services provided to commercial airlines.

Eutelsat’s new high-capacity satellite, Eutelsat 172B, will be launched in 2017 at 172 degrees East as an early follow-on programme to Eutelsat 172A. It will provide continuity and expansion capacity at a position that is already a prime gateway for services in the Asia Pacific region.

Commenting on the new programme, Michel de Rosen, Eutelsat’s chairman and CEO, said: “In addition to delivering significant scope for growth for existing clients, this highly efficient asset in the sky places our 172 degrees East position front and centre of the rapidly expanding market for mobile services in the Pacific Ocean region. We welcome Panasonic Avionics Corporation as an anchor tenant on Eutelsat 172B. Their long-term commitment to this location underscores its unmatched vantage point over a wide and underserved area spanning from the West coast of North America, to Asia and down to Australia and Pacific islands.”

Paul Margis, president and CEO of Panasonic Avionics, said: “Demand for in-flight connectivity is increasing exponentially, especially in Asia. This agreement with a capable technology partner such as Eutelsat represents a continuation of our commitment to serve the aviation industry with the most capable and comprehensive connectivity solution available today and in the future.”