Eutelsat passes 6,000 TV channel milestone

Satellite operator Eutelsat is celebrating passing the 6,000-channel landmark for its craft. The company also said that it now has an order backlog of €5.8 billion, almost four years’ worth of revenues.

At 31 December 2015, the total number of channels broadcast by Eutelsat satellites had crossed the threshold of 6,000, up 4.6% (or 263 channels) year-on-year. HDTV penetration stood at 757 channels versus 657 a year earlier, representing a penetration rate of 12.6% compared with 11.4% a year earlier. Three Ultra HD channels are now broadcasting on the fleet, one at the HOT BIRD position (FunBox 4K) and two at 36° East (Insight UHD and Tricolor UHD).

Michel Azibert, Commercial and Development Director at Eutelsat, said: “Broadcasting is at the heart of Eutelsat’s DNA. In the fast-evolving world of video content distribution we are continually focused on supporting broadcasters to enhance their relationship with viewers and expand their reach. The milestone of 6,000 channels sets a new record for Eutelsat and reflects our resolve to be the satellite company of choice for the broadcasting community.”