Broadband TV News: Eutelsat and SRG renew Hotbird satellite capacity agreement

Story from Broadband TV News:

Eutelsat Group and Swiss public broadcaster SSR SRG have signed a multi-year renewal of their satellite capacity agreement at Eutelsat’s Hotbird position (13° East), cementing a partnership spanning over 30 years.

The new agreement ensures the broadcast continuity of SRG’s HD television channels and radio stations to audiences across Switzerland and beyond. Channels available on Hotbird include RTS 1, RTS 2, SRF 1, SRF 2, SRF info, RSI La 1 and RSI La 2.

The Hotbird satellites at 13° East reach more than 130 million TV homes in Europe, with over 90% cable and IPTV penetration, in addition to coverage of the MENA region.

Satellite technology plays a vital role in Switzerland, by reducing the need for disruptive infrastructure projects such as tunnelling through mountainous regions to lay fibre cables. Moreover, satellites provide a solution for delivering content to remote and hard-to-reach communities across the country.

“We are honoured that SRG SSR, Switzerland’s public broadcaster, is continuing to rely on Eutelsat to deliver its leading entertainment offering to millions of homes across Switzerland and further afield. This new agreement enables audiences to continue receiving their favourite channels, no matter how remote their location, and highlights the crucial role satellite continues to play in connecting communities and delivering essential services,” said Aymeric Genty, President of Eutelsat’s Video Business Unit.