Global satellite operator SES S.A. and content management and delivery company GlobeCast have announced that GlobeCast has contracted a transponder on the SES-4 satellite as well as an additional transponder on ASTRA-4A to launch two new satellite broadcast platforms serving the sub-Saharan African region.

Including this new capacity, GlobeCast is now using three SES transponders for direct to home (DTH) in the African market.

ASTRA-4A provides extensive coverage of sub-Saharan Africa from the 5 degrees East orbital position. GlobeCast has succeeded in filling its first transponder on the satellite and is now acquiring an additional transponder to meet increasing demand to serve the sub-Saharan market.

SES-4 will be launched in Q4 of this year from Baikonur, Kazakhstan. The satellite will be positioned at 338 degrees East and will provide enhanced coverage and capacity across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Western Africa and Latin America.

338 degrees East is SES' successful orbital position for sub-Saharan Africa featuring an attractive programme neighbourhood including CANALSAT - francophone Africa's leading Pay-TV bouquet - distributed by CANAL+ AFRIQUE.

Ferdinand Kayser, Chief Commercial Officer of SES, said: "The agreement with GlobeCast demonstrates the strong dynamics in the sub-Saharan African region. It shows that a growing middle class is increasingly seeking access to TV content. We are convinced that with GlobeCast, the market will further develop successfully and look forward to seeing additional programme and content choice becoming available in the future."

Philippe Rouxel, Chief Marketing Officer of GlobeCast said: "On ASTRA-4A, GlobeCast has already seen successful uptake of the platform, with a range of African and international free-to-air channels already filling the first transponder. Globecast has now contracted additional capacity from SES to respond to the growing demand of its broadcast clients for capacity in the region.

"With its new platform on SES-4, GlobeCast will offer comprehensive coverage of Western Africa and be able to accommodate the growing demand coming from that region."

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