SES WORLD SKIES Delivers new DTH and IP Services Throughout East Africa with Wanachi
Wananchi Launching DTH, IP Services in Kenya on SES WORLD SKIES
Taps NSS-12 satellite to deliver connectivity and content across East African nation
Positioned to meet the escalating demand for quality connectivity and content across the African region, SES WORLD SKIES, a division of SES S.A. (Paris:SESG – News)(LuxX:SESG), today announced it has signed a major capacity agreement with Wananchi to deliver new DTH and IP services throughout East Africa.
Wananchi, known for its popular Zuku brand of cable, broadband and IP phone services, has secured three full transponders (162 megahertz) on SES WORLD SKIES’ new NSS-12 satellite to launch a powerful DTH lineup and VSAT-delivered, IP-based communications solutions. Set to launch in September, Wananchi’s DTH platform is expected to offer as many as 80 channels over two transponders by year-end. The VSAT networks will enable everything from reliable high-speed internet access to Voice-Over-IP and videoconferencing.
“Wananchi is delivering a new level of broadband and IP connectivity and DTH content tailored to meet the growing consumer and business demand for information and entertainment across East Africa,” said Euan Fannell, Wananchi’s Group CEO. “SES WORLD SKIES’ NSS-12 satellite enables us to build our business and our brand for the future with coverage over the critical and emerging markets of East Africa and beyond.”
“Wananchi’s DTH and IP platform launches represent two of the region’s most exciting opportunities, backed by Wananchi’s access to great content and deep experience in both video and telecom,” explained Nicolas Baravalle, Regional Vice President of SES WORLD SKIES. “Leading providers like Wananchi had a voice in the design of our new NSS-12 satellite. Now, they’re reaping the benefits of a powerful and tailored regional spot beam that is delivering unprecedented coverage to both metropolitan and rural markets across East Africa.”
About NSS-12
NSS-12 is one of the largest and most powerful communications satellites in the world, featuring 88 C- and Ku-band transponders in 36 MHZ equivalent units. From the premier orbital slot 57° East, NSS-12 covers an area stretching from Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa, all the way to the Indian Ocean Region and Northwestern Australia.
NSS-12 delivers DTH power and performance through four regional Ku-band spot beams. NSS-12’s coverage of East Africa will complement Ku-band services currently available at 338° East, allowing customers to introduce new services and expand into new markets.
About SES WORLD SKIES
SES WORLD SKIES is the new division of SES, created through the combination of the former SES NEW SKIES and SES AMERICOM. The company operates a fleet of 25 satellites – part of the 41 spacecraft of the SES group – delivering services as diverse as television distribution and broadcast, internet access, data transmission and business and government communications to customers worldwide. SES WORLD SKIES currently has five additional satellites under construction. The company’s unique customer-focused approach allows it to offer the best satellite solutions for a host of business and government requirements, with a view toward helping customers meet their short-term challenges and realize their longer-term goals. SES WORLD SKIES comprises a world-class team of customer care and technical professionals located in Princeton (NJ), The Hague, Washington, D.C., Singapore, Beijing, London, Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Sydney, Accra and Johannesburg. Visit www.ses.com for more information.
About SES
SES (Paris:SESG – News)(LuxX:SESG) wholly owns the market-leading satellite operators SES ASTRA and SES WORLD SKIES as well as participations in Ciel in Canada, QuetzSat in Mexico and satellite infrastructure start-up O3b Networks. SES provides outstanding satellite communications solutions via a global fleet of 41 satellites in 26 orbital locations. For further information: www.ses.com
