In 2010, TSBc generated an average of $49.45 million in revenue per quarter, which has some analysts concerned that 2011 is shaping up to be a tough year for the operator.

   TSBc executives said the revenue reduction is due to new contract terms with Telenor’s Scandinavian DTH operation Canal Digital, however, increased revenues contributed from its Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) business have helped offset the damage.

   It has been a hectic time for TSBc over the last month as its unveiled plans for its Thor 7 satellite. The company awarded its manufacturing contract to Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) and its launch services agreement to Arianespace.

   TSBc CEO Cato Halsaa told Satellite TODAY Insider that the satellite TSBc eventually ordered was bigger than initially planned. “It is the biggest we have built so far. Our initial plans for Thor 7 were made a year ago. The satellite we have decided to build has a lot more capacity, because we see stronger demand than we did a year ago. We are getting a lot more capacity,” he said.

   TSBc’s Thor 7 satellite will fitted with two payloads. The first payload includes 11 active Ku-band transponders, all of which will be used to serve growing broadcasting requirements within Central and Eastern Europe. It will also include further Ku-band capability that will be utilized to provide restoration capacity for TSBc’s Thor fleet located at the 1 degree West orbital slot.

   The second is a Ka-band payload, fitted with spot beams covering in areas including the North Sea, Norwegian Sea, the Red Sea, the Baltic Sea, the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean.