The new satellite aims to increase bandwidth, power and flexibility and reach users ranging from broadcasters to news agencies, telcos, enterprises and government administrations. It features 40 Ku-band transponders and two high-energy beams designed to cover North-West Africa and the Middle East/Central Asia with data, broadband and professional video services. Customers will now be able to choose to operate services within a beam or to interconnect between beams.

Eutelsat 21A will continue to provide full commercial service when it is redeployed to 48 degrees East. The Eutelsat 70B is now undergoing in-orbit testing and is scheduled to enter service at 70.5 degrees East in mid-January 2013.