Tags: Azercosmos, Broadcasting, Satellite TV
Publication: Azernews.az
Publication Date: 06/19/2013

Manufacturing of the Azerspace/Africasat-1. Image credit: Azercosmos

Azerspace 1, Azerbaijan’s first telecommunication satellite, has been broadcasting state-run TV channels in test mode since it began trials after its February launch. That will change in July when the Azerbaijani space agency Azercosmos begins broadcasting AzTV, Idman, Azerbaycan, and Medeniyyet in full.

Azercosmos is also working on signing contracts with other TV channels in the country to begin broadcasting via satellite. Using updated compression technology, the Azerspace 1 satellite will allow local TV and radio networks to reduce the usage of the spacecraft’s resources while broadcasting in high quality.

The satellite was designed both for commercial and governmental purposes with 80 percent of its resources being allocated for commercial and 20 percent for Azerbaijan’s needs. It is expected to generate approximately $500 million in revenue for the country. North African telecommunication operators have already started using the satellite’s resources. And, according to reports, Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) broadcasters could also become customers and air their programs through Azerspace 1 as well.

The satellite is expected to operate for 15 years covering Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia and North Africa.

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