[Satellite TODAY 07-24-13] SES announced it has signed a 15-year contract with Platco Digital, a sister company of the South African independent broadcaster e.tv. Under the contract, Platco will use SES capacity to broadcast a new free-to-air service in South Africa, with future expansion plans.

 

     The contract for two transponders, with an option for additional capacity in 2014, will allow the Direct-to-Home (DTH) transmission of a new TV channel platform by Platco Digital to audiences in South Africa’s urban and remote areas. SES will provide the satellite capacity on the SES 5 satellite at 5 degrees east, one of the company’s flagship orbital slots, which supports customers developing the Digital DTH TV markets in Africa.

 

      Platco Digital and e.tv are owned by Sabido Investments (Pty) Limited, a South African media group with holdings in a variety of broadcasting, content, production and distribution businesses.