E33A Ku-band spot D downlink coverage. Photo: Eutelsat

[Via Satellite 12-23-13] Eutelsat has reached an agreement with Türksat to redeploy the Eutelsat 33A satellite in May 2014 from 33 degrees east to 31 degrees east. As part of the agreement, Türksat will operate it under its satellite network filings.

Eutelsat will continue to provide services at 33 degrees east using the Eutelsat 33B satellite, which was redeployed to this position last month. Eutelsat 33B was formerly designated as Eutelsat 25C.

Türksat currently operates two satellites at the 42 degrees east orbital location. The company is planning to launch Turksat 4A in the first quarter of 2014 to 42 degrees east and Türksat 4B in the second quarter of 2014 to 50 degrees east.