Eutelsat 3d satellite. Photo: Thales Alenia Space.

[Via Satellite 02-10-2014] Eutelsat Communications has announced that the capacity equivalent of almost 5,000 hours of transmissions have been booked by TV channels and service providers to broadcast coverage of the Sochi Winter Olympic Games.

The Eutelsat 16A, 7A and 3D satellites, which offer single-hop reach between Europe, Russia, North Africa and the Middle East, will transmit around-the-clock coverage to Europe.

Eutelsat’s satellite infrastructure will enable an expected three billion viewers to watch the 98 events taking place from Feb. 7 to 23 including interviews, news and the opening and closing ceremonies. The sporting, cultural and political events will be delivered around the world through the company’s fleet.