Millicom facility in Bolivia. Photo: Millicom

[Via Satellite 05-23-2014] Millicom has signed a multi-year contract with Eutelsat Americas, formerly Satmex, to expand the reach of its pay-TV services across Latin America. The deal provides capacity for Direct-to-Home (DTH) broadcasts on Eutelsat 117 West A, formerly Satmex 8, and includes options for additional capacity on the upcoming Eutelsat 117 West B, formerly Satmex 9.

Millicom’s cable and mobile services reach 10.5 million people in Bolivia. The overlaying of satellite will extend the reach of the company’s Tigo Star brand to 6.5 million more, bringing 75 channels, including eight in high definition (HD), five Free-to-Air (FTA) and eight premium services.

“The launch of our new satellite-based service on the Eutelsat Americas satellite at 117 degrees west is another significant step in the transformation of Millicom into a diversified digital lifestyle provider,” said Millicom’s Executive Vice President for Home and Digital Media, Martin Lewerth. “It adds to our cable services and reaches right across Latin America which means we can now broadcast for the first time to communities and households throughout the region.”

Millicom also broadcasts in El Salvador, offering up to 70 DTH channels, including four in HD.