Digital Rendering of Eutelsat 36C. Photo: Airbus Defence and Space

[Via Satellite 07-30-2014] MultiChoice Africa has purchased the entire 15 Ku-band transponder payload on Eutelsat’s upcoming satellite Eutelsat 36C. The satellite is scheduled to launch in 2015.

MultiChoice plans to use the capacity for Standard Definition (SD) and High Definition (HD) channels, along with in-orbit back-up capacity for network continuity. The 15-year agreement provides a boost to the company’s DStv Pay-TV platform.

In addition to buying capacity on Eutelsat 36C, MultiChoice has also purchased two transponders on Eutelsat 36A to deliver DStv Pay-TV services across 38 countries. The new agreement brings the number of Eutelsat transponders leased by MultiChoice to 36.