A satellite dish. Photo: Eutelsat

[Via Satellite 12-08-2015] Eutelsat Americas has received a multiyear contract from StarTV, the commercial platform of Stargroup, for capacity on Eutelsat 117 West A and Eutelsat 117 West B. Stargroup purchased the capacity to support the launch of its new Direct-to-Home (DTH) pay-TV service in Mexico. The new platform will start later this month in the Mexican state of Zacatecas and other parts of the country, replacing the TVZac platform that has been available regionally through microwave distribution.

StarTV plans to bring new pay-TV packages to the Mexican market featuring national and international channels, and partnering with local distributors. The new platform will begin to operate with 50 channels.

Eutelsat 117 West B is scheduled to launch in 2016, after which it will join Eutelsat 117 West A at 116.8 degrees west, providing coverage over Latin America.