Photo: Eutelsat/Shutterstock

Eutelsat Communications and Afghanistan Broadcasting System (ABS) signed a multi-year, multi-transponder contract for video capacity on the Eutelsat 53A satellite.

ABS will use Eutelsat 53A’s Ku-band resources over central Asia to provide nationwide coverage for the launch of its new Direct-to-Home (DTH) platform, Oqaab HD+. This platform will be developed in the coming months to carry a mix of national and premium international channels. The capacity will also help enable ABS to extend its Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) network from Kabul to all other Afghan provinces by feeding DTT network head-ends.

“With our new teleport in Kabul, we provide better signal quality for the local broadcasters across Afghanistan at compelling terms,” said ABS Chief Operating Officer (COO) Andi Wilmers. “Eutelsat’s resources over Afghanistan provide the needed signal strength so that people can receive all channels, even with a 45-cm satellite dish antenna. In 2019 we will offer enhanced services like Video on Demand (VOD) and other products to customers across the country.”