Eutelsat, the other pan-European satellite operator, has responded to the expansion of Societe Europeenne des Satellites (SES) into the South American market, by opening its first Latin American subsidiary, Eutelsat do Brasil Ltda. in Rio de Janeiro.

Fabio Galente is heading the new subsidiary with the title of general manager of Eutelsat do Brasil.

“This commitment to establishing local presence in the vibrant Latin American telecommunications market will support the expansion of Eutelsat’s commercial activities,” said the consortium of operators in 47 European countries.

The consortium said it plans to launch two new satellites during 2001 that will provide trans-Atlantic connectivity–Atlantic Bird 1 and Atlantic Bird 2. Eutelsat said it currently is meeting demand for trans-Atlantic TV links and Internet backbone connections on a Eutelsat 2 satellite and with four Ku-band transponders on the Telstar 12 satellite. The main customers for this capacity are Belgacom, France Telecom [FTE], Telecom Italia, Teleglobe Inc. [TGO] and Deutsche Telekom [DT].