GlobeCast and Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) have signed a three-year contract for two 36 MHz transponders on Eutelsat’s ATLANTIC BIRD™ 1 and W2A satellites. The new capacity will be used for professional video services in order to boost GlobeCast’s response to increasing requirements from client broadcasters and news agencies to deliver live coverage of sports, breaking news and special events across Europe. GlobeCast’s choice of additional Eutelsat satellite capacity brings extra flexibility for worldwide seamless delivery of content. The additional resources on Eutelsat’s ATLANTIC BIRD™ 1 and W2A will in particular support GlobeCast’s response to the increase of contribution links in HD that have grown fourfold over the last year.

Using Satellite News Gathering (SNG) vehicles and flyaway antennas, GlobeCast (a subsidiary of France Telecom) will leverage the new capacity for a full suite of occasional services in SD and HD. GlobeCast’s Europe-based fleet comprises 39 SNG vehicles and Flyaways, of which seven are located in the U.K., 10 in Italy, and 22 in France. GlobeCast also provides global coordination services (logistics, dedicated teams, accreditation) and distribution by satellite or fibre to platforms located on five continents. GlobeCast and Eutelsat are exhibiting at IBC2009 at stand 1 B.40; Eutelsat stand 1 D.59.