[SatNews] Global satellite operator SES S.A. (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG) plans to expand its presence in Africa by providing much needed additional capacity to the continent, as well as adding staff and new local offices to foster long-term customer relationships in order to meet the diverse needs of Africa's numerous markets.

Over the next four years, SES plans to launch at least five additional satellites with capacity dedicated to providing services to customers in Africa. While increased cable connectivity is called for by many in Africa, the bottom line is that digital terrestrial television (DTT) cannot provide the required reach and bandwidth on its own. Satellite can feed and complement DTT roll-out if network architecture is aligned, and digital terrestrial coverage in combination with satellite can notably reduce infrastructure investments and costs, making hybrid technology a logical next step. Satellite has the opportunity to reach an unlimited number of end-users quickly, independent of existing infrastructure, terrestrial challenges and borders. It also complements innovation and can handle all formats including digital, HDTV, 3DTV and IP. Africa presents many challenges which SES, thanks to 25 years of global market knowledge, including a strong record of success in developing markets combined with local expertise, is well positioned to meet.