…the Express-AMU1/EUTELSAT 36C satellite that will be launched in 2015 to provide follow-on and expansion capacity for the EUTELSAT 36A broadcast satellite operating at 36 degrees East. Express-AMU1/EUTELSAT 36C will be a state-of-the-art high-capacity satellite with up to 70 transponders. It will provide coverage for broadcast services in the European part of the Russian Federation in Ku and Ka bands, and ensure service continuity and growth for broadcast markets developed by Eutelsat in sub-Saharan Africa. Its dual-band design is set to transform the broadcasting infrastructure at 36 degrees East into a broader system to support more television services and IP-based interactive services to accompany the development of Russia’s digital entertainment market.
The latest results of a survey[1] produced by Eutelsat and Ipsos on TV reception modes and trends in Russia underscore the exceptional dynamic of its satellite broadcasting market and the stellar growth of homes watching channels broadcast from the longstanding 36 degree East neighbourhood. Of the 53 million TV homes in Russia, 24 percent are equipped for DTH satellite reception, making satellite the country’s leading platform for digital television. The number of satellite homes across Russia maintains a strong dynamic, increasing by 25 percent over two years from eight million to 12.6 million. Ten per cent of these homes receive signals from more than one satellite position, taking the total number of antennas to 13.8 million.
Within this universe, the number of homes equipped for DTH reception from 36 degrees East has increased over 24 months to 10.7 million from 6.7 million, reflecting the high level of demand for the TricolorTV platform and the success of NTV+. Over the same period, the volume of Russian channels broadcasting from 36 degrees East has jumped to more than 370 from 250. Meanwhile, the number of homes in Russia receiving international and Russian channels broadcast by Eutelsat’s HOT BIRD satellites also continues to grow, reaching a new record of 1.7 million, up from 1.3 million two years before.
