The Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) has recognised global satellite operator Eutelsat (Paris:ETL) as a driving force behind the massive expansion in the number of television channels available to homes throughout the Middle East and North Africa region.

Eutelsat was named Satellite Operator of the Year at the ASBU Broadcast Pro Middle East awards earlier this week. This follows the successful launch and deployment last month of the EUTELSAT 8 West B satellite which is already leased at full capacity to broadcasters.

Ali Korur, CEO of Eutelsat’s Middle East affiliate, said: “This award is particularly gratifying as it is testament to our commitment and long-term vision, together with our partners at Nilesat, to the growth and maturity of broadcasting in the Middle East and North Africa.”

“Over nearly 20 years, together we have built the premium video neighbourhood for broadcasting services at 7/8 degrees West and attracted more than 1,000 television channels. The result is that over 52 million homes, representing 200 million viewers, only require one small satellite dish to receive all their entertainment from movies to sport, and news to comedy.”

Eutelsat’s latest broadcast satellite, part of an overall investment of over US $1 billion over the last five years, is further proof of Eutelsat’s long-term belief in the growth of the regional market. Broadcasters benefit from increased power, more coverage options, higher in-orbit security and industry-leading signal resilience.

About Eutelsat Communications

Established in 1977, Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL, ISIN code: FR0010221234) is one of the world’s leading and most experienced operators of communications satellites. The company provides capacity on 38 satellites to clients that include broadcasters and broadcasting associations, pay-TV operators, video, data and Internet service providers, enterprises and government agencies. Eutelsat’s satellites provide ubiquitous coverage of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Americas, enabling video, data, broadband and government communications to be established irrespective of a user’s location. Headquartered in Paris, with offices and teleports around the globe, Eutelsat represents a workforce of 1,000 men and women from 37 countries who are experts in their fields and work with clients to deliver the highest quality of service.

For more about Eutelsat please visit www.eutelsat.com