Channel network and content distributor AfricaXP have signed multi-year agreements with Eutelsat for Ku-band capacity on two satellites, positioned at 16° East and 7° East.
The additional capacity leased from Eutelsat will enable AfricaXP to extend the reach of its DTH free-to-air TV platform, Premium.Free. Currently broadcast in West Africa, the platform will leverage the unparalleled coverage of Eutelsat’s 7° East hotspot to roll out a regionally customised offer of 23 channels across Eastern and Southern Africa from mid-February. In addition, AfricaXP will launch an inaugural, 10 channel French language bouquet from Eutelsat’s 16° East position with its powerful footprint over French-speaking African countries.
Craig Kelly, AfricaXP’s CEO, said: “Premium.Free has been entertaining viewers in Anglophone West Africa for the past year by providing a pay-TV quality experience to the public free-of-charge as an unencrypted satellite service. Eutelsat’s 7º East and 16° East positions offer us comprehensive geographic reach in Africa’s key Western, Eastern and Southern markets where they serve large audiences. This has ignited a strong interest from our advertising partners.”
Nicolas Baravalle, Director of the Sub-Saharan Africa region at Eutelsat, added: “Eutelsat is delighted to be supporting AfricaXP in rolling out this multichannel Free-to-Air model across Sub-Saharan Africa.Moreover, this partnership reinforces the strength and desirability of these two orbital hotspots for the Sub-Saharan region, which are becoming increasingly sought after by broadcasters.”
AfricaXP is a leading owned and operated channel network and content distributor that has licensed its channels and content to leading African, global broadcast and digital platforms including Premium.Free, its own African based free-to-air satellite and OTT platform.