The successful launch of the new Intelsat 36 on Wednesday from French Guiana will enable South Africa's MultiChoice to add new high definition (HD) channels to its DStv platform and to roll-out new services to DStv subscribers.
The additional use of the Intelsat 36 satellite represents a significant increase in MultiChoice's capacity to provide its direct-to-home (DTH) satellite subscription services. says Brian Jakins, Intelsat's regional vice president for Africa.
Intelsat 36, the 58th Intelsat satellite launched by Arianespace, will enhance Intelsat's existing satellite capacity over Africa and will enable MultiChoice to extend HD channels in South Africa and throughout the African region.
Intelsat has a longstanding history with MultiChoice, going back to 1991. "Intelsat 36 with act as a backup to our existing IS20 satellite, taking some risk out of our business making sure our customers have their services uninterrupted" says Mark Rayner, CEO of MultiChoice South Africa.
"We're committed to bringing our customers the freshest and best local and international content, delivered across a variety of platforms, to consume whenever they want to," says Mark Rayner.
"We continue to grow our business as fast as technology and content will allow. We want to bring people a great viewing experience - best local and international content, plus BoxOffice, Catch Up, the best video-on-demand (VOD) service we can give them in Africa. ANd we do that together with Intelsat, our longterm partner".
Intelsat CEO Stephen Spengler says "Intelsat 36 will enable MultiChoice to extend high definition channels throughout the region via one of Africa's premier video neighborhoods".
"We are proud to once again partner with MultiChoice as they continue to deliver high quality and compelling educational and entertainment services to their customers throughout sub-Saharan Africa".
