Orion Express expands media delivery to Russia with Intelsat

Intelsat and Orion Express Extend Agreement to Deliver Media Services Across Russia Using Intelsat 15

LUXEMBOURG — Intelsat (NYSE: I), operator of the world’s first Globalized Network, powered by its leading satellite backbone, today announced that Orion Express signed a multi-year extension with Intelsat for satellite services supporting direct-to-home (DTH) and media distribution services in Russia via the Intelsat 15 satellite.

Orion Express, a major satellite television provider and operator of the second largest DTH platform in Russia, uses multiple Ku-band transponders on Intelsat 15 and Horizons 2, co-located at 85º East, to deliver DTH services to customers and TV content to cable and IPTV head ends. Under the new agreement, Orion Express extended its use of Intelsat 15 well into the next decade and expanded its operations by consolidating services with Intelsat that had been with another satellite operator.

“The premium programming that Intelsat enables us to efficiently and reliably distribute, along with the ability to deliver regionalized content, has spurred the rapid growth of our DTH platform and media distribution services in Russia and neighboring CIS countries,” said Kirill Makhnovskiy, CEO of Orion Express. “The quality and the coverage provided by Intelsat 15 is enabling us to further expand our broadcast services and subscriber base.”

“This is another example of how Intelsat’s approach of working very closely with our customers to understand their business and their long-term growth strategy benefits our customers and Intelsat,” said Jean-Philippe Gillet, Intelsat’s Vice President and General Manager, Broadband. “This long-term commitment from Orion Express will strengthen the strategic position of 85° East as a major media hub for Russia and the CIS. The combination of Intelsat 15 and Horizons 2 will also strengthen Orion Express’ position and provide a robust and long-term growth capability to attract even more national and international broadcasters.”