Eutelsat Communications Reports Record Revenue Growth

Thursday, November 5th, 2009
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PARIS — Eutelsat Communications (ISIN: FR0010221234 – Euronext Paris: ETL), one of the world’s leading satellite operators, today reported financial information for the first quarter ended September 30, 2009.

Video Applications (71.9% of revenues)

Video Applications registered sustained increase in revenue (+8.5%) to €180.8 million. With 3,329 TV channels broadcast by Eutelsat’s fleet at September 30, 2009 (+4.7%), Eutelsat further consolidated the commercial strength of its nine video neighbourhoods.

This strong performance was driven by the following:

  • For European markets, the successful launch of HOT BIRD™ 9 and the redeployment of EUROBIRD™ 9A2 and EUROBIRD™ 163 further anchored the leadership of the premium HOT BIRD™ video neighbourhood, and enabled the Group to increase capacity at 9° East and 16° East in order to enhance customer service.

    Growth in the first quarter consequently reflects the full effect of contracts concluded over the last nine months through dynamic management of in-orbit resources. Significant long-term contracts include Sky Italia (Italy) and Cyfrowy Polsat (Poland) at the HOT BIRD™ position, contracts at 9° East with Hello HD (Hungary) and Platforma HD (Russia) and at 16° East with SBB (Serbia) for the Total TV platform and with Globecast to broadcast channels produced by TVR, Romania’s national public broadcaster.

  • In Middle East and African markets, Eutelsat’s broadcasting resources at 7° West almost doubled with the entry into service of ATLANTIC BIRD™ 4A. This satellite equips the Group to capture opportunities presented by the rapid take-up of digital TV in these regions within the framework of the strategic agreement concluded with the Egyptian operator, Nilesat. The number of channels broadcast at this neighbourhood rose by 64% year-on-year to 247 channels at September 30, 2009.
     
  • High Definition TV which increased at each of the Group’s video neighbourhoods. In total, the number of HDTV channels broadcast by Eutelsat’s fleet rose by over 60% during the period to break the barrier of 100 channels. With a share exceeding 40% of HDTV channels broadcast over Europe, Russia and the Middle East, Eutelsat reinforced its pole position in this growing market.

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