SES Wins EchoStar Capacity Deal

[Satellite Today 11-26-08] SES won a multi-year satellite capacity deal with EchoStar, as the DTH provider looks to expand into the Mexican pay-TV market, SES announced Nov. 26. 
    Capacity on the new QuetzSat-1 will be used by Dish Mexico, an EchoStar joint venture, to provide DTH services in Mexico. EchoStar also will use the capacity for its U.S. DTH business.
    SES will start the procurement process for QuetzSat-1, a Ku-band satellite that will operate 77 degrees West.  Rights to use this orbital position for direct broadcast services were granted in 2005 by the Mexican government to QuetzSat S. de R.L. de C.V., a Mexican-controlled partnership that includes principals of Grupo Medcom and SES Global South America Holdings, S.L., a company held 100 percent by SES. SES Global South America Holdings, S.L holds 49 percent of QuetzSat S. de R.L. de C.V.