[Satellite TODAY 11-11-11] Eutelsat has commenced full commercial operations on the W3C satellite at the 16 degrees East orbital slot, the operator confirmed Nov. 10.
The operator activated the service following the completion of a full transfer of over 480 television channels onto W3C from the Eurobird 16, W2M and Sesat 1 satellites.
Total TV, an Adriatic region DTH operator that owns SBB, will add two transponders to the six it has already leased at 16 degrees East to support new channels in all of its markets. Other pay-TV platforms and public and private broadcasters using W3C include SBB, Digitalb, TV Max, Tring and TV Romania.
Eutelsat said it believes that it is well placed to service a number of new markets, as a second regional footprint centered over Madagascar and Indian Ocean islands will serve the Canal Plus Overseas, Parabole Réunion and Orange platforms. The footprint also will serve France Télévisions to support digital switchover in Reunion Island and Mayotte.
