[Satellite TODAY 11-24-11] German satellite service provider Level 421 is in final preparations to launch a C-band iDirect X3 platform on Spacecom’s Amos-5 and is offering a pre-launch capacity discount, the company announced Nov. 23.

   Level 421 said its platform would provide 5-watt C-band services throughout the continent of Africa, with dedicated and 1:4 shared contention ratios available. The Amos 5 satellite, built by ISS Reshetnev and Thales Alenia Space, will launch on Dec. 11 from the Baikonur Spaceport. The satellite will be carried to orbit by an International Launch Services (ILS) Proton rocket.

   Level 421 also is granting a 20 percent discount on all Africa-sat.net airtime products to customers signing up for capacity agreements prior the scheduled launch. The company said that the offer would be in effect until 5 p.m. on Dec. 9.