[Satellite TODAY 01-26-12] Spacecom has launched commercial service on its Amos-5 satellite after the spacecraft successfully completed in-orbit testing, the Israeli operator announced Jan. 25.

   Amos-5 was built by ISS Reshetnev and launched in mid-December. The satellite is equipped with a C- and Ku-band payload to carry African broadcast and data communications services. The satellite’s pan-African C-band covers the entire continent while its three Ku-band beams provide coverage over the Francophone, Central and Southern Africa regions.

   “Amos-5’s commercial operations propel Spacecom into a new era, further turning us into a multi-regional satellite operator. Africa is an exciting market with growth in broadcast, telecom, mobile and data markets,” Spacecom President and CEO David Pollack said in a statement. “Amos-5’s comprehensive and quality solution will not only be an important element enabling Africa’s communications growth but also an important factor in Spacecom’s future.”