MNLA said the milestone partnership would allow the company to launch a new DTH wholesale pay-TV service that combines international and regional SD and HD channels using multiple transponders on SES’ AMC-4 satellite.

   AMC-4, located at the 67 degrees West orbital slot, also allows MNLA to extend its coverage other future growth markets with its existing ground infrastructure, including its teleport in Lima, Peru.

   The AMC-3 satellite was launched in 2010 and relocated Feb. 15 to its current orbit to provide expansion capacity in Latin America for a range of applications, such as rural telecommunications, VSAT networks, e-learning, pay-TV and mobile broadband. 

   MNLA CTO Pedro Planas said the re-located SES satellite provided the ideal coverage, spectrum and DTH experience to expand into new markets throughout Latin America.

“Our long-term agreement with SES represents a strategic partnership aimed at meeting the increasing demand from our customers, the existing and new pay-TV operators in the region, and will allow us to continue offering a growing lineup of compelling content,” Planas said in a statement.

   SES CCO Ferdinand Kayser said the partnership with MNLA was of high strategic importance for the operator.

   “[The deal] is further proof that satellite can ideally complement and strengthen the offer of telecommunications companies,” said Kayser. “SES sees itself as a perfect partner for telecommunications companies, connecting interactive and television services. SES is committed to the long-term success, growth and innovation of such services throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. We look forward to playing an important role in the expansion and future growth of Media Networks Latin America’s DTH business in Central America, the Caribbean and beyond.” 

CORRECTION – An earlier version of this story should have read that the AMC-3 satellite was relocated in February.