The Russian Satellite Communications Co. yesterday said Eutelsat has signed a long-term contract to lease 12 transponders on the new Russian communications and broadcasting satellite, Express-AM22. The satellite is located at 53 degrees East longitude. Specific financial details of the contract were not disclosed.

The Express-AM22 bird was launched into orbit on Dec. 29, 2003, and began operation on March 9, RSCC officials said. The satellite offers communications and broadcasting services across Russia, CIS countries, Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. The satellite carries 24 Ku-band transponders and has a 12-year lifespan.