Telenor Satellite Broadcasting AS, a subsidiary of Norwegian mobile operator Telenor, has hired Arianespace to loft its Thor-6 satellite, Arianespace announced June 20.

Thor-6 will be launched into geostationary transfer orbit in mid-2009 aboard an Ariane 5 or Soyuz launcher from the Guiana Space Center, in Kourou, French Guiana.

The contract marks the first between the companies. Financial details were not disclosed.