Johannesburg, 13 December 2010 – Global satellite operator SES S.A. (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG) announced today that it plans to expand its presence in Africa by providing much needed additional capacity to the continent, as well as adding staff and new local offices to foster long-term customer relationships in order to meet the diverse needs of Africa’s numerous markets.
Over the next four years, SES plans to launch at least five additional satellites with capacity dedicated to providing services to customers in Africa.
“Right now, SES has satellites over Africa providing broadband and broadcast connectivity – but the demand is great and more reach and services are required,” said Norbert Hölzle, Chief Commercial Officer. “Today only one out of three homes in Africa has a TV set, but this number is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. The digital migration in Africa is already being driven by satellite, and the markets are ready and eager for assistance which SES is ready and able to provide.”
While increased cable connectivity is called for by many in Africa, the bottom line is that digital terrestrial television (DTT) cannot provide the required reach and bandwidth on its own. Satellite can feed and complement DTT roll-out if network architecture is aligned, and digital terrestrial coverage in combination with satellite can notably reduce infrastructure investments and costs, making hybrid technology a logical next step.
“Cable and satellite need to be seen as enabling partners for Africa’s digital migration,” said Scott Sprague, Senior Vice President of Sales. “Digitisation is not just about migrating existing services. It’s about taking advantage of the increased opportunities of digital television and offering additional services, higher bandwidth and increased quality viewing at lower costs to more people.”
Satellite has the opportunity to reach an unlimited number of end-users quickly, independent of existing infrastructure, terrestrial challenges and borders. It also complements innovation and can handle all formats including digital, HDTV, 3DTV and IP. Africa presents many challenges which SES, thanks to 25 years of global market knowledge, including a strong record of success in developing markets combined with local expertise, is well positioned to meet.
For further information please contact:
Charlotte Danby
Corporate Communications Consultants
Tel: +27 11 463 2198
Markus Payer
SES ASTRA
Tel : + 352 710 725 500
About SES
SES (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG) wholly owns the market-leading satellite operators SES ASTRA and SES WORLD SKIES and participations in Ciel in Canada and QuetzSat in Mexico, as well as a strategic participation in satellite infrastructure start-up O3b Networks. SES provides outstanding satellite communications solutions via a global fleet of 44 satellites. For further information: www.ses.com
SES in Africa
With a global fleet of over 40 satellites, six of which currently serve the African continent, SES delivers satellite-based solutions to broadcasters, content and internet service providers, mobile and fixed network operators, business and governmental organizations worldwide.
Combining strong regional presence with global reach, SES offers the most compelling balance of satellite capacity, individualised support and market knowledge to fuel Africa’s growing demand for connectivity in the region and beyond. The SES group has a strong track record of commitment to Africa and will continue to champion new investment in satellite capacity and innovative product development in the coming years.
Charlotte Danby
Corporate Communications Consultants
Tel: +27 11 463 2198
Fax: +27 11 463 2170
