A new DTH company has launched services in Turkey through leasing a transponder from satellite operator SES.
Anadolu Networks began broadcasting local TV channels in the country from the beginning of this year at 31.5E, SES’s prime orbital position…
A new DTH company has launched services in Turkey through leasing a transponder from satellite operator SES.
Anadolu Networks began broadcasting local TV channels in the country from the beginning of this year at 31.5E, SES’s prime orbital position for Turkey and the larger region. The company is using a transponder on the Astra 1G satellite to broadcast regional services, but it is eyeing a national roll out later this year.
SES said the launch of its ASTRA 5B satellite in Q3 2013, which will become its second bird at 31.5E, will give Anadolu Networks further opportunities to broadcast content to countries including Germany, where Turks are the country’s largest ethnic minority.
Norbert Holzle, SES’s senior vice president for commercial Europe, said: “The launch of Anadolu Networks provides regional TV channels with an excellent opportunity to grow their audience and businesses beyond local communities.
“It once again demonstrates the advantages of satellite to reach large audiences and to overcome the limitations of terrestrial distribution.”
Sakir Gurel, president of Anadolu Networks, said his company was planning to use SES’ expertise to embark upon an “ambitious growth strategy” that will see it expand in Turkey and neighbouring countries.
Encouraged by the growth of local channels in recent years, SES sees Turkey as a promising market for satellite capacity. The operator opened its first Turkish office last year in Istanbul, and said its 31.5E slot also opens up opportunities in Africa and the Middle East.
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