PanAmSat has signed an agreement with Alcatel, a Paris-based communications firm, for the acquisition of multiple European orbital slots--along with the Europe*Star satellite that has a large footprint over Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. According to published reports, the deal means PanAmSat substantially strengthens its presence primarily in major European and Mideast markets.
PanAmSat is currently the largest distributor of TV signals in the world and provides more HD channels in the United States than anyone, according to the company. The acquisition of Europe*Star primarily will give it immediate access to established major markets in Western and Eastern Europe, although it said the emerging markets in parts of Africa and the Middle East give PanAmSat totally new potential customer bases.
The new PAS-12 satellite, formerly known as Europe*Star 1, will enable PanAmSat to provide a range of enhanced services to European customers, include DTH (direct to home), HD and PPV, and what it calls "Digital Satellite News Gathering." Under terms of the agreement, PanAmSat gains the right to the 45 degrees east longitude orbital slot, as well as the 47.5 degrees east longitude position.
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