Paris– Eutelsat Communications has crossed the threshold of 6,000 channels broadcasting via its fleet, further consolidating its position as a premium satellite operator and service provider to the global broadcasting industry.

This new record reflects three key trends where Eutelsat continues to outperform: strong channel growth in fast growing markets; continued deployment of pay-TV platforms; and a diversified offer of Free-to-Air channels.

Eutelsat continues to register strong channel growth in fast growing markets, notably in the Middle East and Africa, with one out of three channels on its satellites targeting these fast-growing regions. In Sub-Saharan Africa, half of the 1,136 satellite channels broadcast today are transmitted by Eutelsat. The share of Eutelsat channels in the total satellite offer in the Middle East and North Africa is even higher, with two out of three channels choosing Eutelsat, notably the 7/8° West neighbourhood where 80 channels were added in October 2015 on the new EUTELSAT 8 West B satellite.

Eutelsat is an industry-leading partner of Pay and Free-to-View platforms, reflecting an exceptional inventory of regional video neighbourhoods hosting high power satellites with bandwidth to grow. A total of 50 platforms have selected a Eutelsat video neighbourhood, with Africa showing the most pronounced regional dynamic as the continent accelerates the transition to digital. Over the last 12 months, six platforms have launched or expanded their activities at Eutelsat’s African video neighbourhoods at 7° East, 16° East and 36° East.

With over 2,200 channels available free-to-air, Eutelsat is the satellite company broadcasting the highest number of subscription-free channels. New features will be introduced in 2016 giving channels higher visibility and offering viewers more information on the exceptional line-up of free content. They will start with the HOT BIRD position that offers over 400 subscription-free channels across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.