Azerbaijan’s satellite to broadcast Ukrainian TV channels
By Nigar Orujova
Azerbaijani space agency "Azercosmos" and Ukrainian company "Ukrkosmos" have agreed on broadcasting of a package of Ukrainian TV channels via first Azerbaijani telecommunications satellite Azerspace-1.
The package consisting of popular channels such as UTR, Kultura TV, Lvov TV, KDRTK and CP INFO will be broadcasted over Azerspace-1 in the territories of Europe, Central Asia and several countries of Middle East.
Earlier in March, South African TV channels have started their trial broadcasting via Azerspace-1.
Currently Azerspace is broadcasting over 80 TV and radio channels. The TV content is available when satellite antennas configured with 11,169 MHz frequency, 20,400 speed, Horizontal and FEC - 5/6 polarization.
Azerspace-1, which was launched in February 2013, covers Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia and North Africa. Some 80 percent of the satellite's resources are available for commercial purposes.
The satellite was designed to offer digital broadcasting services, internet access, and data transmission. It also creates multiservice VSAT networks and provides governmental communication services.
Azerspace-1's term of exploitation in the orbit will be up to 15 years. Baku is expected to earn $500-600 million by operating the satellite.