Azerspace-1 broadcasts more TV and radio channels
By Nigar Orujova
Azerspace-1 starts to broadcast more TV and radio channels.
The number of TV channels broadcasted by the Azerbaijan's first telecommunications satellite Azerspace/Africasat-1a has increased, the Ministry of Communications and High Technologies reported on May 29.
The ministry said at present along with 81 television channels 16 radio channels are broadcasted via the satellite. The number of TV channels broadcasted by Azerbaijani satellite is continually growing.
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.
To date, Azerspace broadcasts Turkish, Georgian, Ukrainian, Lebanon, South African TV channels. Afghanistan and Iraq are also interested in using Azerspace-1 possibilities in the future.
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.
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'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.