Eutelsat selects Thales Alenia Space to build the EUTELSAT 8 West B satellite, boosting satellite broadcasting resources in the Middle East and North Africa

Satellite broadcasting in the Middle East and North Africa will soon be gaining powerful new broadcasting resources following the order announced today by Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) of a new satellite from Thales Alenia Space. Called EUTELSAT 8 West B, the high-capacity spacecraft will be launched in 2015 to 8° West, joining satellites already operated at the adjacent 7° West position by Eutelsat and the Egyptian satellite company, Nilesat. Broadcasting services from both positions are received by satellite TV homes with a single small Direct-to-Home dish