Communications satellite operator Eutelsat is to procure a new generation multimedia Hot Bird satellite in response to demand for two-way high-speed internet access.
The satellite, called e-Bird, will be located at 25.2°E in geostationary orbit (GEO) and will be equipped with 20 transponders fully optimised to carry internet protocol access networks with satellite return link capabilities.
Demand for two-way high-speed internet access has increased from 25% to 40% in the past eight months, according to the satellite operator.
In addition, Eutelsat will issue a request for proposals for two new Hot Bird satellites, Hot Birds 8 and 9, to complete the capacity of the network. The new satellites will bring to 100 the number of Ku- and Ka-band transponders provided by the Hot Birds and will strengthen Eutelsat's in-orbit spare capacity.
The Eutelsat W series satellites were launched in May and September 2000.
Source: Flight International
