Eutelsat Communications has announced new agreements with telecommunications service provider Horizon Satellite Services for capacity on Eutelsat's W2A, W6 and EUROBIRD(TM) 4A satellites.

The agreements further strengthen partner relations between the two companies that were initiated in 2003 with capacity leased on the W5 satellite, and which now extend to the equivalent of over 15 transponders.

Headquartered in Dubai, Horizon Satellite Services is the regional leader specialised in the provision of direct access to Tier-one Internet backbones for Internet Service Providers, enterprises and government procurement services operating in the Middle East Africa and Asia.

"From the outset, Horizon Satellite Services selected Eutelsat satellites to provide Internet backbone connectivity for ISPs operating in the Middle East and Central Asia, including Afghanistan and Iraq", said Hisham A. Ansari, Managing Director of Horizon Satellite Services.

"We are excited by the prospects of Eutelsat's future KA-SAT, W5A and W6A satellites so we can continue to respond to the tremendous demand for broadband connectivity in our principal target locations."

"Satellites offer a compelling solution for cost-effective direct access to the Internet backbone, cutting through geographic barriers and local infrastructure," said Andrew Wallace, Eutelsat Chief Commercial Officer.

"We are delighted to further consolidate our relationship with Horizon Satellite Services, whose commitment to quality and innovation is a hallmark for satellite-based IP services. This new capacity contract anchors our presence in regions offering some of the most exciting opportunities for Eutelsat's ongoing development."