SES WORLD SKIES has announced that it has reached an agreement with the Andean Community of Nations (CAN) regarding the long-term use of the 67 degrees West orbital position.

The 67 degrees West orbital position offers an extensive Ku-band satellite frequency range and excellent viewing angles for coverage of the Americas and the Caribbean.

The Andean Community consists of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. The organisation was established in 1997 to foster the political, economic and social integration of its member countries.

One of its long-standing objectives has been the development of the 67 degrees West geostationary orbital position with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for the benefit of the Andean people.

Freddy Ehlers, Secretary General of the Andean Community, said: "We are very pleased with this agreement with SES WORLD SKIES for the development of the Andean orbital rights at 67 degrees West. Through this agreement, the Andean Community will deepen and strengthen the economic integration and socio-cultural cohesion of its Member Countries, as well as expand communications throughout the region."

Rob Bednarek, President and CEO of SES WORLD SKIES, said: "This agreement allows us to assist the Andean Community in developing this orbital slot, and offers an additional opportunity to SES WORLD SKIES to efficiently serve Latin America and the Caribbean with state-of-the-art satellite solutions for television distribution, broadband connectivity and government services. We look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship with the Andean Community and to developing 67 degrees West into a prime orbital neighborhood for the region."