The Switch, Eutelsat tie up to deliver video service for satellite and fibre networks

The alliance between Eutelsat and The Switch will see the introduction of a new, independent video service for satellite and fibre networks

The Switch has partnered Eutelsat to deliver a satellite and fibre video contribution network. Under this agreement, The Switch’s user community of more than 800 global content producers and distributors will be able to transmit feeds on a minute-by-minute basis to and from large parts of the globe.

Additionally, broadcasters and content producers within Eutelsat’s satellite footprint will gain access to The Switch’s global fibre network, including 53 physical points-of-presence, as well as connections to US technology leaders, major global broadcasters and more than 180 sports organisations, venues and rights holders.

Keith Buckley, president and CEO at The Switch, said: “We have seen a huge increase in demand for worldwide uplinking from our connected customers and venues. Partnering with Eutelsat allows us to combine our shared resources to bring a seamless, flexible offering to market.”

This alliance leverages the resources of three Eutelsat satellites — Eutelsat 7B, Eutelsat 10A, and Eutelsat 65 West A covering Europe, Africa and the Americas — as well as satellites that will be added in the future to extend the reach of the solution, along with The Switch’s global video transport network.

Transport between each region can be scheduled by users via SwitchIT, a customer-control software platform from The Switch. The result of the integration between The Switch and Eutelsat systems will enable users to deliver their content “faster, more smoothly, and to more regions around the globe”, said the companies.

Michael Antonovich, CEO of Eutelsat Americas, concluded: “We are delighted to partner with The Switch to offer customers for connectivity a more efficient and cost-effective way to move content. Having greater first-mile access to literally hundreds of additional broadcasters, venues and content producers in the US and beyond greatly strengthens our position in the media landscape.”