SES to distribute Benin channels in digital switchover move

Satellite operator SES has been contracted to provide 15 free-to-air channels to viewers in Benin by the government of the West African country.

As part of the agreement some HD channels will be broadcast over the country, which SES says are the first HD channels to be available via digital-terrestrial TV across Africa, making an important step forward in the planned 2020 digital switchover for the country.

SES is using a spot-beam on SES-14 to feed video to the Benin DTT infrastructure, with DTH coverage used to complement this in areas where DTT coverage is lacking. The SES-14 satellite, launched last year, is positioned at 47.5° West.

“SES has delivered a creative solution to us to ensure the introduction of digital television with HD channels. This is an important milestone as we move toward our deadline for the analogue switch-off. We are very pleased to be working with SES, which has both the technical capabilities and required experience to support our ambitious plans to set new standards for broadcasting,” said Darius Quenum, chairman of the DTT steering committee of the presidency of the Republic of Benin.

“We are excited to be working with the committee leading the digital television transition of Benin to deliver such high-quality service to the people of Benin. Launching HD service can be complex, and we are dedicated to providing innovative solutions to respond to market needs. Launching this DTT and DTH service is an important step for Benin and we are in the best position to successfully deliver the complete set of services required,” said Clint Brown, VP, sales and market development for Africa, SES Video.