Eutelsat, China Unicom partner on satellite communications under Belt and Road initiative

Eutelsat Communications has signed a MoU with China United Network Communications to address the satellite communications market in Asia-Pacific in the framework of the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative. The MoU aims in particular to leverage resources on the Eutelsat 172B satellite to enhance inflight connectivity services across an area stretching from the West coast of North America to Asia, and down to Australia. Cooperation to further develop satellite communication services across the globe is also under consideration, Eutelsat said.

“China Unicom is an ideal partner for promoting satellite communications in Belt and Road regions. This agreement builds on the cooperation that started in 2008, when Eutelsat provided satellite transmission services to China Unicom during the Beijing Olympic Games. This cooperation also highlights the quality and reach of Eutelsat’s in-orbit resources, in particular at the 172° East orbital position. This reinforced partnership will allow both companies to leverage on their own strengths in order to address future opportunities in the connectivity markets”, said Eutelsat CEO Rodolphe Belmer.