An overview of EUTELSAT technical and planning developments

EUTELSAT´s mission is to provide and operate space segment to meet the requirements of its member states for telecommunication services in Europe. The satellites operated by EUTELSAT provide a range of international services including telephony, data transmission, the transmission of television, and can also be used to carry domestic telecommunication services. The EUTELSAT system has shown continuous growth in services provided and the usage of those services. The space segment has improved in performance quality with each generation of satellite and has steadily increased the number of transponders to meet demand. Future growth is anticipated with the provision of third generation satellites. However, the introduction of additional services based of new technology and the pace of continued expansion of existing services may be influenced by the development and evolution of digital TV products, competition, the introduction of broadband service applications, and the deregulation of telecommunications in Europe