Eutelsat has signed a five-year transmission agreement with the French group Bollore for the distribution of Direct 8, one of the new digital channels available on the French DTT system. The channel is looking to consolidate its distribution in France and extend its availability elsewhere in Europe and into North Africa. Broadcasting from the Hot Bird satellite will give Direct 8 instant access to 2.8 million homes in France. The channel will also be available over Eutelsat W3A bringing DTH reception to Africa.