(Oslo 12 December 2006) Telenor Satellite Broadcasting has approved the release of a Request for Proposal for a new satellite to replace THOR III, which is set to retire in 2010. THOR III was launched in 1998, equipped with 15 transponders and currently services the Nordic and CEE regions.
The new satellite is to be positioned at 1º West and will be fitted with additional transponder capacity covering the Nordics and Central European markets with high power DTH capacity. Cato Halsaa, the Managing Director of Telenor Satellite Broadcasting explains, 'A number of extra transponders are required to facilitate the growing demand for satellite both in the Nordics and the rest of Europe. Satellite remains the platform of choice for distribution of quality content, a trend that is not likely to change in the foreseeable future.'
The satellite is set to launch in 2009 and completes the replacement programme of THOR II and THOR III.
