Eutelsat Statement on Deliberate Jamming of Satellite Signals

Eutelsat Statement on Deliberate Jamming of Satellite Signals

PARIS, November 17, 2011/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

Eutelsat categorically refutes recent reports that claim it is
generating interference to its own satellites in order to prevent reception
in Iran of international Farsi satellite channels. These allegations are in
total contradiction with reality. They are also totally inconsistent with
the statement issued in September by the BBC which associates Eutelsat with
their renewed appeal for action by regulatory authorities to combat this
violation of international rights.

Over more than two years Eutelsat has publicly condemned intentional
jamming of its satellites by third parties, organised to prevent reception
of international Farsi channels including BBC Persian, Voice of America and
Deutsche Welle. We have identified the location of the jamming from within
Iran, and since May 2009, have filed multiple complaints with the relevant
French and international regulatory authorities to denounce hostile jamming
operations and to prompt the International Telecommunication Union (a United
Nations Agency) to address this illegal practice as a priority issue.

Eutelsat maintains a constant dialogue with international Farsi channels
and service providers affected by deliberate jamming. The company has
repeatedly organised transmissions of these channels through other
satellites in its fleet in order to provide the continuity of service that
we constantly endeavour to deliver. These efforts are recognised by the BBC,
including in their statement of September 7.

Deliberate jamming prevents satellite reception, creates collateral
damage for other broadcasters and is contrary to international conventions
for the use of satellites. Efforts to combat it are a priority issue for
Eutelsat. Michel de Rosen, Eutelsat CEO, says: "In our capacity as a
satellite operator we remain committed to defeating this abuse. We call on
those of influence to do all they can to impress upon Iran the illegal
nature of intentional jamming and the need to cease this activity
immediately."

About Eutelsat Communications

Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL, ISIN code: FR0010221234)
is the holding company of Eutelsat S.A.. With capacity commercialised on 29
satellites that provide coverage over the entire European continent, as well
as the Middle East, Africa, India and significant parts of Asia and the
Americas, Eutelsat is one of the world's three leading satellite operators
in terms of revenues. As of 30 June 2011, Eutelsat's satellites were
broadcasting more than 3,800 television channels. More than 1,100 channels
are broadcast via its HOT BIRD(TM) video neighbourhood at 13 degrees East
alone which serves over 120 million cable and satellite homes in Europe, the
Middle East and North Africa. The Group's satellites also serve a wide range
of fixed and mobile telecommunications services, TV contribution markets,
corporate networks, and broadband markets for Internet Service Providers and
for transport, maritime and in-flight markets. Eutelsat's broadband
subsidiary, Skylogic, markets and operates access to high speed internet
services through teleports in France and Italy that serve enterprises, local
communities, government agencies and aid organisations in Europe, Africa,
Asia and the Americas. Headquartered in Paris, Eutelsat and its subsidiaries
employ just over 700 commercial, technical and operational professionals
from 30 countries.

http://www.eutelsat.com

Source: Eutelsat Communications

For further information :
Press

Vanessa O'Connor
Tel. : + 33-1-53-98-37-91 voconnor@eutelsat.fr ; Frédérique Gautier
Tel. : + 33-1-53-98-37-91
fgautier@eutelsat.fr ; Analysts and Investors : Lisa Finas
Tel. : +33-1-53-98-35-30, investors@eutelsat-communications.com ; Léonard Wapler Tel. : +33-1-53-98-31-07, investors@eutelsat-communications.com

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