NEW DELHI: Eurovision, the operational arm of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), and satellite operator Asia Satellite Telecommunications Co. Ltd. (AsiaSat), have expanded their partnership for use of multiple C-band transponders on AsiaSat 5 and a teleport service from AsiaSat’s Tai Po Earth Station in Hong Kong.

The C-band transponders will be used for occasional live sports and news transmissions in the Asia-Pacific region. They will also support permanent TV channel distribution in Asia for EBU Members and customers, according to a joint statement by the two in Hong Kong.

Eurovision and AsiaSat have partnered together since 1999 to deliver top quality sports events to broadcasters holding the rights in the Asia-Pacific region, including major football leagues and tournaments.

The collaboration has recently expanded to 4K transmissions of major events successfully delivered to the international broadcasting community.

Over the years, AsiaSat’s space and ground facilities have been a key part of the Eurovision Global Network. Connecting AsiaSat’s Tai Po Earth Station in Hong Kong to the Eurovision FiNE (fibre network) allows Eurovision to provide enhanced value-added services, including equipment hosting, turnaround and uplink services to EBU Members and customers.

AsiaSat Chief Commercial Officer Barrie Woolston said: “We are very pleased to have this opportunity to continue working with our long-term partner Eurovision, expanding on our shared commitment to bring more value to our customers and their audiences through our ever strengthening partnership. AsiaSat is determined to stay at the forefront of technology to deliver the best global live sports content possible.”

Eurovision COO Graham Warren said: “We are delighted to expand our collaboration with AsiaSat to deliver more global live sports events using advanced technology such as the 4K. Together we can enhance and offer Asian audiences a superior viewing experience and additional complementary services in the future.”