Russia Market Briefing 2014 | Page 6

russia_russia 16/01/2014 09:43 Page 3 Express AM5 in orbit ussian communication satellite Express AM5 was sent into orbit on 26 December 2013. The Proton M launch vehicle with this satellite aboard blasted off at 14:49:56 Moscow Time. The new spacecraft of the AM5 heavy-lift family is to be drifted to GSO 140 deg E slot to offer services across the Far East and Siberia. Express AM5 is to be commissioned for services from 140 deg E May 2014 - as soon as R BRIC markets boost pay-TV subs The so-called ‘BRIC’ economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China have played a key role in driving up the worldwide pay-TV subscriber base, according to findings from ABI Research. Worldwide pay-TV subscriber surpassed 886.5 million at the end of Q3 2013; a six per cent YoY increase, generating $62.6 billion service revenue in the third quarter. “Emerging markets are key drivers of global growth in pay-TV subscribers as developed markets are experiencing flat growth rates,” commented Jake Saunders, VP and practice director. 6 RUSSIA Briefing in-orbit tests and check-outs of all onboard systems have been completed. Express AM5 was built for Russian Space Communications Company (RSCC) by Reshetnev ISS in collaboration with MDA of Canada and the state-owned Radio R and D Institute (NIIR) of Russia. Built around the Express 2000 bus and fit with market of space communication and TV/audio casting services as set forth in the Federal Goaloriented Programme 'Development of TV/Audio Casting in Russian Federation, 2009 - 2015'. This programme falls within the framework of the Federal Space Program of Russia Through 2015. The spacecraft will enable setting up the infrastructure that will make a TV/Audio multiplex (including 84 C-, Ku-, Ka-, or Ltransponders this spacecraft is designed to provide services for 15 years. Its architecture takes into consideration the future development of the domestic HDTV) available for households in eastern areas of this country. Additionally, AM5 will contribute to handling tasks related to mobile Presidential/Governmental links, broadband Internet ABI Research forecasts the global pay-TV subscriber b