SES has announced a multi-year agreement to provide satellite capacity to EchoStar. It is expected that capacity on QuetzSat-1, a new satellite, will be used by Dish Mexico, an EchoStar joint venture, to provide direct-to-home (DTH) services in Mexico.

It is further expected that EchoStar will provide capacity on QuetzSat-1 to DISH Network for use in connection with its U.S. DTH business.

SES will start the procurement process for QuetzSat-1, a Ku-band BSS satellite planned for launch into the orbital location of 77 degrees West.

Rights to use this orbital position for direct broadcast services (DBS) were granted in 2005 by the Mexican government to QuetzSat S. de R.L. de C.V., a Mexican-controlled partnership that includes principals of Grupo Medcom and SES Global South America Holdings, S.L., a company held 100 percent by SES. SES Global South America Holdings, S.L holds 49% of QuetzSat S. de R.L. de C.V.

Clemente Serna Alvear, Chairman of QuetzSat, said, "This agreement builds on our 2005 winning bid for the Ku-Band DBS frequencies at 77 degrees West Longitude. It is an important step in offering greater choice and service quality for television households in both Mexico and the U.S."

"This long-term agreement exemplifies our strategy to develop wholesale DTH platforms to maximize the range of entertainment and information services available to homes in markets around the world," said Romain Bausch, President and CEO of SES. "It also demonstrates our commitment to develop prime DTH spectrum in the Americas."