Eutelsat 3B is positioned on geostationary orbit at 3.0° E and is operated by French company Eutelsat. The service area extends from Central Asia to Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. Three frequency bands operate simultaneously: C, Ku and Ka. This configuration enables both television broadcasting and broadband corporate channels without mutual interference between segments.
For those setting up an antenna independently, position 3.0° E is convenient as it sits next to the well-known Eutelsat 3A. Orientation is simpler — the azimuth angle is virtually identical. The satellite carries 209 registered channels and 18 active transponders.
Launch and Platform
The satellite was launched into orbit on 4 December 2013 from Baikonur by Proton-M rocket. Manufacturer is American Orbital ATK (now Northrop Grumman), SSL 1300 platform. This is one of the most widespread geostationary platforms in the industry: reliable, well-proven, with a design life of 15 years. This means the satellite has fuel reserves until approximately 2028–2029. The launch was part of Eutelsat's strategy to enter the African market and expand Ka-band capacity for broadband access.
Coverage Areas and Reception in Ukraine
The satellite generates several regional beams for different geographical markets. For Ukraine, the European Ku-band beam is most relevant — it covers the entire continent, including the entire territory of the country.
| Beam | Coverage | Antenna Diameter (Ukraine) |
|---|---|---|
| Ku Europe | Europe, including Ukraine | 60–90 cm |
| Ku Middle East / North Africa | Middle East, North Africa | 90–120 cm |
| C Global | Europe, Africa, Asia | 1.8–2.4 m |
| Ka Broadband | Africa, Middle East, Central Asia | 1.2–1.8 m |
| Ku Sub-Saharan Africa | Sub-Saharan Africa | 75–120 cm |
In practice, when setting up a 0.85 m dish in Kyiv, the Ku-band signal is received reliably even in heavy cloud cover — the signal margin is sufficient. In Lviv and Uzhhorod, a 75–90 cm dish is preferable: the elevation angle to the satellite is somewhat lower, and the signal margin is reduced. In the south — in Odesa or Kherson — 75–90 cm is also adequate. The Ka-band across Ukraine requires a dish of 1.2 to 1.8 m depending on the specific transponder: this band is more sensitive to rain and wet snow.
Transponders and Frequency Bands
18 transponders are distributed across three bands. C-band carries backbone channels, is resistant to precipitation, and is the traditional choice for tropical regions. Ku-band is the primary television band for Europe and the Middle East. Ka-band provides broadband internet access where terrestrial infrastructure is weak or absent.
The vast majority of television broadcasts use DVB-S2 standard with QPSK or 8PSK modulation. Compatible with any modern DVB-S2 receiver without additional configuration.
Television Packages and Free-to-Air Channels
Among the 209 channels are both encrypted packages and open FTA broadcasts. Content is distributed by regional direction:
- European news, documentary and entertainment channels in Ku-band.
- African broadcasters, including French-language services for Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Middle Eastern and Arabic-language channels — news, religious content.
- Corporate and government communication channels for Central Asia and Africa.
FTA content is received without an access card — any DVB-S2 receiver and a correctly pointed antenna at 3.0° E is sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What antenna is needed to receive Eutelsat 3B in Kyiv?
- For Ku-band, a 60–75 cm dish is sufficient. Ka-band requires 1.2 m or larger — due to higher atmospheric losses and sensitivity to precipitation.
- Are there Ukrainian channels on Eutelsat 3B?
- According to current database — minimally. The main content is oriented towards African and Middle Eastern markets.
- What broadcasting standard does the satellite use?
- DVB-S2, QPSK or 8PSK modulation. Compatible with all modern DVB-S2 receivers.
- How much longer will Eutelsat 3B operate?
- The SSL 1300 platform is designed for 15 years from launch date — December 2013. The satellite's fuel reserves will last until approximately 2028–2029.