Telecom 2D is a geostationary telecommunications satellite operated by Eutelsat at orbital position 8.0° W. The spacecraft was launched in the early 1990s, when the foundation of modern European satellite broadcasting infrastructure was being established. The sathub.ua database records 50 active Ku-band transponders and 83 television channels on board.
Despite the age of the platform, the satellite maintains a stable position on the geostationary orbit (NORAD ID 24209). Reception is available in Ukraine and most European countries, provided the antenna has the appropriate diameter.
History and launch
Telecom 2D was launched into orbit on 12 December 1991 by an Ariane 4 rocket from the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana. The spacecraft manufacturer is Alcatel Space, platform - Spacebus 2000. For commercial geostationary satellites of that generation, this was a proven and reliable solution. The design lifetime for active operation was 15 years - a standard figure for Spacebus 2000. The launch took place during a period of active expansion of France's and Europe's satellite network.
Coverage zones and reception features in Ukraine
Telecom 2D beams cover Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and Western Asia. For Ukrainian viewers, the European Ku-band beam is relevant. Signal strength across Ukraine is moderate due to the satellite's angular position relative to the country. In practice, when setting up a dish smaller than 90 cm in Kyiv or Kharkiv regions, the signal is unstable even in clear weather, so an antenna of larger diameter should not be ignored.
| Beam | Coverage | Antenna diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Ku - Europe (primary) | Central and Western Europe, Ukraine | 90 cm - 1.2 m |
| Ku - North Africa | Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya | 75 - 90 cm |
| Ku - Middle East / Western Asia | Turkey, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan | 90 cm - 1.2 m |
For Kyiv and central regions, an antenna of at least 1.0 m is recommended. In western Ukraine - in Lviv or Uzhhorod - 90 cm is sufficient due to better viewing angle. In eastern and southern parts of the country, an optimal dish of 1.2 m is recommended: according to signal measurements in dense cloud conditions, this diameter provides a safety margin for stable reception.
Transponder capacity and frequency bands
The satellite operates exclusively in the Ku-band. The sathub.ua database lists 50 transponders with 83 channels. For a spacecraft of this generation, the DVB-S standard is typical, although part of the resource may be switched to DVB-S2 depending on the broadcaster's ground segment configuration. Transponder polarisation is horizontal and vertical (linear). The frequency plan corresponds to the standard Ku-band allocation for geostationary satellites over the Atlantic.
Television packages and open channels (FTA)
Telecom 2D transponders host primarily commercial television services for Europe and the Mediterranean region. The content includes thematic channels, sports broadcasts and regional programming for the diaspora. Some channels are available in open mode (FTA) without conditional access. They can be received by any standard DVB-S/S2 receiver without a card or CAM module. The current list of frequencies and transponder encryption status is available in the sathub.ua database.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What antenna is needed to receive Telecom 2D in Ukraine?
For most regions of Ukraine, an antenna with a diameter of 1.0-1.2 m is recommended. In the western part of the country, 90 cm may be sufficient provided a quality converter with a low noise figure (0.1-0.2 dB) is used.
Are there open (FTA) channels on Telecom 2D?
Yes, some transponders contain channels in open mode. The exact list of FTA channels with frequencies and symbol rates is provided in the transponder table on the satellite page.
What modulation standard does Telecom 2D use?
The primary standard is DVB-S (QPSK). Individual transponders may use DVB-S2 with 8PSK modulation. Any modern DVB-S/S2 combo receiver will provide reception of all multiplexes.
How do I point the antenna at position 8.0° W?
Position 8.0° W is located in the opposite direction from zero relative to Eutelsat 9B (9.0° E) and Eutelsat 7A (7.0° E). For Kyiv, the pointing azimuth is approximately 214-218 degrees (south-west), elevation angle - approximately 26-28 degrees.