European-based satellite company Eutelsat is denying recent reports that it is generating interference to its own satellites in order to prevent reception in Iran of international Farsi satellite channels.
“These allegations are in total contradiction with reality,” Eutelsat said in a statement released on Thursday. “They are also totally inconsistent with the statement issued in September by the BBC which associates Eutelsat with their renewed appeal for action by regulatory authorities to combat this violation of international rights.
“Over more than two years Eutelsat has publicly condemned intentional jamming of its satellites by third parties, organized to prevent reception of international Farsi channels including BBC Persian, Voice of America and Deutsche Welle,” Eutelsat said. “We have identified the location of the jamming from within Iran, and since May 2009, have filed multiple complaints with the relevant French and international regulatory authorities to denounce hostile jamming operations and to prompt the International Telecommunication Union (a United Nations agency) to address this illegal practice as a priority issue.
“Eutelsat maintains a constant dialogue with international Farsi channels and service providers affected by deliberate jamming. The company has repeatedly organized transmissions of these channels through other satellites in its fleet in order to provide the continuity of service that we constantly deliver.
“Deliberate jamming prevents satellite reception, creates collateral damage for other broadcasters and is contrary to international conventions for the use of satellites. Efforts to combat it are a priority issue for Eutelsat,” the company said.
Michel de Rosen, Eutelsat CEO, says: "In our capacity as a satellite operator we remain committed to defeating this abuse. We call on those of influence to do all they can to impress upon Iran the illegal nature of intentional jamming and the need to cease this activity immediately."
Eutelsat provides commercial communications services through a fleet of 29 satellites over the entire European continent, as well as the Middle East, Africa, India and significant parts of Asia and the Americas.
Other post by Keith Stein:
Comments