MUMBAI: PanAmSat has announced that it has entered into a multi-year agreement with China Radio International (CRI), China's sole overseas radio network.

Under the agreement, CRI will leverage the power of three of PanAmSat's satellites the PAS-8 Pacific Ocean Region satellite, the PAS-9 Atlantic Ocean Region satellite and the PAS-10 Indian Ocean Region satellite. Through PanAmSat, China Radio International will reach listeners around the world in eight different languages via its 36 audio channels.

PanAmSat Asia Pacific VP David Ball said, "PanAmSat will now serve as the global platform for the worldwide delivery of China Radio International's programming bouquet, enabling the network to reach listeners on every corner of the earth. This significant agreement offers CRI the versatility, reliability and comprehensive coverage that they need as they expand their service offering."

PanAmSat will provide C-band capacity on PAS-8, PAS-9 and PAS-10 and turn-around service at its Napa, California teleport to facilitate the global distribution of CRI's programming. The network will initially broadcast in eight languages and plans to expand to 39 over time. Its programming fare includes 200 hours of daily airtime comprising news, music, commentary and entertainment.

PAS-8, an FS 1300 model satellite employing 24 C-band and 24 Ku-band transponders, is located at 166 degrees east longitude. The satellite provides comprehensive coverage of the Asia-Pacific region, including high-power Ku-band spot beams that cover Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia and Australia.

PAS-9, a Boeing 601 HP model satellite employing 24 C-band and 24 Ku-band transponders, is located at 58 degrees west longitude and offers comprehensive coverage of the Americas and the Caribbean. The satellite serves more than a dozen international broadcasters and programmers who deliver their content throughout the Americas.

The PAS-10 satellite, a Boeing 601 HP model satellite, employing 24 C-band and 24 Ku-band transponders, is located at 68.5 degrees east longitude and offers comprehensive coverage of Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and Asia. Many of the beams can be switched between the various regions, offering flexibility in the creation of new platforms for the delivery of video, data and IP-based services.