MADRID -- Hispasat and the Portuguese digital television platform TV Cabo have agreed to expand the satellite 1C communications services to include a second transponder featuring exclusive Europe-Europe connectivity.

The expansion is in response to the addition of three new channels on the TV Cabo platform: Discovery Channel, People On Art and Euronews.

The expansion to the second Hispasat 1C satellite transponder entered into force on Dec. 30, 2000. The first contract between Hispasat and TV Cabo envisaged the possibility of this expansion.

Since 1998, Hispasat 1C satellite transponders have enabled TV Cabo to receive channels and offer its subscribers a broad range of interactive services, such as banking, shopping, games, and high-speed satellite-based Internet access.

TV Cabo, which engaged capacity for the 15 years of the satellite's service life, has its expansion needs guaranteed thanks to this second transponder. The Portuguese platform's objective is to enhance direct-to-home television.

The agreement consolidates the substantial commercial and cultural relations between Spain and Portugal. In Brazil, Hispasat has been awarded an orbital position at 61º WL, where it will place its "Amazonas" satellite in 2002. The new satellite will increase the company's coverage in America and feature transatlantic connections.