The satellite provides broadband Internet access services across Europe and also a small area of the Middle East[2], and additionally the Saorsat TV service to Ireland. It is positioned at 9°E,[3] joining the Eurobird 9A Ku band satellite. KA-SAT was manufactured by EADS Astrium, based on the Eurostar E3000 platform, with a total weight of 6 tons.[1] It was launched by Proton in December 2010.[2] The satellite is named after the Ka band frequency, which is used on the spacecraft.