Empresas y finanzas

SES ASTRA Signs Agreements with ARD and ZDF for More Capacity



    SES ASTRA, an SES company (Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG), has signed two
    long term agreements with ARD and ZDF to provide additional
    transponder capacity to the German public broadcasters.

    On the basis of the agreements which extend over a period of 15
    years, SES ASTRA provides ARD and ZDF with one additional transponder
    each. ARD and ZDF plan to utilize the new capacity to further develop
    the possibilities of digital broadcasting, including High Definition
    Television (HDTV). The transponders will be made available early next
    year.

    Alexander Oudendijk, Chief Commercial Officer of SES ASTRA, said:
    "We are delighted to once again serve the capacity needs of ARD and
    ZDF. The agreement will reinforce the long lasting relationship with
    two of our main customers and allow them to further extend their
    digital services to German households."

    About SES ASTRA www.ses-astra.com

    SES ASTRA is the leading Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite system in
    Europe, delivering services to more than 109 million DTH and cable
    households. The ASTRA satellite fleet currently comprises 13
    satellites, transmitting 1,864 analogue and digital television and
    radio channels. SES ASTRA also provides satellite-based multimedia,
    internet and telecommunication services to enterprises, governments
    and their agencies. With 26 High Definition (HD) channels available
    via its satellites today, ASTRA is also the most important HDTV
    broadcasting platform in Europe. ASTRA's prime orbital positions are
    19.2 degrees East, 28.2 degrees East, and 23.5 degrees East.

    SES ASTRA is an SES company (Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG). SES owns
    three market-leading satellite operators, SES ASTRA in Europe, SES
    AMERICOM in North America, and SES NEW SKIES, which provide global
    coverage and connectivity. The Company also holds strategic
    participations in SES Sirius in Europe, Ciel in Canada and Quetzsat in
    Mexico. SES provides outstanding satellite communications solutions
    via a fleet of 37 satellites in 25 orbital positions around the globe.
    Additional information on SES is available at: www.ses.com