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