SES ASTRA, an SES company (Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG), has signed
another important framework contract for the marketing of its
satellite based two-way broadband service ASTRA2Connect in Germany
with Deutsche Telekom. The commercial roll-out to end-users will start
in 2008. In co-operation with the Federal State of
Rhineland-Palatinate, Deutsche Telekom AG has already started the
service as a pilot project in two German communities without
terrestrial broadband access.
"The agreement with Deutsche Telekom accelerates the distribution
of ASTRA2Connect in Germany, one of Europe´s key markets," said
Alexander Oudendijk, Chief Commercial Officer of SES ASTRA. "We are
extremely proud to have signed with a partner as significant as
Deutsche Telekom and are confident that ASTRA2Connect will offer a
highly attractive solution for households where terrestrial high-speed
internet is not available."
With four distribution partners in Germany alone, the roll-out of
ASTRA2Connect continues to be extremely successful. Since its launch
in April 2007, SES ASTRA has closed distribution contracts for
ASTRA2Connect in seven European countries including Germany, Austria,
Switzerland, Ireland, France, Italy, and Poland.
ASTRA2Connect is a fully satellite-based solution for broadband
access that delivers dual- and triple-play services via wholesalers
and internet service providers to the residential market (dualplay:
broadband internet and telephony; tripleplay: broadband internet,
telephony and TV). The innovative infrastructure offers a very
reliable, always-on, two-way broadband internet access for flat
service fees. The customer premises equipment - a modem and a
satellite dish - is low cost and delivered with a tool for easy
self-installation. ASTRA2Connect offers a unique possibility for
households in regions without terrestrial broadband connection to
access broadband services.
About SES ASTRA www.ses-astra.com
SES ASTRA is the leading Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite system in
Europe. The satellite fleet currently comprises 12 ASTRA and three
SIRIUS satellites. The combined satellite system delivers services to
more than 117 million DTH and cable households and transmits a total
of 2,295 analogue and digital television as well as radio channels.
SES ASTRA also provides satellite-based multimedia, internet and
telecommunication services to enterprises, governments and their
agencies. With 30 High Definition (HD) channels available via its
satellites today, ASTRA and SIRIUS represent the most important HDTV
broadcasting platform in Europe. The prime orbital positions for ASTRA
and SIRIUS are 19.2(degree) East, 28.2(degree) East, 23.5(degree) East
and 5(degree) 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 owns 90 percent of SES SIRIUS
in Europe, as well as strategic participations in Ciel in Canada and
Quetzsat in Mexico. SES provides outstanding satellite communications
solutions via a fleet of 38 satellites in 25 orbital positions around
the globe. Additional information on SES is available at: www.ses.com
