SES Inks Two Broadcast Capacity Lease Extensions in France, U.K.
By Jeffrey Hill | July 27, 2012
[Satellite TODAY 07-27-12] SES signed a long-term extension of its framework agreement with French pay-TV operator Groupe Canal Plus for the entire capacity of 24 transponders on the SES fleet at the 19.2 degrees East orbital slot, SES announced July 26.
Canal Plus recently contracted its 24th transponder on the ASTRA Satellite System in order to further enlarge its HD line-up. The transponder was previously utilized in the German market.
Separately, SESannounced that it signed a long-term renewal with U.K. public service broadcaster Channel 5 for one transponder that it is using on the Astra Satellite System at 28.2 degrees East. Channel 5 is available through both pay-TV platform Sky and the free-TV platform Freesat.
“Since our launch in the late 1990s we’ve enjoyed a very successful relationship with SES, based on the company’s unrivalled back-up facilities together with its excellent technical expertise, which are all crucial broadcasting requirements,” Channel 5 Director of Operations Paul Dunthorne said in a statement.