SES Astra Signs Eastern Europe Capacity Deal

[Satellite Today 08-01-08] SES Astra announced it has signed a new capacity deal with a Lithuanian satellite services provider via its Nordic affiliate, SES Sirius. SatGate has signed a deal with SES Astra for four transponders on its new orbital position at 31.5° East.
    SatGate is using the capacity to provide broadband and Internet connectivity to households and end customers in Eastern and Central Europe, Russia and its neighbouring countries and the Middle East. Part of the capacity will also be used to serve ISPs who do not have the necessary infrastructure themselves. SatGate has already contracted two transponders on the Sirius 4 satellite. The company was established in 2001 and has more than 50,000 active customers across the different countries where it offers its services.
    Alexander Oudendijk, chief commercial officer of SES Astra, said, “The broadband services from SatGate will certainly represent a sound base to develop an attractive neighbourhood for additional customers on Astra 5A, not only for broadband, but also in combination with Direct-to-Home TV services.”