[Satellite TODAY 11-22-11] FSS operator SES signed a capacity and uplink agreement with Luxembourg-based satellite television provider M7 Group to distribute its content from the Astra 19.2 degrees East orbital position, SES announced Nov. 21.

   The contracted capacity will be used for DTH distribution of French-speaking channels for the Belgian market, including the RTBF channels La Une and La Deux and RTL Group channels RTL TVi, RTL Club and Plug RTL.

   M7 Group said the channels would be included in the offering of its satellite television brand TéléSAT and that it plans to expand the offering at 19.2 degrees East by the addition of the RTBF channel La Trois starting in January.

M7 Group currently utilizes four transponders at Astra 19.2 degrees East and eight transponders at Astra 23.5 degrees East.

   “We are very happy with this new capacity agreement for Belgium. The excellent channel neighborhood and the high-quality distribution via 19.2 degrees East are of key importance for serving the French speaking DTH market in Belgium. Moreover, the agreement allows us to further expand our line-up in the near future. SES has proved to be a very valuable and professional partner for our expansion into existing and new markets,” M7 Group COO Hans Troelstra said in a statement.