SES Astra, a subsidiary of SES Global, Canal Satellite, Canal+ Technologies, Newtec, STMicroelectronics, and Thomson have signed an agreement to develop a low cost satellite- based response channel for direct-to-home set-top boxes.

The 49 euro million ($53 million) project will be funded both by the companies and by the European Space Agency, through a contract under its ARTES programme, which supports the development of advanced-technologies related to both the satellite and media industries.