The satellite system operated by SES Astra now serves more than 100 million homes, according to research SES Astra commissioned. This represents an increase of 8.3 million households since SES Astra’s previous survey, the company reported.

SES Astra operates satellites at 19.2º East and 28.2º East, providing audiovisual broadcast and broadband services within a footprint that covers 34 countries.

At the beginning of 2005, more than 41 million households in Europe and North Africa received Astra services directly via satellite, up from 36.4 million in 2003. Another 61.3 million homes receive ASTRA content via cable. The company also revealed that 60 percent of Astra DTH/SMATV households are now digital. SES Astra also found that Astra service is received by 17.3 million exclusively analog satellite homes. About 70 percent of these homes, more than 12 million, are located in German-speaking countries with a strong analog channel line-up, the company said

The research was conducted by leading market research institutes in Europe, SES Astra said.