U.K. satellite pay-TV operator BSkyB signed a new transponder deal with SES Astra as it steps up its plans to introduce high-definition (HD) television service in the United Kingdom. It is the second major HD deal for SES Astra within a week.

SES Astra will provide BSkyB with three additional transponders at 28.2 degrees East on a long-term contract. BSkyB plans to launch HD services in the first half of 2006 and will be one of the first operators to launch a service of this kind in Europe.

The deal is a boost for SES Astra as this is another sign of the potential demand for capacity related to HD services. Last week, SES Astra announced that German pay-TV operator Premiere had launched an HD demonstration channel.