Measat Satellite Systems and Measat Broadcast Network Systems signed an interim transponder lease agreement under which Astro will lease five Ku-band transponders aboard the Measat-3 satellite, which is expected to begin commercial operations Feb. 1.

The Jan. 4 agreement would enable the direct-to-home service provider to roll out new services and products for 2007, said Astro TV’s CEO Rohana Rozhan.