SES ASTRA & AVC first with UK-wide consumer Internet-via-Satellite service

SES ASTRA, an SES GLOBAL company (Luxembourg and Frankfurt Stock Exchanges: SESG) has teamed up with network and communications specialist AVC, to launch the UK's first nationwide consumer broadband internet-via-satellite service using ASTRA - AVC Broadband.

It is a high-speed package offering in excess of 512k download speeds, more than ten times faster than 56k phone line modems, with unlimited Internet access and will be available across the UK at a competitive price as from 1 January 2004.

The service is primarily targeted at the 29% of UK households who do not have access to terrestrial broadband services. For many homes terrestrial broadband is still several years away and for some, such as those in remote locations, it is unlikely that there will ever be terrestrial access.

There will be an initial installation and set-up charge, which covers the provision of a dish, cabling and USB satellite modem. Where already installed, the service can uniquely make use of the householder's existing standard digital satellite TV mini dish.

All installations will be carried out by accredited engineers, who will ensure that the system is working properly before leaving - this will include testing the PC and making sure, where already installed, that the digital satellite TV service is also functioning correctly.

AVC Broadband uses the regular phone line and modem for the return path (uploading), so customers can retain their existing ISP and email addresses.

AVC Broadband will be available directly from AVC, independent electrical and PC retailers and satellite installers.

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