SES ASTRA SECURES CHANNEL 4 CONTRACT FOR ADDITIONAL TRANSPONDER

Channel 4 to use third satellite transponder on ASTRA 2A
New programs include Quiz Call and More4+1

SES ASTRA, an SES GLOBAL company (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG), has concluded an agreement with Channel 4 from the UK for a third transponder on its satellite ASTRA 2A in the orbital position 28.2° East. The new long-term agreement follows a successful two-transponder deal with Channel 4 in autumn 2004. Channel 4 will use the additional capacity to support the expansion of new services, including the launch of new channels and associated data services.

The new channels include the recently launched Quiz Call and More4+1, which is scheduled for launch today. Quiz Call is devoted to quiz and game-show programming that gives viewers the chance to compete for cash prizes. More4+1 will offer a blend of documentaries, films, drama, current affairs and a daily news program, and may include a late-night studio discussion show.

Alexander Oudendijk, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of SES ASTRA, said: "Channel 4 is one of Britain's most prominent and innovative terrestrial broadcasters whose programs are watched by more than three-quarters of the UK population during an average week. Channel 4 is also an important customer for us and we are delighted that the company has once again come to us for additional transmission capacity."

Kevin Burrows, Channel 4's Chief Technology Officer, said: "We will be exploring several projects over the coming year and this third transponder will give us the capacity to launch new and supporting services as these plans develop. We chose SES ASTRA because we have a long-term relationship with our current contracts, and the company was able to provide a flexible option for us to take additional capacity as our needs develop. We have also found the service to be extremely reliable, which is a crucial broadcasting requirement."

For further information please contact:
Markus Payer
SES ASTRA
Tel + 352 710 725 500
markus.payer@ses-astra.com
 Matt Baker
Channel 4
Tel. + 44 20 7306 8666
mbaker@channel4.co.uk
   

About SES ASTRA

 www.ses-astra.com

The ASTRA Satellite System is the leading Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite system in Europe, delivering services to some 103 million Direct-to-Home and cable households. The ASTRA satellite fleet currently comprises 13 satellites, transmitting in excess of 1400 analogue and digital television and radio channels as well as multimedia and Internet services. ASTRA's two prime orbital positions for DTH services are 19.2° East and 28.2° East. Professional services such as Direct-to cable (DTC), Satellite Newsgathering (SNG) and Occasional Use are offered from the orbital position of 23.5° East.

SES ASTRA is an SES GLOBAL company (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG). SES GLOBAL wholly owns two market-leading satellite operators, SES ASTRA in Europe, and SES AMERICOM in the US. The Company also holds strategic participations in AsiaSat in Asia, Star One and Nahuelsat in Latin America, and NSAB in Europe. Additional info on SES GLOBAL at: www.ses-global.com.

About Channel 4

 www.channel4.com

Created by an Act of Parliament in 1982, Channel 4 broadcasts across the UK with the exception of some parts of Wales, which are covered by the Welsh language S4C. The Channel Four Group runs a number of pay channels including the E4 entertainment channel, E4+1 and three film channels, and produces and co-produces feature films through its Film Four division. Additional information: www.channel4.com.