BSKYB AND SES REACH AGREEMENT ON ADDITIONAL ASTRA DIGITAL CAPACITY AT 28.2° EAST

BSkyB contracts for 4 transponders on ASTRA 2D

BSkyB and SES are pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached for BSkyB to contract 4 additional transponders on ASTRA 2D at 28.2°East.

With SKY Digital subscribers now at 3.6 million households, this agreement confirms the fast growth potential of digital satellite television in the UK from ASTRA's second orbital position of 28.2°East.

The additional transponder capacity will enable BSkyB to further enhance the rich line-up of digital entertainment and interactive services from ASTRA.

ASTRA 2D is scheduled to be operational at 28.2°East by mid-December 2000 and adds 16 transponders to SES' co-located satellite fleet at 28.2°East, bringing the number of available transponders for the UK market to a total of 56.

Romain Bausch, Director General and Chairman of the Management Committee of SES states: "Together, SKY and SES pioneered Direct-To-Home satellite television in the UK with the launch of analogue transmissions over ten years ago. Today, we congratulate BSkyB on its phenomenal success in establishing its digital service and are delighted that BSkyB continues to demonstrate its confidence in SES by committing to four additional transponders on ASTRA's co-located satellite fleet at 28.2°East".

BSkyB Chief Executive Tony Ball says: "ASTRA has helped Sky to offer the widest range of channels and services to UK viewers, contributing to Sky Digital's success as the most popular digital broadcaster in Britain, with a total of 3.6 million subscribers. The agreement to contract for additional transponder capacity from ASTRA will allow us to continue to develop and enhance these services."

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