BBCI ADDS MORE ASTRA

SES ASTRA is delighted to announce that it has reached a long term agreement with BBCi to provide an additional digital transponder on ASTRA at 28.2° East. This brings the total number of ASTRA transponders at 28.2° contracted to the BBC to four.

The BBC, the world's leading public service broadcaster, plans to use this additional ASTRA capacity to further enhance the range of interactive programming available to viewers in the UK. The BBC already digitally transmits BBC1, BBC2, BBC4, BBC News 24, BBC Choice, BBC Parliament, CBBC and Cbeebies, plus the BBC Digital Text services on ASTRA.

The BBC services on ASTRA are freely available to viewers within the UK. By the end of 2001, over 6.5 million UK homes were able to receive the digital TV, radio and interactive services on ASTRA at 28.2° East. The Satellite Monitor, conducted in the UK by NFO BJM, also identified a further 1.9 million homes planning to install digital satellite receivers this year.

The BBC's additional transponder capacity was brokered in a deal by BBC Distribution, whose Controller, Andy Townend, commented: "Our agreement with Astra is central to the BBC's interactive strategy on digital satellite. BBC Distribution is helping the BBC to bring interactive events into the homes of millions of users across the UK."

Scott Gronmark, Head of Interactive TV for BBCi added: "This fourth transponder is vital for us to continue delivering such a range and depth of digital services to our viewers. We have been transmitting interactive programmes on an ASTRA transponder for the last year and we have a great reputation for reliability with our digital viewers."

Commenting on the latest agreement with the BBC, Ferdinand Kayser, President and CEO of SES ASTRA said: "We are delighted that the BBC has decided to enhance its service on ASTRA. The BBC is a benchmark around the world for quality programming and innovation. Like ASTRA, the BBC continues to expand media boundaries enhancing and expanding its service for its viewers. We believe that this new long term agreement reflects SES ASTRA's commitment to operational excellence and performance reliability which are essential to an organization such as the BBC. We look forward to working closely with the BBC in the future".

With high quality ASTRA transmissions right across the UK, viewers can easily receive all the BBC services, together with other free to air and pay services, on a digital satellite receiver with the appropriate viewing card and a small discreet dish aligned to ASTRA at 28.2°East.

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