ITV ups Astra capacity
July 28, 2011
By Colin Mann
Following comments made July 27 by UK commercial broadcaster ITV as it reported its Interim Results that it was seeking to drive new revenue streams by exploiting its content across multiple platforms, free and pay, satellite operator SES Astra has revealed that ITV has signed a long-term agreement for satellite capacity.
The agreement provides for the renewal of ITV’s existing capacity and for additional capacity to support future development with ITV’s channel offer. ITV currently utilises six transponders at Astra’s prime 28.2 degrees East orbital position, serving the UK and Ireland. Under the new contract it will progressively activate three further transponders.
Ferdinand Kayser, Chief Commercial Officer of SES, said the agreement reinforced its valued partnership with a “flagship customer” and underpinned its efforts to grow its offer to customers and bring additional capacity to the UK market.
Paul Dale, Chief Technology Officer of ITV, said that continuing to exploit its content offer across platforms was a core part of ITV’s Transformation Plan. ”In addition to renewing our existing capacity, this new agreement gives ITV additional flexibility for future development and growth on satellite,” he added.