With analogue switch-off in France completed on 29 November, Eutelsat’s Fransat service is firmly anchored as a key digital platform delivering national free-to-air channels to viewers beyond range of over-the-air, cable or ADSL reception.

Launched in 2009 as a subscription-free platform, Fransat is available to homes in metropolitan France equipped with a dish, a Fransat decoder and an access card. The platform operates from Eutelsat’s 5° West position, used for more than 20 years to deliver France’s national channels to homes beyond terrestrial analogue reception. With the addition of a Fransat decoder and card, viewers have been able to make the transition into a fully digital environment without changing their outdoor equipment.

Fransat has progressively built up its audience base over 24 months, particularly in rural and mountain areas as well as parts of France with poor terrestrial reception. The installed base today represents 1.2 million commercialised individual decoders and 400,000 community dwellings.

Viewers have access to France’s 19 free national DTT channels, four HD channels, the regional network of France 3, as well as over 20 regional and local channels and radio stations. The Fransat dish also enables reception of Orange’s TV platform which broadcasts from Eutelsat’s 5° West neighbourhood.

In 2012, the Fransat offer at Eutelsat’s 5° West position is preparing to expand to include additional HD channels and non-linear services. The platform’s audience also continues to increase since analogue switch-off to meet viewer expectations for a quality digital experience.

Categories: Articles, Broadcast, DSO, DTH/Satellite