SES signs contracts with NHK, cruise operators
February 23, 2021
By Chris Forrester
SES has announced content agreements with NHK and a number of cruise operators ahead of its results statement on February 25th.
Japanese public broadcaster NHK World has re-signed a multi-year contract for distribution in HD from 19.2 degrees East to more than 45 million homes over Europe.
Additionally, SES Networks has contracted capacity agreements with four out of the world’s top 5 cruise operators with long-term strategic framework agreements, and in most cases extending contract periods “through 2026 and beyond”.
The latest contracts reinforce that SES is the clear market leader within the cruise connectivity segment, having secured significant market share of the cruise companies’ mega new-build ship programmes. Dating back to 2019, SES has provided over 13 Gbps – or 2/3 of the total capacity delivered to the cruise industry.
The cruise sector makes considerable use of the SES MEO fleet of O3b satellites.
“The advanced connectivity solutions will elevate guest connectivity to provide an ultimate digital immersive experience, enabling more wearable technologies and unlocking more personalised services. This reflects a major trend across the cruise industry and the priorities of leading cruise companies as they prepare to resume sailing,” says SES.
Contract terms and financials were not revealed.