SES Global plans increase in TV channels capacity

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The number of satellite TV channels available in Britain could rise by up to 50 per cent to more than 600 under a plan to increase capacity devised by SES Global, the world's largest satellite operator. SES Global, whose largest customer is British Sky Broadcasting, will offer the channel capacity to television companies such as the BBC, ITV and Channel 4.
SES Global said it had been in contact with the BBC about its plans for free-to-air satellite services, which could pave the way for the end of analogue television transmissions over the next five to 10 years.

Plans for additional satellite capacity coincide with new figures predicting that Britain will this year lead the world in the proportion of households receiving multi-channel digital television. According to Informa Media Group, the industry consultant, UK digital penetration would reach 14.7m homes or 59 per cent at the end of 2004, compared with 47 per cent of households in the US. British demand for digital television represents almost 40 per cent of the European total. To meet anticipated demand, SES Global is launching two €250m satellites over the next two years, which will free up channel capacity for Britain.

The new capacity will be in addition to the 58 transponders, and each of them has the capacity to deliver eight to 10 channels. The government has not spelt out a fixed timetable for switching off analogue signals carrying the country's five terrestrial TV channels. Rival broadcasters have questioned the BBC's free satellite plans.