SES secures NTL

net1

SES Astra has signed its first transponder contract with the Broadcast division of ntl. The agreement gives ntl additional capacity in the rapidly expanding UK market for small channel launches.

NTL says the deal allows ntl to offer a seamless one-stop-shop solution including studio facilities and playout services from its Broadcast Media Centre. Steve Holebrook, Media Solutions Director at ntl, said: "This agreement is an exciting step for us and a significant development in the scope of our service offering. We can now provide a complete package for satellite broadcasters and we already have a number of channels lined up to go on."

Meanwhile Astra announced it has signed a two-transponder deal with yet another UK broadcaster, Channel 4. Earlier this week the DTH satellite service provider signed a two-transponder deal with ITV, the UK's biggest commercial television network, also for the 28.2° orbital slot.