European expansion of ASTRA2Connect

Additional contracts in several other European countries are under negotiation.

ASTRA2Connect is a fully satellite-based solution for broadband access that delivers dual- and triple-play services via wholesalers and internet service providers to the residential market. The solution offers a unique possibility for households in regions without terrestrial broadband connection to access broadband services such as high-speed internet and VoIP.

Following the launch of ASTRA2Connect in April 2007, SES Astra has now closed distribution agreements in seven European countries. The future revenue secured by these contracts amounts to €165m with more than 200,000 consumer terminals to be installed in total within three to five years.

In France, the product will be distributed to consumers under the brand "Vivéole” by the communications service provider Auvea Ingénierie, an engineering and network installation specialist based in Toulouse. In Italy, the product will be marketed to consumers by the broadband service provider Digitaria, an affiliate of the network and satellite service providers Netdish and Eurosatellite.

SES Astra has begun the large-scale production of ASTRA2Connect consumer terminals through a new production agreement with the Belgian communication equipment supplier Newtec. The consumer terminals produced by Newtec have recently been awarded the prestigious Frost & Sullivan European Product Innovation Award.