SES ASTRA has announced that it has renewed contracts with BSkyB (Sky) for 24 transponders on a long-term basis on ASTRA's 28.2 degrees East orbital position. In total Sky is using 31 transponders on the ASTRA satellite system.

This agreement confirms a long-running relationship, which began in 1989 when Sky launched its first analogue multi-channel package on board the ASTRA 1A satellite. Sky is one of the world's leading satellite pay TV operators with over 9.3 million customers, including more than one million High Definition (HD) subscribers.

Alexander Oudendijk, Chief Commercial Officer of SES ASTRA, said: "Sky was our first customer and we are delighted that a relationship which dates back to 1989 will continue to grow and develop for many years to come. The continued trust in ASTRA allows for the further growth of the UK and Ireland satellite DTH market and an exciting TV-offer on a long-term basis."

Mike Darcey, Sky's Chief Operating Officer, said: "Our success is driven by delivering high-quality content and services on a reliable and flexible platform. Our relationship with ASTRA has been long and fruitful and our decision to renew our commitment is based on a belief in satellite's ongoing ability to deliver quality services, like HD, on a scalable and nationwide basis.

"With 99 percent coverage of the UK and Ireland, and the most effective delivery mechanism for HD, Sky has the ability to scale in line with the increasing demand from consumers for HD, one million of whom already subscribe to Sky+HD. Sky's hybrid distribution strategy also harnesses a state-of-the art broadband network to deliver one-to-one content services."