Astra Increases Reach To More Than 94 Million European Households

SPACEMART

and to the east live even more television viewers

Betzdorf (SPX) May 12, 2004
SES Astra, an SES Global company today publishes the latest results of its European Satellite Monitor. The Astra Satellite Monitor confirms SES Astra's sustained audience growth within its 30 country European footprint (Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, UK).

At year-end 2003, the number of homes receiving audiovisual broadcast and broadband services via the Astra Satellite System at 19.2º East and 28.2º East increased by 2,5 million to reach more than 94 million.

These results confirm the status of SES Astra as the leading satellite system for direct-to-home reception (DTH and SMATV) in Europe. At the beginning of 2004, a total of 36.4 million households in Europe were receiving Astra services directly via satellite. This represents an increase of 2 million households compared to the prior year. Another 57.9 million homes receive Astra content via cable.

The study illustrates the success of both Astra direct-to-home platforms, 19.2° East and 28.2° East. The DTH audience served via Astra 19.2° East increased to 29.2 million homes, while the Astra satellites at 28.2° East reached 7.2 million homes ? Predominantly in the UK & Ireland.

Astra's overall audience growth is driven by the sustained increase of digital direct-to-home (DTH) reception in Europe. At year-end 2003, almost 18 million homes received digital services via Astra at 19.2° or 28.2° East, up from 15 million at year-end 2002.

In a very competitive environment, Astra has thus consolidated its strong position in the digital marketplace. More than three out four digital satellite homes in Europe receive services carried by Astra.

Digital reception now accounts for 49% of Astra's total DTH reception, up from 44% in 2002, with France, Germany, Poland, Spain and the UK remaining the traditional key markets for Astra satellite reception.

In addition Astra is received by almost 19 million exclusively analogue satellite homes. 70% of these homes (more than 13 million) are located in the German-speaking countries, where a strong analogue channel line-up persists.

Astra homes are an attractive audience for the successful rollout of broadband DSL services via satellite across Europe. The proportion of Astra digital satellite homes owning a PC (73%) and using an online connection (60%) has further increased and is significantly higher than in average TV homes (PC: 55%; online: 42%)

SPACEMART

Arianespace: Back In The Black

Paris - May 04, 2004
At the general assembly of Arianespace shareholders, which was held today in Paris, the company's financial results for 2003 were approved. Sales for 2003 were 559 million euros, resulting in a net profit of 9.2 million euros.