ASTRA2Connect will provide a full satellite-based "triple play" infrastructure service enabling broadband internet access, voice-over-IP and other content related access services such as IPTV or Video-on-Demand.

It is expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2007 and will mainly target homes in Europe, which can not easily get terrestrial broadband internet services.

Ferdinand Kayser, President and CEO of SES Astra, says: "ASTRA2Connect is a great innovation that brings broadband internet access to everyone - whenever and wherever. The end-consumers will benefit from an affordable and always-on two-way connectivity. We are proud to offer this revolutionary satellite-based infrastructure and envisage to extend ASTRA2Connect to other regions of the world in the near future."

ASTRA2Connect is currently offered on a wholesale basis to large European service providers such as telecommunication operators, internet service providers and broadband operators that conduct pro-active marketing and sales activities in the residential and small enterprise markets. The necessary equipment consists of an interactive satellite antenna as well as a low-cost and easy-to-install satellite modem.

For the design and procurement of the satellite platform and the related modems, SES Astra has entered into a cooperation with Newtec, a recognized market leader in satellite communication systems. ASTRA2Connect uSES advanced technology developed with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA).

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