BBC has signed a multimillion pound deal to secure extra transmission space via satellite.

The corporation has contracted one new transponder on the Astra 2A satellite at 28.2oE, adding to its existing portfolio of six transponders across Astra 2B and 2D.

The new space is expected to be used for delivery of HDTV services, which are due to launch as early as next year.

"The new transponder will increase our flexibility to meet our audiences' changing aspirations for the satellite platform," said Richard Waghorn, the BBC's acting Controller of Distribution.

The BBC now intends to "reconfigure" its lineup amongst the seven transponders.