SES ASTRA, operators of the Astra satellites has announced a new contract with the broadcast division of ntl.

The deal provides ntl:broadcast with further capacity to add to that already leased on the Eurobird satellite. It also allows the company to offer a seamless one-stop-shop to channels, where they can make use of its studio facilities, playout services and then be uplinked to the Astra platform.

Steve Holebrook, Media Solutions Director at ntl:broadcast, said: "This agreement is an exciting step for us and a significant development in the scope of our service offering. We can now provide a complete package for satellite broadcasters and we already have a number of channels lined up to go on."

SES ASTRA Sales and Marketing Senior Vice President Alexander Oudendijk, said: "ntl's broadcast division has a long history in broadcast transmission and has helped pioneer digital technologies. A client with this kind of pedigree is yet another coup for SES ASTRA and speaks volumes about our expertise and experience."