Despite the recent launch of new internet-based TV services, Sky has committed to continue broadcasting services via satellite for several more years to come.
An announcement made today means Sky Q and Sky+HD users will continue to be able to receive a wide range of television services through their dishes for years to come.
According to satellite operator SES, Sky has once again extended contracts to use a number of its satellite transponders. New agreements now run until the end of 2028. This builds on a separate contract between Sky and SES that was extended last year.
With this renewal, Sky will continue to leverage Ku-band capacity on SES’s Astra 2 satellites at 28.2 and 28.5°E. The capacity will be used to broadcast in standard definition (SD), high definition (HD) and ultra-high definition (UHD). As reported recently, Sky has started to switch-off some standard definition channels.
Over 18 million TV homes in the UK and Ireland rely on SES’s satellites for their TV service. The Luxembourg based satellite company has been helping Sky reach viewers in the UK and Ireland since the late 1980s.
Last year, Sky launched Sky Glass – a new IPTV based service that does away with the need for a dish. Sky will soon make a standalone IPTV puck available to customers who don’t want to buy a new TV. However, the UK’s broadband infrastructure isn’t yet ready to completely take over from satellite at this stage.
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SES’s response to the Sky agreement
Patrick Behar, Chief Business Officer at Sky commented on the contract renewal saying:
“We have a strong, long-term partnership with SES and are pleased to extend that further with this agreement. Satellite delivery has been the foundation of our TV business and it will continue to play an important role in our future. “
Steve Collar, CEO of SES added:
Having been partners with Sky UK for almost four decades, this new multi-year, multi-transponder renewal underscores the importance of satellite in delivering premium viewing experiences amid the evolving TV landscape. As Europe’s leading media and entertainment company, Sky remains the thought-leader in our industry and we are excited to continue to support Sky in their mission to deliver the very best content at the highest levels of quality and reliability, reaching millions of subscribers sustainably and cost effectively.”