Sky will continue to offer a satellite TV service in the UK and Ireland until at least 2029, following a contract extension with satellite operator SES.
- Brings Sky into alignment with other broadcasters who have committed to retaining satellite broadcasting until 2029.
- Current fleet of satellites serving UK and Ireland reach end-of-life at the end of the decade.
- BBC has previously demanded clarity from Sky over its plans.
Satellite operator SES has confirmed an extension of a contract with Sky for the distribution of satellite TV services to the UK and Ireland.
Sky will continue to make use of multiple transponders on the SES-owned Astra 2 satellites orbiting at 28°E until 2029. The two companies previously had a deal running until 2028.
This means that Sky Q and Sky+HD users will continue to be able to access a wide range of channels via satellite for at least five more years, giving Sky more time to work on its internet-based TV platform (via Sky Stream/Sky Glass), widely expected to fully replace satellite in due course. 2029 will mark 31 years since Sky launched its digital satellite service. It will also be the 40th anniversary of the launch of its analogue multichannel service.
The contract extension means Sky will remain on satellite until the current fleet of Astra 2 satellites at 28°E reach end of life. Astra 2E, 2F and 2G were launched between 2012 and 2014 with a lifespan of at least 15 years.
Broadcasters aligning with 2029 satellite end date
Sky follows other broadcasters in aligning their contract until 2029. UKTV, the BBC Studios owned channel operator, also has an SES contract until the end of 2029.
Arqiva, which through its Direct To Home (DTH) service provides satellite capacity for third-party broadcasters on the SES-owned satellites, also recently confirmed a number of five year contract renewals through to 2029.
Finally, QVC is also keeping its UK channels on satellite until 2029.
Concerns over plans to end satellite TV
Earlier this year, the BBC told Ofcom that any decision by Sky to exit satellite would “challenge the viability of the Freesat platform”. It’s concerned that satellite operator SES may conclude it’s no longer viable to provide a satellite service just for the public service broadcasters.
The BBC has told Ofcom’s review of TV distribution that an “agreed plan with Sky and the wider industry” needs to be put in place over the future of satellite TV.
SES says its satellites deliver TV services to 17 million households in the UK and Ireland.
Many households can now benefit from full fibre internet for live and on-demand TV. But coverage is not universal. And the cost of faster services can be a deterrent for some households. Until these matters are resolved, streaming services may not be able to fully replace traditional linear digital TV platforms. The BBC has pondered whether satellite could provide a ‘nightlight’ service for such scenarios.
Corporate comment
Nick Herm, Chief Business Officer at Sky commented:
“This contract renewal provides us with the reliability we need to continue to deliver our market-leading TV offer and broad mix of channels to Sky Q customers across the UK and Ireland.”
By: Marc Thornham | Image: Sky Zone 2 dish