SES have confirmed transfer of channels from Astra 1N to Astra 2E

SES have confirmed they will transfer UK TV and radio services from the Astra 1N satellite to Astra 2E starting in early February 2014.The move will affect some of the main PSB channels available on Sky and Freesat, including services from the BBC, ITV and Channel 4.

On Facebook, the SES said: “The transfer will have no adverse implications for viewers in the UK and Ireland as the affected channels will continue to operate on the same frequencies and will be broadcast at the same, or slightly improved power levels, across the UK and Ireland.

“TV viewers outside the UK and Ireland may see an impact and may not be able to receive channels from ASTRA 2E UK Spot Beam, which has a smaller footprint than ASTRA 1N. The new footprint on SES’ replacement fleet has been designed to meet the requirements of UK and Irish broadcasters who target their channels for distribution in the UK and/or Ireland. UK and Irish broadcasters hold broadcasting rights only for the UK and/or Ireland but not for other countries.”