Connected to the future - ITnation

The satellites located at 19.2° East are
mainly used for direct-to-home services
(DTH) to large audiences in markets like
Germany, France and Spain. The satellites
at 28.2° East provide DTH services to the
UK and Ireland.
23.5° East is ASTRA’s latest hot spot for
DTH and broadband services, currently
focusing on dynamic markets such as Italy,
the Benelux countries and Central and
Eastern Europe.
The satellites at 5° East provide DTH services
in the Nordic countries and the Baltics, as
well as in Eastern Europe, Ukraine and Russia.
The satellites at 31.5° East primarily offer
capacity suitable for cable contribution, DTT
and other terrestrial feeds across Europe.
How do you determine the lifetime of
a satellite ?
A geostationary satellite needs to be controlled
as it moves due to gravity.
These maneuvers are executed using onboard
thrusters which consume fuel contained
within the satellite. When the fuel runs out,
the lifetime of the satellite comes to an end.
Typically, the lifetime is 12 to 15 years.
The Internet is helping the content
growing rapidly. How important is
content for you ?
The Internet is only one of the forces that
drive the development of new content.
Digitisation of TV distribution is another
one that we should not forget. The fact is
that there is an increasing demand for new
content under various forms. It is our business
to distribute this content – so we follow
developments on the content side with great
attention. However, it’s important to understand
that we are not in the content business
– that’s the business of our customers.
What is your relationship to
Luxembourg ?
I grew up at the Luxembourg-German border,
and have worked in Luxembourg since 1991.
The cultural mix due to the different nationalities
living and working in Luxembourg, as well
as the fact that people are very approachable
explains its attractiveness. If there is a heart
of Europe, it is here.
© Photography Raoul Somers
12 NOVEMbre 08