SES ASTRA Signs Agreement With Nordnet For The Distribution Of ASTRA2Connect In France

6 May 2008

SES ASTRA,  has signed an important framework contract with the internet service provider NordNet to market its satellite based two-way broadband service ASTRA2Connect in France. The commercial roll-out to end-users will start in the second half of May.

NordNet, a subsidiary of the French telecommunications operator Orange (France Télécom), based in Lille, provides innovative internet solutions for a broad range of customers. ASTRA2Connect will be distributed under the brand name NordNet everywhere in France. Starting from 29.90 euro per month, the service includes a WiFi Router, six Antivirus and Antispam filtered e-mail addresses, a homepage hosting, and a parental filter to protect children and teenagers against inappropriate content on the internet.

ASTRA2Connect is a fully satellite-based solution for broadband access, and is marketed via wholesalers and internet service providers to the residential market. The innovative service offers a highly reliable, always-on, two-way broadband internet access for flat service fees. The customer premises equipment – a modem and a satellite dish – is low cost and delivered with a tool for easy self-installation. ASTRA2Connect offers a unique possibility for households in regions without terrestrial broadband connection to access broadband services.

“The agreement with NordNet is a further confirmation of our strategy to go to market aggressively and roll out the product using the existing capacity of our powerful satellite fleet,” said Alexander Oudendijk, Chief Commercial Officer of SES ASTRA. “We see significant demand for a satellite broadband product in France which helps to serve households currently not able to access sufficient terrestrial highspeed connections.”

“NordNet has always striven to offer the best internet experience to our customers,” said Francis Piet, CEO of NordNet. “Since 1995, we have done everything to provide them with the connection they need, using every technology at our disposal: ADSL, ReADSL, DSLe, and WiMAX. We are delighted that we are now able to offer our clients an affordable solution to access the internet via a two-way broadband satellite connection everywhere in France.”