Astra 28.2 lifespan

[Joe_90]

If Astra 28.2 ceases broadcasting in 2029, you are most likely not be able to install the Freely app on an Enigma2 receiver. However, that is the future, who knows what may happen.

Is there some reliable information out there regarding Astra ceasing broadcasting? Just asking for a friend...

 

[abu baniaz]

See here:

https://rxtvinfo.com/2024/sky-extends-satellite-tv-service-until-2029/

 

[Joe_90]

Thanks @abu - I see that report is from 2024 and Sky are guaranteed coverage under contract with SES from the satellites at 28.2E until 2029. Similar contracts signed with BBC and Arqiva. I see that a new sat at 19.2E due for launch in 2027 is a so-called "software defined" sat and can dynamically shift its beam spots to cover the British Isles if necessary. It remains to be seen how quickly Sky and Freesat move their platforms entirely to IP, which will impact any future new sat launches for the 28.2E position.

 

[twol]

Thanks @abu - I see that report is from 2024 and Sky are guaranteed coverage under contract with SES from the satellites at 28.2E until 2029. Similar contracts signed with BBC and Arqiva. I see that a new sat at 19.2E due for launch in 2027 is a so-called "software defined" sat and can dynamically shift its beam spots to cover the British Isles if necessary. It remains to be seen how quickly Sky and Freesat move their platforms entirely to IP, which will impact any future new sat launches for the 28.2E position.

Here in Bavaria, Germany, the first outside installation on a new house is still the sat dish - so don,t see 19.2E changing that fast.
DVB-T2 coverage seems poor and fibre dsl connections seem expensive compared to UK.
My son has just dropped sky because of the price after many years.

 

[Joe_90]

@twol - I read in the various reports that 19.2E position is scheduled for new sat launches including Astra 1Q next year. That is the "software defined" sat I mentioned. It seems that the issues regarding ceasing broadcasting are specific to 28.2E and are due to the prevalence of fibre availability for IP transmission in Britain and Ireland. Europe sat coverage seems likely to continue for some time.

 

[Huevos]

There is no way they will use 19.2E for UK TV. That would mean realigning 10 million dishes. Also, even with a reduced market there is no why Astra is going to vacate 28.2E, those slots are valuable. Another thing, the current satellites at 28.2E have a planned design life until 2029... but going on previous form, Astra 2D for example had a planned design life of 15 years but wasn't decommissioned until 22 years and 1 month after launch, i.e. 7 years of extended life.