SES ASTRA, an SES GLOBAL company (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG), concluded an agreement with TV Vlaanderen for the launch of Belgium's first satellite platform in January 2006. TV Vlaanderen is a bouquet of Flemish and international channels which will be broadcast via the ASTRA satellite system at the orbital position 19.2° East.

Ferdinand Kayser, President and CEO of SES ASTRA, says: "We are very pleased that TV Vlaanderen has chosen SES ASTRA as its partner for the launch of the first satellite TV platform in Belgium. Our experience all over Europe demonstrates the strengths of Direct-to-Home satellite TV in a highly competitive market environment. We are convinced that also Flemish TV viewers will recognize the tremendous benefits of digital satellite TV."

Kurt Pauwels, Managing Director of TV Vlaanderen, explains: "Flanders was so far one of the few regions in Europe without a dedicated satellite TV offering. In view of the growing interest for digital TV, it is therefore the right time to provide the Flemish audience with their own satellite TV package via ASTRA. For launching TV Vlaanderen, we regard SES ASTRA as our natural partner, not only due to its excellent quality of service but also because of its attractive channel neighbourhood. This partnership with SES ASTRA will allow us to provide the Flemish TV viewers with a wide and attractive channel line-up in excellent picture quality."

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