Free-to-view satellite services to be launched by end of year

The government has announced plans to launch a free-to-view satellite service in France. By doing so, the government would like to provide all viewers with access to the same services as are available on the DTT platform.
This means that viewers will be able to access the 18 television programme services on the DTT platform as well as the 24 local services offered by regional broadcaster France 3. However, the broadcasters of TF1, M6 and i-Télé have not yet confirmed their participation.
Currently, DTT coverage stands at 58% of the population and will increase to 70% by March 2007.
The satellite services are expected to be launched by the end of the year on Atlantic Bird 3.
Source:Digitag (attributed to AFP)
Item added: 11th July 2006