Germany

[DE] Encryption of Digital Satellite Broadcasts Planned

IRIS 2006-5:1/39

Max Schoenthal

Berlin

Satellite operator SES Astra plans to encrypt its digital satellite services. From 2007, the channels of the ProSiebenSat1 and RTL groups will only be broadcast in coded form, opening up new sources of income for the broadcasters. The channels concerned will cost an initial once-off payment of less than EUR 10, plus a monthly charge of less than EUR 5. Viewers will also have to buy a special set-top box and smart card. When analogue satellite transmission is finally cut off in 2010, the channels concerned will no longer be available free of charge via satellite. However, public service channels such as ARD and ZDF will continue to be broadcast unencrypted and at no additional cost.