Why is RTE on Spot beam and not Euro beam?

snaps · 08-02-2014 12:01PM #1

I've often wondered why the encrypted RTE channels are on the UK Spot beam and not on the general pan European beams used for sky's encrypted channels? Seems strange as it takes up space that could be used for Freesat?

The Cush · 08-02-2014 01:40PM

snaps wrote: »

Seems strange as it takes up space that could be used for Freesat?

Probably because the transponder is owned by Sky and Freesat is a BBC/ITV venture.

watty · 08-02-2014 03:15PM

Rented / leased.
Sky don't own ANY Satellite Hardware. Nor the Dish & box at your house.
They are largely a marketing company.

But in essence that's the correct explanation. Eventually there will only be spot beams for "These Islands". Pan European "beams" will be smaller too and only serve mixes of areas that might be getting some same channels.

Getting FTA services intended for Western mainland Europe may need 90cm in Midlands UK and be nearly impossible in West of Ireland in the future.

snaps · 08-02-2014 04:18PM

watty wrote: »

But in essence that's the correct explanation. Eventually there will only be spot beams for "These Islands". Pan European "beams" will be smaller too and only serve mixes of areas that might be getting some same channels.

Getting FTA services intended for Western mainland Europe may need 90cm in Midlands UK and be nearly impossible in West of Ireland in the future.

I hope those days are a long way away....I've read on ex pats forums that Sky will fight tooth and nail to keep their pay channels on Pan European beams as European subs amount to at least 5% of their subs. Ive also read Watty that a lot of the European Satellite operators (SES, Eutelsat) cant have 100% spot beam birds as they always need spare capacity for back up to be shifted around to other positions of their intended position?

Why is RTE on Spot beam and not Euro beam?

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