European satellite broadband service sees significant growth

A satellite broadband service launched by SES Astra two years ago is gaining about 10,000 new customers every quarter, according to a report.

Astra2Connect delivers broadband services via satellite to customers in 14 European countries, including the UK, and could help people to use VoIP hardware more effectively and have access to faster download speeds, reports Rapid TV News.

Broadband access remains a potent issue in many of the more remote regions of Europe where residents do not live in close proximity to a telephone exchange.

Volker Leyendecker, sales manager at Astra Broadband Services, told the website: "Without internet access via satellite nationwide broadband deployment in Germany is not factually possible, nor can the use of the digital dividend for the creation of broadband networks via terrestrial frequencies guarantee complete coverage."

While the service currently has more than 40,000 end-users, SES Astra is also working to promote the benefits of receiving broadband through a satellite link.

The technology could be used to help realise the UK government's universal connectivity plans over the coming years.