Intelsat is to provide space segment capacity to Arqiva as part of its multi-platform distribution system for the BBC’s digital channels. Arqiva has been named as the preferred supplier for the BBC’s transmission services after analogue switchover, though the operator is also in the process of acquiring the BBC’s existing provider NGW.
Intelsat’s IS-907 satellite at 27.5 degrees West will take a similar role to that used by Telstar 12 (15 degrees West) for Arqiva’s distribution of Five. Arqiva will use IS-907 to feed the signal to 90 main transmitter sites around the UK. The signal is likely to be encrypted to restrict reception of the feed to Arqiva itself.
