The French DTH platform TNTSat, broadcast via Astra at 19.2 degrees East, posted strong growth with 1.85 million TNTSAT receivers sold as of the end of 2009.
Launched in March 2007, TNTSat offer all free-to-air digital terrestrial channels as a free-to-view alternative on satellite. The platform enjoyed strong growth in 2008, with 750,000 receivers installed. This trend accelerated in 2009. with 850,000 terminals sold. With the transition to digital reception only at its beginning, further growth can be expected in 2010 and 2011.
With TNTSat, viewers are able to receive all the channels from the French digital terrestrial offer: 18 free-to-air channels, France O, the 24 regional channels of France 3 as well as four free-to-air channels in HD, TF1 HD, France 2 HD, M6 HD and Arte HD. There is no subscription or decoder rental fee for the service, but a smart card is needed for decryption. TNTSat is operated by the Canal+ Group.
