SES supports Ukraine from space

SES has few operations in Russia, while in Ukraine they are one of the main operators, broadcasting the majority of TV channels. They have a local site with six employees on the ground.

Russia Today and Sputnik, the two Russian TV channels, are banned from broadcasting due to EU sanctions. The SES will be implementing the ban.

Ferdinand Kayser from SES says: "We are in contact with local operators in France, Spain and other markets to ensure these channels are removed from the satellites. This should still happen today (Tuesday), once the sanctions are officially confirmed."

The platform emergency.lu should also play an important role. it is used in the refugee camps set up along the Ukrainian border.

"This is the technology we usually employ after natural catastrophes, where we can re-establish connectivity within 24 hours, i.e. Internet and telephony via the Internet."

Internetconnectivity in Ukraine can be guaranteed via the GovSat. SES-17, a satellite of the latest generation which is fully digitalised, was launched in October 2021.

"Most functions are controlled by software rather than by dedicated hardware, which allows us to continually reconfigure the satellite. This is used above North and South America as well as the route over the Atlantic, for Internet on airplanes."

The satellite is set to into operation in June and promises additional growth. The second quarter should also see the launch of the first six 03BMPower satellites, which will further expand the SES offer.