Satellite TV ending 2029

I have heard that the satellites that provide many expats with tv programmes will be ending in 2029.

If that is true what options are there to still receive the programmes?

ogrammes

Rogrammes

Set up a VPN to make it appear that you’re in the UK and use a device with the Freely app built into it.

I think the new SkyStream TV ā€œessentialsā€ service would achieve the same with a suitable VPN, but that’ Ā£15 a month for free content.

Other options are available if you are prepared to hoist the Black Flag and go ā€œY’arr, I be a pirate now!ā€

What is your source of information please?

Can you provide a link?

Google summary:

UK satellite TV faces an inevitable phase-out by the end of the decade. The current fleet of Astra satellites (2E, 2F, and 2G) will reach the end of their operational lifespans between 2027 and 2029. Because launching new satellites is commercially unviable, broadcasters are migrating viewers from dishes to internet streaming (IPTV). [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Current Satellite Lifespan & Commitments

  • 2027–2029: The primary Astra satellites (located at 28.2° E and 28.5° E) will run out of positioning fuel.

  • 2029 Agreements: Sky has secured carriage agreements with satellite operator SES to broadcast via satellite until at least 2029.

  • Uncertain Beyond 2029: Broadcasters are reluctant to invest the hundreds of millions required to launch replacements as viewer numbers shrink. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]

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Did you lapse into Welsh there @Welshgirl ? If so you got it wrong ā€˜chaglen’ according to my dictionary.

Not many people know that. Especially Len.

No, what is chaglen?

Chaglen is a traditional Bhutanese greeting and sign of respect :grinning_face:

It also has a meaning in Welsh, but I’m not sure @David_Spardo meant to use that word. Actually, I mixed up Chaglen which isn’t a Welsh word with Caglen which is :open_mouth:

I was confused that the two options to still receive the programmes were either ogrammes or Rogramnmes. I will have to google these options before I make my decision as I’m clueless which is best at this point in time.

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That was my fault for not deleting the two attempts at programmes typing sometimes doesn’t go as planned!!

Tips of two fingers lost through an argument I had with a lawn mower blade , the blade won! :rofl:

Caglen is gallows.

David likes a bit of gallows humour every now and then.

I thought it came from Cagl which is similar to Dag in Strine.

i must admit my expectation was that they would rejig the agreements to allow service after 2029 but if the hydrazine is going to be exhausted by 2029 that’s game over. Even if they can stretch it out it’s unlikely they will be able to keep them functional beyond 2032 or so and no new birds are planned - TV over broadband is much easier to control and gets much better/more voluminous info for advertisers etc.