Astra Faces Revolt By Users

Societe Europeene des Satellites, the company which operates the Astra television satellite system is facing a potential user revolt, according to Raymond Snoddy writing in the FT today. The problem is due to managerial instability, following last month’s attempt by the board to oust the director general, Pierre Meyrat.

A number of users wrote to SES in support of Meyrat, including BSkyB. Some are seeking assurances of managerial stability and are demanding to be kept better informed about the company. Unless assurances are received, at least one big Astra customer (unnamed) is prepared to go to Astra’s rival Eutelsat for its digital business. One user said yesterday he would be wary of signing up for the huge investment needed to introduce digital channels if the SES director general could be removed without warning.