[Satellite TODAY Insider 12-19-11] Eutelsat has rolled out digital service on its French subscription-free platform Fransat following the country’s analogue switch-off in late November. The operator announced Dec. 15 that the free-to-air channel would now work to deliver content to French viewers beyond range of over-the-air, cable or ADSL reception in a digital format.

   Eutelsat launched Fransat in 2009 and has progressively built up its audience base over the past two years, particularly in rural and mountain areas with poor terrestrial reception. The operator’s current installed base represents 1.2 million commercialized individual decoders and 400,000 community dwellings.

   The platform operates from Eutelsat’s 5 degrees West position. “[The orbital slot] has been used for more than 20 years to deliver France’s national channels to homes beyond terrestrial analogue reception. With the addition of a Fransat decoder and card, viewers have been able to make the transition into a fully digital environment without changing their outdoor equipment,” Eutelsat said in a company statement.

   Fransat digital viewers now have access to France’s 19 free national DTT channels, four HD channels, the regional network of France 3, as well as over 20 regional and local channels and radio stations. The Fransat dish also enables reception of Orange’s TV platform, which broadcasts from the same orbital slot. The Orange service is accessible with a decoder as part of the triple-play service based on a hybrid ADSL/satellite system. The platform also can be combined with broadband access provided by Eutelsat’s Tooway service to offer satellite-based triple play in metropolitan France.

   “In 2012, the Fransat offer at 5 degrees West is preparing to expand to include additional HD channels and non-linear services. The platform’s audience also continues to increase since analogue switch-off to meet viewer expectations for a quality digital experience,” the company said.