There are reports that Sky will be removing some of its channels from the Astra2D satellite – the weak satellite that carries the free to air UK TV BBC and ITV channels.

Apparently, transponder 55 (10921H) will be vacated by Sky from next Monday – as it is currently carrying box office channels which are apparently surplus to requirements and are being closed down.

So what does this mean…?

The good news could be that it could be normal, and that a transponder needed to be closed down on the satellite to help preserve the operational lifespan of the satellite (the specifications for the satellite did mention that it would eventually be required thatt he satellite operates on 15 of its 16 transponders.)

The bad news for us is that it could be used by, for example, ITV.

This would mean that they would be able to move those ITV channels currently available on on 12402V, or by Channel 5 for the rest of their regions and maybe even Fiver and Five USA.

If it is ITV that moves then this will mean that those ITV1 regions opened by a freestfromskycard, and that allows people with smaller 80cm dishes, may no longer be able to receive ITV1 (annoying for all those who bought a small dish system after being told that you will get ITV1 on it as satndard, rather than as a bonus!)

Also, as the “freed transponder” frequency is 10921H, a horizontally polarised transponder, reception of the channels on this frequency will be as per BBC2.

So although it is known that one transponder frequency will be available it is at the momemnt speculation about wht will be going onto that frequency, if anything.