UK channels lost in south

MANY readers have reported increasing problems with the reception of British television via satellite in the south of France due to the recent switch on of the Astra 2E satellite.

So far it is mainly BBC channels that have been affected, although there are also reports of problems with ITV and fears that Channel 4 may follow.

The problem is due to services for the UK being switched to new satellites with a footprint more focussed on Britain and so with less overspill into France.

It previously happened with the launch of Astra 2F in late 2012, when some people had to get bigger dishes to receive certain channels, notably Channel 5.

Disruption of remaining British TV channels and radio stations had been feared with the switch on of 2E, which had been expected last year, but was put off until this month. If you were affected by the previous change, it is likely you are affected by this one too.

It has been suggested that people near the Spanish border may find that they need dishes as big as 1.5m. It is also said that changing the LNB head of the dish may help in some cases, especially if you already have a large dish.

So, if you have been affected, the answer is likely to be better equipment or finding alternatives such as one of the various methods of accessing television content over the internet.

Please let us know if your reception has changed, giving us details of where you live and which channels you have lost. Also let us know if you have found a solution. Email details to news[at]connexionfrance.com or add your comments to the discussion on our Facebook page.

Photo: Jan Tik