MUMBAI: MTV Networks Europe is lining up new channels for France and Netherlands after signing carriage contract with satellite operator SES Astra.

The Viacom company states that the two countries would be the focus of its expansion plans in Europe, centering around MTV European, MTV NL, MTV Idol, MTV Pulse, and Nickelodeon France.

The Astra Satellite System reportedly delivers services to over 103m Direct-to-Home and cable households. The Astra fleet currently consists of 13 satellites which transmit over 1400 analogue and digital TV and radio channels, plus multimedia and internet services.