Receiving foreign channels in the UK requires specialized hardware and precision calibration. Unlike standard local setups, international broadcasts frequently require larger 80cm or 1m high-gain dishes to maintain a crisp, unbroken signal during heavy UK rainfall. Our mobile teams carry advanced digital spectrum meters to pinpoint exact foreign orbital slots. Whether you require a single-feed dish for a specific European network or a multi-LNB system tracking multiple satellites simultaneously, our fully stocked mobile service vans arrive with the components needed to complete your setup in one visit.
Custom Installations & Alignments
- ✓ Hotbird 13E Installations (Polish, Italian, French & Greek Channels)
- ✓ Astra 19.2E System Setups (German, Spanish & French Programming)
- ✓ Arabsat & Badr Satellite Alignments (Middle Eastern Content)
- ✓ High-Gain Dish Upgrades for Weak-Signal Foreign Satellites
Hardware Optimization & Repairs
- ✓ Multi-LNB Configurations for Accessing Multiple Countries
- ✓ Motorized Satellite Dish Maintenance & Repairs
- ✓ Weather-Proof Heavy-Duty Bracket Installations
- ✓ Replacement of Damaged or Corroded Coaxial Cable Runs
International Satellite TV — How It Works
International satellite TV uses geostationary satellites positioned at different orbital longitudes above the equator. Each satellite broadcasts a different range of channels targeted at specific geographic or language communities. Unlike Freeview (which uses a ground-based transmitter network), satellite TV reception requires a clear line of sight to the specific satellite from your dish location. Our engineers confirm line of sight feasibility before booking any international satellite installation.
Satellites and the Channels They Carry
- Astra 28.2°E — Sky UK, Freesat, English-language channels
- Astra 19.2°E — German, French, Dutch, other European languages
- Hotbird 13°E — Arabic, Turkish, Greek, Italian, Albanian, Bosnian
- Nilesat 7°W — Egyptian and North African Arabic channels
- Badr 26°E — pan-Arabic, MBC, Al Jazeera, OSN packages
- Turksat 42°E — Turkish channels including TRT, CNN Türk
- Eutelsat 7°W/7A/7B — African, French-African, Francophone channels
What Equipment Is Required
Each satellite requires its own dish pointed in a specific direction with its own LNB. A 60cm or 90cm dish is suitable for most UK locations receiving Astra and Hotbird — satellites closer to the horizon (like Nilesat and Turksat, viewed from the UK) require larger dishes of 90cm to 120cm to compensate for the longer signal path through the atmosphere. The satellite receiver must be compatible with the selected satellite and any conditional access card required for encrypted channels. Our engineers confirm the correct equipment for your specific channel requirements before installation.
Multi-Satellite Systems
If you want to receive channels from two or more different satellites, there are two approaches. A motorised dish uses a programmable motor to rotate between satellite positions — a single dish covers multiple satellites sequentially. A fixed multi-dish system mounts two or more dishes at fixed positions, each pointed at a different satellite — providing simultaneous access to all satellites without moving parts. Multi-dish systems are more reliable and are the preferred approach for frequently watched channel combinations such as Astra + Hotbird or Astra + Nilesat.
Common International Channel Packages
- Arabic (free-to-air on Hotbird and Nilesat) — MBC, Al Arabiya, Al Jazeera, Rotana, Dubai One
- Turkish (free-to-air on Turksat) — TRT 1, ATV, Show TV, CNN Türk, Kanal D
- Indian subcontinent — requires specific subscription package; our engineers advise on current options
- Polish on Hotbird — TVP, TVN, Polsat free-to-air
- African channels on Eutelsat 7°W — Canal+, DSTV-carried services
- Greek on Hotbird — ET, Mega, Alpha and other Greek free-to-air channels
Installation Process
Every international satellite installation begins with a line-of-sight check for the target satellite at your specific property. Our engineers use satellite finder apps and compass bearings to confirm feasibility before any equipment is ordered or installed. The dish is mounted in the most suitable position, aligned precisely using a professional signal analyser, and the receiver is connected, configured and channel-scanned before we leave. Where a subscription card or conditional access module is needed, we advise on the current options and assist with initial setup.
Pricing and Coverage
- Single international satellite dish — from £149
- Multi-satellite fixed dish system (2 satellites) — from £269
- Motorised dish system — from £299
- 90cm dish upgrade where required — included in price
- All work signal-tested on completion
- Coverage across England, Wales and Scotland — call 0800 046 7879 for a free quote
Everest Aerials operates a highly trained network of mobile satellite installation engineers traveling across multiple UK counties. Because foreign language satellite setups require highly specific dish sizes and low-noise LNB blocks, our engineers carry a comprehensive array of specialized international hardware directly in their service vans. By deploying fully equipped mobile units from regional hubs, we provide prompt, expert configurations and fixed on-site quotes without ever requiring a physical high-street office.
International Satellite TV Areas We Cover
Book an Engineer Today
DBS-checked engineers available today across England, Wales and Scotland. No call-out charge.