The next relevant European satellite being launched Astra 2E, this is said to be launching May / June (there has already been a delay). Or as stated by SES – Q2 2013.
The reception in some areas with 2F is weaker than previously and those who cannot receive such channels as Channel 5, 4HD, 4seven presently, are likely to get the same or a very similar level of reception from the 2E spot beam as Astra 2F. Pan European beams are of no concern as these are much stronger & much (not all) of the UK main terrestrial channels will be on the ‘spot beams’.
Those presently receiving these UK ‘spot beam’ channels, if information is correct from SES, then existing dish you have should suffice for the next 15 years!
Most in Costa Blanca South, can receive the ‘spot beams’ on a 1.1 – 1.4 metre dish. However news is not so good in other parts of Spain and alternative solutions such as IPTV / Filmon may be a future requirement.
After this launch there is one further satellite – Astra 2G, which is stated as launching Q1 2014. This also has the same stated footprints as 2E & 2F.
http://www.ses.com/4628866/astra-2e 2E footprint
http://www.ses.com/4628845/astra-2f 2F footprint
http://www.ses.com/4628824/astra-2g 2G footprint
Spot beam wise – they are all stated as being identical.