BBC: Iran targets new satellite to jam broadcast

BBC: Iran targets new satellite to jam broadcast

Posted: Sep 08, 2011 1:41 AM Updated: Sep 08, 2011 1:42 AM

LONDON (AP) - The BBC says Iran has stepped up the jamming of its Farsi-language television service by interfering with the operation of a Eutelsat satellite.

Jamming from within Iran has affected BBC Persian television since its launch in 2009, and the British broadcaster says that one of Eutelsat's high-power Hotbird satellites has been targeted since July.

But the BBC now says that Iran has expanded its jamming to target the Paris-based company's W3A satellite, which covers Africa, Europe and parts of the Middle East.

BBC foreign editor Jon Williams said in a message posted to Twitter that "we call on Tehran authorities to stop these illegal acts."

Eutelsat did not immediately return a call seeking comment Wednesday. BBC Persian is still broadcasting on other satellites.

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