Also, I heard about a total switch-off of the satellite at 23.5 East..... Do you know if it is true?
This orbital location was used mainly by Germany from 1989. I remember very well that summer in which I got my first dish. DFS 1 Kopernikus satellite was launched in June and began its operation at the end of August, largely demostrated during the IFA event in Berlin (three months later the wall in Berlin was down). From that moment this position was largely used. It would be a pity if it will be dissmissed.