Notification of major interest in shares received by SSL International plc on 23 August 2004.



                     SSL International plc ("the Company")                    

                                                                              

The Company has received notification, pursuant to Part VI of the Companies Act 1985 ("the Act"), that, as at close of business on 17 August 2004, HSBC Bank plc was interested in a total of 6,283,284 shares of the Company representing 3.32% of the issued share capital of the Company. By virtue of section 203 of the Act, HSBC Holdings plc, HSBC Bank plc's parent were also interested in the above mentioned shares.



M Buxton-Smith Assistant Company Secretary

Date of notification ..23 August 2004 .....