StarTimes signs with satellite firm
StarTimes, the China-based network operator behind a rescue deal for TopTV, has signed a deal with satellite operator SES to expand its media footprint in Africa and deliver direct-to-home (DTH) broadcast services across the continent.
On Digital Media (ODM), parent company of pay-television operator TopTV, announced at the end of April that it would proceed with a rescue plan which would see StarTimes acquiring a 20% stake in the group.
StarTimes, which claims over 2.6 million digital terrestrial television (DTT) subscribers on the continent, has signed a 10-year contract on SES-5 at 5 degrees East.
The Chinese firm will utilise four transponders as of October 2013 and a fifth transponder from February 2014 to grow its DTH subscribers in Africa.
The Chinese firm said it will continue to broadcast TopTV on SES-5 by using three of the newly-contracted SES transponders that were formerly leased by ODM.
The other two SES transponders contracted by StarTimes will be used to complement the group’s DTT offering in remote and non-urban areas and grow its pay-TV business.
“The recent success of StarTimes’s strategic investment in ODM will allow us to reach new audiences in South Africa. The partnership with SES enables StarTimes to have a DTH platform in addition to the existing DTT and mobile TV (CMMB) platforms in sub-Saharan Africa,” said StarTimes Group chairman and president Pang Xinxing.
“In addition, the high-powered SES-5 at the prime orbital location of 5 degrees East is ideal in overcoming the challenges of terrestrial coverage to reach large audiences.”
“This will allow us to extend our broadcast reach across the continent and ensure excellent service and picture quality for our viewers.”
In a business rescue status report released on 5 September 2013, On Digital Media has earmarked November to conclude a rescue plan deal with StarTimes.
More news on StarTimes and TopTV
TopTV to proceed with StarTimes bid
TopTV to be bought by Chinese firm?
Loading ...
