Release of 01.04.2015
The Telekom Austria Group has today announced that it has signed a multi-territorial deal with Germany-based CLASSICA, the international premium TV channel for classical music across pay-tv and technical satellite services.
The partnership began with the launch of CLASSICA at Telekom Austria Group's Bulgarian subsidiary Mobiltel, at Blizzoo/Vip operator in the Republic of Macedonia, and was followed by a launch on Austria's A1 IPTV end of March. A launch of CLASSICA at Vipnet in Croatia is planned for the second half of 2015. Also, with its "direct2home" platform, the Group acts as technical satellite distribution and contribution provider for CLASSICA over the Eutelsat 16A satellite.
"With the CLASSICA partnership, we introduce a premium thematic channel provider into our core territories with high-quality classical music content, already proven worldwide. We are excited that through Telekom Austria Group's "direct2home" technical broadcast services we are able to bring CLASSICA not only to the pay-tv operations of the Group but can also make them available via simulcrypting to other DTH operators on Eutelsat 16A, as well as the numerous cable and IPTV players via our contribution services," said Stefan Amon, Director Wholesale Telekom Austria Group.
"Telekom Austria Group and CLASSICA share the goal to grow in Central and Eastern Europe. We are excited about this alliance as it enables more classical music lovers to indulge their passion with CLASSICA," said Johannes Everding, Managing Director of CLASSICA.
Notes to the Editors
Telekom Austria Group´s Wholesale Media and Broadcast Department acts as a global partner when it comes to Satellite services. Only a few providers across the globe have the knowledge and extensive experience to provide inexpensive and reliable worldwide communications via satellite. With over 40 years of experience in providing non-terrestrial communication, the Group is regarded as one of Europe's leading satellite service providers. The satellite business includes Broadband & Teleport Services, IP & Network Services and Broadcasting Services. The Group acts as direct link to 75 million households in the CEE region and is the shortcut to the Pay-TV world.
About CLASSICA
CLASSICA is the worldwide leading Pay-TV Channel for Classical Music, based in Germany. The Channel is currently distributed on 4 continents, in 30 countries, on 45 key Pay TV platforms with a worldwide audience of 6.5 Million subscribers. CLASSICA is affiliated to UNITEL CLASSICA, one of the world's leading producers and distributors of classical music for audiovisual media (TV, DVD, cinema, new media).
The premium program of operas, concerts, ballets and documentaries from the most renowned international opera houses, concert halls and classical music festivals feature world stars, like Anna Netrebko, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Plácido Domingo, Renée Fleming, Elena Garanca, Cecilia Bartoli, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Lang Lang, Julia Fischer, Maurizio Pollini, Lisa Batiashvili, leading orchestras such as the Vienna and Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Staatskapelle Dresden and productions from the Salzburg Festival, Mariinsky Theatre St. Petersburg, Scala in Milan, Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía in Valencia, Arena di Verona.
CLASSICA broadcasts on a 24 hours daily basis in the highest technical quality, in HD and 5.1. Dolby Surround Sound.