Release of 18.03.2015
Today the Telekom Austria Group has announced its partnership with UK based company, The Box Plus Network. The partnership encompasses the technical satellite distribution of The Box Plus Network channels across CEE as well as the inclusion of the thematic channels in the Group's own pay-tv operations in its footprint.
The first TAG affiliates launching the channels are Mobiltel in Bulgaria and Vip operator/Blizoo in the Republic of Macedonia, soon to be followed by Vipnet in Croatia and A1 in Austria.
The Box Plus Network is the number one music hub in the UK in terms of viewers ratings and broadcasts eight TV channels throughout the UK, Europe and Africa, five of which also have dedicated advertising free feeds for international distribution, including Smash Hits, Kiss, Magic, Kerrang! and Box Africa. As a result of the services provided by the Group, the viewers across its footprint, as well as other pay-tv platforms using Telekom Austria Group's simulcrypting or distribution services, will be provided with high quality music content in different genres on a wider choice of music channels.
The service will be enabled by Telekom Austria Group's direct2home platform on the EUTELSAT 16A satellite, utilizing the Group´s uplink facility in Aflenz, Styria and the Telekom Austria Group international backbone, which is amongst the largest fiber networks in Europe. Telekom Austria Group's direct2home is an open platform delivering technical distribution services to broadcasters as well as end-to-end white-label DTH solutions to partners in the CEE region.
Stefan Amon, Director Wholesale, Telekom Austria Group, comments: "We are delighted to announce this partnership with The Box Plus Network which marks the beginning of a number of new partnerships within the media and content industry. This partnership will help us to efficiently use our own infrastructure thanks to the Group's existing backbone network as well as our teleport Aflenz. It also further strengthens Telekom Austria Group Wholesale as a reliable technical distribution partner within the industry, which continues to deliver high quality and state-of-the-art technical services".
Because of the Group´s long history and experience in the CEE area, The Box Plus Network has chosen Telekom Austria Group as its strategic partner to execute their expansion strategy into this region. As a result of this partnership, the network will be able to expand its footprint internationally and make a first step into the CEE markets.
"The Box Plus Network is a well-established international brand and we're delighted to be extending unrivalled access to the hottest global music superstars to Telekom Austria Group's music fans throughout Austria, Central and Eastern Europe. Our partnership with Telekom Austria Group means they will launch our five powerful, distinct, international channels; Kiss, Kerrang!, Smash Hits, and Magic and soon to follow, Box Africa", says Julie Wright, Commercial Director – The Box Plus Network.
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 The Box Plus Network
In the UK, The Box Plus Network is the UK's most-watched music TV network broadcasting seven inimitable music television channels; The Box, 4Music, Smash Hits, Kiss, Kerrang!, Magic and Heat. In 2014 the network attracted a monthly average of 15.2 million British viewers, and now broadcasts to millions more around the world including Europe and Africa.