A new DTH platform, called Joyne, is set to launch on the Dutch market in July.
The new satellite platform will compete head on with M7 Group’s Canal Digitaal. Distribution will take place over the Eutelsat 9B satellite at 9 degrees East. The fledgling platform will issue more technical details, including the CA system to be used, during the coming weeks. Reception will be possible with all current satellite receivers equipped with a CI slot.
According to Joyne, the Eutelsat 9 is a powerful satellite that will allow reception with small dishes of around 60 cm in the Benelux and across Europe. Should new subscribers also want to receive the FTA channels available on the Astra 1 position at 19 degrees East, Joyne will offer low-cost solution for dual satellite reception.
According to local reports, distribution agreements are in place with NPO, RTL, SBS Broadcasting, Discovery Networks Benelux and Fox Sports are in place. This implies that Discovery and Eurosport will be part of the offer. At the moment, M7 is in dispute with Discovery over the carriage conditions of these channels.