The Russian digital platform Tricolor TV, which is delivered by Eutelsat’s W4 to 800,000 homes, has added 12 new channels to its line-up. Operated by the National Broadcasting Company, the platform made its debut in November 2005 as a subscription-free service, initially offering a digital package of 15 Russian national and regional channels for only the cost of a receiver, manufactured by the Russian company Digi Raum. The 12 new channels are divided into six two-channel thematic packages offering children’s, film, sport, lifestyle, entertainment, adventure, entertainment and night-time programming. All but the night-time option (€14) cost €8 a year to receive, with the first five packages also offered for a reduced combined annual fee of €16. Tricolor targets a potential audience of 50 million people in rural parts of Western Russia poorly served by terrestrial TV channels.
