UPC has finally launched its digital cable TV service in the Czech Republic after a four-month trial period. Initially available on most of the operator’s networks, including those in the cities of Prague, Brno, Ostrava, Plzen, Cheb, Zlin, Usti nad Labem and Liberec, it will in due course be rolled out to the remainder. The service offers over 60 channels, of which 47 are in the Czech or Slovak languages. Of the total, 16 are wholly analogue and have no digital equivalent. The ‘starter’ (basic) option consists of 16 channels and costs CZK299 (€10.84) a month including VAT, while the extended 56-channel package is available for CZK599 and ‘supreme’ option, including premium channels and Nonstop Kino on an exclusive basis, CZK1,099. Set-top boxes and cards to receive the service are being provided for a nominal fee of only CZK1. Karneval, the MSO acquired by UPC’s owner Liberty Global, already offers a digital cable service.
