Orange is to launch its DTH satellite service in the French market on July 3. The operator says that its Orange TV service will be available to 98% of French households through a combination of ADSL and satellite technology.
In France Orange TV will use both the Hot Bird neighbourhood (13 degrees East) and Atlantic Bird 3 (5 degrees West). Orange is hoping to capitalise on the 4.8 million French homes that already have dishes pointing to the two Eutelsat positions. Where possible self-install will be offered with technicians only deployed when a new installation, or repointing of an existing dish, is required.
The triple play offer is being priced at a monthly €29.90. Subscribers will receive either ADSL alone or a combination of ADSL and satellite. The mix of interactive, VOD and 200 linear TV channels already available to ADSL subscribers will be gradually extended to the satellite platform. A website showing the availability will go live on May 23, 2008.
The Orange football service is being launched on August 9, following the acquisition of the rights to France’s top-flight matches for the next four years. Orange Cinéma Séries goes live in the autumn, available across TV, PC and mobile, and featuring content from with Warner Bros International Television, HBO, Gaumont and Fidélité Films.
