Arabsat and Selevision have entered into an exclusive long-term partnership to launch the first HbbTV service in the MENA region.
It will be provided to Arabsat customers from three locations, namely Jordan Media City in Jordan, Du in UAE and Overon in Spain.
The service will be complemented by the Selevision’s OTT platform and content library, providing a different viewer experience for the 26 degrees East Arabsat hotspot.
It will be available to viewers on all HbbTV compatible set-top-boxes. Furthermore, Arabsat and Selevision will launch the first HbbTV channel in the region as a pilot to present the concept to the customer base of Arabsat.
Commenting on the development, Dr. Raed Khusheim, CEO of Selevision said: “We are delighted to enter into this strategic partnership with Arabsat, one of the world’s leading satellite operators. We are constantly looking forward and committed to delivering engaging new services for customers, The HbbTV service will be compatible with all available HbbTV-ready boxes in the market, furthermore, we have also announced REDO, Selevision new invention; the first hybrid android unit with approved C.A.S system platform: REDO unit will allow us to provide a variety of interactive new hybrid services to the market before any other provider in the region”.
Khalid Balkhyour, president & CEO of Arabsat, added: “ Arabsat is always keen to deliver new experience to its viewers and facilitate access to new technology for its broadcasters base customers; this partnership with Selevision will add value to Arabsat hotspot at 26 degrees East with its growing neighbourhood that will benefit both the broadcaster and the viewer. This platform will leverage on Arabsat reach and on Selevision extremely competitive offerings and services. Both parties have invested in this platform to provide an excellent cooperation model in the industry.”
