Telekom Austria has entered into a partnership with the UK-based company The Box Plus Network that encompasses the technical satellite distribution of the latter’s channels in Central and Eastern Europe.
It also includes the thematic channels in Telekom Austria’s own pay-TV operations in its footprint.
The first Telekom Austria subsidiaries to launch the channels are Mobiltel in Bulgaria and Vip operator/Blizoo in Macedonia. They will soon be followed by Vipnet in Croatia and A1 in Austria.
The Box Plus Network broadcasts eight TV channels in the UK, Europe and Africa, five of which – Smash Hits, Kiss, Magic, Kerrang! and Box Africa – also have dedicated advertising free feeds for international distribution.
Commenting on the development, Stefan Amon, director wholesale, Telekom Austria Group, said: “We are delighted to announce this partnership with The Box Plus Network which marks the beginning of a number of new partnerships within the media and content industry. This partnership will help us to efficiently use our own infrastructure thanks to the Group’s existing backbone network as well as our teleport Aflenz. It also further strengthens Telekom Austria Group Wholesale as a reliable technical distribution partner within the industry, which continues to deliver high quality and state-of-the-art technical services”.
Julie Wright, commercial director, The Box Plus Network, added: “The Box Plus Network is a well-established international brand and we’re delighted to be extending unrivalled access to the hottest global music superstars to Telekom Austria Group’s music fans throughout Austria, Central and Eastern Europe. Our partnership with Telekom Austria Group means they will launch our five powerful, distinct, international channels; Kiss, Kerrang!, Smash Hits, and Magic and soon to follow, Box Africa”.
