The cost of distributing channels in Ukraine is set to increase significantly following the encryption of satellite-delivered services this autumn.
Medianny and AKTR report that the current combined amount charged by StarLightMedia, 1+1 Media, Media Group Ukraine and Inter Media Group will grow from UAH6.9 (€0.22) to UAH9.5 per subscriber following the encryption.
The broadcasters will allow providers a few months to adapt, with the price, according to one source, then doubling to UAH18 per subscriber. Ultimately, it could go as high as UAH26-27 per subscriber by the end of 2020.
The price rise to come into effect this year was announced at a meeting of providers that included the leading cable operators Volia, Triolan and Lanet.
By way of response, they suggested more careful combating of dumping, promotional prices for TV services and addressing the issue of piracy.
