Kabelio, a new TV package for Swiss DTH satellite households, will launch on Eutelsat Hotbird (13° East) on October 15, 2020, featuring both domestic and international channels such as ARD, ZDF, ORF, TF1, BBC and ITV.
The encrypted subscription platform will comprise 34 TV channels in HD quality, many of which have not previously been offered via satellite. As the name suggests, Kabelio targets households without cable TV, enabling them to receive the channels distributed on Swiss cable networks through a satellite dish.
The line-up includes the Swiss HD channels of Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland (RTL Schweiz HD, RTLzwei Schweiz HD, VOX Schweiz HD) and ProSiebenSat.1 (ProSieben Schweiz HD, Sat.1 Schweiz HD, kabel eins Schweiz HD, Puls 8). For the first time, all seven domestic channels operated by CH Media (3+, 4+, 5+, 6+, TV24, TV25, S1) and local channel Tele Züri will be made available via satellite by Kabelio.
The seven channels operated by Swiss public broadcaster SRG SSR (SRF1, SRFzwei, SRF Info, RTS 1, RTS 2, RSI 1, RSI 2) are also included in the package as well as many channels from Germany, Austria and the UK (ARD, ZDF, ORF I, ORF II, BBC One, BBC Two, ITV one). The package also features French channels France 2, TF1 and M6 as well as Italian channel Canale 5.
For reception, viewers need Kabelio’s CI+ module, which works without a smartcard. The module, which is available from local retailers and online shops, is offered for CHF59 (€55) including a 3-month free trial. Subsequently, different access periods can be chosen: 3 months for CHF49, 6 months for CHF79 or 12 months for CHF149. A subscription is not required. Renewals can be purchased and activated online in the customer area at www.kabelio.ch.
Kabelio is headed by Damir Krilcic (CEO) and Jörg Hansen (COO). Krilcic operates German-language DTH satellite TV platform Satelio in southern Africa. Hansen previously worked in leading positions for Astra satellite operator SES for several years, most recently as vice president commercial operations and deputy CFO for the video services division.
