Thailand’s Next Step to use Intelsat technology for its satellite TV offering

• DTH TV expected to add 2.5mil+ new Thai subscribers in next 10yrs
• Next Step moving from content provider to platform operator via Freeview HD

 
SATELLITE services provider Intelsat SA has announced that Next Step, a multi-channel operator and distributor, is leveraging Intelsat’s satellite solutions on Horizons 2 to launch a new free-to-air DTH platform in Thailand.
 
As the prices of high definition (HD) satellite set-top boxes become more affordable in Asia, larger numbers of viewers are demanding and switching over to HD services, Intelsat said in a statement.
 
Direct-to-home (DTH) TV platforms in Thailand are expected to add more than 2.5 million new subscribers in the next 10 years, it added.

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Under the multi-year agreement with Intelsat, Next Step will be using the Ku-band capacity on Horizons 2 to diversify its business offerings, moving from content provider to platform operator through its new Freeview HD platform.
 
“By partnering with Intelsat, we will be able to quickly and cost-effectively launch a DTH platform that will enable us to meet the demand for more affordable, high-quality HD content in the region,” said Freeview HD head Philipp Heussen.
 
“As a result, viewers across Thailand will have access to a greater variety of entertaining and educational content, regardless of whether they reside in the city or in more remote communities in the country,” he added.
 
Freeview HD will be providing 81 channels, 55 of them in HD, including all digital terrestrial TV channels.
 
“Intelsat is a leading provider of satellite services for DTH operators, delivering programming to over 31 million subscribers and supporting more than 30 DTH platforms around the world,” said Intelsat Asia Pacific Sales regional vice president Terry Bleakley.
 
“We look forward to working closely with Next Step to ensure the seamless migration to HD as it launches its Freeview HD platform and distribute new and compelling content to Thailand,” he added.
 
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