MTS Sets Out Dishes

Russia’s largest mobile operator announced the launch of its own
satellite platform. The company will be the fi rst of the Big 3 mobile
companies to enter the satellite TV broadcasting market. MTS’
television package will comprise numerous channels: National
Geographic, Discovery, Paramount, Fox, channels in foreign
languages, including French and German, popular sports and
children’s channels, along with some regional channels. Subscribers
will get a set-top box (STB) from MTS, using which they will be able to
watch HD TV channels, go online, monitor currency exchange rates
and road traffi c situation. The STB can also be connected to home
Internet via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, and also to OTT services - Catch-up TV,
On-demand video. Satellite HD STBs support recording on removable
USB fl ash drives, Time-Shift feature and built-in media player for
viewing video and photo content and listening to audio fi les. Basic
package from MTS will offer subscribers 160 channels for an annual
price of $26 (or $2.17 per month), which can be paid for using a built-in
SIM card.
Investment into the project in 2014-2016 will amount to some $108.5
million, where the bulk has been poured into the lease of a satellite
channel, procurement of user and operator equipment, and roll-out of
terrestrial infrastructure.