Aiming to cash in on a market that should have 2.5 million more subs in the next decade, Next Step is to use Intelsat’s satellite solutions on Horizons 2 at 85º E to launch a DTH platform in Thailand.
Under its multi-year agreement, the multi-channel operator and distributor will be using Ku-band capacity on Horizons 2 to diversify its offerings, transitioning from content provider to platform operator through its new Freeview HD platform, positioned to serve an addressable market of approximately 67 million people. Horizons 2 was moved to the 85º E orbital location and its beam repositioned to enable Next Step to capitalise on the opportunity to support demand for HDTV in Thailand.
“The breadth and depth of Intelsat’s global satellite solutions provide a perfect complement to help expand and diversify our business,” explained Freeview HD Head Philipp Heussen.
“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. 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.”