Pay TV operator StarSat has released a first look at some of the channels and the pricing of the platform's bouquets as part of the TopTV turnaround.
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[Submitted via press release]
STARSAT PROMISES EXCITING NEW LINE-UP AND TECHNOLOGY FOR SUBSCRIBERS
Pay television platform On Digital Media (ODM) has announced the re-launch of TopTV brand as StarSat, as well as the introduction of new packages for subscribers.
The newly re-launched brand’s tagline is ‘Change your view’ and promises current and potential subscribers a premium viewing experience.
This includes some of the top brands in international television, such as NatGeo Gold, a documentary channel dedicated to Africa, the NBA Channel (Basketball), and top international news outlets such as BBC World, Al Jazeera English, Fox News and Bloomberg Television.
In addition, subscribers will be able to access StarSat’s own branded channels, such as Star Gospel, Star Novela, Star Chinese, Star Africa and Star Bollywood HD.
According to ODM’s CEO, Eddie Mbalo, the entry of StarSat into the South African pay television market will benefit customers most “We believe the South African market comprises mature television audiences who know what they want from their subscription, and expect diversity of content to go hand in hand with value for money which is what we are offering.”
The new channels will be phased in over time and added to the subscriber packages. StarSat hopes to have over 100 channels on air by January 1, 2014.
StarSat, whose licence holder is ODM, launched earlier this month with its strategic equity partner designate, the China-based StarTimes Communication Network. The platform was previously known as TopTV.
Customers who have TopTV decoders will still be able to use those decoders to receive the StarSat signal. Viewers whose subscriptions with TopTV have lapsed will be able to use their TopTV decoders to reactivate with StarSat. Subscribers can choose to purchase a new StarSat HD decoder for a reduced price if they already have a satellite dish installation.
StarSat has also introduced new pricing structures and packages, these being the StarSat Special (47 channels, R99 p/m) StarSat Smart (67 channels, R149 p/m) and StarSat Super (81 channels, R 199 p/m)
Add-on packages are StarSat Indian (R99 p/m for 9 channels), and StarSat Chinese (R149 p/m for 17 Chinese channels), a first for Chinese viewers in the South African market.
Says Mbalo: “The new structure offers more channels per package, and at more competitive prices. Instead of a range of different permutations of packages we have a new, simplified structure – that ultimately offers better viewing value.”
The newly branded pay TV operator has also streamlined its helpline to assist current and new subscribers. The Call Centre can be reached at (086 086 STAR/ 7827).