Advanced Television

MTS to launch Russian DTH service

November 12, 2014

MTS_logo_2010Mobile TeleSystems (MTS), the leading telecommunications provider in Russia and the CIS, has revealed plans to launch a DTH satellite TV service under the MTS brand throughout Russia.

MTS will offer satellite TV subscribers 160 TV channels (including 30 HD channels) available in six languages and access to a variety of value-added services, including delayed viewing, pausing, video-on-demand, an interactive TV-guide, weather forecasts, maps, currency rates information using MTS SIM card integrated in a set-top-box.

Vasyl Latsanych, MTS Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, said that one of the three pillars of its 3D strategy – Differentiation – reflected its mission to offer its customers unique products and services to enhance their digital lives. “In line with our strategy to leverage our mobile, fixed and retail networks to expand into complimentary lines of business, MTS is entering the satellite TV market and will focus on developing satellite TV offerings in the areas where digital cable TV is not available. We believe that MTS is uniquely positioned to succeed in this market through the strength of our brand, the quality and diversity of our content portfolio, our unrivalled retail network of 4,000 stores spread out across Russia, and the expertise of our management team in cable and mobile TV services,” he stated.

Vitaly Studitskikh, MTS Director for Satellite TV, said that subscribers of pay-TV services were increasingly looking for quality products that go well beyond traditional linear TV. “Under the MTS brand, we are offering high-tech 3G/WiFi-enabled set-top-boxes, giving customers control over their content consumption. MTS customers will be able to choose their channels ‘a la carte’ and have access to catch-up and video on-demand services. For the first time in the Russian market, consumers will be able to enjoy a truly personalised TV experience,” he declared.
The base subscriber package includes a satellite antenna, an annual subscription to 160 channels and a smart set-top-box, all priced at RUB 1,200 (€20.80).

MTS satellite TV subscribers will be able to top up their account in 500,000 points of sales and kiosks across Russia, through Internet or mobile applications and have access to 24/7 customer service. MTS subscribers using both mobile and satellite TV offerings will receive 20 per cent of their monthly bill back (applied to their mobile account) and will be able to enrol in MTS Bonus, the MTS loyalty programme.

MTS satellite TV will be broadcast using ABS-2 satellite throughout the territory of Russia in the DV2-S2 standard. MTS leases nine transponders on the ABS-2 satellite and has installed a teleport and a ground station in Moscow as well as has ground equipment in various regions throughout Russia.

Categories: Articles, Broadcast, DTH/Satellite