Italy’s Europa 7 seeks partner for pay-TV venture
November 7, 2018
From Branislav Pekic in Rome
Italian broadcaster Europa 7, owned by local businessman Francesco di Stefano, is planning to launch a new pay-TV venture on DTT for which it seeking an international partner.
After obtaining a multiplex in the VHF band following years of legal battle, in 2010 the broadcaster became the first in Italy to use the DVB-T2 standard for its pay-TV service Europa 7 HD.
It launched with the promise of nine thematic TV channels, but after three years, the offer dwindled to two channels (Fly and Sentimental), marred by coverage gaps and the inability to secure premium content.
However, Europa 7 is now asking the Italian government for additional frequencies and a second multiplex in the UHF band, reports daily Italia Oggi.
The intention is to launch a low-cost PPV or VoD service, with movies and international music events that would be purchased individually. The new service would be available both on DTT and via mobile phones.
Other services would also be available, possibly digital radio on DVB-T2.