Advanced Television

Seven, Optus 4K Olympics

December 9, 2019

By Colin Mann

Australia’s Seven Network has revealed plans to team up with multiplay telco Optus to develop a channel featuring Seven’s coverage of Tokyo 2020 in 4K Ultra HD, which will be exclusively available to Optus 5G Home customers via IPTV service Fetch.

The intention is for Seven’s coverage of the Olympics to be available in 4K Ultra HD exclusively for Optus 5G Home customers on Fetch Mighty set-top boxes.

“This will be the most-watched Olympics and the biggest digital event in Australian streaming history,” asserted Kurt Burnette, Seven West Media Chief Revenue Officer. “Seven’s coverage of the Olympics will be unprecedented, and with time zones differing by only one-hour, Tokyo 2020 will feel like a home Games for Australians.”

“As our Australian athletes go for gold, Seven will be supporting them every step of the way, and through an exclusive partnership with Optus we will be able to deliver live event coverage in 4K Ultra HD exclusively to Optus 5G Home customers with Fetch Mighty set-top boxes.”

With over 300 5G sites currently in Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and other key locations in NSW, Victoria and Queensland and 1200 sites planned by March 2020, Optus recently launched 5G in the home and on the mobile.

Optus is a long-term sponsor of the Australian Olympic team and is looking forward to working with Seven, the Official Rights Holder Broadcaster, to create a new pop-up 4K Ultra HD Linear Live streamed channel that will showcase the best premium live events from Seven’s coverage of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

“A partnership with Seven will allow us to showcase the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 in 4K Ultra HD for the first time over a 5G network in Australia to Fetch Mighty customers,” explained Clive Dickens, Optus VP Product Development, TV and Content. “This exclusive partnership is another element of our 5G ‘Video Experience Network’ which will allow us to ensure end-to-end delivery of 4K Ultra HD Video content to exclusive Optus customers.”

“Australian’s appetite for 4K Ultra HD Video content is growing with anticipation following the launch of Optus 5G and we continue to work with premium Video On Demand content partners to build out their 4K Ultra HD offerings.”

To access the 4K Ultra HD channel of Seven’s coverage of Tokyo 2020, Optus customers will be required to have a Fetch Mighty, with an active Fetch subscription, a 4K-ready television and Optus 5G home broadband plan.

“Australians love their sport, and many have invested heavily in-home theatre systems to ensure the biggest and best possible viewing experience,” noted Scott Lorson, Fetch CEO. “The Olympic games represents the pinnacle in sports viewing, and Seven is set to provide unprecedented access during the three weeks of the Olympic Games.”

“As a result of this partnership, Optus subscribers with a Fetch Mighty will be in for a special treat, with access for the first time ever to a 4K Ultra HD channel streaming Seven’s coverage of the Olympics. We are delighted to work with Optus and Seven on this ground-breaking initiative.”

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