Poland’s nc+ extends long-term Eutelsat relationship with HOT BIRD satellite capacity renewal

15 December 2014

Eutelsat Communications and nc+, a driving force in pay-TV services in Poland, announced the signature of a major contract for the renewal of nine transponders at Eutelsat’s HOT BIRD video neighbourhood.

The agreement equips nc+ to pursue the expansion of its platform of digital services that broadcasts to 2.2 million subscriber homes equipped for Direct-to-Home reception in Poland.

nc+ entered the market in 2013 when the Canal Plus-owned CYFRA+ platform that was launched from the HOT BIRD position in 1995 joined forces with TVN’s “n” platform, also broadcasting through the HOT BIRD satellites. The platform today offers viewers more than 160 channels, of which almost 50% are already in HD, as well as access to over 400 free-to-air channels, including 20 in Polish.

Julien Verley, CEO of nc+, said: “Poland is a very important satellite-driven broadcasting market. Thanks to satellite transmission we are able to provide exceptional image quality with today’s best HD quality and in the future with the 4k standard. nc+ is at the forefront of technological changes and we are proud to cooperate with such a strong and reliable partner as Eutelsat. We look forward to strengthening this cooperation.”

Michel Azibert, Chief Commercial and Development Officer at Eutelsat, added: “Almost 25 years since the launch of multi-channel broadcasting in Poland through Eutelsat satellites, that was followed by the transition to digital and the launch of High Definition, we are proud that nc+ has today renewed its trust in us. This new agreement further consolidates and confirms Eutelsat’s HOT BIRD position as Poland’s neighbourhood of choice for free-to-air and pay-TV broadcasting.”