Satellite operator ABS will partner with PT Sarana Media Vision (SMV), using SMV’s DTH license to launch a consumer FreeView satellite service – FreeViewSat — across Indonesia in January 2017.
The service will be called SMV FreeViewSat and will initially broadcast over 60 television channels via the ABS-2, ABS-2A and ABS-6 satellites in both Ku and C-band.
For the first time in Indonesia, a free-to-view platform will be available throughout the entire country, allowing advertisers the opportunity to reach the full potential of the Indonesian audience.
The FreeViewSat model will promote maximum distribution and the cost of the STB & dish will be less than $35. Customers will only need to make this one-time purchase to enjoy all the TV channels on the platform (with no monthly recurring subscription fees).
"For the first time, everybody, not only the affluent or those in the urban areas, will be able to receive high-quality programming for free, with just a one-time purchase of a set-top box and dish,” said Tom Choi, CEO of ABS. “FreeViewSat will also give advertisers the first real opportunity to reach the whole population of Indonesia, even in rural areas.’’
At launch in January, FreeViewSat will carry at least 30 local Free-to-Air channels and more than 30 international channels. The number of channels will continue to grow to over 100 channels in the first six to 12 months as new and interesting content is added.