Telekom Austria would consider acquiring satellite TV services in its other CEE markets after snapping up Croatian DTH firm Digi TV, SatelliteFinance has learnt.
The telecoms operator today made its first foray into the satellite TV sector in acquiring…
Telekom Austria would consider acquiring satellite TV services in its other CEE markets after snapping up Croatian DTH firm Digi TV, SatelliteFinance has learnt.
The telecoms operator today made its first foray into the satellite TV sector in acquiring Digi TV, which reported €2m in 2012 revenues, from Romanian cable operator RCS/RDS.
Vipnet already provides telephony, internet and cable TV in Croatia, and the acquisition sees it become a full service provider in the country.
However, Telekom Austria is keen to provide a comprehensive service portfolio across its entire operational footprint, which as well as Austria includes Bulgaria, Slovenia and the Republic of Serbia.
A Telekom Austria spokesman said: “Croatia is currently the sole country where we offer satellite TV, however we are constantly investigating different options.”
Hannes Ametsreiter, Telekom Austria’s CEO, said the Digi TV deal represents an important milestone in its convergence strategy.
“I’m confident that, thanks to this new acquisition, Vipnet will now address new customer segments and generate significant customer growth as we will offer TV services both via cable and satellite,“ he said.
Telecom Austria, which financed the Digi TV acquisition with cash on hand, declined to disclose the deal’s value. It is understood that financial advisers were not mandated for the acquisition.
Digi TV was launched by RCS/RDS in November 2006. Its Croatian competitors include the country’s incumbent telco Hvratski Telecom, and Total TV.
