Super5Media, formerly Telkom Media, plans to start providing a commercial service in the first half of 2010.
While the company says it aims to provide a broad range of services, including traditional pay-TV satellite, IPTV or Internet services, and a mobile service, it also hopes to become a content partner for the rest of the industry.
Since Telkom sold its broadcasting business to Chinese group Shenzhen Media, in May, the new majority shareholder has been tight-lipped about its plans for the business. It is now 75%-owned by Shenzhen, 15% by Videovision Home Entertainment, 5% WDB Investment Holdings and 5% by MSG Afrika.
The industry has been waiting to see whether Super5Media still plans to move into the broadcasting space. However, others say it is inevitable, given Telkom Media's investment in equipment.
Telkom Media has been ready to go since November last year, when it announced details on technology purchases and infrastructure. Expected technologies included services over satellite, online and IPTV.
It was also in discussions with several content providers for entertainment and sports shows that were expected to go live anytime between June and August last year.
Since its launch, Telkom Media has made more progress than its fellow new pay-TV competitors, and was tipped by analysts as the leader in the new pay-TV applicant race. Before Telkom decided to pull its investment, the company was also expected to provide stiff competition to incumbent pay-TV broadcaster MultiChoice Africa.
Other pay-TV licensees were E-sat, which bowed out of the race, favouring its position on a 24-hour channel on DStv; Walking on Water; and On Digital Media (ODM), neither of which have launched a commercial service yet.
However, ODM has noted its intention to have a service up and running by the end of this year. ODM has also voiced its objections to the sale of Telkom Media to Shenzhen. The nature of the complaint is unclear; however, Super5Media says it has been addressed. ODM had not responded to ITWeb's query by the time of publication. Despite the objections, Super5Media says it remains committed to the pay-TV space.
“The company remains committed to fulfilling ICASA's invitation to apply for commercial satellite and cable subscription broadcasting services. The company plans to launch services in the first half of 2010,” it says in a statement.
The company says it will provide more details on pricing and commercial activation dates soon.
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