Telecom company Orange recently launched its TV service in Romania, with 95 channels, out of which 40 in High Definition format, which is a first on the Romanian market coming from a mobile operator. The service will be available on the TV set, and on the computer, via satellite and the internet. The offers includes 26 HD stations which are being broadcast in premiere to Romania. Starting September, the 100 channels will also be available to view via a smartphone and a tablet. Orange thus starts competing with providers such as RCD & RDS, Romtelecom and UPC, which also offer satellite TV services in Romania.

“Romanians watch a lot of TV. Statistics show they consumer more TV content than any other nation. […] Another drive for launching this service was that people want more and more channels in HD,” said Jean-Francois Fallacher, CEO of Orange Romania.

Clients can choose one of the three options: Local HD, World HD and Universe HD, depending on their choice of programs.

The first one includes 36 channels and costs EUR 5, while World TV has 65 channels - 19 of which HD, and costs EUR 8 a month. The third had 95 channels, and it costs EUR 12 a month. A fourth option includes five adult channels, via SuperNights HD, which costs EUR 2.5 a month.

The prices will be 20 percent discounted for existing Orange customers for one SIM, and a 30 percent discount for two SIMs. The service is however available even without an Orange mobile phone subscription, with a 12 or 24 – month contract in any Orange shop or partner shops.

Installing Orange TV costs EUR 20, and activating it, also EUR 20, but Orange customers get these two services for free. Those who want to get Orange TV for two TV sets will have to rent the second received and pay an additional fee of EUR 10 to activate it.

Orange TV is broadcast via the Direct to Home technology (DTH), which allows TV channels to be viewed in a digital system, directly from the satellite. The subscription gives the option to watch the TV channels and recorded movies and shows anywhere they are, on any device.

The TV channels are re-broadcast via the satellite SES Astra, which orbits the Earth at 31.5 degrees E, which offer an extensive coverage and powerful signal across Romania. The company SES, headquartered in Luxembourg, also runs operations in Romania.

editor@romania-insider.com