UPC Direct becomes freeSAT in Czech Republic and Slovakia

Liberty Global’s European satellite TV arm, UPC DTH, has rebranded the former UPC Direct service as freeSAT in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

As part of the rebranding, certain packages will be available for the cost of an activation fee and an annual administration fee, without an additional monthly subscription charge. Customers have the option to rent a set-top box or to use their own receiver.

UPC DTH is offering freeSAT karta, with access to 21 Czech and Slovak channels, for an activation charge of CZK500 €20) and an annual admin fee of CZK500, with no monthly charge. The same line-up is also available as freeSAT light for CZK149 a month and an activation fee of CZK1.

freeSAT will also provide two higher-tier packages – freeSAT medium karta (for CZK199 a month if the subscriber provides his own set-top, or for CZK299 including set-top rental, with an additional CZK99 charged for an HD box) and freeSAT plus (CZK100 for 90 channels with additional charges for HD, DVR and HBO MaxPak ).

“We have been listening to our customers and as a result we are satisfying their desire for a very comprehensive package of valuable local and International content by providing a brand new product which has no monthly fees,” said Magnus Ternsjö, managing director.  “At the same time we want to highlight our top quality customer care and other tiers at attractive prices.  The new logo and name combines all of the quality marks known from our previous brand UPC Direct, but the message is simple. It is possible to sign up now free of monthly fees and have a great TV viewing experience as well as easy and logical pay options for additional packages if and when the customer so desires.”

UPC’s DTH services in other markets remain unaffected by the changes.