MTS Russia to make satellite TV push

Russian service provider MTS is reportedly planning to spend RUB5 billion (€87 million) to buy satellite capacity and equipment in order to launch satellite TV services in the country.

According to a Bloomberg report, which cites an MTS statement, the firm aims to expand on its current cable TV and fixed line offering and establish itself as a leading player in Russian satellite TV in the next three years.

MTS will reportedly focus its efforts on more remote regions of Russia where it is difficult or costly to offer cable TV, and will offer a 160-channel basic package that will aim to compete with the likes of Russian satellite TV provider Tricolor.

Local reports last month claimed that MTS planed to launch a satellite service and was in talks to buy troubled DTH pay TV operator Raduga TV.

Raduga TV’s holding company Dalgeokom is jointly owned by Modern Times Group and Russia’s Continental Media. Raduga recently run into problems over allegedly operating in the country without an appropriate licence.