Canal+ launches in Myanmar

Canal+ has officially launched its service in Myanmar, in partnership with local media player Forever.

The new service offers close to 80 channels covering a range of genres, including eight Canal+-branded channels developed specifically for the local market. The offering comprises two packages.

Canal+ said it would open its own-branded stores in the country and would also work with local distributors. The company has been working on mobile payment systems to enable subscribers to sign up and pay for the service.

The pay TV broadcaster said the launch was in line with its strategy of taking its service to high-growth markets, citing the statistic that the Myanmar economy is currently growing at a rate of around 7%. Myanmar has a total population of about 55 million.

Forever Group is a major player in free TV in Myanmar and previously launched a pay TV service in 2006. The service is distributed over the country’s digital-terrestrial TV network as well as via satellite in partnership with state broadcaster MRTV. A number of international channels are available via that platform.

Other players include  Shwe Than Lwin Media-owned Skynet, which provides a rival bouquet of services delivered via the Apstar satellite platform.

Canal+ first announced it had teamed up with Forever to launch a pay TV service in the country a year ago.