Globecast partners with Orby TV for pay-as-you-go satellite service

Globecast has signed a deal with pay-as-you-go satellite TV startup Orby TV to provide a range of turnkey broadcast media operational services. 

Orby TV launched in the lower 48 US states in Spring 2019, with a mission statement to provide a high-quality and low-cost pay TV service with no contract and no internet required.

This new deal will see the media solutions provider handle Orby TV’s full broadcast operations on a 24/7 basis from its media centre in California. Globecast will manage Orby TV’s channel aggregation using its fibre and satellite network, along with proving its co-location service, handling technical operations and uplinking channels to the Ku-band capacity on Eutelsat’s EUTELSAT 117 West A satellite at 117º West.

Orby TV has two base programming packages priced at $40 (Essentials) or $50 (Extras) per month for up to four rooms, with optional premium network programming packages and low-cost DVR service available. All fees and taxes are included in the monthly prices. Local channels and unlimited use of the Orby TV interactive program guide is provided at no additional charge, even if the subscriber decides to turn off the monthly paid Orby TV service.

Michael Thornton, CEO of Orby TV, said: “Globecast is providing to Orby TV complete and comprehensive broadcast operations. Globecast has vast experience in media management, with extensive programmer relationships and excellent fiber and satellite connectivity. Its expertise and strong operational performance was vital to the successful early days for Orby TV, as our satellite service gains a foothold across the United States with consumers looking for a combination of quality lean-back television, low prices, and flexibility in managing their payTV services from month-to-month.”

Eddie Ferraro, managing director of Globecast Americas, said: “Orby TV has introduced a flexible pay-as-you-go model to the DTH marketplace and we are very pleased to have been selected as their technical services partner. We all know that new innovative ways of thinking need to be turned into reality across the pay-TV landscape in order to continue to drive consumer uptake, and Orby TV is doing a terrific job at that.”