Cyfrowy Polsat takes majority stake in transmission outfit

Polish free-to-air broadcaster and pay TV operator Cyfrowy Polsat has taken a majority stake in local broadcasting service provider BCAST.

Cyfrowy Polsat, which has taken a 69% stake in the company, says the partnership between the pair will open up new business opportunities for BCAST, as well as giving Polsat Group the opportunity to plan and develop its transmission network.

BCAST provides transmission services for a number of commercial and public  radio networks in Poland as well as TV broadcasters as part of local DVB-T multiplexes via 45 facilities across the country.

In addition to digital broadcasting. BCAST has also deployed a DABCAST network that secured funding from the EU Horizoin 2020 Phase II project.

“BCAST is not only a telecommunications operator, but also a technology company with high-class specialists and unique know-how. We want to use these advantages in the planning and development of our radio network, which will be able to distribute services to both Polsat Group and other companies operating on the media and telecommunications market in Poland. I am also pleased that the founders of the company will remain in the company and will be able to work with us in the management and supervisory board,” said Jacek Felczykowski, member of the board of Cyfrowy Polsat and Polkomtel, operator of the group’s mobile network Plus.

“Joining Polsat Group is another important move for us in the development of BCAST. On the one hand, it is the culmination of the whole team’s work, and on the other a big step in the direction we have set. Support from Cyfrowy Polsat will primarily allow us to implement new large contracts, but also to improve the services provided to existing customers. I am convinced that it will open up many fascinating projects, both in the area of broadcasting and new technology,” said Maciej Lipinski, member of the board and founder of BCAST.

Lipiński and Krzysztof Karpiński will remain on the management board of the company. They will be joined by Jacek Felczykowski and Dariusz Działkowski from the Polsat Group. Andrzej Papuda, who was a co-founder of the company, will continue to serve as a member of the supervisory board.