Orange sets satellite launch date

Service will extend reach to 98% of France

By DAVID HAYHURST

PARIS — Orange TV will launch its satellite service on July 3, extending the pay TV web’s reach to 98% of French households.

Previously, only half of France’s homes had the option of receiving the web through ADSL. Orange has 1.3 million subscribers in France.

Subscribers to the triple-play offer will get more than 60 channels, as well as seven packages of optional channels for $46.65 a month.

The entire offer already available to ADSL subscribers, including interactive services, VOD and TV on demand, will gradually be extended to the satellite platform.

Its soccer service is set to launch on Aug. 9, following the company’s surprise February bidding victory for transmission rights to some of France’s top division matches.

Orange’s Cinema Series, a premium television service to be offered on all of its TV, Internet and mobile platforms, is due to launch in late autumn.

The service will consist of six channels of films and TV programs, including one in high definition. It will feature content from Warner Brothers, HBO, and Gallic outfits Gaumont and Fidelite Films.