Subscription Television in Australia - History

History

Galaxy become the first provider to begin operations, launching a MMDS service on 26 January 1995. Originally Premier Sports Network was the only local channel to be fully operational, with Showtime and Encore launching in March. They were later joined in April by TV1, Arena, Max, Red and Quest. A satellite service was launched later in the year.

Optus Vision launched their cable service on 19 September followed by Foxtel on 22 October.

Northgate Communications launched their service on 13 March 1997. It was later acquired by Neighbourhood Cable.

Galaxy was closed on 20 May 1998. Two weeks later Foxtel significantly boosted its customer base by acquiring Galaxy subscribers from the liquidator of Australis Media and immediately commenced supplying programming to Galaxy's subscribers on an interim basis. In February 1999 Foxtel began offering its own satellite service to new customers.

Following the collapse, ECTV quickly signed a deal with Optus Vision. Less than two months later, it was acquired by Austar, along with its stake in XYZ. Austar replaced the ECTV packages with their own in September.


TransTV launched in 2001, beginning with VoD followed later by linear channels.

Neighbourhood Cable was acquired by TransACT at the end of 2007.

UBI World TV launched in 2004.

SelecTV launched on 12 April 2006. It ceased it's English programming in late 2010.

Foxtel commence their HD service in Feb 2009.

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