Pay-television broadcaster Sky Italia has moved to widen its customer base by launching a new 15-channel digital terrestrial television service which will include access to its premium sports content.
The move follows an agreement signed in March with one-time rival, media group Mediaset. The new subscription packages will be available via satellite and also fibre internet through the launch of a new decoder.
The DTT offer comprises two packages, one of which is dedicated to sport. Sky Sport will provide access to the Sky Sport 24 and Sky Sport 1 channels at a price of €10 ($12) per month.
Sky said this will encompass live sports content such as football’s Uefa Champions League, Europa League and English Premier League; motor-racing championship Formula One; motorcycling series MotoGP; North American basketball league the NBA and tennis in the form of men’s ATP Masters 1000 tournaments and the Wimbledon grand slam event.
Andrea Zappia, Sky Italia chief executive, said: “We are experiencing an extraordinary period for the television industry. On the one hand, the creative industry has never been so dynamic and capable of producing stories that capture attention.
“On the other hand, technological innovation continues to multiply the opportunities to access content, when and where you want. Sky has always been a protagonist along this path to improve the Italian television experience.
“With the launch of the digital terrestrial offer and the fibre connection, we have removed every technological barrier to access Sky and made the customer experience more flexible. Sky goes beyond any platform.”