ABS and SMV are teaming up to deliver free satellite TV to Indonesia. Photo: ABS Satellite

[Via Satellite 11-08-2016] Satellite operator ABS will partner with Sarana Media Vision (SMV), using SMV’s Direct-to-Home (DTH) license to launch a consumer free-to-view satellite service, SMV FreeViewSat, across Indonesia in January 2017. The service will initially broadcast more than 60 television channels via the ABS 2, ABS 2A and ABS 6 satellites in both Ku- and C-band.

The FreeViewSat model aims to promote maximum distribution and the cost of the STB and dish. Customers will only need to make a one-time purchase to enjoy all the TV channels on the platform with no monthly recurring subscription fees, according to ABS.

At launch in January, FreeViewSat will carry at least 30 local free-to-air channels and more than 30 international channels. The number of channels will continue to grow to more than 100 in the first six to 12 months as new content is added.

FreeViewSat will be available via 75cm Ku band dishes from 75E on ABS 2 and ABS 2A, and via 1.6m C-band antennas from 156E on ABS 6 simultaneously, so that consumers have the choice of small dishes, or larger ones with better rain protection. ABS has selected the ABV conditional access and middleware system, along with Ali chips for its set-top boxes.