For Immediate Release
Innovative Interactive Live Broadcast Programme On the Way
(Hong Kong, 13 July 2005) - SUPERSUN and Hutchison Global Communications Limited ("HGC") join hands to launch one of the most innovative IPTV services by the end of July, 2005.
The service comprising of SUPERSUN pay TV service and "HGC Broadband" service will be offered at an attractive bundled price of HK$248 per month#. What's more, customers can enjoy HGC's anti-hacker and electronic fax services free for three months#.
The collaboration between SUPERSUN and HGC signifies a perfect fusion of a top-notch broadband network with unrivalled TV programme content. HGC owns the largest fibre-to-the-building (FTTB) telecommunications network in Hong Kong, which provides quality and super-fast symmetrical broadband service with significant bandwidth scalability for more than 4,000 residential buildings covering a total homepass of over 1.2 million. SUPERSUN offers a host of diversified local and overseas home entertainment programmes including the trendiest Asian and local dramas, news, music, movies, health, children programmes and sports news to meet the diverse viewing needs of local families. With the 10Mbps* symmetrical broadband service provided by "HGC Broadband", customers will enjoy superior TV viewing quality with 4-5Mbps bandwidth without sacrificing other on-line activities, which provide 10Mbps and 5-6Mbps for upload and download respectively.
The brand new IPTV service not only showcases the collaborative synergies between SUPERSUN and HGC, but also makes possible the delivery of superb TV picture quality and interactive TV programmes, thanks to HGC's optical fibre network. The IP-based interactive live broadcast programmes will be gradually available by the end of the third quarter this year, signifying a breakthrough from the one-way broadcast model of the pay TV service. By simply using advanced video communication devices such as Vfone and web cam, viewers can connect with the programme hosts on-line instantly. For example, viewers at home can obtain real-time medical advice from professionals, make interactive song dedications to their loved ones or discuss school admission and interview techniques with seasoned education consultants. They are no longer "viewers" but will become active participants in the programmes while enjoying their TV viewing at home. Interactive live broadcast programmes will help enhance viewer experience when TV p ogrammes can closely tie in with viewers' interests and needs. SUPERSUN and HGC will introduce this innovative interactive feature on SUPERSUN's TVB Health, TVB Music and tvbQ (children channel).
Jackey Chan, Chief Operating Officer of SUPERSUN, said, "SUPERSUN is committed to providing pay TV programmes with the best quality to meet the diversified viewing needs of the local families. By joining efforts with HGC, not only can we expand our coverage to 2 million households, it also allows us to break into the IPTV market by offering value added and interactive TV programmes to our customers. The collaboration between SUPERSUN and HGC is taking the development of IPTV in Hong Kong to a new era which provides TV content that truly reflects values and choices."
Peter Wong, Chief Executive Officer of HGC, pointed out, "Integrating the strengths of broadband networks and pay TV content, IPTV is an emerging worldwide trend. Our collaboration with SUPERSUN gives full play to our network edges. The interactive feature to be added to SUPERSUN's programmes is so innovative that it will enhance the viewers' experience and raise Hong Kong's development of IPTV service to a new level. This will further reinforce our 'multi-play' business strategy."
For further details of the bundled offer, please call SUPERSUN's Sales Hotline: 3168 2888 or HGC's Sales Hotline: 1226.
# Customers are required to enter into a 18-month service contract.
* This refers to over 90% of HGC's homepass which are connected by Ethernet or VDSL and can provide dedicated upload and download bandwidths of 10Mbps between customer premises and in-building local switches. The bandwidth is also subject to the infrastructure of individual buildings.
About SUPERSUN
SUPERSUN is a pay TV service operated by Galaxy Satellite Broadcasting Limited (GSB), aiming at providing the most original and local-flavoured programming to the entire family.
SUPERSUN brings to the audience a unique mix of quality local programming and top-notch entertainment from around the world. The service now provides multiple channels which include six Chinese channels supplied by TVB as well as a wide range of news, movies, sports news and entertainment programs from leading local and international content providers.
SUPERSUN is currently transmitted via satellite through existing SMATV and CABD networks into set-top boxes of individual homes. It will also start transmitting its IPTV service via the broadband network of Hutchison Global Communications Limited. For more information, please visit www.supersun.com.hk.
About Hutchison Global Communications Limited
Hutchison Global Communications Limited (HGC) owns the largest fibre-to-the-building telecommunications network in Hong Kong. Since its establishment in 1995, it has been fully committed to building its own network infrastructure. With the scalability of its global bandwidth capacities and direct links to networks in Mainland China, HGC provides instant connectivity around the world, including Asia, North America and Europe.
Riding on HGC's advanced fibre-optic technology, customers enjoy leading-edge services such as Ethernet symmetrical broadband access, corporate data transmission solutions, International Private Leased Circuit services, Internet Protocol Transit services, as well as quality local and overseas call services. Building on its leading presence in Hong Kong, HGC is also establishing a strategic foothold in the global marketplace.
HGC is a subsidiary of Hutchison Global Communications Holdings Limited which in turn is a member of the Hutchison Telecommunications International group ("Hutchison Telecom") of companies. Hutchison Telecom is a leading telecommunications operator listed on the New York and Hong Kong stock exchanges.
A subsidiary of the multinational conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa, Hutchison Telecom is dedicated to providing superior telecommunications services globally in markets with high growth potential. For more information about HGC, please visit www.hgc.com.hk
For more information, please contact:
Ms Geni Tang | Ms Agnes Chan |
SUPERSUN | Hutchison Global Communications Limited |
Tel: (852) 2399 9432 | Tel: (852) 2128 6708 |
Fax: (852) 2399 9393 | Fax: (852) 2187 2055 |
E-mail: genitang@gsbhk.com | E-mail: pr@hgc.com.hk |
Jackey Chan (left), Chief Operating Officer of SUPERSUN, and Peter Wong, Chief Executive Officer of Hutchison Global Communications Limited, officiate the IPTV service inauguration ceremony. |