European pay-TV operator Canal+ has launched a branded streaming service in Hungary, the latest in a series of international launches that also include Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and most recently the Netherlands.
The Hungarian launch takes place in collaboration with local pay-TV operator 4iG Group.
Jacques du Puy, CEO of Canal+ International, said: “I am very pleased with the launch of our services in Hungary, which illustrates our strategy to digitalize our offering and thus further strengthen our position in Europe. Hungary is a dynamic market for SVOD services and Canal+ is ready to play an important role in that market. 4iG is the relevant partner to support this launch.”
Canal+ content has been available in Hungary since 2021 via the Direct One platform, previously known as UPC Direct.
As part of the Canal+ deal, 4iG will add Direct One’s 155,000 subscribers to its Digi service next year.
Péter Fekete, CEO of 4iG Group, said: “The acquisition of Direct One’s satellite customer base is an excellent opportunity to expand our satellite customer base in Hungary. Through this transaction, 4iG Group will strengthen its leading position in the Hungarian satellite TV market. The acquisition will allow us to offer higher quality and more comprehensive services to former Direct One customers in the future, leveraging the group’s convergent telecommunications portfolio.”
In addition to Canal+’s linear services, the Hungarian platform will offer the company’s catalog of films and series, such as the high-concept series “Django,” starring Matthias Schoenaerts (“Rust and Bone,” “Bullhead”). A dedicated Hungarian app for Canal+ will be introduced in the country in 2025.
The news was first reported by Broadband TV news.