Last week the Algerian electronics specialist Condor, and the Chinese television operator My-HD launched a satellite package of pay channels.
Abderrahmane Benhamadi
This is a first in Algeria, where until now the pay television sector has been non-existent.
Named “PayTV by Condor” and accessible via the Arabsat satellite, the bouquet currently includes access to just over 70 Arab, French and English-language channels.
Without needing an Internet connection, Algerian viewers can now access the HD programmes of TF1, France Télévisions, MBC, AB Sat, Myme TV and Fox International.
They must however buy a starter kit, costing 8,990 dinars (about €75), which includes a demodulator, a parabolic dish and a 12-month subscription. At the end of that time the monthly subscription is offered at 499 dinars (about €4).
“We offer choice to the consumer who until now was caught in the vice between piracy and having to pay for a subscription card,” said Abderrahmane Benhamadi, Condor’s managing director. At the bouquet’s official launch, on May 20th, he also explained that Condor’s launch of PayTV was the result of a 10 year collaboration with the Chinese operator My-HD.
Founded in 2002, Condor is today the market leader for electronics and household electrical appliances in Algeria. My-HD, a Chinese company based in Dubai since 2012, offers pay-TV packages in 22 countries across North Africa and the Middle East.
Sources: HuffPost Algérie, L’Expression, Mobile Algérie
