Liberty Global Consolidates European DTH Businesses

AMSTERDAM/LUXEMBOURG: Liberty Global’s UPC Broadcast division is consolidating its European satellite TV businesses under a new company, UPC DTH, based in Luxembourg.

The company reports that the move is an attempt to drive efficiencies and capitalize on opportunities to expand the businesses. The new UPC DTH division will consist of UPC Direct’s activities in Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, as well as UPC’s FocusSat activities in Romania. The company is planning to deliver a range of new services to UPC Direct customers this year, including more channels and HD offerings.

The reorganization follows the signing of a deal with Telenor to move UPC Direct to the Thor 5 and 6 satellites. UPC has prepared a transfer plan for its customers in Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.