GlobeCast has expanded its next-generation global fibre network with the opening of a new point-of-presence (POP) in Moscow. It has also signed new Russian TV channel STRANA as its first customer for the new link with a distribution and capacity deal to reach Pay TV (IPTV, DTH and Cable) platforms across Russia and Europe. The channel will be delivered from Moscow to Paris for uplink to HotBird via the new POP.
This latest addition to the network is part of GlobeCasts ongoing expansion of its fibre and satellite connectivity and will greater connect this key region with points-of-presence in Asia, America, Africa and Europe. It will also allow GlobeCast to continue to differentiate its broadcast delivery service by offering a hybrid satellite and fibre solution.
The STRANA channel which was launched on HotBird on 2 November, has taken advantage of this hybrid network with a combined fibre and satellite solution. GlobeCast receives the STRANA signal at its new Moscow POP before sending it via its international fibre network to Paris for uplink to the HotBird satellite. As well as fibre and satellite capacity, GlobeCast is providing STRANA with a 24 hour, 365 day a year, monitoring service across the entire network from its Master Control Room in Paris.
The new Russian-language TV channel, which is one of only a handful of Russian channels available on the HotBird platform, describes itself as Russias Voice and will provide a range of programming including factual, educational and cultural shows, classical, popular and original films as well as self-produced documentaries, talk shows and music programmes. It will also encourage independent film making throughout Russia with the STRANA Award, a competition for independent movie producers to have their works broadcast on the channel.
GlobeCasts DTM fibre network has been built to support the increasing number of high definition channels and to provide a more cost effective route for broadcasters to go global. This new connection to Moscow comes at an ideal time when a growing number of content owners are looking to bring their channels securely from Eastern Europe to the rest of the world and vice versa.