Hong Kong: Intelsat and Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) have struct an agreement to provide a new pay-television service for Hong Kong. Through the agreement, Intelsat will own a 51 per cent stake in Galaxy Satellite Broadcasting Limited, which is licensed to provide pay-TV services in Hong Kong as well as teleport services.

Intelsat and TVB are contributing cash, transponder capacity and programming valued at over US$136 million to launch the venture, says an official release. The all-digital, multi-channel service will feature a range of premium Cantonese and other Chinese language programming exclusively supplied by TVB, including a 24-hour news programme. The high-quality Cantonese programming is targeted to the more than 90 per cent of the Hong Kong population, which speaks the language. Galaxy subscribers will also receive a full spectrum of international news, documentary, information, movie and other entertainment channels, the release adds.

Intelsat will move an Intelsat VII series satellite to the 85 East orbital location to transmit the Galaxy service via a high-powered Ku-band beam. Service is expected to begin within 12 months. Additionally, Intelsat will work with TVB to support the global distribution of its programming. The Galaxy service will be uplinked from Galaxy's teleport in Hong Kong over an Intelsat VII series satellite and downlinked at roof-top receiving dishes. Existing in-building wiring will deliver the service to individual subscriber apartments, the release says.