Foxtel Switch over from Cable to Satellite
Are you now missing FTA channels on your Foxtel service?
That’s because Foxtel has confirmed their plans to turn off the cable services and transition cable subscribers to satellite connections. The reason given for the sudden change is that it will provide customers with a more reliable service and high definition programs.
Customers currently receiving Foxtel’s service through the now NBN owned hybrid fibre optic (HFC) cable network will be slowly transitioned over to the satellite service over an estimated 3-4 year time period.
“Satellite is less prone to outages than the HFC cable and delivers great quality HD signals.” a Foxtel spokesperson has said.
Satellite Transitioning
According to a Foxtel customer service agent, “We are actually in the process of moving our existing cable customers onto satellite in preparation for the handover of the entire fibre optic cable network to the NBN”.
Foxtel says…
Bruce Meagher, the Foxtel Group Director of Corporate Affairs has confirmed the migration plan to EFTM.com telling us –
“Foxtel is moving to satellite only delivery for its broadcast subscribers while also significantly increasing its presence as a video streaming service. In the future, the NBN will fully manage the HFC network to deliver broadband services. Satellite is the best option for high quality video images watched on the large screens in homes and other venues. IP delivered streaming services are clearly the delivery mode of choice for individuals watching on a range of devices in and out of home. Foxtel is able to offer the best of both. Satellite is less prone to outages than the HFC cable and delivers great quality HD signals. iQ2 and iQ3 boxes can be connected to the internet to deliver a range of services such as streaming video, Start Over and Look Back.”
Timeframe on Completion
No timeline has been given for total completion, however there is speculation that its likely to take 3-4 years to implement. It will commence with the ceasing of new HFC installations.
The logistics and cost of a migration to satellite must be enormous as it is rumoured that Foxtel still have anywhere from 250,000 to 700,000 clients needing to be converted to Satellite.
You can also imagine a fair number of disgruntled home owners being forced to switch to a system that requires a satellite dish on the roof and a suitable Digital Antenna to be able to receive terrestrial FTA channels.
Main Concerns
One of the other concerns is that Foxtel Cable FTA channels will not be an option once the changeover occurs. Customers will need to ensure that their TV antennas are up-to-date.
What does this mean for us?
In reality, there is absolutely no difference in the number of services you will receive from Foxtel. Unfortunately, if you, like many other people, watch your Free to Air TV through your Foxtel service, you won’t be able to for much longer.
Not all Free-to-air channels are re-broadcast on Foxtel. Instead, on the IQ3 Foxtel Satellite box there is a free-to-air tuner which plugs into your antenna. Has your TV antenna been updated lately?
Call Jim’s Antennas on 131 546 for a FREE ON-SITE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE
