Finnish operator DNA said it has agreed sell its antenna-based pay-television business to Digita, but it will continue to offer pay-TV via cable and broadband networks. The transfer of the antenna business will be carried out on 01 January 2020. The parties have agreed to keep the purchase price confidential.
Pekka Vaisanen, director of DNA's consumer business, said its aerial pay-TV operation is a small part of its television service package. Via cable and broadband, it will provide TV to over 600,000 customers. In addition, it has about 250,000 other DNA TV customers.
The deal still requires the approval of the competition authorities, which is expected in the autumn of 2019.
Digita managing director Markus Ala-Hautala said Digita’s goal is to expand its pay-TV coverage area. It also plans to introduce the hybrid TV services already available on free-to-air channels to its subscription TV offering. The launch of new commercial models for content providers is also under development, he added. Digita pay-TV services will continue to be sold through DNA's sales network.
Digita has six network licences for UHF frequencies on the national antenna TV network until 10 January 2027. About half of Finns watch TV via Digita's aerial TV network.
