Fetch to add Free-to-Air IP Channels to TV Guide
Focus on solving issues for households with no or poor FTA reception
Sydney, 14 May 2024 Fetch TV will be making Free-to-Air (FTA) channels available as IP feeds via the Fetch Electronic Program Guide (EPG) from next month. Fetch households with no or poor FTA reception will enjoy easy access to FTA program information and single click channel access from the EPG. The FTA IP channel feeds are currently available for viewing on the Fetch platform via the individual FTA BVOD Apps. Fetch will now provide the added convenience of integration into the EPG.
Scott Lorson, CEO of Fetch TV, said "Households with no or poor FTA reception represent a large and growing segment, and include homes in digital terrestrial black spots, multi-dwelling units with no FTA access, new estates where antennas are not permitted, homes with no or broken aerials, and even rooms where no aerial socket is present. Australian families without FTA reception are looking for solutions."
"Fetch recognises the importance of access to FTA channels and apps, with FTA viewing continuing to represent the majority of all TV viewing. We also know that the EPG remains at the centre of content discovery and channel navigation, and we are keen to extend this convenience to all customers."
The FTA IP feeds do not currently represent a "like for like" replacement of the terrestrial feeds, as they are subject to some sport and programming black outs as well as other programming differences, particularly with respect to Regional vs Metro news.
Mr. Lorson continued: "We continue to advocate for the anti-siphoning legislation to include the FTA IP feeds or "digital twin", given the critical role that FTA IP feeds will play in preserving access to FTA channels and sport into the future. We also welcome efforts to extend access to regional news, and preserve logical channel numbering (1-99) for the FTA channels."
More information and implementation details will be available in the coming weeks.
About Fetch TV
Founded in Sydney in 2008, Fetch TV partners with leading Internet Service Providers and major retailers to provide subscribers with a box based, internet delivered entertainment aggregation platform for viewing on TV and mobile devices. The Fetch product proposition is based on "The way to watch", providing easy access to entertainment from a wide range of sources, with all design and development occurring in-house in Australia. The Fetch service provides seamless integrated access to Free-to-Air TV channels and BVOD apps, subscription channels, FAST channels, YouTube, and SVOD. The service also offers TV and Movie Stores with over 10,000 titles from all the major studios.
Following an investment by Telstra Group Limited in 2022, Fetch TV operates as a joint venture between Telstra (51.4%) and Astro Holdings. Fetch currently services 600,000 households, and in late 2023 commenced migration of the 800,000 Telstra TV base to Fetch. ISP partners include Telstra, TPG / iiNet, Optus, Vocus, and Aussie Broadband. Retail distribution partners include JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, The Good Guys and more. SVOD apps include Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Paramount Plus, Stan, Hayu, and more. Fetch.com.au