StarTimes, a Chinese Multinational company based in Beijing and which has a strong market presence in Africa, started direct paid broadcast satellite service in Ethiopia.

Its local executive agent, Bridgetech Broadcasting and Media PLC, which was issued a license by Ethiopian Broadcasting Authority in 2016, started selling subscriptions to customers last week. The Marketing Manager at Bridgetech, Mekdes Mekonnen, said over 100 and more consumers visited Bridgetech every day since June 14, the first day of the World Cup held in Russia.

Bridgetech offers packages, ranging from 60 dollars to 70 dollars for three month subscription rates. After three months, the packages diversify into categorizes for kids, television shows and movies, and news networks. However, Multichoice Africa still owns exclusive deals with the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and the Spanish Laliga according to Metasebiya Abayneh, Deputy General Manager of Multichoice Ethiopia, a franchise of Multichoice Africa. StarTimes owns an exclusive deal only with the German’s Bundes Liga.

DSTV was the sole subscription television service in Ethiopia since 2000.

Source: Addis Fortune.