Orby TV links up with Eutelsat for new prepaid satellite TV service in U.S.

AMSTERDAM – Orby TV, a new prepaid satellite TV service launching in the U.S., is hitching a ride with Eutelsat through a newly announced multi-year agreement.

The service, which will be available across the lower 48 continental United States, is using capacity and KU band coverage from the EUTELSAT 117 West A satellite.

“We are delighted that Orby TV selected EUTELSAT 117 West A for the first major mainstream English language DTH bouquet to launch in the U.S. market in over 20 years. This groundbreaking deal showcases the important role satellite continues to play in TV distribution, even in well-established markets. We look forward to supporting Orby TV as their innovative business and offerings continue to grow,” said Mike Antonovich, CEO of Eutelsat Americas, in a statement.

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“Orby TV is very pleased to enter into a multi-year agreement with Eutelsat to help us reliably deliver a quality, best in-class pay-TV experience that is affordable with no Internet streaming required. With Orby TV prices starting at just $40 per month and the flexibility of the prepaid model to turn the service on/off, while always enjoying free local programming and use of the interactive guide, Orby TV is filling a void in the U.S. marketplace,” said Orby TV CEO Michael Thornton in a statement.

Orby TV has two base programming packages priced at $40 (Essentials) or $50 (Extras) per month for up to four rooms, with optional premium network programming packages and DVR service available. Local channels and unlimited use of the Orby TV interactive program guide is provided at no additional charge, even if the subscriber decides to turn off the monthly paid Orby TV service.

Orby TV hardware is available for purchase in all U.S. Best Buy and select Target U.S. retail locations, as well as online.

The company is jumping into a U.S. satellite TV industry – controlled by DirecTV and Dish Network – that has seen massive subscriber declines in recent years. During the second quarter of this year, AT&T (which owns DirecTV) lost 778,000 traditional video subscribers.