RCN Corp. will launch a trio of Star TV services on Nov. 30.
The distributor said it will roll out the Star India Plus, Star India Gold and Star One in all of its service areas that have been converted to its all digital network in the Boston, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. markets. Deal terms were not disclosed.
The networks will be available on channel 481, 480 and 482, respectively.
Laureen Ong, COO of Hong Kong-headquartered Star TV, recently told Multichannel News in a recent interview that the programmer had reached a distribution agreement with RCN.
RCN officials said the three-network Star bundle would retail for $21.95 per month, as the package would save subscribers nearly $10 off the individual prices. RCN will also offer Star/TV Asia package for $27.95 monthly and the Star/Zee TV for $34.95 per month.
“The addition of these three top Indian entertainment channels is only the first step in RCN’s robust expansion of international programming,” said senior vice president, strategic external affairs and programming Richard Ramlall in a statement. “We are very pleased to partner with Star in bringing additional outstanding South Asian viewing choices to our customers.”
Added Star senior vice president for distribution and sales David Wisnia: “We’re truly excited to join hands with RCN in offering our top notch Hindi channels to a whole new audience across RCN’s footprint. I have full confidence that RCN’s South Asian viewers will quickly take to the highly rated dramas, comedies, soaps, Bollywood movies and reality shows that have made Star India’s leading broadcaster.”
Available for $11.95 as a stand-alone, Star India Plus has been that nation’s top general-entertainment service for eight consecutive years. Star India Gold, priced at $9.95 per month, presents the best Bollywood blockbusters.
For its part, Star One proffers an innovative, diverse mix of programming and cutting-edge production values that appeal to urban, upwardly mobile Indian audiences. It’s also priced at $9.95 monthly.
