Chinese TV firm gets new chipset for expansion in Africa

NAIROBI -- Chinese pay-television operator StarTimes said Monday it has deployed Conax certified Set-Top Box (STB) chipset solution from ALi Corporation to further expand their African markets.

StarTimes, with branches in 26 African countries and operations in 14 countries, has accumulated nearly 5 million subscribers across Africa and ranks among the top three digital TV operators in the region.

StarTimes chairman Pang Xinxing said the collaboration with global leading partners, ALi and Conax, helps them deliver optimized total solutions in terms of performance, security, and costs that drive DTV expansion in Africa.

"Strong ecosystem partners are very valuable to StarTimes operations," Pang said in a statement received in Nairobi.

In addition to being a network operator, StarTimes is also a DTV system integrator, technology provider, as well as media content producer. The company currently boasts of the most affordable subscription service in the market.

From as low as $16.5 for the basic package, Kenyans are in a position to enjoy different genres of programming ranging from sports, documentaries, music, movies, kids shows and religious channels, not to mention the most comprehensive inclusion of the free to air channels currently available on analogue in Kenya, which will now be available on digital in all the StarTimes packages.

"ALi is experienced and proficient at providing innovative STB technologies and solutions tailored to specific regions," said Tony Chang, General Manager of ALi's Broadcast and Broadband Media Business Unit.

"With StarTimes' vast operations throughout Africa and Conax's forward-looking security technologies, our partnerships will bring high-quality, affordable STB solutions within reach for more people in the region," Chang added.

StarTimes Media launched its operations globally in 1988, and expanded to Africa in 2008, with Rwanda being its first project.