Euskaltel launches new mobile TV app, strikes wholesale deal with Telefónica

Spanish regional cable operator Euskaltel Group has launched a new mobile app that allows customers to view TV content from iOS and Android mobile devices.

The new app is the first to allow all customers of the group’s three operating companies, the Basque Country-based Euskaltel, R in Galicia and Telecable in Asturias, to access on-demand content.

Each of the group’s three parts will continue to offer services under its existing on-demand brand – Edonon for Euskaltel, TEDI for Telecable and TV Conmigo for R – but via a single app with a single user experience that is, says the operator, ready for new functionality to be added.

In addition to on-demand content across multiple genres, the operator’s customers will also be able to view live TV channels and will be able to programme recordings for viewing across devices as well as being able to view seven-day catch-up services.

Euskaltel said that 366,000 customers would have access to its TV service via the new app, which translates to about 84% of its pay TV base.

Separately, Euskaltel has struck a new mobile wholesale agreement with Telefónica in Asturias which follows an earlier new and improved national fibre wholesale deal with Orange.

Euskaltel hailed the new deal with Telefónica as offering improved terms, with lower costs and access to new technologies that would enable it to improve Asturias operating company Telecable’s service to customers.

Last week Euskaltel announced a new wholesale agreement with Orange to enable it to offer services nationally that it says offers “better terms and longer agreements” than the previous deal.

Euskaltel has relied heavily on Orange’s network to realise its plans to offer services outside its home markets of the Basque Country, Asturias and Galicia in Northern Spain.

The wholesale deals were hailed by Euskaltel’s leading shareholder and former Telecable owner Zegona Communications, which said that the agreements secure significant savings and improved long term visibility for the company.

Eamonn O’Hare, Zegona’s Chairman and CEO said: “These agreements represent a very important next step in Euskaltel’s new strategic direction. The terms negotiated with Orange and Telefonica provide strong foundations for Euskaltel’s national expansion plan, not only delivering access to millions of new potential customers, but also creating significant cost savings for the business.”