DAZN Enhances Streaming Experience in Italy by Leveraging Satellite Delivery through HOTBIRD, a Service by Eutelsat Communications

17 Sep, 2023

DAZN Enhances Streaming Experience in Italy by Leveraging Satellite Delivery through HOTBIRD, a Service by Eutelsat Communications

DAZN, the prominent sports entertainment platform, has sealed a multi-year deal with Italian video service provider EI Towers, aimed at enriching content delivery to households across Italy through Eutelsat Communications' HOTBIRD satellites. Under this strategic collaboration, DAZN will introduce two high-definition channels, one for continuous broadcasting and another dedicated to event-based content, accessible through Italy's no-cost satellite TV service, Tivùsat, situated at 13° East.

Tivùsat currently offers an extensive lineup of over 180 TV and radio channels, catering to approximately six million viewers. Starting from September 2023, households equipped for Tivùsat reception will have the option to subscribe to "ZONA DAZN," granting them access to seven exclusive Serie A TIM football matches, LaLiga EA sports, and a broad array of live and on-demand content from DAZN.

HOTBIRD serves as the primary video broadcasting platform for Direct-to-Home transmissions in Italy, reaching millions of television-equipped households. Satellite distribution is the cornerstone of this reliable infrastructure, ensuring the seamless delivery of high-definition content to homes across the nation, irrespective of their geographic location. This complements DAZN's sports streaming service, particularly in well-connected regions, while satellite broadcasting is pivotal for delivering premium live events to audiences nationwide.

EI Towers holds the distinction of being the leading operator of Italian infrastructure, overseeing the majority of the country's national and regional digital terrestrial (DTT) networks. They also serve as the infrastructure partner for private FM/DAB radio networks and the international broadcasting center for the Italian Soccer Lega Serie A, and IBC Lissone. Under the present agreement, EI Towers will manage various aspects of the operation, including the transportation of channel feeds from DAZN's playout to their primary Head-End and Broadcast Centre, along with encoding, encryption, multiplexing, and uplink services on the HOTBIRD satellites.

Stefano Azzi, CEO of DAZN Italia, emphasized, "Through our newfound partnership with Tivùsat, we are diversifying the avenues for accessing our service, making our premium content more accessible to a wider audience. Our product is now accessible through live streaming, digital terrestrial, and, more expansively, via satellite. As we continually enhance our app to offer more engaging and interactive digital experiences to our customers, bolstering our presence on the satellite platform enables us to reach fans even in areas with limited internet access."

Alberto Sigismondi, president of Tivùsat, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We are delighted to announce that, as of today, DAZN's premium content will be available on the free Italian satellite platform, Tivùsat. The ZONA DAZN offering from Serie A TIM, accessible from every corner of the country, from the mountains to the islands, adds significant value to our commitment. Simplicity, quality, and cost-free access have always been the pillars of our satellite television offering. Incorporating a significant subscription service like DAZN underscores the strategic importance of our services for premium content providers."

Laurence Delpy, General Manager of Eutelsat's Video Business Unit, remarked, "This new agreement underscores the enduring relevance of satellite distribution, enabling content providers to reach a vast and diverse audience, regardless of their geographical remoteness. This is especially critical when delivering highly sought-after sports content, where every moment matters. Satellite delivery is genuinely universal and serves as the ideal complement to streaming. It reaches all locations, regardless of their remoteness, with a signal of exceptional quality and reliability. It represents the most efficient and sustainable method of content distribution, reaching all users with a single, powerful signal."

About Eutelsat Communications: Founded in 1977, Eutelsat Communications is a globally recognized satellite operator. With a fleet of 36 satellites and a robust ground infrastructure, Eutelsat facilitates effective communication for clients across diverse markets, including Video, Data, Government, Fixed, and Mobile Broadband, regardless of their geographic location. Eutelsat broadcasts around 7,000 television channels operated by leading media groups, reaching an audience of one billion viewers equipped for Direct-to-Home (DTH) reception or connected to terrestrial networks. The company is committed to advancing sustainable development across its business activities, leveraging its in-orbit resources to bridge the digital divide while maintaining a secure and uncluttered space environment. Eutelsat is also recognized for its dedication to social responsibility and brings together a diverse team of 1,200 professionals from 50 countries, all focused on delivering the highest quality of service.