Foxtel launch rumours 'pulled out of hat'

By Ty Pendlebury on 09 May 2008

Despite industry speculation, Foxtel says it isn't planning to launch its HD+ service on 2 June, but has confirmed that all free-to-air HD channels will be available to HD cable subscribers at launch.

Industry rumour site KnowFirst said the company was planning to make the announcement in the "next few days" and will make iQ2 boxes available for AU$10 a month, but a Foxtel spokesperson said no announcement was planned and this was an example of "pulling a random date out of a hat".

The spokesperson couldn't confirm or deny the actual date of launch or any pricing structure but said the iQ2 "could" follow in the footsteps of the current iQ. Foxtel iQ currently costs up to AU$15 a month to rent on top of the monthly access fee.

The spokesperson confirmed comments in Foxtel's blog — written by the company's director of content, Patrick Delany — that all free-to-air (FTA) HD channels will be available via cable in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Meanwhile, Adelaide and Perth cable subscribers will have access to all FTA HD channels except 9HD. However, satellite subscribers will likely have to wait till 2009 to access HD FTA channels.

The spokesperson also said that people who have signed up to receive updates through hd.foxtel.com.au should receive more news "shortly".

Topics: foxtel, spokesperson, subscriber, channel, launch, cable, rumour, hat, plan, announcement

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Comments (2)

  • hosko commented on 19/05/2008 15:05

    I have my Foxtel HD being installed on June 2. Sounds like you listened to the folk at Foxtel who weren't being honest with you

  • Deerhunter commented on 09/05/2008 16:45

    Foxtel HD looks like an absolute joke. It only has a handful of HD channels (none of which look entertaining) and they expect FREE TO AIR channels to sweeten the deal?

    They need to at least have all the movie channels as well as a few lifestyle and entertainment channels before I'll even consider the switch.

    Foxtel really needs to up the ante in general. We need more original programing as well as up-to-date programs from around the world. Is there some reason they can't cut a deal with HBO?

    /Rant :)

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