24/7 Europe launched a new division,
called the Digital Channels Group, to offer multimedia advertising,
sponsorships, direct marketing and e-commerce via broadband satellite and
cable delivery to television and PCs.
The division will be dedicated to selling Europe Online’s “Internet via the Sky”
as a result of a global representation agreement with the broadband
multimedia network.
24/7 Europe will offer graphically rich multimedia options targeted to TV as
well as Internet mass-audiences, providing streamed video and audio messages.
The Internet via the Sky Network is a new medium created by Europe Online
Networks S.A. of Luxembourg. It combines broadband Internet access with
streaming video and audio, fast downloads and digital TV and radio
programming, designed for millions of European TVs and PCs.
High-speed access is provided through direct connection to a broadband
Internet platform via Astra satellite or cable systems.
Europe Online has
rented capacity on five transponders on three satellites of the Astra system,
which transmits TV and radio channels to over 27 million satellite dishes and
44 million broadband cable connections in Europe.
With satellite delivery, “the opportunities for businesses have been thrown
wide open,” said Gordon Simpson, CEO of 24/7 Europe.
“Applications that take
over an hour and a half to download normally can be completed in just eight
seconds through Internet via the Sky. Companies can show TV quality
videos, virtual reality 3D show-reels and conduct business transactions,
quickly, effectively and safely.”
TV Internet access is available through existing Astra satellite dishes or
cable connections by using PC Internet TV cards, netboxes or modified set-top
boxes.
Participating ISPs are expected to roll out Internet via the Sky to consumers
across Europe throughout the year.
