Greek telco OTE plans to launch a digital satellite platform in partnership with public broadcaster ERT and private broadcaster and media concern Alpha Digital.

The venture, which calls for an investment of $286m (DR100bn), will be Greece's second digital satellite platform following the early January launch of Multichoice's Nova bouquet. Partners in the Multichoice platform include television services provider, Netmed Hellas, part of the Nethold group, Greek media company Tyletipos and Cypriot broadcaster Lumiere.

The OTE-led platform plans to start operating early autumn and will offer interactive services and video-on-demand as well as digital channels. Monthly subscription is expected to be similar or slightly lower than Nova's $45 (DR15,500).

Although Greeks are among the heaviest TV viewers in Europe, the country ranks among the lowest in cable, pay-TV and DTH penetration. Of Greece's 3.4 million households, only 180,000 or 5% have a satellite dish. Cable penetration is almost non-existent.