SPI/FilmBox Expands Cooperation with IPTV Operator Nej.cz

SPI/FilmBox and the Czech IPTV operator Nej.cz have inked a long-term distribution deal that allows the latter to carry a total of 13 diverse linear channels from the SPI/FilmBox portfolio. The deal will also render FilmBox On Demand content available to Nej.cz subscribers.

SPI/FilmBox and Czech television operator Nej.cz announced that they have expanded their long-term partnership. According to the newly minted agreement, Nej.cz subscribers will have access to a total of 13 channels from SPI/FilmBox’s versatile portfolio including a wide range of FilmBox channels and other channels that provide thematic entertainment. Nej.cz will also offer over a hundred specially-curated VOD movie titles through its online platform under the FilmBox On Demand branded corner.

Nej.cz took over the television operator Rio Media two years ago and purchased several smaller operators last year. Their parent company KAPRAIN holding also bought the internet service and television provider CentroNet. Currently, Nej.cz is the largest cable operation on the Czech market just after the big three operators. SPI/FilmBox has also been expanding its footprint across the globe. The linear channels and digital services of the media company reaches 65 million households worldwide.  

“The popularity of FilmBox channels among the Czech audience is a proof of our continued commitment to providing our viewers with a well-blended mix of acclaimed movie titles and general entertainment content fit for every taste,” said Tamas Fülöp, Regional Director of Operations at SPI International.  “We are delighted to be able to make our world of great entertainment accessible to a wider range of audience through our cooperation with Nej.cz,” added Fülöp.  

Among the channels offered through Nej.cz is SPI’s flagship channel FilmBox HD, the most watched pay-movie channel in the Czech Republic, according to data from the Association of Television Organizations. FilmBox HD will bring viewers in the Czech Republic hundreds of hours of great movie titles in April, ranging from Hollywood hits like The Beach Bum, starring Academy-Award winner Matthew McConaughey and rapper Snoop Dogg; to Czech classics such as the Světáci and The Secrets of the Carpathians.

“Cooperation with a high-quality partner like SPI/FilmBox is extremely good news for our customers. Thanks to this, we can significantly expand our offer not only of first-class film entertainment, but also of documentary production and nontraditional sports experiences,” says Jaroslav Hanyk, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Nej.cz. “For Nej.cz, this is another step towards growth. In this case, to increase the quality of service for our viewers,” concludes Hanyk.

Some of the other channels available to Nej.cz subscribers are: FilmBox Extra HD, FilmBox Plus, FilmBox Family, and SPI’s premium movie channel FilmBox Premium HD which broadcasts the most recent blockbusters, award-winning world cinema movies, and famous Hollywood features with the most popular stars; as well as, DocuBox HD, Fast&FunBox HD and 360TuneBox HD which provide entertaining content for a multitude of different tastes.

About SPI International

SPI International is a global media company operating 40 television channels on six continents. FilmBox being its flagship channel, SPI is one of the biggest aggregators of native Ultra HD content in the world. Working with over 1,400 operators worldwide, SPI uses state of the art technology providing its 65 million subscribers with access to SPI’s linear and on-demand content including live streaming of UHD programming and FilmBox channels on any Internet-connected device via major global streaming media players as well as local OTT providers. SPI recently added to its portfolio Film1 premium movie services in the Netherlands, including four movie channels and digital services.

For over 25 years, SPI International has been a leading distributor of theatrical films and television programming in the international market. SPI’s solid alliances with major license suppliers provide compelling content, with strong recognition and high demand. 

About Nej.cz

Nej.cz has a more than ten-year tradition in the Czech telecommunications market and has a significant position among providers of public electronic communications services in the providing of cable television services, Internet access and voice services in both fixed and mobile networks. It is part of the KAPRAIN investment group, where it represents the main telecommunications segment in the holding portfolio. In television services, the transition from conventional cable platforms (DVBC, DVBT) to the transmission of television programs via the Internet protocol and the associated advantages of non-linear broadcasting services for their users is strongly profiled. 

By gradually acquiring smaller cable operators and consolidating their networks and transmission systems into one unit, Nej.cz acquired and partially built an access network in more than 100 locations across the Czech Republic, which are interconnected by a high-capacity backbone network with 10 and 100 Gbps links. It currently offers its services to more than 150,000 customers.