Optus launches MeTV in Australia with FetchTV

Monday, October 24th, 2011
Optus logo

New internet TV service available for less than $10 per month. Optus brings affordable and compelling content to the masses

Optus today unveiled its latest innovation in digital media with the launch of Optus MeTV with fetch; an exciting new internet TV service that redefines conventional TV viewing by giving customers control over what they watch and when.

Available on-demand over an existing broadband connection, Optus MeTV brings the best of digital free-to-air and subscription television, together with a state-of-the-art personal video recorder (PVR) and user interface, all for under $10 per month.

Optus MeTV, which launches this week, will be available to all Optus fixed and mobile customers from as little as $9.95 per month. This monthly cost will be credited back when Optus MeTV is combined with Optus’ popular Fusion $109 home phone and broadband bundle(i),

For just $9.95 per month over 24 months, Optus customers will receive:

  • an ultra-modern user interface providing a rich and expansive browsing experience on multiple screens
  • a set top box with in-built digital tuner and PVR with a one terabyte hard drive that allows for over 250 hours of storage in standard definition
  • the ability to watch, pause and record free to air and digital channels
  • fetchtv’s popular Movie Box service which offers 30 preselected, on-demand movies per month, including seven additional films every week

With only 33% of Australian’s currently subscribed to pay TV services(ii), Australians will now be able to access on-demand TV and rent up to 500 movies in standard and high definition with Optus MeTV- including the latest releases on-demand from as little as $5.95 per movie and other titles from $3.95 per movie.

Subscription TV packs will also be available for just $6.95 per month. The initial packs available will be Kids, Music TV and Factual, with more genres and World Channels (foreign language channels) to be added soon.

Austin R Bryan, Director, Optus Digital Media said, “With an increasingly strong content line-up, thanks to our partners at FetchTV, and an innovative user interface and functionality, Optus MeTV with fetch allows Australians to enjoy a great experience through the content they love, at a time convenient to them.’

Optus MeTV also lets you access the new YouTube™ on TV application, play games, check the weather and connect to social media applications such as Facebook and Twitter – at no extra cost. Exclusive Optus digital apps such as Optus News will also be integrated into the internet TV service, whilst popular mobile apps such as Go Places and Smart Safe will soon be made available through Optus MeTV.

Expanding the innovation into mobile, Optus and FetchTV have developed a dedicated Optus MeTV with fetch app, allowing customers to access programming information and remote record their favourite shows from anywhere in Australia. The app will also transform the smartphone or tablet into a remote control and keyboard while at home.

“The way we consume content is rapidly changing. Optus Digital Media is dedicated to developing products and services that meet this consumer need and we are thrilled to be bringing this unique TV offering to Australian households.” Bryan continued.

Scott Lorson, CEO, FetchTV said, “Optus MeTV with fetch will strike a real chord with entertainment-hungry Australian households looking for great content, functionality and a state-of-the-art PVR, all at a very attractive price.

“Optus is an ideal partner for FetchTV with scale, brand, innovation credentials and challenger attitude required to introduce a truly disruptive service and drive the next wave of pay-tv growth in Australia.”

Optus MeTV with fetch will launch later this week to all existing Optus customers. The Optus MeTV mobile app is expected to be available for download from late November 2011.

i. $35 set up fee applies and total minimum cost of Optus MeTV with fetch is $289.30 over 24 months.
ii. 2010 OZTAM Establishment Survey