Astro launches free-to-air satellite TV in Malaysia

Njoi, free satellite TV is now available to all; Consumers can buy the Njoi box at RM288, and get free access to 37 TV and radio channels

SIBU — Astro today announced the launch of Njoi, a subscription-free satellite TV service to all consumers nationwide. Njoi, which comprises a set-top box, Out-Door Unit (ODU) satellite dish, smartcard and remote control unit, is available at a one-time payment of RM288 [~95 USD] at authorised Njoi retailers, and RM100 [~33 USD] for installation. Njoi gives consumers in Malaysia access to quality education, information and entertainment including sports and music on 18 TV and 19 radio channels with no monthly subscription.

Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum, Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Information, Communication and Culture said, “The landmark entry of Malaysia’s first free satellite TV will create an abundance of choices in free or pay TV content for all Malaysians. This ultimately adds value for the Malaysian viewers, while at the same time, will drive the growth of local talent as well as the ideation and aggregation of local content.”

Henry Tan, Chief Operating Officer of Astro said, “We would like to thank all Malaysians for their support in helping Astro achieve over 50 percent penetration of Malaysian TV homes. Our challenge and aspiration at Astro is to continue to learn from our customers in order to provide a holistic value proposition which fits the individual lifestyle of choice, preferences, and budget of each and every customer. We understand our responsibility to the community. We currently have a low entry pack of RM37.95 for customers to enjoy Astro. A customer can then choose to add on genre packages and innovative services like HD, Video On Demand or Personal Video Recording, in accordance to his or her individual preferences. Soon, Astro will also be available on-the-go through companion devices of choice. With Njoi, we are taking that one step further by making available to all in Malaysia, the fundamental core content in lifelong learning, information and entertainment including key sporting events for free.”

Datuk Joseph Gandum Salang was accompanied by Henry Tan in presenting free Njoi units to over 20 residents from Pakan and Julau as part of Njoi’s CSR programme. Also present during the launch were, Che Azemi Haron, Deputy Secretary-General (Communications) Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture Minister and Dato’ Mohamed Sharil Tarmizi, Chairman, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.

Njoi, the People’s TV

Astro is committed to offer our customers more choices, where they can opt for the Astro Pay TV or Njoi, Free Satellite TV service. The introduction of Njoi looks set to redefine the free TV landscape, as Malaysians will now get to experience greater variety and more in-depth programming in a free TV service. Njoi is the only Free Satellite TV service in Malaysia which gives consumers access to channels that are dedicated to a particular interest such as education, news, drama, travel, documentary and many more.

The channels included in Njoi from Astro will consist of quality educational channels, such as Astro Tutor TV UPSR, PMR and SPM, as well as other entertainment and information channels like Astro Prima, Astro Oasis, Astro Awani, Astro AEC, Astro Vaanavil, Jia Yu, Makkal TV, CCTV4, Bernama TV, iView, iMus, TVi, TV1, TV2, Astro Xiao Tai Yang and 19 radio stations.