Astro launches Malaysia 1st free satellite TV

Astro has launched Malaysia's first free satellite television, NJOI, as part of its aspiration to make lifelong learning, information, entertainment, including sports, available to Malaysians for free.

Its chief executive officer, Datuk Rohana Rozhan, said Astro would introduce NJOI in three phases.

She said in the first phase, Astro would distribute 50,000 NJOI decoders and satellite dishes to recipients under the eKasih programme.

"The second phase involves making the NJOI service available to all by the first quarter of 2012, where a customer can purchase the decoder and dish, install them and start to enjoy the services.

"In the third phase, NJOI customers can choose to buy additional content at their own discretion, from a menu of product and services through a prepaid mechanism, which will be available by the middle of 2012," she said at the launch of NJOI here today.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak launched the NJOI.

Also present were Federal Territories and Urban Well-Being Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin, Deputy Minister of Information, Communications and Culture Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum and Astro Chairman Datuk Badri Masri.

Rohana said NJOI's customers could enjoy the 37 TV and radio services such as Astro Tutor, Astro Vanavil, Astro Prima, Astro Oasis, Astro Awani, Bernama TV, Astro AEC, Jia Yu, Makkal TV, iView, iMus, TVi, TV1 and TV2.

She also said Astro planned to offer its services or selection of its services via smart devices for its existing customers.
"This will be made available in the second quarter of next year," she said.