Chinese cable operators have launched a number of digital pay-TV platforms over recent months. In August 2004 CCTV (China Central Television) launched six digital pay-TV channels. More recently, SiTV (Shanghai Interactive Television), a unit of SMG (Shanghai Media Group), rolled out a national distribution platform for 11 channels. Five channels were from a previous launch, while the other six have recently been approved. Developed in collaboration with China Satcom, the platform has been said to be undergoing testing by over 20 cable operators.

 

SiTV says it currently has 245,000 subscribers for its pay channels, which service 22 provinces. CCTV is the only broadcaster with national coverage, and the company plans to bring service to 50 major cities with an investment of 300 million RMB (US$36.1 million).