Cyfrowy Polsat is the largest media group in Poland today. Satellite dishes with the easily-recognisable Cyfrowy Polsat logotype have for years been a constant feature of the landscape of Polish cities, suburbs and villages – commonly seen on blocks of flats, houses and properties. Today, thanks to the trust of our subscribers, viewers and users, we have become the largest Polish media group, offering not only satellite pay TV services, but also HSPA+ and LTE mobile broadband access and online services, PPV, VOD, and many other services. However, before we got where we are now, we went through a dynamic growth period, which began 17 years ago.
1996–1999
The history of our operations dates back to 1996, when a joint-stock company under the name of Market S.A. is incorporated. Three years later, in December 1999, we start delivering the satellite signal. At that time, we use Telewizja Polsat’s logotype, i.e. the sun graphic widely recognised by Polish viewers, reflecting our close cooperation with Telewizja Polsat, which has been broadcasting since 1992.
2000–2001
During this period we change our company name to Polsat Cyfrowy S.A. and introduce our own logotype. The sun featured in our logotype is replaced by a sphere, which has been a constant and recognisable element of our visual identity ever since. During this period we enter into a crucial agreement with Telewizja Polsat S.A. concerning the operation of the digital satellite pay TV platform.
2003–2004
In 2003, we are awarded a licence for wireless distribution of satellite TV and radio channels. As a result, we become a full-fledged independent digital satellite TV platform operator. In 2004, the company name is changed to Cyfrowy Polsat S.A. We grow at a fast rate and our channel selection is very popular with Polish households. At the end of 2004, Cyfrowy Polsat satellite TV services have 393,200 subscribers.
2005–2006
In 2005, Cyfrowy Polsat S.A. merges with Polsat Sp. z o.o., its wholly-owned subsidiary. As a result of the merger, we take over such assets as most of the set-top boxes previously leased from Polsat Sp. z o.o. Our subscriber base grows rapidly – as at the end of 2005, we already have 656,700 subscribers, while after a year the number of our subscribers grows to 1.3 million. Thus we become the largest digital TV operator in Poland.
In 2006, we set up a new company, Cyfrowy Polsat Technology, which is to manufacture our set-top boxes. 2006 is a very important year in the history of our brand – to keep pace with the times and technological progress, we decide to adopt a new visual identity. As from now on, orange, which is a warm, familial and optimistic colour associated with determination and resourcefulness, is the dominant colour of Cyfrowy Polsat. Our logo becomes more modern and dynamic, better suited to the technological profile of the brand and our development vision.
2007–2008
In 2007, Cyfrowy Polsat Technology launches production of set-top boxes. We continue to grow at a very strong rate – as at the end of the year, we already have approximately 2.1 million subscribers, or over 60% more than a year earlier.
On May 6th 2008, our shares are listed for the first time on the Warsaw Stock Exchange – it is one of the milestones in the history of our company. We also launch the MVNO mobile telephony service and constantly develop our pay TV service – as at the end of the year, we already have over 2.7 million subscribers. The character of the changes we have gone through and our development is reflected visually with the addition to our existing logotype, which was created two years earlier, of additional icons identifying each of our services: television and mobile telephony.
2009–2010
In 2010, we launch a new service, HSPA+ broadband Internet access, and offer the first HD set-top box manufactured by our own plant. The millionth set-top box rolls down the production line at the Cyfrowy Polsat’s plant.
In 2010, we also offer our subscribers the ability to use all three services, television, Internet and mobile telephony, under a single subscription agreement and a single invoice. As a result of that change, our logotype is again modified by, with the addition of the words Telewizja, Internet, Telefon (Television, Internet, Telephone). From then onwards, we use graphic icons which characterise all three services from our portfolio, which consistently positions our multi-play offer.
2011–2012
In 2011, we become the first company in Poland to sell LTE broadband services, the fastest and most advanced mobile Internet services in the world. We also expand our offer by adding Multiroom and catch-up TV services.
In January 2012, we sign an agreement for the purchase of a 100% interest in INFO-TV-FM, which enables us to launch a new service, MOBILE TV, based on the terrestrial digital broadcasting technology (DVB-T).
In 2012, we also purchase a 100% interest in Redefine, the company that created ipla (the leading online video service in Poland) and muzo (an online music service). We also initiate cooperation with Polkomtel Sp. z o.o. to introduce a multi-play offer and cross-sale of standard products. Our LTE Internet speeds up to 150 Mbps, and its availability increases – at the beginning of 2013 its geographical coverage is 50% of Poland.
