Milestones in the history of the Multimedia Group:
Multimedia and Szel-Sat (both operating as groups of companies) expand rapidly while increasing their customer bases. Emerging Ventures Limited (EVL) acquires a stake in Multimedia in 1999 and in Szel-Sat in 2001. The inclusion of both groups of companies within the EVL group results in a change of name by Szel-Sat to Multimedia Polska.
EVL acquires control over several Polish telco operators through its subsidiaries in 2001-2003. In 2003, the acquired companies join their operations under the trade name TeleNet. In the meantime, Multimedia Polska continues to expand its networks and customer base. Some of the growth is connected with the acquisition of cable television assets from TPSA. In 2002, Multimedia is one of the first cable TV operators in Poland to launch broadband internet services on commercial scale.
The process of integrating the operations of the TeleNet Group with Multimedia Polska begins in early 2004. One of the results of the cooperation is the launch of triple play bundles in 2004. The Company introduces digital telephony using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) offered to cable television subscribers.
The merger of Multimedia Polska and the TeleNet Group takes place in December. Multimedia gains voice and broadband subscribers and begins providing fixed-line telephony services on a much larger scale.
In April, Multimedia is the first Polish company to launch IPTV (Internet Protocol TV), i.e. digital television offered to voice subscribers. In November, the Company’s shares are first listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. It is the largest private offering in the history of the WSE at the time and the largest offering in 2006 totalling PLN 804m.
Multimedia is the first cable operator in Poland to offer high definition television (HDTV) with video on demand (VoD).
Multimedia introduces a new digital functionality – Personal Video Recorder (PVR) – which allows users to record, rewind and replay programmes. We also launch mobile internet (mobilNET) and mobile telephony (mobilFON).
In January, Multimedia subscribers gain access to the first interactive TV channel in Poland called aMazing. Using real-time communication, the viewers can vote, take part in contests and competitions and actively interact with television content.
Once again Multimedia is the first cable operator in the country to launch mmtv.pl – a website offering video on demand to all internet users and selected live TV channels, available as part of Multimedia’s regular video offering, to MMP customers.
Multimedia implements the DOCSIS 3.0 technology enabling fast data transfers of up to 500 Mbps.
Multimedia launches a multiscreen service (video accessible on tablets and smartphones).
In January, Multimedia rolls out mobile telephony services (MVNO) and online monitoring services (DomoWizja). We launch retail sale of energy in September.
Multimedia is the first Polish telco operator to launch a broadband product with data transfer speed of up to 500 Mbps. At the same time, we focus on preparing an OTT (Over-the-Top TV) solution and launching gas sales (obtaining necessary licence from the Energy Regulatory Office).
Multimedia launches a nationwide multiplay offering, combining traditional telco services (triple play) and utility services for the home (energy, gas, home monitoring, insurance), available also to customers outside our physical network coverage.
Multimedia sells its energy and insurance businesses, preparing for consolidation of the Polish cable and telco market.