What is the Difference Between Foxtel and Austar?

Foxtel and Austar are both leading subscription television service providers in Australia, but they have some key differences:

1. Services: Foxtel offers both direct satellite and cable services, while Austar, apart from these two services, also provides mobile telephone and dial-up Internet services.
2. Coverage: Foxtel is mainly available in urban regions, while Austar is available in both rural and urban regions. Foxtel transmits its cable service via Telstra hybrid fibre-coaxial (HFC) cable into Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth metropolitan areas, along with the Gold Coast. It also transmits its satellite service into these cities and all over Australia, including regional areas since the takeover of Austar.
3. Ownership: Foxtel was formed as a joint venture between News Corporation and Telstra, and was established in 1994. Austar, on the other hand, was a separate company operating in regional areas before being acquired by Foxtel in 2011.
4. Channel Availability: While both providers offer a vast range of channels, there might be some channels that are exclusive to one provider. For example, Foxtel has exclusive rights to HBO content, while Austar offers exclusive content from the BBC.
5. Product Offerings: Foxtel has products that include Foxtel Digital, Foxtel iQHD, and Foxtel iQ, while Austar offers products like Foxtel on PC, Austra for Business, and Austar Broadband.

In summary, Foxtel is the dominant pay TV provider in Australia, offering a wider range of channels and content, but it is generally more expensive than Austar. Austar provides more affordable packages and is available in both rural and urban regions, making it a better option for those who prefer local programming and a more laid-back viewing experience.

Comparative Table: Foxtel vs Austar

Foxtel and Austar were both Australian pay television providers, but they were not the same company. Foxtel is a more recent provider that offers a variety of services, including satellite and cable television, while Austar was an older provider that focused primarily on satellite television. Here is a comparison of the two:

Please note that Austar is no longer in operation, and its customers have been transitioned to Foxtel services.