HBO will launch an ad-supported South Asia service in India,
Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Maldives next month.
Turner International India will exclusively handle the distribution and
advertising sales of HBO South Asia; in Pakistan, however, the service
will be distributed by Leo Communications.
HBO Asia president and CEO Dan Murrell described the development as "a
significant milestone" for both the cable industry and for viewers in
India and South Asia.
HBO will manage the new markets through a new joint venture known as HBO
South Asia, comprising Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment,
Time Warner Entertainment and Universal Studios.