Sky proposes to group Asian channels on EPG by language from May 2019
Barely a year since the last EPG reshuffle, Sky is already proposing to make further changes to the International category on the EPG line-up.
In a document seen by BizAsiaLive.com, Sky is planning to group Asian channels by language such as Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Punjabi, etc. Currently, Asian TV channels are scattered in the International category and mostly were given slots based on their launch dates (subject to any swaps and trades that may have taken place).
In the document, Sky is proposing to introduce the following number ranges from May 2019, subject to the consultation process.
| Language | Number range (EPG) |
|---|---|
| Hindi | 701 - 731 |
| Urdu | 732 - 766 |
| Punjabi | 767 - 775 |
| Bengali | 776 - 784 |
| Arabic | 785 - 790 |
| Other languages | 791 - 799 |
Sky will close the consultation period for this document on 1st March 2019, with the outcome expected around 15th March 2019. After this period until May, Sky will put a freeze on new launches in the International category to issue EPG numbers to existing broadcasters in the new format. The new EPG line-up is expected to be rolled out on Wednesday 8th May 2019.
