Yes (Israel)

Yes (Israel)
Type	Private
Industry	Satellite television
Founded	2000
Founder	Shlomo Grofman
Headquarters	Rosh HaAyin, Israel
Area served	Israel
Key people	Yitzhak Sharir
Products	Satellite television, Video on demand
Owners	Bezeq

Yes (Israel) is an Israeli direct-broadcast satellite television provider established at the turn of the 21st century. The company operates a multichannel subscription television platform offering linear channels, on-demand libraries, and high-definition programming to residential and commercial subscribers across Israel. Yes has played a central role in introducing technologies such as DVB-S, DVB-S2, and high-definition broadcasting standards in the Israeli audiovisual market, while competing with cable and internet-delivered services from firms like Hot and international streamers such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

History

Yes was launched in 2000 following a concession process involving the Israeli Ministry of Communications and incumbent telecommunications players. Early milestones include acquisition of transponder capacity on satellites like AMOS series and construction of conditional access systems based on standards such as Nagravision and Irdeto. Over the 2000s Yes secured rights to broadcast major international packages from HBO, FOX, BBC, Discovery Channel, and sports rights including matches from UEFA competitions and domestic events from the Israel Football Association. The company introduced digital satellite set-top boxes in the 2000s, later upgrading to HDTV and 3D television trials. Corporate developments involved strategic partnerships and disputes with broadcasters such as Keshet and Reshet, regulatory interactions with the Israel Communications Authority, and ownership changes culminating in majority stakes held by large telecommunications groups, including Bezeq.

Services and Technology

Yes provides linear channel bouquets, time-shift, digital video recorder (PVR) functionality, and video-on-demand (VOD) libraries. Technological infrastructure combines satellite transmission via AMOS-3/AMOS-7 and conditional access integrated with middleware vendors and set-top manufacturers. The operator rolled out high-definition channels including feeds from HBO, Sky, Canal+, and regional news services like i24news. Yes deployed DVR-capable receivers and IP-backchannel services enabling catch-up TV and interactive EPGs derived from standards such as MPEG-4 AVC and H.264. The platform integrates localized applications, electronic program guides referencing content from distributors such as Sony Pictures Television, Warner Bros. Television, Disney, and regional producers like Keshet Media Group and Reshet Broadcasting.

Corporate Structure and Ownership

Yes is structured as a private company with shareholding history involving major Israeli corporations and investment funds. Over time ownership has included entities tied to Bezeq, Israeli media conglomerates, and private equity participants. Board-level governance has featured executives and directors with backgrounds at Bezeq, Cellcom, and media organizations. Regulatory oversight and market conduct have been subject to legislation and rulings by bodies such as the Antitrust Authority (Israel) and the Israel Communications Authority, particularly concerning bundling, wholesale access, and vertical integration with telecommunication providers like Bezeq and cable operators such as Hot.

Coverage and Distribution

Yes delivers services nationwide using satellite footprints optimized for Israel and adjacent regions via the AMOS fleet and teleport uplink facilities. Distribution reaches urban and rural subscribers, hotels, and small businesses, with installation of dishes and certified installers overseen by national technical standards. Partnerships extend to content carriage agreements with international networks—BBC World News, CNN International, Al Jazeera English—and domestic channel groups like Kan (Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation). For mobile and multiscreen distribution, Yes has negotiated carriage and streaming rights with device manufacturers and smart TV platforms such as Samsung and LG.

Channel Packages and Pricing

Yes markets multiple channel tiers combining international channels, Hebrew-language packages, premium movie channels, and sports add-ons. Packages historically included branded bundles with HBO, Fox Movies, Sport 5, and localized offerings from Keshet and Reshet affiliates. Pricing strategies have reflected subscription tiers, equipment rental fees for set-top boxes and DVRs, pay-per-view events for tournaments like UEFA Champions League and regional boxing cards, and promotional bundles with telecom services from Bezeq or triple-play offers tying voice and broadband. Competitive pricing and periodic renegotiation with rights holders have been focal points in market competition with Hot and OTT entrants.

Controversies and Legal Issues

Yes has been involved in disputes over carriage fees, blackout standoffs, and alleged anti-competitive practices. High-profile conflicts included retransmission negotiations with broadcasters such as Keshet and Reshet that led to temporary channel omissions affecting viewers and prompting intervention by the Ministry of Communications (Israel). Antitrust inquiries examined vertical integration concerns where ownership links to Bezeq raised questions about discriminatory wholesale access and bundling. Yes has also faced copyright enforcement actions concerning unauthorized reception devices and piracy cases involving IPTV services and alleged circumvention of conditional access systems. Litigation and regulatory rulings have shaped retransmission consent, wholesale access obligations, and consumer protection measures in the Israeli audiovisual market.

Category:Television in Israel Category:Direct broadcast satellite