Fetch TV
Fetch TV is an Australian internet protocol television (IPTV) service provider that delivers entertainment through a set-top box, combining access to free-to-air channels, over 50 premium subscription channels, on-demand video content, and integration with popular streaming apps such as Netflix and Disney+ on a single platform.[1] Launched in July 2010 by Fetch TV Pty Ltd, the service was established as a challenger to traditional pay TV providers like Foxtel, offering a hybrid model that leverages broadband internet for delivery rather than satellite or cable infrastructure.[2] Initially majority-owned by Malaysian media company Astro Overseas Limited, which held a 95% stake, Fetch TV underwent a significant ownership change in August 2022 when Telstra Group acquired a 51.4% majority interest for approximately $50 million, enhancing its distribution through Telstra's broadband and mobile networks.[3][4] Key features of Fetch TV include its set-top boxes—such as the Fetch Mini 4K ($199), the entry-level Fetch Mini G5 ($149, released in June 2024 with the RDK operating system for improved app support), and the high-capacity Fetch Mighty ($599 with 1TB storage for up to 585 hours of recording)—which enable pausing, rewinding, and recording of both free-to-air and premium content.[1] Users can access channel packs like Variety, Knowledge & Lifestyle, Vibe, Kids, and Drama (each $7.99/month), or the comprehensive Ultimate Pack ($24.99/month) bundling multiple categories, alongside a Movie Store and TV Store for rentals and purchases.[1] The service also supports the Fetch Mobi app for remote control and mobile viewing, and it is commonly bundled with Telstra internet plans, often including promotional offers like three months free on premium packs.[1] As of 2025, Fetch TV has reported 20% growth in subscriptions under Telstra's ownership, with a revamped executive team led by CEO Dominic Arena focusing on expanding content aggregation and user experience enhancements.[5]History
Launch and Early Development
Fetch TV was established in May 2010 as an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service, founded through a partnership between Australian internet service provider iiNet and wholesale content aggregator FetchTV, with initial backing from Malaysian broadcaster Astro All Asia Networks, as well as retailers Harvey Norman and Domayne.[6][7][8] The service utilized HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology to deliver content over broadband connections, marking it as Australia's first national pay IPTV offering.[9][10] The official launch occurred in July 2010, introducing the first-generation set-top box equipped with a digital TV tuner for free-to-air channels, personal video recorder (PVR) functionality, and access to a basic subscription package of up to 15 channels tailored for the Australian market.[11][12] This initial lineup focused on entertainment, news, and sports content, providing an alternative to traditional cable services like Foxtel by integrating live TV with on-demand features.[13] In August 2010, Fetch TV expanded its basic package by adding Fox Sports News at no extra cost, enhancing sports coverage for early subscribers.[14] Early development emphasized content growth and technological integration within the Australian ecosystem. In April 2014, the service added the Syfy channel to its Entertainment Pack, introducing dedicated science fiction and fantasy programming without increasing subscription fees.[15][16] A significant milestone came in February 2015, when Fetch TV announced its integration of Netflix, becoming the first Australian pay-TV provider to embed the streaming service directly into its platform for seamless access via the set-top box interface.[17][18] This partnership highlighted Fetch TV's evolution toward hybrid IPTV-streaming models up to 2015. In subsequent years, Telstra acquired a majority stake in the company, further shaping its trajectory.[19]Growth, Acquisitions, and Recent Developments
In 2016, Fetch TV expanded its hardware lineup with the launch of the 4K-capable Mighty set-top box and the compact Mini variant, both designed to support advanced video streaming and integrate seamlessly with broadband services. These releases marked a significant upgrade in performance and accessibility, positioning Fetch TV as a competitive alternative in the IPTV market.[20] The following year, Fetch TV secured broadcasting rights for Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) events in Australia as the official broadcaster, enabling subscribers to access live pay-per-view fights, prelims, and over 150 hours of studio programming through dedicated channel packages starting at $6 per month. This deal, announced ahead of UFC 214 in July 2017, broadened Fetch TV's appeal to sports enthusiasts and contributed to its momentum. Subscriber numbers surged amid the National Broadband Network (NBN) rollout, which facilitated easier broadband bundling; the company added an average of more than 20,000 customers per month by mid-2017, outpacing competitors like Foxtel.[21][22] Fetch TV's ownership structure evolved significantly with involvement from Astro Malaysia Holdings, which founded the service in 2010 and retained a 49% stake after Telstra's acquisition. These developments culminated in Telstra's acquisition of a controlling 51.4% interest on August 2, 2022, for approximately A$50 million, including costs to migrate Telstra TV users to the Fetch platform; the move aimed to strengthen Telstra's position in converged entertainment and broadband services.[19][23] In 2025, Fetch TV continued its content expansion with the addition of six new free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels on September 1, targeted primarily at Ultimate Pack subscribers; the lineup featured children's programming from Moonbug Entertainment, the military history channel Declassified, and four Stingray music video channels (Loud, Retro, Country, and Hits) to diversify entertainment options. Complementing this, the Crunchyroll anime streaming app was integrated into Gen 5 Mini devices on August 27, 2025, allowing direct access to thousands of anime titles via Fan ($10.99/month) or Mega Fan ($13.99/month) subscriptions within the Fetch user interface.[24][25]Technology and Hardware
Set-Top Box Models
Fetch TV offers two primary set-top box models: the entry-level Fetch Mini (Gen 5) and the premium Fetch Mighty (Gen 4), both designed for integration with broadband internet and free-to-air (FTA) television services. The Mini provides a compact, affordable option focused on streaming and basic TV access, while the Mighty adds advanced recording capabilities as a personal video recorder (PVR). These models support connectivity via Ethernet and Wi-Fi, with compatibility for Australia's National Broadband Network (NBN) when broadband speeds exceed 12 Mbps to ensure smooth performance.[26][27] The evolution of Fetch TV hardware began with the introduction of 4K UHD support in 2016, marking a shift from earlier HD-only models to enable higher-resolution content delivery. Subsequent generations, including the Gen 4 Mighty (launched in 2022) and Gen 5 Mini (launched in June 2024 with the RDK operating system for improved app support), feature a major redesign for the Mini in size and software, along with incremental improvements in processing power and connectivity.[28][29][1] Key specifications for the current models are summarized below:| Feature | Fetch Mini (Gen 5) | Fetch Mighty (Gen 4) |
|---|---|---|
| Video Support | 4K UHD, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision | 4K UHD, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision |
| Storage | 8 GB flash (with buffer for pausing/rewind) | 1 TB HDD |
| Tuners | 1 x DVB-T2 (for FTA TV) | 4 x DVB-T2 (for FTA TV) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI 2.1, USB-A | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI 2.1, 1 x USB 2.0 |
| Processor/RAM | 21.8K DMIPS, 4 GB RAM | 24K DMIPS, 4 GB RAM |
| Dimensions/Weight | 100 x 100 x 23 mm, 167 g | 120 x 122 x 32 mm, 240 g |
| Price (RRP) | $159 | $599 |