Southern Networks
 | |
| Type | MMDS |
|---|---|
| Country |
 Pakistan |
| Availability | Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Rawalpindi |
Launch date | January 2004 |
Former names | Shaheen Pay TV (SPTV) (1995-2004) |
Official website | dwn.com.pk |
Southern Networks Ltd, (also known as Sun TV and formerly known as Shaheen Pay TV) was a wireless cable network broadcaster in Pakistan.
Southern Networks was incorporated in 1995 as a joint venture between the Shaheen Foundation and private shareholders with a view to provide subscribers with multiple channels of broadcast television programmes in addition to premium pay-per-view channels. Under new management, the company installed a digital broadcast system under the name of Sun TV. Sun TV aired more than 50 Digital channels.
Southern Networks was the pioneer of introducing MMDS (Multi point & Multi Distribution system) American Technology in Pakistan. A license to establish and operate an MMDS (Multi-channel, Multi-point Distribution System) network was obtained from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of Pakistan and the company set up three stations broadcasting 10 to 12 analogue channels from Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. It was estimated that over half a million households installed antennas to receive free-to-air analog signals during this time. Southern Networks Ltd launched its digital system in the metropolitan areas of Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Rawalpindi in January 2004 and had plans to launch in several key cities in the Central Punjab. Sun TV employed a conditional access system, digital encryption security, real-time subscriber management system and automated menuing.
In 2012, Southern Networks was replaced by DWN which carries HD channels as well.