Globecast has created live streaming OTT services, including providing CDN capabilities, for : Benie TV (the francophone pan-African Christian channel) ; EspaceTV (the leading, privately owned channel in Guinea by audience size) ; and for national public broadcast companies ORTN Télé Sahel in Niger and Télé Congo in the Republic of Congo. Apps (mobile/tablet/TV) for Android, Apple and Amazon Fire TV, which also deliver audience analytics, are provided by Globecast as a feature when needed. Free VOD content from the channels’ existing YouTube account and news feeds from their website and social networks are also included in the apps.

Frederic Torasso, Globecast, TV Everywhere Product Manager, said, “While there are variations from country to country across Africa, internet access – and therefore OTT service access – is characterised by the use of mobile phones as the primary device to consume content, so services need to take this into account. The emergence of cost-effective (sub-$30) ‘smart feature phones’, such as mobile handsets powered by the KaiOS operating system, helps bridge the digital gap ; with voice interactions and web app support included. Broadcasters across the continent are increasingly eager to reach these devices with their OTT video services as well as the wider African community around the world.”

Globecast worked closely with each broadcaster to give them the shortest possible time to market courtesy of its TV Everywhere suite of services, detailed project management and use of pre-approved apps. As these are 24/7, 365 live OTT channels, Broadcasters also benefit from Globecast’s vast experience in extremely reliable, always-on services across the broadcast space. In addition, existing and new Globecast customers are recognising the benefits of using a single supplier for satellite and OTT delivery, from both a technical and customer service point of view.

Lionel Antoine, Globecast, Sales for Africa, said, “It’s vital that we provide an end-to-end service to customers across Africa, making sure that each and every part of the chain is taken care of, to ensure both audience engagement and growth. We work from signal acquisition to the web player and apps, enabling short time-to-market. The initial customer focus is on audience growth, but we are also able to discuss future additional monetisation options. We see huge growth potential across the continent.”