Is Europe's Streaming Video Falling Behind Asia & the US?

Writing for Streaming Media magazine, Jason Thibeault, recently posed a very pertinent question: “Hey, European Mobile Operators: What About Streaming Video?” [1]. Having witnessed all the ballyhoo about virtual reality and 5G at the GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Thibeault mused over the apparent blind spot on small screen viewing. There was not one booth to go to for any attendees interested in: discussing video delivery, streaming, or network congestion solutions for empowering consumers with a first-class video experience [1].

By contrast, there was an abundance of messaging and 5G technology, a plethora of PR for the IoT, some edge computing, and a sprinkling of VR - yet virtually zero on streaming. This seems very odd, as the media industry is: “littered with indicators that the small screen is where viewers are most interested in watching streaming video” [1]. In fact, “Cisco’s annual Visual Networking Index report, predicts that by 2021, 78% of all mobile traffic will be video” [1]. Moreover” “Openwave Mobility’s “Mobile Video Index” research... indicates that nearly 40% of that mobile video traffic is HD” [1].

So Why Aren’t European Mobile Operators Talking About Streaming?

Considering that their opposite number in the US is a hundred percent committed to online video – think Amazon Prime, Hulu, Netflix, and other OTT platforms that serve enthusiastic viewers - this seems somewhat bazaar. Further, right now, a large number of American networks with mobile plans, are talking up their power to stream HD quality videos. And a large number of operators including Verizon, AT&T (with its debut of DirecTV Now, and take over of DirecTV); and T-Mobile (which has acquired Layer3 TV); are making infrastructure and acquisition commitments to guarantee that they can fulfill viewers' streaming demands.

Online Video

It could be said that consumer attitudes in Europe are different to America, yet, industry forecasters are all talking about the surge in European smartphone video consumption. For instance: in the Nordic Cut 2017, the Global Mobile Consumer Survey report by Deloitte, around 80% of Nordic smartphone users watch short form videos every week, “while 38% are watching movies and TV... Further, some European operators, like Deutsche Telekom in Germany, are specifically touting their services’ ability to provide live TV, sports, and on-demand video” [1]. Conversely, other services such as the UK's EE, barely refer to streaming, and once again, this is diametrically opposed to the operators in America which frequently advertise live television, HD caliber video, or other streaming service abilities, smack bang on their websites' landing page.

“The race for 5G is on, and Europe is at risk of falling behind the US, China and other parts of Asia” [2]

5G is set to bring us phenomenally rapid internet speeds - something that we all welcome, yet the Asian and American optimism and hoopla is certainly not duplicated by the Europeans, including the EU law makers, who have adopted a far more reserved attitude. The snail-like attitude of Europe towards gearing up for this high tech change, could easily see it overtaken by America and parts of Asia. So what is Europe's issue, exactly?

A degree of the problem is spectrum allocation; namely, the need for particular radio waves. And although other nations are making headway in this regard, just like countless other aspects, the EU is also divided on the 5G issue. Further, there is the matter of varying regulations among all 28 European Union member states.This falling behind is not good news for Europeans at all, as this 5G cutting-edge tech would be a tremendous benefit for consumers, businesses, and the European economy at large.

At the Mobile World Congress, 5G was the name of the game, and massive stands manned by network equipment players and mega telecom companies ruled the roost. “The industry talked up how the next generation of mobile internet could bring blistering download speeds, streaming of virtual reality games... and a whole host of other applications” [2]. Verizon's chief technology officer, Hans Vestberg, informed CNBC that he regards: "the U.S. and parts of Asia really ahead on 5G" [2]. Further, according to research conducted by CCS Insight, Verizon, AT&T, and other American mobile carriers, are fully committed to slowly start bringing out 5G in 2018 and 2019, thus giving American operators a more powerful stance to provide their subscribers with an even greater video experience. Moreover, by 2022, China is odds on to be the world's largest 5G market [1, 2].

The Worldwide Demand For Streaming Video

One thing is for sure - all across the globe, consumers are crying out for streaming video on their mobile devices from their networks. To that end, it is quite clear that: “European operators can’t fall behind in how they position their networks to meet this demand if online video is truly to supplant traditional broadcast. We all need to be on the same page” [1]. But with the perpetual state of agitated flux that the EU is in, even the same book can be impossible. Hopefully, the powers that be will understand that Europe cannot be a massive step behind in the world of high tech and its associated business.

OONA Mobile TV & Telcom Indonesia Lead the Way in Asia With Free OTT Video Streaming

“OONA goes beyond TV and OTT – it is a world 1st Free Entertainment & Messaging platform which gives users a cool way of choosing, sharing and editing their fab entertainment and ads”

OONA's founder and CEO, Christophe Hochart, together with TELCOM giant, Telkom Indonesia, have developed a unique way to bring data and subscription-free Mobile TV to 185 million Indonesians. Focusing on delivering free entertainment any time any where, along with its premium options, OONA is fulfilling the fun factor for Indonesians, and is well on its way to doing the same for billions of people in other parts of Asia, Africa, the Middle east, South America, the US and Europe.

By bringing some sunshine into people's lives - many of whom have never owned a television set or laptop, OONA - via its AVOD mobile TV in a box, is facilitating a new type of user experience. This enables individuals and families to enjoy streaming fantastic films, shows, series, educational broadcasts and live sports, along with breaking news, and content from their local region, where ever they are, 24/7, 365 days a year, on any mobile device, without having to pay for a subscription or data.

Users no longer have to waste away their time browsing, searching and switching channels, or going to pirate sites that are being systematically closed down. Now, OONA empowers them with all the television they could ever desire in up to 300 channels, all in one place. And viewers are even rewarded with tcoins (a virtual currency), which they can earn for watching and sharing content and video ads, and engaging with other users and the helpful world first, AI Genie in the OONA App, Siskabot. The latter appears in person when the OONA app is downloaded. She arranges the content and interesting ads that each individual desires, and has it all ready and waiting for them. Users can redeem their tcoins for telkom products, discounts, and a vast selection of branded goods and services, along with take away meals and other fun things.

OONA is a game changer, and is well on course to fulfill its company mission statement: “To make life fun for billions of people by providing Free Mobile TV.” It delivers fantastic high level entertainment to viewers free of charge, and at the same time, generates a ready to launch business synergy between TELCOM companies and content owners and broadcasters, enabling leading TELCOM companies to leverage their user base and network infrastructure to significantly expand their Mobile TV business. TELCOMS can now generate multi-revenues by offering the best ad supported live video and VOD, that goes way beyond OTT and TV, while at the same time, doing social good by providing high quality free entertainment.

In summary, even though streaming video is in full swing in countries such as the US, China and Indonesia, the drive for the same, and stepping up to 5G is a few notches down in Europe. Whether the EU will sharpen its game, remains to be seen - but what is for certain, is that if it doesn't, it could be overtaken by third world countries where winning partnerships such as OONA and Telkom Indonesia are the perfect example of success on all levels.

References

[1]. Thibeault, Jason (2018). “Hey, European Mobile Operators: What About Streaming Video?” Streaming Video Magazine, April/May 2018 issue. http://www.streamingmedia.com/Articles/Editorial/Featured-Articles/Hey-European-Mobile-Operators-What-About-Streaming-Video-124985.aspx Accessed 12 Jun. 2018.

[2]. Kharpal, Arjun (2018). CBNC. “5G promises breakneck internet speeds, but Europe’s sluggishness could see it fall behind China and the US.” CBNC. https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/06/5g-europe-could-fall-behind-china-and-the-us.html Accessed 12 Jun. 2018.