Asia 2024: OTT Revenue Rocketing to $48 Billion

                                 Image credit: Kolovrat

Income from films and TV episodes on OTT platforms in the Asia-Pacific region, are expected to shoot up to a massive US $48 billion in 2024 – a very impressive figure, which more than doubles the $21 billion recorded in 2018. In fact, new research from Digital TV, indicates that in 2019 alone, the total regional revenue from OTT TV films and episodes will escalate by $5 billion [1].

Further, by 2024, Japan and China will answer for 71% of revenue within the Asia-Pacific area. “In total, China will command the lion’s share - having 57% of the revenues earned by 2024 in the 22 countries covered in the Asia Pacific OTT TV and Video Forecasts report” [1].

From the OTT platforms such as OONA Indonesia: which is set to serve 185 million Indonesians with its cutting-edge next generation ad-based, free service that actually rewards viewers just for watching and sharing content; AVOD (ad-supported video-on-demand) will generate the most revenue, making up 52% of revenues. Conversely, the income from SVOD (subscription video on demand) services' such as the option also offered by OONA, will yield 39% of the total share.

Revenue from ad-based video-on-demand appears set to exceed subscription video in the massive Chinese, Indian and Japanese markets. Further, the report anticipates that by 2024, the AVOD revenue from China alone, will be $16.60 billion – which equates to two-thirds of the entire region's total [1].

Subscription video-on-demand revenue from the Asia Pacific will make a giant leap from approximately $8 billion this year, to $19 billion in 2024. China’s portion will make up around fifty percent of this total; and while India’s SVOD revenues are on course to be four times higher at that time - the Indian market will still not reach China's colossal power for generating revenue [1].

Digital TV Research's principal analyst, Simon Murray, stated that: “We forecast 407 million SVOD subscriptions [an SVOD subscriber can have more than one subscription] by 2024, up from 221 million in 2018. China will have 289 million SVOD subs in 2024. India and Japan will supply a further 31 million each” [1].

                                 Image credit: Rapid TV News  

“Asia is predicted to be the main driver of growth in the VOD industry” [1]

OONA's state-of-the-art futuristic and customer-focused attributes, such as its ADSREWORD powered Reward Tech solution, along with its highly beneficial business model for studios, content holders and telecoms, have empowered OONA to shoot up the ranks. - It is now listed as one of the top 5 video-on-demand platforms in South-East Asia (2018), along with HOOQ, Viu,Viki and Catchplay [1]. Further, OONA is classed as one of the top 10 video-on-demand platforms in the Asian continent in 2018, along with the aforementioned platforms, and iflix, LeTV, TenCent Video, Iqiyi and Youku Tudou [2]. Moreover, Digital TV Research has forecast that although Netflix is running in at fourth in subscriber rankings, it will nonetheless, have a slim edge if it wants to top the 2024 SVOD revenue chart [1].

More About OONA

OONA Global TV is the new super kid on the block in the OTT digital entertainment sphere. - It is revolutionizing the TV industry with its free, ultra cool ad-based live/video on-demand (and premium option) interactive mobile entertainment platform, which rewards users with a virtual currency just for watching and sharing the content they love, and interacting with OONAbot, the genie in the app who personalizes everything they desire. The virtual currency (tcoins), can be redeemed for all kinds of in demand branded goods and services, discounts, free meals, fun days out, free telephone minutes and telcom products.

A Cut Above the Rest

OONA offers up to 300 top international/local channels which can sit on top of Netflix, HBO and local TV. - Or stand alone - meaning that with the AVOD option, there are no more subscriptions - ever!

Founded by leading digital strategist and AI expert, Christophe Hochart, OONA started out in Indonesia in 2017, where it partnered up with mega telcom giant, Telcom Indonesia. It is now set to serve 185 million people there, and is on route to provide its free service to billions of people in other parts of Asia, the US, Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

References

[1]. Hawkes, Rebecca (2019). “Asia’s OTT revenues to reach US$48BN in 2024.” https://www.rapidtvnews.com/2019031855485/asia-s-ott-revenues-to-reach-us-48bn-in-2024.html?utm_campaign=asia-s-ott-revenues-to-reach-us-48bn-in-2024&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_2054#axzz5iWUQTfsC  Accessed 19 Mar. 2019.

[2]. VdoCipher (2018). “Top 20 Online VOD Platforms in Asia [Updated 2018].”

https://www.vdocipher.com/blog/2018/07/asia-vod-platforms/  Accessed 19 Mar. 2019.

OONA TV's Role in Ending Indonesia's Online Video Piracy

OONA TV's Role in Ending Indonesia's Online Video Piracy

Let's start off with one simple question: “Why do Indonesians and millions of people from all over the world continually stream pirated video content?” Clearly, the answer is: “Because it is free, there's lots of choice, it's cheap to buy a pirate box, and people are hooked on it!”

So What is the Solution to Drowning the Video Pirates Once & For All?

From the perspective of renowned digital leader, Christophe Hochart, the CEO and Founder of OONA Global Free Mobile TV, it is likely to be a combination of the smart use of Blockchain, that is: applying video virtualisation tech along with smart contracts to transact and control videos as digital assets within a blockchain itself; and Futuristic Next Gen Live and On Demand ad-based OTT platforms such as OONA Free Mobile TV.

OONA, which actually rewards viewers with a virtual currency (tcoins) just for watching and sharing the content they love, gives users a mega choice of hundreds of top international and local channels which they can watch any time, any where, on the go; or via OONA app casting on their home TV sets, without the fear of being prosecuted by the authorities. They also have OONAbot, the cool Genie in the OONA app that personalises the entertainment they love, and only shows them ads that interest them, and can save them time and money.

The Current Status Quo in Indonesia

According to a recent YouGov survey, 29% of Indonesian online viewers have television set-top boxes that can stream away unlimited pirated video content. Further, the Asia Video Industry Association Coalition Against Piracy, determined that Indonesia's most popular illegal streaming devices comprise: LK 21 Reborn, LiveStream TV and IndoXXI Lite; and that: “free pirated streaming services were used by 55% of the survey’s respondents, with the IndoXXI Lite app (29%) in particular representing a larger user base than all local legitimate online video platforms combined (19%)” [1].

A Massive Number of Consumers Abandoning Pay-TV Services

It is interesting to see that from the 29% of users who paid for an illegal streaming device (ISD): a whopping 66% of them had either completely stopped, or else cancelled part of their subs to bona fide pay-TV services [1]. - This is completely understandable from the consumers' perspective, as if they are comfortably sitting watching never-ending content that they enjoy, why would they pay for a subscription, especially when the chance of facing prosecution for doing so, is close to zero.

“31% of users in Indonesian, said goodbye to their subs in favour of purchasing an ISD” [1]

The research also suggested that 33% of users cancelling their subs with an Indonesian-based online video service, was a direct result of their ISDs. Moreover, it showed that international subscription companies (which include pan-Asia online services), were also affected [1].

Other Regions in Southeast Asia

Corresponding surveys conducted across Southeast Asia by the Asia Video Industry Association, established that: 34% of Taiwanese, 28% of Filipino, 25% of Malaysian, 20% of Hong Kong and 15% of Singapore users, own a television box that they can use for streaming pirated video and TV content [1].

                               Image credit: Al Jazeera

The Impact on Business & the Funding of Crime Groups

The CEO of AVIA, Louis Boswell, stated that: “The illicit streaming device (ISD) ecosystem is impacting all businesses involved in the production and distribution of legitimate content” [1]. He also pointed out a very important fact that people do not always consider: “ISD piracy is also organised crime... with crime syndicates making substantial illicit revenues from the provision of illegally re-transmitted TV channels and the sale of such ISDs”[1]. Moreover, that people who purchase ISDs are not only financing crime groups; if the channels stop working, they will have wasted their money [1].

So What Are the Solutions?

Blockchain is a very feasible one, however, as OONA's founder, AI expert, Christophe Hochart points out: “Video virtualisation tech along with smart contracts to transact and control videos as digital assets within a blockchain itself, is currently in the developing stage. - However, the results look very promising, so it may only be a matter of time before it will be implemented so that virtual video is embedded within every blockchain block, and smart contracts are utilised to monitor the transactions connected with video files.”

Joddy Hernady, SVP Media and Digital Business & EGM Digital Services Division at Telcom Indonesia, & Christophe Hochart, Founder & CEO of OONA

OONA - Leading the Way

A fantastic free entertainment platform is another realistic solution. - OONA Indonesia, which went into partnership with one of the world's largest telcom companies, Telcom Indonesia, back in 2017; launched its platform in 2018, and is now set up to provide its cutting-edge free (and premium option) services to 185 million Indonesians. Now, as each day goes by, countless people are hearing about OONA Indonesia, and downloading the OONA app, and in time, that will move more and more people away from their pirate ways. - After all, the pirate platforms are not exactly opening their treasure chests and rewarding their viewers with a virtual currency which, in the case of OONA, can be redeemed for a broad selection of branded goods and services, discounts, meals, fun days out, holistic health treatments, free mobile phone minutes and telcom products!

In fact, OONA's out of the box innovation has been recognised by industry players all over the world, and OONA Global is currently on course to expand its winning service to other parts of Asia, the US, South America, Africa, the Middle East and Europe - so that should send some the the pirates running down the plank...

Reference

Hawkes, Rebecca (2019). “Piracy rife among Indonesia’s online video viewers.” Rapid TV News.

https://www.rapidtvnews.com/2019032155540/piracy-rife-among-indonesia-s-online-video-viewers.html?utm_campaign=global-entertainment-market-rises-9-annually-to-near-100bn-mark&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_2059#axzz5iuB3LpHY   Accessed 22 Mar. 2019.

Meet Leading Digital Strategist, Christophe Hochart at AVIA Indonesia

Image credit: AVIA

Meet up with key speaker, Christophe Hochart, the CEO and Founder of next generation platforms: OONA Global TV and OONA Indonesia TV; and keep up to date with the latest insights on the exciting high octane Indonesian video market, at AVIA.

                                         Christophe Hochart (3rd from the left)

This much anticipated AVIA (Asia Video Industry Association) in-country event, will take place in Jakarta on March 19, 2019, from 9:00am to 6:00pm, where a large number of participants from all over the world are expected to attend. They will have the opportunity to listen to the perspectives of leading players in the field, such as Hochart, whose vast experience, along with his reputation as a disrupting innovator and tech visionary, will make his discussion an event not to be missed.

                                 Christophe Hochart

OONA Global TV is a futuristic cutting-edge unique OTT mobile TV platform which offers free AVOD, and premium SVOD options. Viewers are empowered with: hundreds of top live and VOD international and local channels; fun interaction; virtual currency rewards in the form of tcoins - which they receive just for watching content and personalised ads; and a AI genie in the app, named OONAbot. The latter arranges all the content each individual viewer loves, and only shows them the ads that interest them, and can save them time and money. 

Now, all eyes are on Asia, as it’s predicted to be the main driver of growth in the VOD industry [2]

OONA's state-of-the-art futuristic and customer-focused attributes, such as its ADSREWORD powered Reward Tech solution, along with its highly beneficial business model for studios, content holders and telecoms, have empowered OONA to shoot up the ranks. - It is now listed as one of the top 5 video-on-demand platforms in South-East Asia (2018), along with HOOQ, Viu, Viki and Catchplay [2]. Further, OONA is classed as one of the top 10 video-on-demand platforms in the Asian continent in 2018, along with the aforementioned platforms, and iflix, LeTV, TenCent Video, Iqiyi and Youku Tudou [2].

OONA is currently set to provide its next generation state-of-the-art free service (and premium options) to 185 million Indonesians, in conjunction with Telcom Indonesia, one of the world's largest telcom companies, which Hochart signed a contract with in 2017; and is on course to offer the same to billions of people in other parts of Asia, the US, Africa, the Middle East, South America and Europe.

Joddy Hernady, SVP Media and Digital Business & EGM Digital Services Division at Telcom Indonesia, & Christophe Hochart, Founder & CEO of OONA 

Agenda

AVIA's exciting program will take an up close look at the future and current status quo of online video. The interesting subjects up for discussion will incorporate include: 

• The future & current state of video in Indonesia
• The future of home entertainment & broadband 
• The challenges & opportunities facing the DTH services market
• Network infrastructure – shaping Indonesia’s digital future
• Evolution of online video, the content arms race and piracy in Indonesia [1]

 Background Information

AVIA's program team operates in close conjunction with its committees in order to develop and advocate policies, strategies and actions for the company's forums and conferences. Moreover, it is organized to foresee and address the requirements of its many members.

Last year, AVIA established the Asia Video Summit, which evolved from the well known CASBAA Convention. It is currently working very hard to become the defining conference on the State of the Video Industry in Asia: the consolidation and disruption; the challenges and opportunities; the means to adjust to change, and the success stories such as OONA Indonesia TV.

References

[1]. AVIA (2019). "Indonesia in View 2019. https://asiavia.org/events/indonesia-in-view-2019/    Accessed 14 Mar. 2019.

[2]. VdoCipher (2018). “Top 20 Online VOD Platforms in Asia [Updated 2018].”

ttps://www.vdocipher.com/blog/2018/07/asia-vod-platforms/  Accessed 14 Mar. 2019.

Advertisers Pull Out of YouTube: Too Little Done to Monitor Inappropriate Content

                                 Image credit: Goodbye YouTube Money

As the Wall Street Journal reports: “Several companies suspended advertising on YouTube following a report documenting material on the video service that sexually exploits children” [1].

The key points are as follows:

• High profile brands Disney, ATT&T, Nestlé, McDonald’s & Hasbro, are withdrawing their ads from YouTube due to reports that child predators have attached themselves onto video pages featuring young children - often young girls, and are writing inappropriate remarks in the comments section
• AT&T stated that it is removing all its ads until Google is in the position to protect its brand from such deplorable content
• YouTube has apparently sent its advertisers a memo outlining the changes it is implementing changes to help protect brands [2].

An AT&T spokesperson informed CNBC, that “Until Google can protect our brand from offensive content of any kind, we are removing all advertising from YouTube.” The company originally pulled its entire ad spend from YouTube in 2017 after revelations that its ads were appearing alongside offensive content... but resumed advertising in January [2].

                                Image credit: The Street

YouTube refused to comment on any particular advertisers, but issued a statement: “Any content - including comments - that endangers minors is abhorrent and we have clear policies prohibiting this on YouTube. We took immediate action by deleting accounts and channels, reporting illegal activity to the authorities, and disabling violative comments” [2]. But haven't we heard this before?

Way back in 2013, Google adjusted its search algorithm in order to block any exploitative content showing up on both YouTube and Google searches. However, it is clear that even in these days of high tech, YouTube has still not been able to find a means to effectively deal with apparent predators on its platform, and the years of public concern seem to have fallen by the wayside. In fact, YouTube’s recommended algorithm is helping predators’ connect with each other, swap contact information, and get links to forbidden content in the comments section. Reporters from “The Verge tried to recreate the situation multiple times, and through each experiment, discovered it took six clicks or less to find videos with predatory comments in the comment section” [3].  

The global platform noted that it is suspending remarks on millions of its video's comments sections which “could be subject to predatory comments” [2]. It is also rendering it more difficult for “innocent content to attract bad actors” [2] via adjustments in discovery algorithms, ensuring that adverts are not being shown on videos which could magnetise this kind of behaviour; and deleting accounts “that belong to bad actors” [2]. Moreover, if warranted, it is informing the authorities [2]. But with the kind of mega profits that YouTube makes, does it not beggar the questions: Why have these aforementioned practices not been a continual process? And why has YouTube waited until it risks losing millions of dollars in advertising revenue? YouTube is mainly reliant on ad revenue-sharing arrangements with its content partners [3], so let us take a look at what is at stake, by reviewing the figures from Statista. In 2018, YouTube's projected net revenue from ads for the US alone, was 3.96 billion dollars [2].

                                     Image credit: Statista

“Last year at the NewFronts online video ad event, YouTube disclosed it had over 1.8 billion monthly logged-in viewers” [3]

                                 Image credit: The Street 

YouTube's massive ad-targeting abilities, which are facilitated by its own consumers' data, plus Google-enabled outside data, have sent the platform rocketing sky high. - As has its investment in the construction of high grade measurement tools. These enable companies to ascertain the video advertisement's impact on various elements such as: product awareness, and consumers' attitudes towards the brand selling it [3]. - So, there are high grade measurement tools in place for financial gain, but where are the high tech measures to search out predators, and prevent any risk to children and young teenagers?

Not All Video Streaming Services Are Irresponsible

One of the positive aspects about public outcries over offensive content and comments, is that it often changes things for the better. For example, other video platforms sit up and take note, and if they do not already have the latest stringent measures in place, then they adopt them post haste. Moreover, emerging digital media companies, which are the new kids on the block, have seen what has gone on before, and been able to have a robust strategy in place right from the get-go. OONA Free Mobile TV is a case in point.

OONA – Leading By Example

OONA OTT TV is a next generation cutting-edge ad-based platform which offers live and VOD TV on-the-go, anytime, anywhere, or on a television via OONA app casting. - It offers users hundreds of free top international and local channels, and even rewards them with a virtual currency just for watching the content they love. It is currently set up to provide its unique service to 185 million Indonesians, and is well on route to offer the same to billions of consumers in other parts of Asia, the US, South America, the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

The founder and CEO of OONA, leading digital strategist, Christophe Hochart, regularly lectures and discusses the very important subject of protecting minors from inappropriate videos, comment sections and chat rooms, at Western University, and at various conferences around the world, where he is a key speaker. He ensured that the Parental Control function was integrated into the OONA app right from stage one. Further, the company has AI technology in place, and trained moderators who work around the clock to ensure that there is no unacceptable content. This should be the case with all online video platforms.

References

[1]. Haggin, Patience & Vranica, Suzanne (2019). “Nestlé, McDonald’s, Others Pull Ads From YouTube.” Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/articles/nestle-mcdonalds-others-pull-ads-from-youtube-11550705643 Accessed 9. Mar. 2019.

[2]. Haselton, Todd & Salinas, Sara (2019). "As fallout over pedophilia content on YouTube continues, AT&T and Hasbro pull all advertisements.” CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2019/02/21/att-pulls-all-ads-from-youtube-pedophilia-controversy.html Accessed 9 Mar. 2019.

[3]. Alexander, Julia (2019). “YouTube still can’t stop child predators in its comments.” The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/19/18229938/youtube-child-exploitation-recommendation-algorithm-predators Accessed 9 Mar. 2019.

[4]. Jhonsa, Eric (2018), “How Much Could Google's YouTube Be Worth? Try More Than $100 Billion.” The Street. https://www.thestreet.com/investing/youtube-might-be-worth-over-100-billion-14586599 Accessed 9 Mar. 2019.

Streaming Video: How Bad Is Password Sharing?

“Netflix could be losing $2.3 billion because of password sharing. Amazon is giving up $540 million, while Hulu is losing $480 million” [1]

Global TV piracy is still running rampant, despite more prosecutions and more sites being systematically closed down. - And then there is the emergence of new next generation apps such as OONA Free Mobile TV, which offers users 100s of free top international and local channels, and even rewards users with a virtual currency, just for watching what they love. - This is a giant step in the onslaught to negate the piracy problem, as it magically removes the need for anyone to watch looted TV shows, and there is no risk of prosecution. And in the not too distant future, there are likely to be new high tech measures to make the pirates walk the plank for good. But what about password sharing? Well, free platforms such as OONA TV are set to make this practice redundant.

Putting a Spotlight on the Revolving Password Game

Recent research undertaken by CordCutting.com involving Amazon, Hulu and Netflix, indicates that a whopping 20% of viewers who are streaming video from Netflix, Hulu or Amazon, are using another user's digital video account password. "Cordcutting.com says children of parents who have streaming accounts on Netflix and Amazon are the most active when it comes to password sharing. For Hulu, it’s one’s “significant other” [1]. And when it comes to duration: “Netflix tends to be used in password sharing for 26 months on average; Amazon is at 16 months and Hulu at 11 months” [1]. As a result, the financial losses hitting these platforms are enormous, and this surely has repercussions for those who do pay their subs, in that they may be subject to a price hike. For example, in January of this year, Netflix stated that: “it was raising its prices in the U.S. by 13 percent to 18 percent. The cost of its most popular plan will rise to $13 a month from $11. The price of the cheapest plan will go to $9 a month from $8” [2].

“We love people sharing Netflix, Reed Hastings, CEO, Netflix, said in 2017. “That’s a positive thing, not a negative thing”

It would seem that in the past, Netflix actually encouraged it. - But did the movers and shakers behind the company do the math? The fact of the matter is that: “Netflix owes $28 billion in coming years to pay for programming, its debt and other contractual commitments” [3]. - So this state of affairs begs a number of questions: Did the chiefs envision various scenarios, such as a college students sharing their password with 10 of their class mates? Did they consider the cost of raising funds for their global expansion? Did they give their investors a second thought when they decided on becoming mega gamblers? Will their free-for-all cash bonfire just keep get bigger? As Shira Ovide, writing in Bloomberg, puts it: “A company tends to rely on the cash generated by its business to pay its bills. But Netflix can't and won't pay its own way. At its peak year of free cash flow, it would take Netflix 100 years to pay all the money it has committed to spend” [3]. Now that is a serious number...

                                  Image credit: Bloomberg

To put this into perspective, we only have to look at Disney as an example: “Its contractually owed payments are about 10.5 times its highest-ever free cash flow” [3], so this is a far more realistic situation than Netflix. But do Netflix supporters actually believe that will take the company a century to settle its bills? Do they have some sort of assurance that Netflix will spread far and wide, become mega powerful, and ultimately turn into an unstoppable gigantic cash machine that will have far more reserve funds on account than its financial commitments? “Contrasting Netflix's cash generation - or lack thereof - and the hard cash it owes in coming years is meant to illustrate the gamble Netflix is taking with investors' money rather than its own” [3]. “Overall, Netflix now has 139 million paying members” [4].

                                 Image credit: Atlas

For those who invested in Netflix in 2007, when it initiated its streaming service, it has been all smiles, but we are now approaching 2020, and the industry is going through an evolution. Only time will tell which way it will go, but with the number of substantial new players on the horizon, all bets on Netflix should be cautious. Contenders include platforms such as the ad-based (and premium option) cutting-edge  service, OONA Free Mobile TV. - This innovative player is currently set up to serve 185 million Indonesians, and is firmly on course to go global and provide its futuristic service to billions of people in other parts of Asia, the US, South America, Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Further, Netflix is due to face stiff competition from the likes of AT&T Inc.’s Time Warner, Apple Inc., Walt Disney Co., and others, which will offer superb programming, give consumers lots of options, and use high tech [2], - so to that end, there is a realistic chance that Netflix will fall down in the ranks. Watch "Shares of Netflix drop today after downgrade, is this the end of the NFLX binge."

Moreover, the tech, entertainment and media companies that are like killer sharks swimming into Netflix’s waters, still remain a threat, and can serious damage the number of new global subscribers that Netflix hopes to attract. And what will be the state of play with Netflix investor's then? Further, major players such as Time Warner and Disney are set to remove a number of their top programs from Netflix, so they can use them on their own video services. - And that will not go down well with subscribers. This, added to the recent trend of more platforms shelling out mega bucks for TV films and shows, will send Netflix’s expenses skyrocketing. So will the company's honchos still promote sharing passwords if Netflix has to face the music and stop being financially irrational, or will they be putting in an urgent order for new software? [2]. You decide...

                                            Image credit: Variety

References

[1]. Friedman, Wayne (2019). Media Post. “Is Password Sharing Of Streaming Video Good Or Bad For The Industry?”

https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/332670/is-password-sharing-of-streaming-video-good-or-bad.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=readmore&utm_campaign=113055&hashid=HExu-m0qQR8Ao_MNLg3JB3-2Cww Accessed 7 Mar. 2019.

[2]. Ovide, Shira (2019). “Netflix’s Simplicity Is Its Secret Weapon.” Bloomberg. https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2019-01-15/netflix-s-simplicity-is-its-secret-weapon Accessed 7 Mar. 2019.

[3]. Ovide, Shira (2018). “Let's Get Real About Netflix's Numbers.” Bloomberg. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-04-16/let-s-get-real-about-netflix-s-cash-and-spending-numbers Accessed 7 Mar. 2019.

[4]. Rodriguez, Ashley (2019). “Netflix’s price hike was perfectly timed.” Quartz. https://qz.com/1527021/netflix-q4-2018-earnings-netflixs-price-hike-was-perfectly-timed/ Accessed 7 Mar. 2019.

MWC 2019: Intelligent Connectivity Has Arrived

Founder & CEO of OONA TV, Christophe Hochart (centre)

"5G Will Rocket to Serve 1.4 Billion by 2025 " [1]

5G is becoming an exciting reality, and “by 2025, 5G connections will make up 15% of the global connections total” [1]. Further, the Mobile Economy report produced by GSMA (the mobile operators’ trade association), has predicted that after 2018's successful 5G launch in the US and South Korea, in 2019, 16 top global markets will be ready to unveil their commercial 5G offerings. Moreover, by 2025, 5G will comprise approximately 50% of total connections in the US, and 30% of other countries including Europe and China [1].  

  Image credit: Rapid TV News

When it comes to the Media & Entertainment industry, at the present time, data is more relevant than ever, and companies which operate in this field are especially concerned about the emergence of new competitive threats, and the shift in the ways in which viewers prefer to consume media [for example, a huge exodus of users who now watch TV on-the-go, OONA style] [3].

MWC19

The recent conference in Barcelona had a strong focus on Intelligent Connectivity, and naturally, this drew in countless participants. Leading digital strategist, Christophe Hochart, the CEO and founder of OONA Global TV, and a strong exponent of 5G, was one of the key panel speakers. Hochart remarked: “We had a very engaging audience that asked us questions on data privacy - and this drove an excellent discussion with my fellow panel speakers. I put forward my perspective on how we (platform and publishers) need to control consumer data by adhering to the continually changing best security and privacy practices, as we do at OONA. - This is to ensure that the way we use data is fully transparent to users; that national data stays local, and doesn't flow across a frontier-less world; and that the value of the data is protected, so that it can be utilised to benefit our users and optimize their experience.”

OONA is a next generation cutting-edge free ad-based platform (with premium options). It is currently set up to serve 185 million Indonesians, and is on course to offer the same to billions of people in other parts of Asia, the US, Africa, South America, the Middle East and Europe.

Economic Growth, Investment & Innovative Complexity

“Mobile operators worldwide are currently making capital investments of around $160 billion per year” [2]

The Director General of the GSMA, Mats Granryd, stated that: “The arrival of 5G forms a major part of the world’s move towards an era of Intelligent Connectivity, which alongside developments in the Internet of Things, big data and artificial intelligence, is poised to be a key driver of economic growth over the coming years” [3].

The architecture involved in 5G construction comprises many wireless technologies. - The most dramatic of these are new devices which utilise the millimeter wave electromagnetic spectrum [2]. So what can we expect? As MWC19 notes: “5G will create speed, flexibility and agility to allow for far greater services and performance with higher reliability than is possible today” [3]. This is music to our ears, and can not come soon enough! Yet we have to give a thought to all the great engineers, innovators and companies which are implementing it, testing it out, creating different business models, working with regulation and spectrum, and dealing with the hurdles and challenges of operating within diverse and new industries and markets [3].

Image credit: Telecom World

Mobile technology is one of the major drivers which is working to help bridge the global connectivity gap, and over the following few years, one billion-plus new users will be able to access mobile internet, and free next generation mobile TV platforms such as OONA Global TV. - Times are a-changing, and equality via high tech intelligent connectivity is now a reality - so while countless businesses and individuals stand to gain massive benefits, the gap between poorer nations and regions is also being filled, thanks to brilliant and innovative minds.

References

[1].O'Halloran, Joseph (2019). “MWC 2019: 5G set to cover 15% of global mobile connections by 2025” [1]. Rapid TV News.
https://www.rapidtvnews.com/2019022555250/mwc-2019-5g-set-to-cover-15-of-global-mobile-connections-by-2025.html#ixzz5gft3nsdQ Accessed 27. Feb. 2019.

[2]. Bender, Eric (2017). “Engineering the 5G network for our wireless future.” Discovery. https://engineering.purdue.edu/discovery/2017_1/engineering-our-wireless-future Accessed 27. Feb. 2019.

[3]. MWC19 Barcelona (2019). https://www.mwcbarcelona.com/session/connecting-the-mobility-world-with-5g-v2x/ Accessed 27. Feb. 2019.