The scramble for eyeballs in the recalibrated world hit break neck speeds with advancements in technology. Tech has greatly changed how businesses operate —some getting almost a complete overhaul. These advancements have now had eventful fingerprints all over the television business too. The formerly provider-driven television business has gradually changed to a consumer-driven sector with the rise of Mobile TV. This is not the first time we’ve seen Mobile TV in Uganda but the World Cup has put it under intense spotlight. The World Cup has changed the face of Mobile TV in Uganda, maybe forever.
The Internet has a disruptive reputation in development —think of it as well, that guy that aces everything he touches. Okay back to the internet, content providers no longer have unquestionable powers over the content they provide. Scary? Today we watch whatever we want, whenever we want at will thanks to mobile TV.
The World Cup effect!
The 2018 World Cup in Russia has brought a shift from traditional decoders to live streaming of games on smartphones, tablets and computers through applications and web browsers.
Kwese partnered with MTN to deliver Mobile TV streaming through the Kwese iFlix App but this was quickly countered by offers from other telecom and TV providers. Africell launched a similar partnership with Startimes and Airtel like MTN, launched a partnership with Kwese. Recently in Kenya, DStv partnered with Safaricom and Telkom to offer data bundles for DStv customers to keep up with the World Cup games on DStv Now on the go.
All these partnerships focus on bringing live World Cup football action from Russia to users. Telecom companies have concocted dedicated TV bundles that make streaming cheaper than ever before.
The future of Mobile TV in Uganda?
The World Cup ripple effects on mobile TV in Uganda may surely change the perception of TV in future. With the ability to watch television without need to buy any television packages, we are raising a whole legion of Mobile TV diehards. The World Cup has proved that live TV over the air is actually a niche TV providers can tap into. This is the new way of watching TV.
It’s not likely that Mobile TV in Uganda will take on Digital Satellite TV anytime soon but it’s not right to underestimate either. Mobile TV requires good quality broadband connection. Airtel achieving 100% 3G coverage in Uganda is a sign that operators are intensively investing in broadband infrastructure. This will pave way for further infiltration of MobileTV into TV business. Thanks to the World Cup, there is a likelihood of Mobile TV continuing after the end of the competition.
Technology and user behavior can also have an impact on the television creation of tomorrow. Maybe a few years from today, a huge section of Ugandans will be able to appreciate Mobile TV and take it on. But they ought to remember what made it so popular, the World Cup in Russia.
