D
iscovery’s OTT service Dplay will now be available across the MENA
region, as the result of a new partnership between Discovery MEA and
Dubai-based SVoD service STARZPLAY.
The strategic alignment will see STARZPLAY subscribers gain access
to a new, branded area on the existing platform. From launch, Dplay on
STARZPLAY will feature thousands of hours of content, segregated into playlists
Research: MEA to see faster connection
speeds
An unprecedented demand for faster speeds and internet
connection points will continue to see a rise in Internet
users in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, according
to research from Cisco.
Cisco’s 2020 Annual Internet Report provides further
insight into the trends we can expect to see in the next five
years. Among the findings:
l By 2023, MEA will have 611 million Internet users (35%
of regional population), up from 381 million (24% of
regional population) in 2018.
l By 2023, MEA will have 1.0 billion mobile users (57%
of regional population), up from 827 million (53% of
regional population) in 2018.
l By 2023, MEA will have 2.6 billion networked devices/
connections, up from 1.7 billion in 2018.
l By 2023, MEA will have 75% of all networked devices
mobile-connected and 25% will be wired or connected
over Wi-Fi.
l By 2023, MEA’s average fixed broadband speed will
reach 41.2 Mbps, which represents 4.2-fold growth from
2018 (9.7 Mbps).
l By 2023, MEA’s average mobile connection speed will
Discovery and
STARZPLAY partner for
Dplay in MENA
reach 24.8 Mbps, which represents 3.6-fold growth from
2018 (6.9 Mbps).
l By 2023, MEA’s average Wi-Fi speeds from mobile
devices will reach 26 Mbps, which represents 3.7-fold
growth from 2018 (7.0 Mbps).
dedicated to specially curated interest verticals - including crime, lifestyle, food,
wildlife and more. Subscribers will also enjoy the addition of new content added to
the platform each month.
Dplay on STARZPLAY will feature content from Discovery’s much-loved
portfolio of channels, with global franchises such as Shark Week, MythBusters,
Gold Rush, Expedition Unknown, House Hunters International and Say Yes to
the Dress all set to be available on the platform, for anytime, anywhere viewing, as
well as boxset bingeing.
Following a free trial period of up to one-month (varies across the region),
Dplay on STARZPLAY will feature content from
Discovery’s much-loved portfolio of channels
monthly subscription to the content costs only AED/SAR15 per month, in addition
to existing subscription packages. Current and future STARZPLAY subscribers
will have the choice to subscribe to Dplay as an add-on package.
“This is the first time Discovery is taking its fantastic content beyond the
pay-TV universe in the region and opening it up to a whole new customer base,”
noted Amanda Turnbull, general manager, Discovery Middle East & Africa. “We’re
always looking for new ways to deliver our content to fans, getting it in their hands
exactly how they want it – and this partnership with STARZPLAY is a prime
example of how we’re continuing to evolve our offering to build on Discovery’s
existing success. As we commence our pivot toward digital, this milestone sets the
benchmark for Discovery’s continued growth in the digital space.”
“As the leading video streaming service in MENA, we have established
ourselves as the platform with the most comprehensive distribution reach and
payment network,” added Danny Bates, chief commercial officer, STARZPLAY.
“With this partnership we are starting a new chapter in the company’s growth to
become the one stop shop for premium content. Discovery has best-in-class factual
content which our subscribers would love to consume.”
Dplay will be available in Q2 2020, through existing STARZPLAY apps
including Apple TV. STARZPLAY is available to download online and via
respective iOS and Android app stores.
Orange to IPO its MENA
business
French telco Orange is to float its extensive
cellular interests in the Middle East and North
Africa regions through an IPO.
It is understood that banks BNP Paribas and
Morgan Stanley have been appointed to advise.
Orange is considering a listing on the London
exchange as well as on the Euronext Paris
bourse.
“Orange has decided to bring together all
our regional activities in a single company,
OMEA, to create a separate entity and provide
the Group with various options for growth,” the
company said in a statement.
“An IPO of OMEA is one of these potential
scenarios, and the decision will depend on
a number of factors, including strategic
opportunities and market orientation, always
with the central criterion of accelerating the
growth of this business,” it said.
Orange sales rose 5.1% in 2019 to a total of
€5.2 billion. Orange has activity in around 20
markets across the Middle East and Africa.
MENA Special EUROMEDIA 5