The time when South Africa will enter into its new streaming era through Openview Stream South Africa, which is a new FAST TV service through which people can access TV and video-on-demand content at no monthly subscription charges.
This is because Openview Stream has been created by eMedia and RunnTV as Africa’s first independent FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) platform, but unlike its name, Openview Stream hasn’t started operating in South Africa, even if Openview is a popular brand in South Africa.
Here’s everything you need to know about this streaming service.
What Is Openview Stream?
Openview Stream is the first FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) platform in Africa.
Unlike other subscription-streaming services, Openview Stream is free due to the use of advertising.
This allows users to watch live television channels and some select some on-demand videos without monthly subscriptions.
The streaming platform is aimed at being compatible with devices connected to the internet, eliminating the need for satellite dishes or special TV decoders.
Why Is There No Openview Stream in South Africa?
Despite being quite popular in South Africa, Openview satellite television service will have to wait before launching its streaming platform there.
As explained by eMedia, the main reason for that is the high cost of mobile and broadband data in South Africa.
FAST platforms are completely dependent on streaming from the internet, which makes their mass adoption impossible until internet data becomes cheaper for users.
At the moment, South Africans will use eVOD – the current streaming platform of eMedia – while Openview Stream operates in other markets with cheaper internet access.
The projections show that the South African launch might take place in three years.
In Which African Countries Is Openview Stream Available?
The service has rolled out in the following African countries:
- Kenya
- Ghana
- Rwanda
- Zambia
- Botswana
- Namibia
- Mauritius
This launch is part of eMedia’s strategy of bringing free digital television services to Africa before entering the South African market.
Which Channels Are Available?
Openview Stream has 20 available channels at the moment, which feature both local and international broadcasting.
The available content comprises the following:
- News channels that belong to eMedia
- Entertainment from Africa
- General entertainment from all over the world
- Indian television content dubbed in African languages
The company will increase the amount of content as it expands into more markets.
What Does It Mean for African Consumers?
The launch marks an important development in the way television is consumed in Africa.
Instead of buying satellite equipment and paying for monthly subscriptions, people will be able to consume their free television service through their internet connection.
This means that in those African countries where the internet becomes more affordable, FAST solutions such as Openview Stream will make television more affordable and bring both international and locally-produced entertainment.
Conclusion
Openview Stream is an important landmark for the growth of Africa’s digital entertainment sector through the provision of a free ad-based streaming service in various countries. However, while South African users will have to endure until the cost of internet access becomes favorable, users from countries like Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, and Mauritius can already enjoy the numerous options available from the company’s live television and on-demand content library.
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