Telenor  is in the process of refreshing their brand and, as a part of this process, required a solution that was different to anything currently available in Hungary. The UUX/Telenor collaboration enabled both companies to leverage Telenor’s advanced handsets and networks and resulted in Telenor Hungary offering live, catch up TV and a catalogue of content across different devices on their network. The MyTV service is based on UUX’s platform and supports Telenor’s branding, billing, retail outlets, webpages and products throughout. The UUX iTaaS solution is flexible, meaning that it can adapt and adjust to the capabilities of the carrier, territory, packaging, content and currency.

Handling content acquisition complexity

A key issue Telenor faced was content acquisition. Leveraging UUX’s strong relationships with content owners such as Sony, FOX and Disney enabled the operator to provide mini packages tailored to the end user’s needs and purchasing power – even including a free package. UUX helped Telenor to acquire high quality content and structure its video package offerings. Through its iTaaS platform, UUX supported Telenor through the whole chain, from setting up infrastructure to hosting the application, as well as transporting and servicing the content.

The emergence of OTT business models has caused a seismic shift in the telco industry. Carriers are using the cloud in order to offer new, agile systems,which can support everything from billing requirements to integrated platforms. The cloud plays an integral part in the evolution of PayTV, with operators now increasingly adding OTT services to existing offerings. Cloud-based platforms have the ability to slash CAPEX and reach mobile enabled devices regardless of where they are in the world, making them a perfect solution for emerging markets and operators in mature multi-screen markets alike.

iTaaS key specifics

iTaaS is a new platform for OTT TV which enables service providers to leverage the cloud to deliver video to any screen even where broadband penetration is limited. Using an iTaaS platform, service providers and enterprises can deliver Hollywood movies, live and catch-up TV and VoD to drive traffic onto their networks, retain subscribers and increase ARPUs. The advantages of an iTaaS platform are just as relevant for operators in developed and emerging markets. iTaaS brings much advanced functionality to service providers looking for a single platform to deliver OTT TV Everywhere, such as:

• Robustness: can cope with hundreds of millions of daily multi-screen interactions with the additional bonus that operators and system integrators can integrate elements of a media distribution solution
• Better targeting: allows for more precise targeting via the creation of packages tailored to the customer’s needs
• Seamless integration: built from modules that work together and integrate with existing network and back office infrastructure and systems to deliver movies, live TV, catch-up TV and VoD
• Flexibility: can be deployed in three months or less. UUX provides platform elements that fit in with existing businesses or ecosystems. The UUX approach offers additional flexibility to adapt to existing and future customer needs
• Unified User Interface (UI): enables discovery, control and consumption of a variety of different content across all Internet connected devices and screens
• Private Cloud compatible: carriers who opt for a private cloud approach can rely on iTaaS and load it onto their own private cloud
• Monetization opportunities: designed to provide content owners, integrators, media companies and operators of fixed, mobile and TV networks with the best route to OTT profitability
• Reduced CAPEX: provides a one-stop shop for network operators to launch an Internet TV service, without the cost and complexity of traditional on-premise software systems.