Etisalat Goes Live With Cloud OTT Service Using Synamedia

Synamedia announced that UAE’s largest operator, Etisalat, has launched SwitchTV, a new direct-to-consumer (D2C) service based on Synamedia’s Infinite cloud TV platform and its end-to-end video network portfolio.

Etisalat, a leading telecommunication operator in emerging markets, chose to work with Synamedia because its technologies provide the flexibility, security and agility needed to support, monetize and scale a multi-screen service with both free and premium live TV channels, catch-up and on-demand. Of particular importance is Synamedia’s private CDN, allowing Etisalat to leverage its infrastructure and private cloud solutions to deliver content to large audiences.

With Infinite, Etisalat can process, secure, distribute and monetize video to all consumer devices. Benefits include the flexibility to offer a choice of SwitchTV subscription packages and different movie rental models. Users can also enjoy a personalized viewing experience, making it easy to find their favorite content and deepening their engagement. With Synamedia’s cloud DVR solution, viewers can record programs in the cloud and watch them on any of their devices. Synamedia also supports Etisalat’s multi-language requirements with channels offering Arabic, Western and Asian content.

In addition, Etisalat is deploying Synamedia’s end-to-end video network to reduce latency at every stage of the video workflow — from encoding through to the CDN and player — while also minimizing bandwidth requirements. This ensures that SwitchTV gives viewers a highly reliable, consistently high-quality viewing experience with no interruptions or buffering, the company says.

Infinite comes integrated with Evergent’s market-leading global revenue and customer lifecycle management platform, giving Etisalat the advantage of a comprehensive carrier-grade subscriber management solution. The integration with Evergent’s multi-tenant platform made it easy to launch SwitchTV and grow the business with targeted promotions, advanced product and offer management and bundling with other Etisalat services.

“The SwitchTV OTT service represents a step change for the residents of UAE,” said Yves Padrines, Synamedia CEO. “Thanks to our comprehensive solution, Etisalat has a flexible offering that appeals to a broad range of audiences – from those looking for free programs, to those wanting premium live experiences or to rent movies. Users have started downloading the apps and feedback on the quality of experience and features is extremely positive.”

“SwitchTV is a game-changer for viewers across the region.  Evergent complements the Synamedia service with pre-integrated, advanced and innovative monetisation options that contribute to a seamless customer journey. Evergent is thrilled to be part of Etisalat’s digital transformation strategy with SwitchTV,” said Vijay Sajja, Evergent founder and CEO.