SABC, Telkom partner to launch a new mobile operator platform

SOUTH African wire line and wireless telecommunications provider Telkom and public broadcaster SABC have entered a partnership to launch a new streaming channel.

In a joint statement yesterday, the two companies said the mobile operator channel TelkomONE would house the SABC free-to-air radio and television channels.

The five-year partnership will showcase South Africa’s most watched TV programmes and most listened to radio platforms on one online platform.

“We are excited about the opportunity to provide all South Africans with free access to watch their favourite SABC content online, when and wherever they want,” Telkom’s Sipho Maseko said.

“TelkomONE will make it possible for subscribers to pause, go back into the programme guide and instantly watch a scheduled TV show they may have missed. Telkom is making digital TV functionality available to all.”

SABC’s Madoda Mxakwe said Telkom was a natural partner with whom the broadcaster could build a new platform for developing and disseminating South African content.

“Through the new streaming channel, we will further promote universal access to popular SABC content for audiences and customers, in an affordable manner and with ease of access on mobile,” he said.

The SABC will provide its content to Telkom on a non-exclusive basis and, in exchange, will receive a carriage licence fee as well as share in the advertising revenue generated on the TelkomONE platform. |