Markus Golder, CEO, Intigral • Interview

What patterns have you seen as a result of the lockdown, and what has this meant in terms of revenue?

Despite the challenges that the pandemic has presented around the globe, opportunities have presented themselves for global pay TV service providers. Consumption of over-thetop (OTT) entertainment, news, and sports content in 2Q2020 surged by around 40% according to global research institutes. Jawwy TV witnessed an increase in user rates from existing and new customers, especially with the stay-at-home advice from the Saudi government. Throughout 3Q2020, we saw an increase of around 147% for Jawwy TV App and a significant increase in Jawwy TV Home usage YoY. In addition, during the same period we recorded a 57% increase in subscribers YoY, which we attribute not only to the pandemic but also to new features such as the release of new original productions as well as the promotion of new content. Most importantly, this period has proven that we are on the right track with our vision of matching all content needs through one platform and one subscription, curating aggregated content via partnerships with more than 30 global and regional networks. During this period, we have also supported the government’s e-learning programs by offering to broadcast the national educational channels.

What performance do you expect over the coming year?

The MENA OTT market is anticipated to continue to see growth in video on demand (VOD) subscription. There is some substitution going on catering to the different ways of consumption from home, though it is paramount to be able to consume content wherever one is through OTT services. We are present in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain, the three markets where stc has its own fixed and mobile networks, and we are gradually deploying the service to other MENA markets either in cooperation with local telecom operators or in a direct-to-consumer model, where consumers pay via credit card as opposed to telecom subscriptions.