Econet Media selects Verimatrix VCAS for its Kwesé TV service

Econet Media Selects Verimatrix Cardless Security for its Alternative Video Services across Sub Saharan Africa

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — TV Connect Africa 2016 — Verimatrix, the specialist in securing and enhancing revenue for multi-network, multi-screen digital TV services around the globe, today announced that Econet Media has selected the Verimatrix Video Content Authority System (VCAS™) platform to secure its Kwesé TV service. As part of the initial rollout of its services portfolio, Verimatrix is providing revenue security for the Kwesé app and Kwesé Free Sports channel.

Kwesé TV has been developed to provide African consumers with a compelling alternative to the existing TV services in the region. Today, consumers can access premium live sports content, including the English Premier League, National Basketball Association (NBA), Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) and the National Football League (NFL), among others, on Android and iOS mobile devices through the app, FTA set-top boxes, and digital TVs with a built-in set-top box.

“It’s an exciting time to be in the broadcasting and media industry in Africa, especially as viewers are looking for increased choice and quality in their programming, as well as more convenient access. We aim to fill the existing gap in the market by providing viewers across the African continent with premium quality content,” said Joseph Hundah, Chief Executive Officer of Econet Media. “We recognize that we need to select the right partners in order for us to achieve our objectives, and security is an important aspect of our business. Verimatrix provides us with a scalable and cost-effective security solution.”

The VCAS platform and its cardless security solutions are highly flexible to ensure that multi-network and hybrid video delivery can be easily combined with traditional broadcast content. This enables the delivery of on-demand services in a cost-efficient manner. With the VCAS architecture hybrid offerings are just as secure as linear services, and operators gain flexible configuration options to help them stay a step ahead of potential pirates.

“Econet has taken a unique approach to the African TV market with the disruptive Kwesé TV offering, and we are thrilled to be the security partner of choice for the region’s freshest premium entertainment platform,” said Steve Oetegenn, president of Verimatrix. “VCAS supports Kwesé TV’s modern, cost effective approach to video delivery as it is designed to future proof the network by enabling Econet to add more advanced features on the same security platform as their service grows.”

Verimatrix will illustrate how security solutions are at the core of all key monetization strategies for pay-TV and Internet video service at TV Connect Africa 2016 booth #TV7, 15-17 November in Cape Town, South Africa.