CABSAT 2015, the professional content event for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), will examine the challenges currently facing satellite companies and regional telcos as consumer viewing habits change.
In addition, CABSAT’s expanded Content Delivery Hub will see more than 60 exhibitors take part in three days of live discussions relating to monetising paid-for TV entertainment content via IPTV, OTT and online digital platforms, solutions and services.
As broadcasters and telcos battle to win viewers and subscribers in the increasingly competitive free-to-air and paid TV sectors, the race to win market share via enhanced ‘anywhere, anytime’ content delivered across multiple, multiscreen formats is intensifying. With the value of the Middle East and Africa TV on-demand market expected to increase to $132 million between 2014-18, the rapidly growing sector is increasing pressure on satellite loads and forcing satellite companies to expand their operational capacity.
A host of exhibiting companies at CABSAT 2015, which runs 10-12 March at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), will showcase solutions designed to absorb the market changes, and launch cutting-edge tech products to help content providers win audience share and solve transmission issues.
“Keeping pace with a rapidly changing content delivery market is a complex task. That’s why we have compiled an integrated, flexible ecosystem of OTT offerings that offer leading edge, future-proof technologies – so tomorrow won’t take our customers by surprise,” said Karim El-Khazen, vice president, business development and innovation, Deutsche Telekom.
“Our aim is to create value and expand business potential for the entire digital content delivery market. That’s why we work together with other technology leaders toward developing a global network of innovation. By accelerating know-how we help our customers maximise monetisation of their online assets while improving performance and keeping viewers engaged longer.”
The utilisation and popularity of satellites to distribute content is only going to grow, added Sami Boustany, chief executive officer, Yahlive. “The number of linear TV channels over satellite in the regions we cover is constantly increasing and it is true that viewing habits are shifting fast towards IP-delivered interactive and on-demand content,” said Boustany. “The lack of adequate terrestrial IP-based infrastructure in most of the our footprint territories combined with the fact satellites can cover close to 100 per cent of a country’s population, mean satellites will continue to be the preferred and most economical distribution platform for most broadcasters.”
