The partnership enables Quiptel to offer its Q-Flow powered OTT platform to LaserNet, who will both create integrated platform offers to telcos and mobile operators, as well as providing hosted video streaming services to independent content owners.

Gert Rieder, chief executive at Falcon Media House, says, "We’re excited to partner with a highly established business like LaserNet, which recognises that content delivery via OTT platforms represents a future beyond broadcasting. LaserNet has a huge established contact network, including many of the leading telco, media, and broadcast companies in the region and we’re looking forward to working with them to deliver a world-class service using QMP & Q-Flow, which will help their customers to grow in a cost-efficient manner – avoiding the huge costs of building infrastructure."

The Quiptel Media Platform (QMP) delivers streams using its patented Q-Flow technology. Designed to overcome the challenges of congested and slow connections to deliver content to the end user using an efficient and cost effective route, it enables video streaming over challenging networks and mobile conditions.

Rather than investing in hardware and laying new network cables, the joint solution will enable broadcasters and cable companies to increase their market share with a lower capital expenditure. Q-Flow provides a win-win solution for both the OTT Operator and its end users alike.

Sandip Sarda, CEO Quiptel, says, "OTT players are thriving in Africa, driven by smartphone penetration and the roll-out of 3G/4G networks, but the challenge is still how to minimise the cost of distribution and at the same time provide a great video streaming experience."

"Our partnership with LaserNet will encourage innovation, enable technology related training, and empower African start-ups across the content creation and production spectrum, enabling them to reach across Africa, as well as into other markets like the United States and Europe. Quiptel’s technology provides a footprint and access to those markets too, as well as facilitating the digital switchover, which is good for governments and citizens alike,” adds Sarda.

Ivan Bridgens, CEO LaserNet Group, adds, "The explosion of the smartphone market, and with it the increase in demand for streaming video content, requires a robust and reliable OTT service both inside and outside the home. For today’s customers, it’s essential that the quality of experience can be relied upon. Quiptel represents the future of the industry, with Q-Flow, a game changing technology and a deep understanding of consumer needs. This partnership will enable a platform for niche content owners to showcase their content."

"More than half a billion people across Africa now subscribe to mobile services, with the number expected to grow to 725 million by 2020 - and these are the defacto devices used to consume content. We see this as a huge market to empower with a great viewing experience through the combined solution with LaserNet in the market," concludes Rieder.

For more information, visit www.lasernet.co.za. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook.

*Image courtesy of LaserNet