Oonagh ReidyA content battle is set to break between Optus and Telstra with the signing today of a content deal between the telco and FetchTV.Tipped by Smarthouse the deal is set to accelerate the content for devices ranging from TVs to tabs to smartphones.
Set for launch in the second half of 2011 the new service “is part of Optus’ broader TV strategy to develop a suite of converged video services.. at home or on the move,” it said today.
And it looks like the move is a good one for the telco, according to analysts Ovum.
“Optus gains wholesale access to FetchTV’s content, IPTV delivery network and set-top box with a service that is ready to launch immediately, saving Optus the cost and execution risk of building its own service from scratch.”
It also demonstrates the growing importance of online video to Australian ISPs and telcos, Ovum said, and continues the industry trend towards multiscreen viewing, encompassing a variety of personal devices.
“With its strong content line-up and innovative delivery platform, we believe FetchTV is the best partner to help us develop a service which will provide customers with a fantastic user experience,” says Austin R. Bryan, Director, Optus Digital Media.
FetchTV will also benefit from Optus’ customer base to rival Telstra’s T-Box streaming video service.
It has spent the past three years developing advanced IPTV capabilities and a “compelling catalogue of content,” its CEO, Scott Lorson, said today.
“Partnering with an operator of Optus’ scale, brand and reputation is a significant milestone for FetchTV and we look forward to working with Optus to launch a unique and compelling entertainment service.”
Pricing and specific details of the Optus IPTV service will be available closer to launch.