MTN has zero-rated the data usage for streaming content on FrontRow, so MTN customers subscribed to the streaming service can watch movies and TV series without incurring any data costs.
The zero-rating of FrontRow gives its subscribers access to over 2 300 hours of premium content, including TV series such as The Office, Sherlock, 30 Rock and Mad Men, movies, music videos, kids shows and documentaries.
Larry Annetts, executive: sales and marketing at MTN South Africa, comments: “The decision to zero-rate data usage on FrontRow is part of our strategic intent of offering a distinct customer experience and enhancing our current video on demand services. The zero rating of data will ensure that our customers can access the best entertainment on the move.”
The decision to zero-rate data usage follows a reduction of the FrontRow subscription rates to R119.
“This is an exceptional market first,” says Stephen Watson, MD of Discover Digital, the service provider that runs the platform. “This is something that not only enables a value-added experience amongst current FrontRow users, but now brings world class entertainment to a broader South African public taking top TV shows and movies to South Africans who previously were unable to experience premium content, now in an affordable way.”
FrontRow represents all six major Hollywood studios and includes both a subscription option and rent-as-you-go option. It has also recently acquired some of the best current UK content from BBC Worldwide, Endemol and Fremantle, including titles such as The Honourable Women, Orphan Black and Sherlock (BBC Worldwide), Jamie’s Kitchen (Fremantle) and Peaky Blinders (Endemol).
“High data costs are a major barrier for entry for consumers into the video on demand space. We believe that this proposition will enable hard-pressed consumers to access the latest movies and TV series without having to worry about bill shock,” Annetts says.
