Netflix is not relevant for the CEE region because of the disappointing content it delivers, according to Stanislav Georgiev, head of broadcasting at Telekom Austria.
Speaking in a panel discussion moderated by, and subsequently to, Broadband TV News, he added that localisation on the service was virtually non-existent and it also had to be borne in mind that it was operating in high piracy markets that have access to the best titles within hours of their release.
At the same time, Georgiev identified Pickbox as an example of a successful OTT service operating in region. Boasting an impressive library, it has partnered with a number of telcos including Hrvatksi Telekom and Telekom Srbija.
Commenting on OTT in general, he said that Telekom Austria regards it as a natural add on to the standard pay-TV delivery platforms it has. It focuses on OTT to deliver interactive features.
Georgiev also said that the core of convergence is broadband and TV as a standalone offer is not succeeding in these markets, which are price sensitive. Indeed, services have to be bundled around broadband.
Georgiev in addition stressed there is no conflict between OTT and DTH. Telekom Austria’s focus is very much on the consumer, treating technology as a means to and end to deliver services to them.
