Russia’s leading OTT platform ivi will add streamed TV channels to its offer in the next few days.
Kommersant reports that this follows an agreement with Rostelecom, which will supply the channels – initially around 80, including those carried on the first multiplex, before eventually rising to 100-130.
The channels will carry advertising and ivi will explore new commercial opportunities, such as ad units and interactive functions.
Ivi is not the first OTT platform in Russia to offer streamed channels. Megogo, for instance, added them to its offer in 2014 and now around 30% of its customers opt for 222 channels as part of their subscription.
Ivi is believed to be introducing streamed TV channels to its offer in order to retain existing customers rather than gain new ones.