Econet Media Selects Verimatrix Cardless Security for its Alternative Video Services across Sub Saharan Africa

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Nov. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- TV Connect Africa 2016 (Booth #TV7) -- Verimatrix, the specialist in securing and enhancing revenue for multi-network, multi-screen digital TV services around the globe, today announced that Econet Media has selected the Verimatrix Video Content Authority System (VCAS™) platform to secure its Kwesé TV service. As part of the initial rollout of its services portfolio, Verimatrix is providing revenue security for the Kwesé app and Kwesé Free Sports channel.

Kwesé TV has been developed to provide African consumers with a compelling alternative to the existing TV services in the region. Today, consumers can access premium live sports content, including the English Premier League, National Basketball Association (NBA), Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) and the National Football League (NFL), among others, on Android and iOS mobile devices through the app, FTA set-top boxes, and digital TVs with a built-in set-top box.

"It's an exciting time to be in the broadcasting and media industry in Africa, especially as viewers are looking for increased choice and quality in their programming, as well as more convenient access. We aim to fill the existing gap in the market by providing viewers across the African continent with premium quality content," said Joseph Hundah, Chief Executive Officer of Econet Media. "We recognize that we need to select the right partners in order for us to achieve our objectives, and security is an important aspect of our business. Verimatrix provides us with a scalable and cost-effective security solution."

The VCAS platform and its cardless security solutions are highly flexible to ensure that multi-network and hybrid video delivery can be easily combined with traditional broadcast content. This enables the delivery of on-demand services in a cost-efficient manner. With the VCAS architecture hybrid offerings are just as secure as linear services, and operators gain flexible configuration options to help them stay a step ahead of potential pirates.

"Econet has taken a unique approach to the African TV market with the disruptive Kwesé TV offering, and we are thrilled to be the security partner of choice for the region's freshest premium entertainment platform," said Steve Oetegenn, president of Verimatrix. "VCAS supports Kwesé TV's modern, cost effective approach to video delivery as it is designed to future proof the network by enabling Econet to add more advanced features on the same security platform as their service grows."

Verimatrix will illustrate how security solutions are at the core of all key monetization strategies for pay-TV and Internet video service at TV Connect Africa 2016 Booth #TV7, 15-17 November in Cape Town, South Africa. Geir Bjørndal, VP International Strategy, Sales Middle East and Africa, will present a lunchtime Masterclass session to show operators in Africa how to get started with interactive services over IP. For additional information or to book an appointment with Verimatrix during the show, please visit www.verimatrix.com/TVConnectAfrica2016.

About Econet Media
A subsidiary company of the globally networked Econet Group founded by Executive Chairman Strive Masiyiwa, Econet Media is a dynamic content business driving the development of Kwesé, a fresh new television brand. Created for Sub-Saharan African audiences, Kwesé is inspired by the 'TV everywhere' revolution. As such, a range of Kwesé products will be made available on satellite and internet based platforms, including video-on-demand and mobile options. Focused on providing premium, affordable, exclusive viewing choices, Kwesé products will offer sports, music, movies, series, kids, lifestyle, faith, news and other programming. Consumers will also benefit from the infrastructural strength of Econet Media sister companies, Liquid Telecom and Econet Wireless. Their expertise and capacity in the areas of mobile and fixed telephony services, broadband, internet, satellite and fibre optic networks will be utilized to establish Kwesé products.  In addition, Econet Media have invested intensively to build its own operational assets. www.kwese.com.

About Verimatrix
Verimatrix specializes in securing and enhancing revenue for multi-network, multi-screen digital TV services around the globe and is recognized as the global number one in revenue security for connected video devices. The award-winning and independently audited Verimatrix Video Content Authority System (VCAS™) family of solutions enable next-generation video service providers to cost-effectively extend their networks and enable new business models. The company has continued its technical innovation by offering the world's only globally interconnected revenue security platform, Verspective™ Intelligence Center, for automated system optimization and data collection/analytics.

Its unmatched partner ecosystem and close relationship with major studios, broadcasters and standards organizations enables Verimatrix to provide a unique advantage to video business issues beyond content security as operators introduce new services to leverage the proliferation of connected devices. Verimatrix is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company. For more information, please visit www.verimatrix.com, our Pay TV Views blog and follow us @verimatrixinc, Facebook and LinkedIn to join the conversation.

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SOURCE Verimatrix