Hong Kong-based telecommunications company PCCW is planning to launch a video-on-demand (VOD) service, possibly as early as next week, that will challenge the recently launched ShowMax from technology and media giant Naspers, according to a report.
Bloomberg said on Wednesday, quoting two unnamed sources, that PCCW, which is controlled by billionaire Richard Li, will launch the service after acquiring VOD specialist Vuclip in March. The intention, according to the news wire, is to expand the service to new markets, including countries in Africa.
The news comes just weeks after Naspers launched ShowMax and a year before the world’s largest VOD company, Netflix, is expected to be launched in the South African market.
ShowMax has been established outside of MultiChoice, another Naspers subsidiary, which dominates the satellite pay-television market in South Africa.
The PCCW service will compete not only with ShowMax, but with MTN’s FrontRow and Times Media Group’s Vidi. — © 2015 NewsCentral Media