Internet TV platform Iflix plans to launch in several African countries before the end of the year. The company’s spokesperson in South Africa, Jo Eyre said Iflix is focused on the lower end of the streaming market, and aims to launch with mobile network operators as partners, MyBroadband reported. It is talking to several local operators and discussions are going well, said Eyre.
Negotiations in other African markets are further along. Strategies Iflix is considering include zero-rating data used to stream video over a partner network, or bundle packages – for example, getting access to Iflix when buying a 250MB data bundle. Eyre said Iflix consumes less data than other services. Where Netflix and ShowMax need 2Mbps or 4Mbps connections, Iflix needs around 650kbps. Iflix also plans to launch at a much lower price point than rivals, and currently charges between USD 1.80 and USD 3.00 per month elsewhere in the world.
Local currency billing is supported. Eyre added that Iflix doesn’t see the likes of Netflix, ShowMax, ONTAPTV, or VU as direct competitors, though. It is instead focused on addressing a particular market segment and tackling the issue of film piracy at a grassroots level. Iflix will include the ability to download videos and watch them offline, and plans to launch a single catalogue for the whole of Africa. The service will feature a range of local content, which will be curated based on the region the user is in.
Reuters earlier reported that Liberty Global and Zain Group invested a total of USD 90 million into Iflix, together with existing shareholders Sky, venture capital firm Catcha Group and US-based merchant bank Evolution Media Capital.
