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Naspers could dominate the mobile space as virtual network operator


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Frost & Sullivan believes Naspers could be set to dominate the African MVNO space, driving demand through various forms of premium content.

 

The advisory firm recently highlighted the top technology trend predictions for 2017, among them the need for the adoption of content intensive strategies among mobile network operators (MNOs).

 

This view, according to Mauritz Venter, an ICT research analyst Frost & Sullivan, is based on the assumption that over-the-top services will continue to negatively impact the average revenue per use (ARPU) of MNOs across the continent and the globe.

 

Venter pointed out that local operator Cell-C has responded to these threats by hosting MVNOs on its network, dramatically improving client acquisition rates and revenue growth, whilst forming partnerships with over-the-top content providers (OTTs) rather than attempting to slow their growth.

 

“This strategy seems to be catching on, as African telecoms giant, MTN, has expressed interest in hosting mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) on its network,” he said.

 

With Naspers actively searching for MNO partners to launch its video on demand services across Africa, the real question is why stop there, asked Venter.

 

“Naspers has an unassailable advantage in terms of content production, whether news, sports, entertainment or eCommerce. This is the sort of content that could see ARPU among MNOs rise dramatically, and makes Naspers a leading candidate for a content based MVNO servicing the entire African continent,” the analyst said.

 

He noted that the plethora of content Naspers could provide through an MVNO service would have mass appeal, and currently faces no direct competition.

 

“Content could be viewed through once off payment models, monthly subscriptions to specific content and channels, or a premium package including all content.

 

“By staggering content packages, Naspers could maintain demand across various income groups, and is sure to counter the effects of diminishing clients in the pay TV sector; all while the host MNO benefits from an increasing client base prone to data intensive activities.

 

“Furthermore, Naspers can use its new platforms to promote eCommerce, particularly with its partner Takealot.com, enhancing the geographic reach of one of Africa’s leading online retailers,” Venter said.

 

Naspers could mitigate the challenge of the cost of data in Africa with relative ease, as it has two major competitive advantages.

 

“The first response would be to allow for third party advertising on the Naspers MVNO platform, as this would notably be premium advertising space, allowing for targeted advertising through the use of big data analytics, thereby increasing its value. The revenue generated through advertising space could be used to subsidise client network costs.

 

“A second strategic move would be to acquire an African content producer like Tuluntulu that is geared towards low bandwidth mobile video streaming,” Venter said.

 

A final challenge will be speed to market. Naspers is accustomed to launching products and services internationally; however, reaching the African mobile market is the expertise of MTN.

 

MTN is searching for an MVNO to host, in order to improve turnover following a challenging 2016. Hosting a content intensive MVNO, powered by Naspers, is sure to improve the ailing MNOs bottom line, Frost & Sullivan said

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