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Buffering business models

Streaming services and telcos: A match made in heaven…for now

At the moment, telecom companies are bundling streaming services such as Eros Now and Netflix with data packs. This drives data consumption for telcos and helps streaming platforms gain viewers. But the current arrangement isn’t sustainable. How will it evolve?

04/09/18

Shashidhar KJ

Eros and other video streaming platforms are growing their paid subscriber base through partnerships with telecom operators

Eros, for example, grew its paid subscriber base from 100,000 to 10.1 million in the past three years

Currently, it is a symbiotic relationship where video streaming is increasing data consumption and telcos cover the costs

But newer business models have to emerge as this honeymoon period won’t last forever

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It’s 5.30PM on Thursday, 23 August, but the offices of film production house Eros International in Andheri, Mumbai, are buzzing with activity. Meetings are still being held. Calls are being made. Tea is being served. This is unusual in Mumbai, where most office-going people leave their desks at this time to avoid the rush hour….

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