Ericsson has officially released ‘Nuvu’ a digital content platform in Kenya aimed at providing low cost data and entertainment content.

The Sweden-based technology company has also called upon telecommunication companies in Kenya to increase their reach and satisfy consumers’ desire to view more content “on the go”.

According to the communication technology provider, the move is a forecast that by 2020, video traffic will comprise 60 per cent of all mobile data traffic.

“For service providers determined to increase their revenue and market reach, developing a mobile video streaming service creates a means to tap into the growing potential of video content consumption,” said Robert Rudin, Country Manager, Ericsson Kenya.

According to Mr Rudin, the service is readily available for telecommunication companies and content makers looking to deliver content virtually to smartphone owners.

The Subscription-based Mobile Video on Demand (SVoD) service is expected to further grow content consumption in Kenya.

Through the mobile platform, consumers will save on cost used for downloads at the same time increasing traction for mobile service providers.

ILLEGAL CONTENT

Ericsson aims to reduce access to illegal content once service operators adopt ‘Nuvu’. Through offline scheduling, users will be able to access content without necessarily paying for data.

Early this year, Bernsoft Group, Intellectual Property Owners Association of Kenya (IPO) and Data Rights Management filed a suit against telecommunications companies in Kenya for failing to control illegal downloads and streaming of content.

This is a clear indication that consumers might be inclined to pay for high-quality content in a bundle, combining data fees with content subscription.

As a result, illegal access of content has strained the copyright of business owners therefore strangling the creative industry.

To reduce the fraud in the industry, telcos have resulted to focus their investments on building high technology networks to allow flexible data bundle costs and packages.

Ericsson however advices that the mobile service providers invest in reasonably priced legal Video on Demand (VoD) services to accommodate both content makers and audiences.

Viewers will access over 3,000 videos on demand content that will often be upgraded to suite the audience’s preference.