DStv mobile streaming solution for MTN users (better than previous Vodacom one)
Posted on November 11, 2011Yesterday I received a press release from DStv Mobile about a new partnership with MTN to launch a 3G streaming Mobile TV Service. At first I wasn’t very excited about this, they have a similar product with Vodacom, which at first sounded interesting but was hamstrung by a ridiculous acceptable usage agreement which restricts you to 45 minutes per week (180 per month). That doesn’t even get you through a single T20 game, and hardly through two rugby matches. Crazy indeed.
On receiving the press release I immediately fired off a mail to Maiyo checking what the acceptable use of the new solution was. If it was the same (or similar) to the Vodacom one I wasn’t going to bother posting about it as it wouldn’t in my opinion be worth the subscription.
I am very happy to say that the response is a very positive one, no bandwidth / usage restrictions. You will use your own bandwidth to browse to the MTN Play website and get the video stream running, but you won’t pay for or be restricted in usage of the video stream itself. What a different that makes. For those who don’t want to buy a DStv Drifta, or have the hassle of carrying a second device (or don’t have client software available for their device) this is a really viable alternate. Well done to MTN and DStv mobile for improving significantly on the Vodacom offering.
I haven’t tested the service so can’t tell you how well it works, but based on the information provided it does look good. The FAQ on the DStv web site (link here) claims the service will work on most 2.5G or 3G cell phones (however it doesn’t work on the iPhone or a device only using the Opera Mini web browser). Still, that includes more devices than it excludes.
Press release below :
Today DStv Mobile in partnership with telecommunications operator MTN launched a 3G streaming Mobile TV service that will allow MTN subscribers to watch DStv channels on their handsets.
The service will commence operations on 15 November 2011.
MTN subscribers who subscribe to this service will now watch 11 channels for a subscription of R40 per month or R15 per week. (Terms and conditions apply, visit www.mtn.co.za on your mobile phone)
“We are very excited that the service is now available to a wider audience on different platforms. Our broadcast mobile TV service has been available from MTN for close to a year and bringing mobile TV on a 3G platform is a natural progression of our partnership,” says Mark Rayner General Manager: DStv Mobile South Africa.
Great sport channels include Live on SuperSport and SuperSport Blitz, for the latest news and highlights from sports fields around the world.
Africa’s leader in music television Channel O and the non-stop music videos on TRACE Urban will keep music lovers entertained. Kids can enjoy top toon stars on Cartoon Network and adults can take a walk down memory lane with vintage cartoons on Boomerang Mobile.
Additional channels include the celebrated AfricaMagic, a channel with extensive African content from movies to game-shows; international current affairs channel CNN, SawSee, a movie trailer channel for all the latest Hollywood blockbusters and E! Entertainment Mobile, your front row seat to the latest Hollywood glitz and scandal.
Says Mapula Bodibe, MTN South Africa General Manager: Consumer Marketing: “This service is in response to the needs of our customers who are demanding offerings that are seamless, instantaneous and offer ease of use. We believe that this service will offer value to our customers; coupled with our network capability, we are certain that their experience will be seamless. The affordability of the service will ensure that our customers always enjoy value-added services that are simple and convenient.”
The service will be available to all MTN subscribers and works on 3G compatible handsets that can connect to MTN Play (www.mtnplay.co.za). Check out www.dstvmobile.com for more information.
Tags: 3g devices, drifta, DSTV, dstv mobile, mobile tv, MTN, streaming
Categories: Fun things to do, Gadgets, Mobile
cant download it for ma Z10
08.04.2013 16:24
hi Emule
I also subscribe the service now but i have not receive any instruction as to how can I start enjoy the streaming service like where do I go, etc What web address I must type in, etc. Pelase help.
26.07.2012 15:51
Hey.I subscribed to the service and all…but when I’m streaming it,it has a problem with the video….and its only saying buffering….I swear in about an week I only watched 12 seconds of tv on mobile!!!!!!!!!!!
12.06.2012 08:43
Yeah, the streaming is not an ideal solution. The broadcast mobile service with the Drifta is a much better option if you have coverage in your area. Justin
19.06.2012 22:57