Vodacom is in discussions with Naspers about streaming ShowMax over the mobile operator\u2019s networks in Africa, Bloomberg reported.<\/p>\n
Citing people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg reported that the agreement would give Naspers additional distribution channels for its fledgling video on demand (VOD) service \u2013 which is set to launch on 19 August 2015.<\/p>\n
Initially, ShowMax will target South Africa\u2019s fixed-line broadband subscribers, but Bloomberg\u2019s sources said that in three years it will be accessed mostly by smart device users across Africa.<\/p>\n
A spokesperson for Vodacom told Bloomberg that the discussions were still ongoing, and that they are in line with the operator\u2019s business strategy.<\/p>\n
News that Naspers will launch a Netflix competitor emerged last week, along with details that the group had invested in UAE-based VOD platform Icflix.<\/p>\n
It is believed that Naspers will officially unveil ShowMax this week, and it is expected that the service will come in a free and premium tier.<\/p>\n
The free tier \u2013 ShowMax Basic \u2013 will offer a limited selection of the service\u2019s content, while ShowMax Premium is set to cost R99 per month and allow two devices to stream from the service simultaneously at resolutions of up to 720p.<\/p>\n
SA Netflix competitor ShowMax for R99 per month<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Name of Naspers\u2019 new Netflix competitor revealed<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Vodacom trials streaming video services<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n