VimpelCom taps Kaltura for next-gen TV

Veon-owned Russian service provider VimpelCom is using technology provider Kaltura’s TV Platform for its recently launched advanced Beeline TV service.

Beeline customers are now able to access hundreds of live channels, video-on-demand and catch-up TV through a new set-top box, as well as on connected TVs and mobile handsets, through a single, intuitive user experience. The deployment is designed to replace Beeline’s legacy pay TV offering.

Kaltura says that its technology has given Beeline  extra flexibility in terms of monetization with multiple payment and pay-per-view options, including in-app purchases and micro-subscriptions.

In addition to providing the underlying technology, Kaltura is the systems integrator, working with third-parties to deliver an end-to-end solution. This includes a set of custom applications built for Beeline TV by Kaltura partners, including Oxagile, an international provider of software development services, developed applications for Android, iOS, Smart TVs, and other devices. iWedia, the software and solutions provider for TV devices, developed the Beeline TV Android set-top box application and middleware, and the underlying content delivery network and multicast technology was provided by Broadpeak.

VimpelCom is the first Veon operating company to launch the service, which follows less than one year of development between the companies, according to Kaltura. The potential for launches in other markets where Veon operates is being considered.

“This new service is a great example of the fixed-mobile convergence strategy and ongoing digital transformation across VEON, helping deliver even better services to customers. Kaltura was chosen because of their proven track record in helping top operators deliver a transformative TV service. The joint expertise and knowledge of the teams at VEON, PJSC VimpelCom and Kaltura has enabled us to launch an extremely complex product, covering eleven different time zones across Russia very quickly,” said George Held, chief digital officer at VimpelCom.

“PJSC VimpelCom is a digital company with a strong vision and a desire to give its customers the ultimate TV experience. We share their vision, which is why our partnership works so well. We are honored to be powering the Beeline TV service. We look forward to continuing our collaboration,” said Shay David, Kaltura co-founder, president and general manager of Kaltura’s media and telecom business unit.

Kaltura will exhibit at IBC in Hall 2 Stand B41