YouFone signs tech deal with Amino group

Dutch mobile operator is refreshing its TV and OTT offering by signing a deal with entertainment tech provider Amino and sister company 24i.

YouFone initially launched its TV service in 2017 with what CEO Valentijn Rensing at the time said was a “hybrid model” and a platform developed by Huawei. Now, a little over two years after its launch, the MVNO is turning to 24i and Amino for a “next-generation viewing experience to meet and exceed the increasing demands of modern TV consumers.”

The solution will combine 24i’s Smart Video and Smart App video experience products along with Amino’s Amigo 7x Android STBs running on AminoOS, all managed through ENGAGE, Amino’s cloud-based service management platform. The deployment will provide transcoding, middleware, CDN and front-end applications for Android, iOS phones and tablets enabling live TV, catchup, restart and nPVR of approximately 100 channels. It is expected to launch in Q2 2020. 

Rensing said: “We are on a mission to challenge how TV services in the Netherlands are delivered by providing our customers with the most extensive and flexible viewing options combined with state-of-the-art features. 

The joint deployment is also the first to be offered by the companies since 24i was acquired by Amino in July. Rensing expressed his pleasure to “be the first company to benefit from the combined offering from Amino and 24i,” and said that the deal will enable the company to “take our TV and video experiences to the next level.”

Donald McGarva, Amino Group CEO said: “The expertise of the 24i and Amino teams combined with our joint technology solutions gives Youfone the competitive advantage of being able to adapt, grow and manage their TV and video services from one, dynamic platform.”

YouFone had initially aimed to reach 160,000 subscribers within three years. In August, the operator increased prices across the board, with its TV packages increasing by €4 per month.