By Thandisizwe Mgudlwa
Exset, pioneers of TV ecosystems for emerging markets, recently launched its Digital Monetisation System (DMS) in Africa.
The DMS facilitates the transformation and monetisation of television platforms across Africa, assisting in the closing of the digital divide.
And the Africa Page is a new and unique way of increasing operator revenues in value-based digital television networks.
Furthermore, DMS, already an award-winning solution – bridges the gap between technology and value-added services creating digital television platforms that can be monetised where previously impossible, allowing populations to benefit from new information and entertainment services while partnering governments to achieve digital switchover and bringing a social transformation.
DMS is designed to power the Africa Page – an interactive digital service for broadcast television networks like DTT/DTH across Africa, particularly where internet/computer penetration and literacy presents a challenge.
“This service is a new and unique way of increasing operator revenues in value-based digital television networks. Across Africa, the TV screen offers the most potent and low-cost way of reaching populations on the wrong side of the digital divide. The Africa page provides a gateway to the world of government information services (health/education), magazine services, teleshopping, games, to name a few. The Africa Page will empower consumers, helping to increase knowledge and engagement with wider society,” read a statement.
While Rahul Nehra, Global Head Sales & Chief Marketing Officer, said: “The digital divide is a very real economic and socioeconomic issue and DMS is now a key weapon in tackling it. DMS is not about television but about digital transformation. By providing new revenue streams through interactive public services and interactive advertising revenues, the Africa Page allows operators to provide services to populaces that have so far not been able to receive or afford them. It also facilitates the rollout of free-to-air systems by providing alternative revenue streams. The model proposes to drive revenues to the extent that the digitisation process becomes self-financing in three-five years.”
In addition, the consortium that Exset establishes – which will vary in detail from deployment to deployment – is a 360 degree approach: every element of digitisation is included, from technology through the business services required to manage and monetise, on to key content suppliers including: Government services and education updates, teleshopping and local services to name a few. This brings an unparalleled, yet affordable experience to the developing countries.