Telenet Launches STB-Less Subscriptions

Belgian cable operator Telenet is launching the new Yugo bundle offering software-based streaming TV service built entirely around the smartphone.

With the new STB-less offer the Liberty Global-owned operators is making bold move offering streaming TV to mobile phones with the possibility to cast the signal to a regular TV set using Apple TV or Google Chrome cast.

Aiming at a young audience the cabler said: “”Streaming YouTube, binge-watching new series, being able to discuss De Mol and Blind Getrouwd and, in anticipation of the new season, sharing memes and GIFs of Game of Thrones on WhatsApp: today’s millennials and digital savvies continually switch between screens and platforms for their entertainment. With YUugio, Telenet is focusing on this specific target group.”

Yugo will be available from February 19, at a cost of €100 per month. The subscription includes unlimited data and up to two SIM cards. The TV offer is so far limited to 20 channels, Eén, Canvas, Ketnet, VTM, Vitaya, Q2, Caz, VTM Kids JR, VTM Kids, Vier, Vijf, Zes, Discovery Vlaanderen, MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr, Viceland, Fox , National Geographic.

The subscription also includes 200 Mbps fixed internet, 20 GB mobile data and 150 minutes of calls. The subscriber also has access to Telenet’s on-demand service Play offering movies and TV series.

“Yugo focuses on the requirements of a specific target group – sometimes referred to as ‘freestylers’ because of their free and easy lifestyle – who watch television in a different way, starting from their central device, the smartphone,” commented Jeroen Bronselaer, marketing representative at Telenet.

“We aim to achieve this with a tailored offer that includes local, international, live and on-demand content, supported by optimal connectivity. This particular group is currently used to composing their video bundle completely independently. It is not our intention to take on this role again on their behalf, Yugo aims to establish a place in their selection of must-have apps.”

Broadband TV Views. Telent is not the first Belgian operator to offer a TV product based on mobile, competitor Proximus has a TV bundle available combing a fixed line, mobile data, Proximus TV and Netflix for €80 per month.

The new offer is built around the smartphone and does away with the set-top box, instead relying on casting technologies such as Chromecast and Apple TV.―IPTV Greece