12/14/2017

NCTC Looks to MobiTV for IP Video

NCTC selected MobiTV as a partner to provide IP-based video to its 800-plus members. While the co-op has deals in place with companies such as Ericsson’s Mediaroom and Minerva Networks, pres/CEO Rich Fickle said the deal represents NCTC’s most advanced all-IP solution to-date. It’s not an exclusive arrangement, meaning other companies will likely be added down the road. NCTC decided about 18 months ago to seek out an IP-based video solution for members, putting out an RFI.

“Twenty companies, many of which are in the current cable space as suppliers, responded. What was clear to us is that a lot of these companies are in the midst of trying to re-think their roadmaps and their directions as well given the changes in the marketplace,” Fickle said. “MobiTV seemed to us to be the furthest along. They have a capability and mindset that may allow them to move quicker than maybe some of the other more traditional companies. Their mindset is one of developing new features every six to eight weeks as opposed to maybe once or twice a year.”

Operators don’t need to deploy set-tops for MobiTV given that it’s compatible with retail devices such as Roku, Apple TV, connected TV devices, PCs, tablets and mobile phones. MobiTV’s solution doesn’t go over the open internet, operating on a closed, managed network solution. That’s key so that content providers aren’t concerned about security or possible license breaches.

“We’ve had a longstanding relationship with content providers, certainly in the mobile and web space for a long time. This is for the long haul. We want to make sure this is a platform that can grow and develop over time,” said MobiTV CEO/chmn Charlie Nooney. MobiTV counts C Spire as a client and recently inked deals with NCTC members, including DirectLink, Citizens Fiber, USA Communication and Hickory Telephone.

http://www.cablefax.com/programming/nctc-looks-to-mobitv-for-ip-video