eMedia launches Openview Stream: Why South Africans can’t watch it yet

eMedia has officially launched Openview Stream, Africa’s first independent Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) platform, marking a major milestone for free online television across the continent.

However, while the new streaming service is now available in several African countries, South Africans will not be able to access the live platform for now.

According to eMedia, the decision comes down to one major factor: South Africa’s high mobile and broadband data costs, which currently make the service commercially challenging to offer locally.

What is Openview Stream?

Openview Stream is a Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) platform that allows viewers to watch live television channels over the internet without paying a monthly subscription fee.

Unlike subscription-based streaming services, FAST platforms are funded through advertising, giving viewers access to free live television on compatible smart TVs, streaming devices and web browsers.

The launch makes Openview the first independent broadcaster in Africa to introduce a FAST streaming platform.

Where is Openview Stream available?

Openview Stream is currently available in the following African countries:

• Botswana
• Ghana
• Kenya
• Mauritius
• Namibia
• Rwanda
• Zambia

Viewers in these countries can stream a range of live regional and international channels through their internet browser or supported connected TV devices.

Why isn’t Openview Stream available in South Africa?

Although Openview is one of South Africa’s largest free-to-air television platforms, the company says local internet costs remain too high to support the launch of the FAST service.

Rather than introducing a service that could become expensive for viewers to use, eMedia has opted to delay the South African rollout until market conditions improve.

No official launch date for South Africa has been announced.

How can South Africans watch Openview online?

While the live FAST platform isn’t available locally, there are still official ways to access Openview content.

Watch Openview On-Demand

South African viewers can watch a library of free catch-up content through the official Openview On-Demand Hub.

The service allows users to enjoy selected local programmes online without a monthly subscription.

Use the Openview OV512 Wi-Fi Decoder

Households with an Openview satellite installation can also use the OV512 Wi-Fi Decoder.

When connected to both an Openview satellite dish and a home Wi-Fi network, the decoder unlocks additional online features, including the +More on-demand video library and streaming extensions.

What is a FAST platform?

FAST stands for Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television.

Instead of charging viewers a subscription fee, FAST platforms generate revenue through advertising while providing access to live television channels over the internet.

Globally, FAST services have experienced rapid growth as viewers increasingly look for free alternatives to traditional pay-TV and subscription streaming services.

Will Openview Stream launch in South Africa?

For now, South Africans will have to wait.

eMedia says the country’s high data costs remain the biggest obstacle to launching the service locally.

If internet prices become more affordable, Openview Stream could eventually become available to South African viewers.

Until then, Openview users can continue watching content through the Openview On-Demand Hub or by using the OV512 Wi-Fi Decoder with an existing satellite installation.

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