Sentech Launches Freevision Play: A Free Streaming Platform to Rival SABC+ and Openview

State-owned broadcaster Sentech has unveiled Freevision Play, a new free streaming television platform designed to compete with SABC+ and eMedia’s Openview.

Freevision Play, described by Sentech as a “ground-breaking over-the-top video streaming platform,” offers free access to a diverse selection of local and community TV and radio channels.

“Freevision Play is accessible to anyone with an internet connection and can be used on smartphones, tablets, and smart televisions,” Sentech announced in a statement on Wednesday. The service can be accessed via freevisionplay.co.za, and an app is available for major smartphone operating systems.

Upon visiting the Freevision Play website, TechCentral noted that SABC channels were not available. However, the platform did offer various community channels such as Soweto TV, Cape Town TV, and the Brics Africa Channel. There was also a limited selection of radio stations, but no SABC channels or major commercial channels were available.

Sentech highlighted the platform’s educational, informational, and entertainment content, aiming to foster nationwide learning and engagement.

“For broadcasters, Freevision Play presents an innovative solution to reach a wider audience without incurring the high costs associated with creating and maintaining their own OTT platforms and aggregating audiences,” the statement continued.

“By joining Freevision Play, broadcasters can expand their viewership, engage more effectively with their audience, and generate additional revenue through advertising. Freevision Play handles the upfront investment costs, creating a multi-tenant platform that offers viewers and listeners a diverse range of choices while providing broadcasters with new audiences.”

Sentech emphasized that Freevision Play is “completely free to access,” including on-demand catch-up content without a subscription fee, ensuring that everyone, regardless of economic status, can benefit from the platform’s offerings.

The launch of Freevision Play builds on Sentech’s existing Freevision brand, which currently offers a direct-to-home satellite television service. The number of viewers for the Freevision satellite service remains unknown but is presumed to be limited.

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