Faster Internet to drive APAC OTT market

OTT video market in APAC region is set to grow owing to the better bandwidth, 4G coverage, smartphone and pay-TV penetration, payment options, and rising per capita income. According to a recent report from GlobalData, these factors collectively expected to drive the OTT video market in this region.

The share of 4G mobile connections was pegged at 26.2 percent of the region’s total at the end of 2016, which is expected to surge to 53.9 percent by 2022, offering ample opportunities for OTT players in the years to come.

GlobalData analyst Malcolm Rogers said: “OTT players can expect rosy days ahead in APAC region. Apart from expansion of 4G, the availability of low priced smartphones and a sizable population of internet users in the region will also support the growth of OTT video market.”

Big players such as Netflix and Amazon have entered the APAC region in 2016. Local players such as Viu, Hotstar, and iFlix are strategizing to expand their user base by combining international content to their local content for low priced monthly plans. In order to beat the competition, some OTT providers have started focusing on providing enhanced user experience in terms of HD/UHD, linear and AR/VR content.

Expansion of LTE and the introduction of 5G will also give a further boost to the market, as the OTT players will be able to provide enhanced user experience in terms of HD/UHD, linear and AR/VR content going forward.