Main One, India’s Tata Communications in deal to offer Video Connect service in Nigeria

By Olubunmi Adeniyi

Lagos. July 17, 2012. Tata Communications’ Video Connect Network has been extended into Nigeria as it ties up a deal with Main One Cable Company, Nigeria’s frontline undersea optic fibre cable company.

The Video Connect service will allow broadcast and production companies in Nigeria to distribute their live video content worldwide as well as enhance international broadcasters’ reach into the local market.

Following increasing demand for high-quality video capability in and out of Nigeria, Tata Communications’ partnership with Main One connects its global video network to an expansive local fibre network, creating a dedicated video network connecting to key broadcasters as well as production and post-production houses in Africa, both companies have announced.

According to Tata, the Video Connect network offers new levels of scalability and bandwidth supported by Tata Communications’ round-the-world, wholly-owned, sub-sea fibre network and Main One’s cable between Europe and West Africa.

“Video content transfer can be purchased on a permanent or per-hour basis, opening up new opportunities for Nigerian companies through flexible payment options. The Video Connect network can carry both live and file-based content. Seamless worldwide transmission is now possible through 300+ connected media hotspots including key cable and Direct-to-Home (DTH) headends, as well as production and post-production houses around the world”, they said.

Senior Vice President, Global Network Services, Tata Communications, Genius Wong said “at Tata Communications we have always focused on giving our media customers access to key media hotspots for delivery of broadcast quality video for contribution and distribution across the globe.

Wong notes that “this extension of Video Connect reach, together with our existing presence in South Africa and our global Video network, will further enhance the value proposition for our customers, allowing the distribution of premium broadcast quality content into and out of Africa.”

Commenting on the partnership, Chief Executive Officer, Main One, Funke Opeke says that, “we are proud to be part of this ground-breaking partnership, bringing new opportunities not only for Nigeria, but Africa as a whole.

Main One Cable high quality fibre network, coupled with Tata Communication’s international expertise and global network will open up a new world of opportunities for video coming in and out of the African region, as well as create new business opportunities for studios, broadcasters, production and pre-production companies throughout Nigeria, Opeke promises.

This expansion of the reach of Tata Communications’ Video Connect Network in Africa complements its South African Video Connect presence via its subsidiary company, Neotel. Coupled with the recent completion of the world’s first wholly owned sub-sea network cable which rings the globe, the company is unrivalled for global connectivity.

Tata Communications is a leading global provider of a new world of communications. With a leadership position in emerging markets.
The company leverages its advanced solutions capabilities and domain expertise across its global and pan-India network to deliver managed solutions to multi-national enterprises, service providers and Indian consumers.