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Entertainment & Content

  • New entertainment and content services including IPTV, online video, games, music, publishing
  • Telco's opportunity to work with content providers (e.g. Hollywood) and aggegators (e.g. Media) to create new business models.
  • Please see below for current content, and for future content please see here.

New Content (Use "Search" or "more articles" to find more)

  Netflix: Threat or Opportunity?

Netflix’s success in the US and in Western Europe has demonstrated that consumers are willing to change how they watch and pay for TV and movies.  As a result Netflix’s OTT proposition is challenging traditional pay TV models and changing how new broadband services are looking at content.  For some players Netflix is a threat and for others an opportunity.  So, how should content owners, channels, pay platforms and broadband providers respond? (February 2015 UPDATE, Executive Briefing Service, Dealing with Disruption Stream.)

  Dealing With Disruption: Agenda 2015

The multi-trillion dollar commerce, communications and content markets are developing fast, and Google, Amazon, Apple, Facebook and others are key disruptive forces. The Dealing with Disruption Stream covers this, plus: the roles for telcos and others, strategies for success, key emerging players, how to compete / collaborate, case studies of disruptive innovation and competion, and principles and lessons for innovation and defence from all markets. (November 2014, Dealing with Disruption Stream.)

Dealing with Disruption Stream Overview
  Triple-Play in the USA: Infrastructure Pays Off

Verizon and Comcast have invested in high bandwidth fibre and cable networks, whereas AT&T has until recently focused on U-Verse, an IPTV play. Which strategy is winning out and why? The answer is surprising and may transform the US and other markets, and there are parallels with Apple and Samsung’s ‘deep value’ strategies of investing in assets that are hard to replicate. (May 2014, Executive Briefing Service, Future of the Networks Stream).

Triple Play in USA: Infrastructure Pays Off
  Digital Entertainment: What Gets Measured Gets Money
For mobile entertainment services to generate revenues commensurate to the attention they receive, the industry needs to improve 'discovery' tools, create more effective creative inventory, and deliver proof of its effectiveness. A summary of the Digital Entertainment 2.0 session of the 2013 Silicon Valley Brainstorm, held on the 20th March 2013, Intercontinental Hotel, San Francisco. (April 2013)

Digital Entertainment 2.0: What Gets Measured Gets Money
  The Great Compression: surviving the 'Digital Hunger Gap'
In the next 10 years, many industries face the 'Great Compression' in which, in addition to the pressures of ongoing global economic uncertainty, there is also a major digital transformation that is destroying traditional value and moving it 'disruptively' to new areas and geographies. For the incumbent industry players we call the near-term results of this disruption 'The Digital Hunger Gap' – the widening deficit between past and projected revenues. This is our analysis of the top-level findings of the Silicon Valley Executive Brainstorm. (March 2013, Executive Briefing Service, Transformation Stream.)

10 Year Hunger Gap Mar 2013
  Digital Entertainment 2.0: Report and analysis of the Silicon Valley Event 2012
Digital Entertainment 2.0: A summary of the Digital Entertainment 2.0 session, held on the 28th March 2012, Marriott Hotel, San Francisco, part of the New Digital Economics Silicon Valley event. The Brainstorm explored how reduce complexity in Mobile Video, the opportunities in Social TV, new ways to monetize content in a multi-platform world, and the role of telcos in creating alternative enabling platforms.

Digital Entertainment 2.0: Event Summary Analysis Presentation
  Mobile TV: going 'Round The Side' of telco networks?
Dyle TV, a new mobile TV broadcast network (supported by Fox), was presented at the Silicon Valley Brainstorm against the backdrop of Cisco's VNI (Visual Networking Index) research on forecast growth in mobile video traffic. It was argued that Dyle's model can both take the pressure off mobile operator data capacity by taking video traffic ‘round the side’ and make good use of TV broadcasters’ spectrum. Could this model work, not only in the US but elsewhere around the world? (May 2012, Executive Briefing Service)

Doc Searls, Telco 2.0 Video Still April 2012
  Digital Entertainment 2.0: Silicon Valley Executive Brainstorm 2012, Day Two (Wednesday 28 March)
New Business Models in a multi-screen, 3D/HD, mobile world . Presentations, votes, output and analysis from the Digital Entertainment 2.0 stream of the New Digital Economics Brainstorm, 28th March 2012, in San Francisco. (March 2012)

Digital Entertainment 2.0 Silicon Valley March 2012
  Strategy 2.0: Google's Strategic Identity Crisis
Google's shares have made little headway recently despite its dominance in search and advertising, and it faces increasing regulatory threats in this area. It either needs to find new sources of value growth or start paying out dividends, like Microsoft, Apple (or indeed, a telco). Overall, this is resulting in something of a strategic identity crisis. A review of Google's strategy and implications for Telcos. (March 2012, Executive Briefing Service, Dealing with Disruption Stream).

Google's Advertising Revenues Cascade
  Dealing with the 'Disruptors': Google, Apple, Facebook, Microsoft/Skype and Amazon (Updated Extract)
An extract from our 284 page, 124 chart, strategy report that analyses the business models, markets, objectives, strategies and modus operandi of the major adjacent players, and their current and future impact on the telecoms industry. The report identifies the areas and options for competition and co-operation, and outlines potential strategies for interacting with each player. It also draws the combined activities of the digital empires - telcos, so called 'OTT players' and others - into the context of the new 'Great Game', the battle for power and value in the emerging digital economy. (Page updated February 2012, report published November 2011, Dealing with Disruption stream) Google Apple Facebook Microsoft Skype Amazon Telco 2.0 Disruptor Report Cover
  APAC Nov/Dec 2011 Brainstorm - Digital Entertainment 2.0
Digital Entertainment 2.0. Presentations on Telemedia Futures by Gerd Leonhard, Futurist, Author and CEO, The Futures Agency, The Evolving Digital Entertainment Landscape by Keith McMahon, Lead Analyst, Digital Entertainment 2.0 Initiative, Tablets and TV experiences by Dave Ulmer, Singtel and Innovators Showcase by Jennifer Fellows, Vice President, Charging, Billing & Mediation, CSG, at the New Digital Economics & CSG APAC Executive Forum in November/December 2011.

Digital Entertainment 2.0 Presentations
  Digital Entertainment 2.0: Report and analysis of the event
Digital Entertainment 2.0: A summary of the findings of the Digital Entertainment 2.0 workshop, 8th November 2011, held in the Guoman Hotel, London.

Digital Entertainment 2.0: Event Summary Analysis Presentation
  Digital Entertainment 2.0: Consumers and Piracy (The Diffusion Group Presentation)
Digital Entertainment 2.0: Consumers and Piracy. Presentation by Colin Dixon, Senior Partner, The Diffusion Group, at the EMEA Executive Brainstorm in November 2011.

Digital Entertainment: Consumers and Piracy Presentation
  Customer Experience 2.0: Orange Device Experiences (Orange Presentation)
Customer Experience: Orange Devices Experience. Yves Maitre, SVP Mobile Multimedia & Devices, on evolving from the walled garden to the app store to the "digital coach". Presentation from EMEA Brainstorm, November 2011.
  Connected TV: Forecasts and Winners/Losers (UK Case Study)
Our in-depth look at the UK’s highly competitive digital TV market which reflects many global trends, such as competition between different types of content distributor (LoveFilm, YouTube, Virgin Media, BBC, BSkyB, BT, etc.), channel proliferation, new devices used for viewing,  and the increasing prevalence of connected TVs. What are the key trends and who will be the winners and losers? (August 2011, Executive Briefing Service)

Chart from Connected TV Figure 2 telco 2.0
  Broadband 2.0: Mobile CDNs and video distribution
Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) are becoming familiar in the fixed broadband world as a means to improve the experience and reduce the costs of delivering bulky data like online video to end-users. Is there now a compelling need for their mobile equivalents, and if so, should operators partner with existing players or build / buy their own? (August 2011, Executive Briefing Service, Future of the Networks Stream).

Telco 2.0 Six Key Opportunity Types Chart July 2011
  Apple iCloud/iOS: Killing SMS Softly?
Our analysis of how Apple's iCloud, iOS5, and MacOS developments build value and control for Apple's digital platform, and their consequences on other parts of the digital ecosystem, including the impact of iMessage on text messaging. (June 2011, Executive Briefing Service)

Apple iCloud logo in analysis of impact of iCloud/iOS on digital ecosystem
  Appstore 2.0: Amazon Vs Apple & Google
Amazon is probably the Internet's best retailer. As it launches its own AppStore, we provide a detailed analysis of its digital media business and pick out the key opportunities it offers to content owners, network service providers and manufacturers. (March 2011, Executive Briefing Service, Dealing with Disruption Stream).

  Tablet Frenzy: Network Poison or Economic Palliative?
The success of the iPad2 has been seen by some as a sign of a paradigm shift in computing. With their theoretical appeal as a new portable medium for online video consumption could tablets have a significant impact on communications networks and economics? Here is Telco 2.0’s market outlook. (March 2011)


  YouTube: Recent improvements could change the game (again)
YouTube’s recent improvements to its business model and balance sheet make it much more attractive to content owners. In this article we explain these developments and examine the wider implications for all players the market. (March 2011, Executive Briefing Service, Dealing with Disruption Stream)
  Digital Entertainment 2.0: Telcos risk missing the UltraViolet online video opportunity
2011 sees the introduction of the UltraViolet digital locker platform by DECE, a consortium led by 6 of the 7 top Hollywood studios and backed by 50 cross-industry heavyweights, to support the transition of film and TV to online distribution. What opportunities will telcos miss if they fail to engage? (March 2011, Executive Briefing Service)
  Augmented Reality: Is there a valuable role for telcos?
An introduction to Augmented Reality (AR) including: key industry players; latest developments; and the AR ecosystem. The key strategic question is what role should telcos play? Three possible roles are outlined. (February 2011, Executive Briefing Service)
  Telcos vs. Internet Players: Act before it’s too late
There's less than 3 years for telcos to take advantage of key strategic ‘control points’ in their battle for sustainable growth in the communications and e-commerce markets, concluded delegates at the Telco 2.0 EMEA Brainstorm in November. How should they think differently about their value and where do they need to (re)focus their attention? Full report from the Brainstorm. (December 2010, Executive Briefing Service, Dealing with Disruption Stream, Executive Briefing Service)
  $Multi-Billion Telco 2.0 Growth Opportunities in North America: Can Telcos Act in Time?
An initial summary of the key out-takes from the 10th Telco 2.0 Americas Executive Brainstorm (incorporating Digital Entertainment 2.0) held in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, October 28-29, 2010. 92% of participants agreed it is time to make either a step change in key functions (34%) or initiate a fundamental transformation (58%) in the next 12-18 months. (November 2010, Executive Briefing Service, Transformation Stream.)
  Facebook: Moving into Telco Space?
Telco 2.0’s analysis of Facebook’s business model shows that the social networking giant may need to turn to communications for much needed new revenues. (October 2010, Executive Briefing Service)
  Entertainment 2.0: New Sources of Revenue for Telcos?
Telco assets and capabilities could be used much more to help Film, TV and Gaming companies optimize their beleaguered business model. An extract from our new 38 page Executive Briefing report examining the opportunities for ‘Hollywood’ and telcos. (August 2010, Foundation 2.0)
  Telco 2.0 in Hollywood: ‘There’s Gold in Them Thar Hills’
'Hollywood' and Telecoms are eyeing the prospects of making (more) money from online video distribution. But how should they develop their strategies, and can they collaborate for greater mutual benefit? An initial report from the 1st Hollywood-Telco International Executive Brainstorm held in Los Angeles on 5th May. (May 2010, Executive Briefing Service)
  The Impact of Netflix: Can Telcos Help Hollywood?
As Apple’s business model transformed digital music, the success of Netflix’s subscription business model is changing the dynamics of the Film and TV industry. We examine how telcos can help Hollywood with online distribution to survive and thrive in these turbulent times. (April 2010, Executive Briefing Service, Dealing with Disruption Stream)
  Digital Hollywood: How to 'Out-Apple' Apple?
Apple is becoming an increasingly important distributor of Film and TV content online. But plans to sell films at $0.99 could cause massive disruption to the business models of the major studios. Telcos could offer a powerful alternative, not just as a retail channel but as an enabler of richer, more profitable interactions with consumers. (March 2010, Executive Briefing Service)
  New Opportunities in Online Content Distribution
As part of our new 'Broadband End-Games' report, we’ve been defining in detail the opportunities for telcos to distribute 3rd party content and digital goods in new ways. (December 2009, Executive Briefing Service, Future of the Networks Stream).
  ESPN: Making ‘pay-for-content’ work – a telco opportunity
The sports network ESPN is a master of the paid content business model, building platform scale and success using premium content. What are the lessons from ESPN’s US and UK strategies for other service providers and content distributors? (September 2009, Executive Briefing Service, Dealing with Disruption Stream).
  Online Video vs Broadband: a symbiotic relationship?

Initially, broadband enabled online video. Now online video is growing to become the volume driver of broadband traffic. Analysis of these interrelated markets at different stages of evolution worldwide provides insight to future strategy in both. (July 2009, Executive Briefing Service, Future of the Networks Stream).

  Google - How (precisely) it profits from YouTube

New analysis demonstrates how YouTube contributes to Google's position and power in the 'Digital Economy' and what this means for telcos' online video strategies. (June 2009, Executive Briefing Service, Dealing with Disruption Stream.)

  Video Distribution 2.0 - Time to fix the fundamentals
Telco 2.0 Executive Brainstormers agree that there are problems in the value chain, but there is less agreement on the priorities. Competing strategies to monetise online video effectively are assessed. (May 2009, Special Event Briefing, Executive Briefing Service, Future of the Networks Stream)
  Lessons from the UK TV Market
A brief update on the UK TV market. (April 2009, Executive Briefing Service)
  Online Video Distribution Market Study

As online video challenges traditional distribution models, both old and new suppliers are pushing into the value chain in the hope of grabbing a share of the emerging global market. But how will the market develop and which companies will be the ultimate winners?

STL Partners has analysed the potential of online video, identified possible market winners and losers, and set out three interlocking scenarios depicting the evolution of the market. In each scenario, the role of distributors is examined, possible threats and opportunities revealed, and strategic options are discussed. (March 2009)

  Online Video Distribution: how will the market play out?

Disruption in the online video distribution market presents “a once in a lifetime chance to change their place” for some and a severe strategic threat for others.  Likely scenarios and strategies that players should adopt for success.  (Executive Briefing, Future of the Networks Stream, Feb 2009.)

  BSkyB Platform - Lessons

BSkyB’s platform shows a multi-sided business model in action, bringing value to both upstream and downstream customers and earning decent returns for shareholders. (Feb 2009, Executive Briefing Service)

  Online Video Usage - YouTube thrashes iPlayer, but for how long?

Online Video demand patterns are becoming clearer but a working economic model is not. What's next? (July 2008, Executive Briefing Service, Dealing with Disruption Stream).