TelOne, the state-owned converged telecommunications operator will be the first local company to offer the service. It appears the operator applied for a license to set up a Video On Demand (VOD) Service in Zimbabwe as it seeks to change its business model to a converged information and communications technology company.
According to information received by Techunzipped, TelOne has partnered with South African company called Discover Digital who launched DEOD, a new video streaming service taking on Netflix , Kwese TV and DStv, on 4 May.
DEOD offers a wide range of apps for Android and iOS. Discover Digital supports Chromecast, Airplay, DEOD media players, PCs and Macs – Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Internet Explorer 10 do not require a plugin (Linux PCs and Safari browser not supported.) iOS 7.0 and up. Android 4.1 and up. Windows Phone 8.1 and up and major Smart TVs soon.
The parastatal had planned to launch the service in June, but has had to delay pending licensing by the regulator, Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ).
The company has said DEOD is open to users on all networks, but if you are a TelOne customer, you get special benefits like free streaming data on DEOD when purchasing any ADSL or Fibre package. And also anyone who registers for the service can get a free seven-day trial.
Movie rentals are priced at R30 for new releases and R18 for older movies. The service’s subscription packages are priced as follows (per month):
News – $4
Sport – $10
On Demand – R79
News and Sport – $13
On Demand and News – $10
On Demand and Sport – $13
DEOD Premium – $18
DEOD’s live channels are divided into two groups: News and Sport.
News
Africanews – News on the African continent.
Al Jazeera – News and analysis from the Middle East and worldwide.
Bloomberg Television – Business and market news.
Euronews – European and world news.
France24 – International news and current affairs.
RT – Russian-based 24/7 English news.
Sport
EDGE Sport HD – Global action sports channel. Snow, Skate, BMX, Moto.
Fightbox HD – MMA, boxing, arm wrestling, and combat sports.
Motorvision.tv – Motorsports and motoring.
Nautical Channel – Nautical sports and lifestyle.
Sportskool – Fitness and exercise.
DEOD Bloomberg
DEOD Sports Network
Discover Digital also unveiled the DEOD Sports Network (DSN), an on-demand sports news service which will feature highlights from various events around the world.
On-Demand
DEOD’s On Demand catalogue works in a similar way to existing streaming services, with seasons of popular TV series available for you to watch when you please.
DEOD has several popular series on offer, including Mad Men, Weeds, Suits, House, and Parks and Recreation,
DEOD will have first-run rights for Power, Black Sails, and Survivor’s Remorse, and features a variety of programmes aimed at children.
