As of right now, Canal+ is the “only telecom that benefits from an operating license for pay-TV (by satellite) in Ivory Coast,” according to MEDIA SPORTIF. But the situation is “evolving and more companies are making preparations to enter into the market.” One in particular is China’s Startimes, which is “showing very strong ambitions and could seriously compete with Canal+ Afrique.” Africa is a “prized continent” for Chinese companies, and Startimes has been active in Africa since ’04. It currently operates in 20 territories including Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi and Nigeria, “owing its success to its low prices.” For $5-$10, subscribers can have access to “a variety of sport competitions including the Bundesliga and Serie A matches.” The “other key to its success” is the company’s close relationship with the governments of the countries where it operates. Startimes has introduced cooperation with local TV, as well as an “extensive agency network to increase brand visibility and gain market knowledge in areas where technical infrastructure is still archaic.” Soon to no longer be the exclusive operator in Ivory Coast, where it has 300,000 subscribers, Canal+ “must now compete with the Chinese media powerhouse.” Nevertheless, Canal+ parent company Vivendi does not consider Startimes “a threat,” and said that it has “absolutely no concern” (MEDIA SPORTIF, 3/7).
