ABC signs up Telstra for digital transition

Telstra’s DVN will allow the ABC to distribute and receive content for its television, radio and multi-media programs.

Stephanie McDonald (Computerworld)
11 December, 2012 10:48
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The ABC has signed a five-year contract with Telstra to provide managed data, mobile and voice services to the broadcaster.

The telco will also manage the ABC’s transition to a digital video platform via Telstra’s Digital Video Network (DVN).

Telstra’s DVN will allow the ABC to distribute and receive content for its television, radio and multi-media programs.

It will also allow the ABC to utilise HD video, audio and data on a single network platform.

The ABC will be the first organisation to use the DVN.

“Our partnership with the ABC means that they can continue to realise the benefits from the latest IT services and technology and ensure the ABC can continue to provide a high quality broadcasting service for all Australians,” Paul Geason, group managing director, Telstra enterprise and government, said in a statement.

The DVN will be managed by more than 140 Telstra staff.

Sally O'Donoghue, manager, iview and Internet broadcasting at ABC TV, recently told Computerworld Australia ABC TV was looking at extending its digital platform to streaming live television to Internet users and mobile devices.

She said the National Broadband Network (NBN) would help facilitate this and increase the usage of iview.

“The upward trend in audiences discovering and watching ABC TV through our websites, apps and IPTV services will be further propelled by high-speed broadband [being] available everywhere. Hybrid services that seamlessly combine free-to-air broadcasts with IP delivered video on demand and catch-up will become more common,” O'Donoghue said.

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