Let’s be honest with ourselves, how many of us actually still watch television on a regular basis? Whether it’s sports, a movie or that latest episode which we absolutely must watch, a large majority now would rather stream at their own convenience without those pesky commercials.

Here in Malta things are, as per usual, a little lacking. Despite there being a huge demand for a streaming service provider, such as Netflix, or Amazon live, to name a few; none currently exist.

This results in the majority of users attaining such services via third party devices and questionable services which, despite their functionality, are far from a polished and reliable product.

You don’t need to be tech savvy to realise that things have changed in the way we watch television, and granted there are still several living on the island that will watch television on a regular basis, currently the only other option Maltese consumers may settle for is to buy into one of the package offers set forward by the leading providers in Malta and Gozo, thus creating a gap in the market.

With this gap it’s only a matter of time till it is filled; be it by a current local provider or one of the giant, entertainment providers that are expanding at dramatic rates, on a global scale.

Looking towards GO and Melita, it is clear that, given their recent offers for higher internet speeds with faster upload and download speeds, they understand that the average internet usage per household has increased. They are far from idly standing by, merely focusing their attention on what works for now, and providing a resource that satisfies consumer demand; however despite all this one must ask: “Is this enough?”

Considering the rate at which Malta is embracing new technologies, the answer is probably yes; at least for the short term. Companies such as Netflix have already moved to large areas of northern Europe.

Following an announcement from Netflix in June 2015, the company stated that it will arrive in Portugal, Italy and Spain in October 2015, allowing internet users from those countries to subscribe and stream from a broad selection of television shows and movies.

The content will be localised via subtitles or dubbing and will be available in the high-resolution formats Hi-Def and Ultra HD 4K, and most likely come in at a price of around €7.99 per month.

This means that in less than three weeks Netflix would either be 96 kilometres away from Malta; or more likely, available in this very country.  If this is the case, and given the vast popularity of the service provider, local service providers would either have to compete or adapt to this new competitor.

This however does not mean that users should flock to one service provider over the other based on the above findings; in fact, I suggest that like with all new things, never be the guinea pig, but allow the new service/product to settle and make some research of your own before trying it out, thereby avoiding possible frustrations due to what seem to be mandatory glitches in new services.  

Disclaimer:

This article was issued by Steve Diacono, Intern at Calamatta Cuschieri. For more information visit, www.cc.com.mt. The information, view and opinions provided in this article is being provided solely for educational and informational purposes and should not be construed as investment advice, advice concerning particular investments or investment decisions, or tax or legal advice. Calamatta Cuschieri & Co. Ltd has not verified and consequently neither warrants the accuracy nor the veracity of any information, views or opinions appearing on this website.

 

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