INCA Summit 2024: Revolutionising Digital Entertainment and Broadband Services

The INCA Summit 2024, held at the ICC Wales on 26 and 27 November, brought together the UK's Altnets, industry trailblazers, and government officials to explore what lies ahead for the UK broadband sector. Two standout sessions, the "Killer Apps" panel discussion and a keynote presentation by Gabriel Cosgrave from TiVo and Brent Smith from Evolution Digital, provided deep insights into the evolving landscape of app usage, content delivery, and the strategic advantages of bundling TV services with broadband.

The "Killer Apps" panel discussion explored the challenges and opportunities within the current app ecosystem. Industry experts highlighted the need for innovation in content discovery and user experience. Gabriel Cosgrave from TiVo emphasised a shift from traditional app-centric models to a more content-centric user experience. He argued that the focus should be on making content easily accessible without the need to navigate through multiple apps. Gabriel cited TiVo's UK Video Trends Report, indicating that "51% of users find it very annoying to go in and out of apps" to locate desired content, underscoring the need for a seamless content discovery process.

Gabriel also discussed the broader implications of streaming services on consumer behaviour. With households subscribing to multiple streaming services, managing and discovering content across these platforms becomes increasingly challenging. He noted that in the UK, households have an average of "six and a half subscriptions," while in the US, this number rises to eleven. This proliferation of services validates the need for improved content discovery solutions. Additionally, Gabriel highlighted the potential for integrating retail media into smart TV operating systems, allowing retailers to offer interactive catalogues and e-commerce options directly through smart TVs.

In his keynote presentation, Gabriel Cosgrave, alongside Brent Smith from Evolution Digital, made a compelling case for Altnet companies to launch TV services for their broadband customers. Gabriel underscored the importance of video and TV bundling in reducing customer churn. He noted that TiVo's extensive footprint, with 40 million households globally and 8 million in Europe, demonstrates the widespread adoption and success of their solutions. "We believe video and bundling of TV is important to enhancing your onboarding of customers and maintaining them," Gabriel stated.

One of the key points highlighted was the significant number of transactions TiVo handles monthly- about 6 billion. This data provides valuable insights into viewing habits and preferences, enabling Altnet companies to tailor their offerings to meet customer demands effectively. Brent Smith added that Evolution Digital has deployed nearly 7.5 million streaming devices across North and South America, facilitating the transition from traditional cable to IP-based services. This adaptability ensures that Altnet companies can offer a seamless and unified viewing experience to their customers.

Gabriel further elaborated on the benefits of bundling TV services, citing a survey where 61% of respondents indicated they would be more likely to switch to a provider offering a TV bundle. "A third of them said yes, they're likely to switch to someone that has a TV bundle," he stated. This statistic underscores the competitive edge that TV bundling can provide in attracting and retaining customers. Moreover, Gabriel introduced the concept of a content-centric user experience, where the focus is on delivering personalised content recommendations rather than navigating through a sea of apps.

In conclusion, the insights shared at the INCA Summit 2024 highlight a future where content accessibility and user experience take precedence over traditional app-based models. By leveraging advanced technology and flexible solutions, Altnet companies can offer superior, integrated services that not only attract new customers but also retain existing ones. As Gabriel aptly put it: "We believe very much that TiVo will improve the consumer experience, those consumers get used to that, and they stick with you." This strategy is crucial for Altnet companies aiming to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights from TiVo!

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