FreeCast’s Direct-to-Mobile Platform Empowers Global Telecoms to Compete with Smart TV Advertising Giants

FreeCast is announcing its Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) entertainment software platform, a service designed to allow telecoms and ISPs across the globe to offer a monetizable video product without costly infrastructure and hardware investments. This will allow telecoms to tap into a new and fast-growing revenue stream that is currently dominated by smart TV platforms. This is achieved by converting OTA broadcast signals to HLS feeds and integrating them with streaming FAST channels within a single app, available on all internet connected devices, including TV hardware, smartphones, and other devices consumers across the globe already own and use.

Designed with global ambitions, FreeCast’s software platform utilizes multiple distribution technologies to reach the widest number of existing devices. While much of the developing world relies on traditional television broadcasts, FreeCast’s service can be delivered via 5G mobile and home internet services, satellite internet, standard WiFi, or ATSC 3.0. This gives the service a near-zero deployment cost, because there’s no need to invest in new infrastructure or distribute hardware. FreeCast’s app and service are optimized and designed to work well, even on older and less expensive hardware, which is necessary for the service to be viable in developing countries.

For telcos, ISPs, and large brands of all sizes, anywhere in the world, FreeCast’s software platform offers a turn-key and monetizable video solution. From a single app on all devices, global consumers will be able to access their local TV channels, hundreds of free FAST channels, and on-demand content from ad-supported and paid sources. Because FreeCast shares ad revenue with its distribution and content partners, those partners can earn up to 25 or 50% of the ad revenue generated by their customers. Best of all, this is not limited to a single set-top box or other piece of hardware that must be provided, it captures viewing data and ad revenue from all devices the customer may use for video.

FreeCast CEO William Mobley discussed the development of the software platform and the decision to target global partners in the telecom space: “There’s about 650 million smart TVs out there, but over 8 billion smartphones and other compatible mobile devices. So we recognized quickly, if you want scale, if you want to reach a large audience, globally, direct-to-mobile is the way to go. This platform is now a tremendous opportunity for consumers and for telecom firms across the world, and particularly in some of the more challenging markets, like the islands of the Caribbean, and other emerging markets.”