BT Strikes Deal to Boost Video Streaming Quality Across UK

In a bid to enhance the video streaming experience for UK audiences, telecom giant BT Group has forged a new partnership with edge video delivery network MainStreaming. The collaboration aims to deliver a smoother and more resilient streaming service by integrating MainStreaming’s technology directly into BT’s nationwide mobile and fixed networks.

Boosting Quality and Efficiency

The partnership is expected to significantly improve the quality of experience (QoE) and reliability for live streaming audiences across the UK. By caching content at the edge of BT’s networks, the collaboration will also drive greater cost efficiency for network providers.

“We’re thrilled to partner with MainStreaming to bring a superior video streaming experience to our customers,” said Sarah Thompson, BT’s Head of Video Services. “This collaboration will allow us to deliver high-quality, uninterrupted live streams even during peak viewing hours.”

Unique Capacity-Based Model

For content providers, the partnership promises increased efficiency through a unique capacity-based model that simplifies costs. Instead of the traditional pay-per-view or subscription models, content providers will be charged based on the capacity they require, making it easier to predict and manage expenses.

“Our capacity-based pricing model is a game-changer for content providers,” said MainStreaming CEO Antonio Corrado. “It provides a more transparent and predictable cost structure, allowing them to focus on creating compelling content rather than worrying about variable streaming costs.”

Pioneering MAUD Technology

The roadmap for the BT-MainStreaming partnership also includes trials of Multicast-Assisted Unicast Delivery (MAUD) for live streaming. MAUD is an advanced Content Delivery Network (CDN) technology that optimizes network efficiency and reduces bandwidth consumption during live events with large audiences.

While BT claims these will be the UK’s “first trials” of MAUD technology, rival telecom provider EE has already conducted a similar trial. Nonetheless, the widespread adoption of MAUD could revolutionize the live streaming landscape in the UK.

Enhancing the Streaming Experience

The partnership comes at a time when video streaming has become an integral part of daily life for millions of UK residents. With the rise of remote work and online entertainment, the demand for high-quality, uninterrupted streaming has never been higher.

“During the pandemic, we saw a massive surge in video streaming, and that trend shows no signs of slowing down,” said Thompson. “By partnering with MainStreaming, we’re ensuring that our customers can enjoy seamless streaming experiences, whether they’re watching a live football match or a critical work presentation.”

Looking Ahead

As the BT-MainStreaming partnership takes shape, UK consumers can expect a noticeable improvement in their video streaming quality. The collaboration marks a significant step forward in BT’s ongoing efforts to modernize its networks and stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly digital world.

With the promise of smoother, more resilient streaming and pioneering technologies like MAUD on the horizon, the future of video streaming in the UK looks brighter than ever.