Bonnier taps Ericsson for C More OTT service

Casten Almqvist

Bonnier Broadcasting has tapped Ericsson to provide the online platform for its under-development C More over-the-top service.

The Nordic subscription video-on-demand service, which will include live TV delivered over the web, is due to launch later this year on a number of platforms, including the web, iOS and Android devices.

The C More SVOD service will include a mix of sports, local and international drama series, sitcoms and Swedish and international films.

Ericsson will provide services including content management and preparation, digital rights management, subscriber management and billing and ad insertion for multiple devices and platforms as part of a new multi-year deal.

“In the massive digital transformation we are currently undergoing, we have to become even more user-friendly in everything we do by putting technology in the front seat together with prime local content,” said Casten Almqvist, head of Bonnier Broadcasting and CEO and president of TV4 Group.

“We have been working closely with Ericsson for many years and they were the natural choice of partner for the launch of Nordic SVOD service C More.”

Ericsson already has a long-standing relationship with Bonnier-owned TV4, having been selected by the Nordic broadcaster in 2009 to manage its end-to-end technical operations as part of a 10-year contract.

Bonnier took full control of pay TV company C More last June after buying the 35% of the business it didn’t previously own from Telenor. Bonnier first acquired C More through its TV4 Group Nordic broadcaster arm in 2008 and Telenor has held its 35% share of the company since 2009.