Bharti Airtel extends relationship with Synamedia

Synamedia, the world’s largest independent video software provider, has extended its relationship with telecoms operator Bharti Airtel in India. The new multi-year contract builds on Airtel’s 12-year partnership with Synamedia and the two firms’ shared focus on driving digital TV innovation while protecting content and revenues.

This extended contract will see Synamedia working closely with Airtel on enhancements to its multilingual electronic programme guides (EPGs) and additional features and functionality that will boost the overall experience for Airtel’s video customers.  

Airtel will continue to use Synamedia VideoGuard to safeguard its investments in live sports, news, entertainment and other premium content delivered to its 16 million direct-to-home television (DTH) subscribers, and manage and monetise premium experiences on set-top boxes using Synamedia’s Foundation platform. This allows Airtel to roll out new premium services to customers without compromising on security.

Sunil Taldar, CEO, Airtel DTH, said, “Synamedia continues to be a strategic, long-term partner for Airtel. Our two companies share a common vision centered on innovation designed to boost customer experience and revenues while also protecting content investments. Synamedia’s engineering teams are second to none, meaning that we can always rely on them to deliver superior and robust solutions.”

Sue Couto, Senior VP and GM, Asia Pacific for Synamedia, added, “Airtel is an acknowledged leader in the fast-growing Indian pay-TV market and we look forward to continuing our long-term  partnership with Airtel, as we collaborate on technologies and solutions that will help to shape the future of TV in India and beyond.”