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Telkom, Tencent unveil JOOX-backed music app

Samuel Mungadze
By Samuel Mungadze, Africa editor
Johannesburg, 22 Jul 2021

Telkom Mobile, in alliance with Tencent, yesterday introduced Telkom Music, powered by global music streaming service JOOX, as the telco focuses on digital content propositions to drive revenue growth.

JOOX worked with the mobile operator to launch Telkom Music with an app size of 10MB, which the company says is designed to save data usage and space on a smartphone.

Telkom claims the music app allows streaming and downloading of songs while using less data than any other music streaming app.

“Users are able to listen for free with limited features, while Telkom customers can subscribe to the all-access VIP package for just R59.99 per month,” says the telco.

Telkom’s investment in music coincides with a growing shift by the telco industry, which is switching focus to digital content propositions.

Vodacom and MTN already offer streaming services for mobile users via the Vodacom Video Play and MTN Play mobile content platforms.

Telkom says it appreciates the changing landscape of music and video streaming, and is ready with alternative offerings.

It already has the TelkomONE video-on-demand streaming service in SA, which offers a combination of free and priced subscription video services and is available via the Web, mobile app and the telco’s streaming box.

“We’ve introduced a bouquet of products recently to cater to the content needs of our customers, including video on-demand and gaming services, and this closes the loop neatly for us from a content viewpoint,” says Wanda Mkhize, Telkom executive of smartphone content.

“Our mission is to leave no man behind and we are thrilled to introduce this offering [Telkom Music]. We couldn’t have chosen a better partner; the technical know-how of the Tencent Africa and JOOX team in this space with our inclusive product portfolio culminated in the perfect marriage. We can’t wait for everyone to sample the final product; we are confident it’s going to be a hit with them.”

Tencent Africa Services CEO Brett Loubser says: “The future of music streaming will include shared, social experiences. With lockdown changing the way we connect, Telkom Music powered by JOOX will include ‘Mods’ focused on sharing one’s music experience.

“The team at Telkom Mobile and at Tencent Africa have put a huge amount of effort into delivering the most accessible music streaming product possible. Our app size reduces the amount of memory used in a listener’s phone, and integration with Telkom’s app ecosystem makes it easy for millions of people to have millions of songs in their pocket.”

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