MBC’s streaming service strengthens distribution network, launches new mobile plan DUBAI: MBC Group’s streaming platform Shahid has almost doubled its partnerships with telecom operators since the relaunch of the platform in 2020. The streaming platform strengthened its distribution through telecom partners in the Middle East and North Africa region, jumping from 17 at the end of 2020 to over 30 in 2021. Consequently, subscribers for the paid, premium service Shahid VIP via mobile payment have also more than doubled in the same period. “We’re delighted with our telco partnerships so far, and we will continue to create more exciting partnerships to bring Shahid VIP’s outstanding content to more viewers across the region,” said Natasha Matos-Hemingway, Shahid’s chief commercial and marketing officer. “To have more than doubled our Shahid VIP subscribers in 12 months via direct carrier billing alone is phenomenal.” During that time, Shahid expanded into new territories, including Morocco, Libya, Tunisia, Iraq and Palestine, enabling direct carrier billing for users to buy Shahid VIP via their mobile devices. Additionally, the platform expanded its distribution through special bundles with telecom partners such as Stc KSA, Zain KSA, Zain Kuwait, Stc Bahrain, Vodafone Egypt, Ooredoo Qatar, Asiacell Iraq and Omantel. These partnerships allow customers complimentary access to Shahid VIP as part of select mobile and broadband service plans. Shahid also launched a mobile plan, Shahid VIP Mobile, which is a budget-friendly single-device package. The plan was first launched as an introductory two-month trial offer with Orange Morocco and Tunisia at the end of 2021. Based on its success, Shahid rolled out the plan with seven telco operators and has plans to expand it into other markets. Shahid’s distribution partnerships are “significant,” said Matos-Hemingway, adding: “We want our users to be able to choose from a number of payment methods based on their needs, such as the ease of subscribing through their telecommunications operator.” She said: “As mobile networks strengthen and speeds get faster than ever in the MENA region, it also makes sense for us to expand on our exclusive Shahid VIP Mobile. Many consumers want an affordable way to watch premium content on the go, and we’ve met that need.”