Zweli Mokgata

Zweli Mokgata

Multinational communications solutions and services group British Telecoms launched the first African centre for its Global Media Network (GMN) in Johannesburg yesterday.

The network is based on an international terrestrial under sea fibre optic cable network that connects major video and film production hubs around the world.

Martin Springer, business manager for new media at British Telecoms, said: "Growth in the local South African media market has significantly accelerated following the allocation of four new pay-TV licenses.

"South Africa's extension of GMN will allow those licensees efficient access to the entire global ecosystem of content, and will facilitate alternative revenue models such as IPTV, Mobile TV and HD cost effectively. GMN's high speed and global reach will also help the local post production market win more international contracts."