New launch for PCCW’s Asian Netflix rival

Asian OTT service Viu has launched in Indonesia, as its streaming rival Netflix experiences problems in the country.

Viu is run by Hong Kong-based telco PCCW and is largely programmed with regional content. The catalogue is about 15,000 hours.

It has already rolled out in Malaysia, India, Hong Kong and Singapore and has now inked distribution deals in Indonesia with partners including Telkom Indonesia and Telkomsel.

Viu has also teamed with Samsung so make the streaming service available on the consumer electronics giant’s handset’s in Indonesia.

The ad-supported version of Viu is free, with a IDR30,000 (US$2.20) a month premium ad-free version also available.

The Telkom deal is significant because the state telco had blocked US SVOD service Netflix over concerns about the US-based streamer’s content and licensing agreements.

Viu will be carried on Telkom’s IndiHome fibre service.

“What Viu brings to Indonesia is unique with its approach to delivering the best of Asian content to entertain us all. We’re pleased to embark on this strategic partnership with Vuclip to bring to our IndiHome by Telkom subscribers an affordable way to enjoy this content,” said Dian Rachmawan, consumer service director, Telkom.

“Today marks a very important milestone in our journey and would like to extend sincere appreciation and thanks to all our employees and partners who helped make this happen,” said Nickhil Jakatdar, founder and CEO, PCCW’s Vuclip division.

“However, this is just the start and we look forward to entertaining millions of Indonesians through our fresh and exciting best of Asian content and high quality service.”