As DAZN buffers it demands TIM provide better broadband
August 23, 2018
From Branislav Pekic in Rome
Newly launched video streaming platform DAZN has contacted telecom operator TIM with a request to provide infrastructure support to meet increased demand by subscribers.
This follows reception problems reported last weekend by many viewers during the live broadcast of the Serie A match between Lazio and Napoli.
According to daily Corriere della Sera, TIM will supply DAZN with a Content Delivery Network (CDN), i.e. a network of servers that guarantee additional capacity for next weekend’s key league match Napoli-Milan. The goal is not only to improve reception in the big cities, but also in coastal areas as many fans of both teams are still vacationing in those areas.
As part of a special launch promotion, DAZN is offering one month free viewing, which may also explain the huge demand registered during the first days of broadcasting. The two companies also have a commercial agreement in place, which will soon enable TIMVision subscribers to subscribe to DAZN’s football offer.
Meanwhile, Italian consumers association Codacons has filed a complaint to the Italian Competition Authority for unfair commercial practices and misleading advertising, targeting DAZN and Sky Italia, the two pay-TV platforms that have been awarded the TV rights to the Serie A for the next three seasons.
In addition to the technical problems, Codacons has expressed concern that football fans now have to take out two subscriptions to watch all Serie A matches, at a higher cost than in earlier seasons.