Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), a subsidiary of e&, (previously known as Etisalat Group) has introduced its new Over-The-Top (OTT) platform, SHOQ, to give a superior and immersive watching experience to all data users in Pakistan. SHOQ maintains a comprehensive collection of selected content that is accessible to anyone, in keeping with PTCL’s objective of promoting digital transformation for all.
The new platform was launched at a special event in Karachi, which was attended by President and Group CEO, PTCL & Ufone, Hatem Bamatraf, CEO, e& life, Khalifa Al Shamsi, CEO evision, Olivier Bramly; CEO and Co-founder, STARZPLAY, Maaz Sheikh, senior PTCL & Ufone officials, industry leaders, showbiz celebrities, media representatives, and prominent personalities from different backgrounds.
Through its partnership with evision, the media and entertainment subsidiary of e& life, SHOQ is bridging the gap in Pakistani consumers’ access to affordable, high-quality content (part of e&). The arrangement will provide PTCL and other data customers with access to media and entertainment material, blockbuster movies and seasons from major Hollywood companies such as Warner Bros, Paramount, 20th Century FOX, among others. SHOQ will also showcase one hundred most watched local and international live TV channels, Pakistani movies and originals to cater to the entertainment demands of the entire family.
Hatem Bamatraf, President and Group CEO, PTCL & Ufone, said, “We are happy to unveil Pakistan’s largest OTT platform to give premium entertainment and news content to all data customers. With the increasing prevalence of the internet, Pakistan needs a high-quality local OTT service, giving affordable entertainment that is tailored to local tastes and preferences. SHOQ has everything it takes to be the nation’s premier entertainment provider.
“We are pleased to support the development of Pakistan’s largest OTT platform, powered by PTCL.”Speaking at the discussion, e& life CEO Khalifa Al Shamsi said. “We are convinced that this new service would be of enormous use to the Pakistani people. e& will continue to assist the PTCL Group, especially in its new chapter of establishing a digital future that empowers every person in society to create innovative digital services and tap into new client segments, building success upon success.”
Olivier Bramly, CEO of evision, said, “We are happy to be part of the new chapter in Pakistan’s entertainment revolution. In the MENA region, evision is the leading media and content aggregator, and we have always been a vital part of our consumers’ life. We look forward to collaborating with PTCL, especially in a market as huge as Pakistan, where there is an explosion in mass content development and streaming services, giving endless potential to everyone.”
“We are grateful to PTCL for allowing us to expand our presence and influence in Pakistan. STARZPLAY CEO and Co-founder, STARZPLAY, Maaz Sheikh remarked during the inaugural event. “STARZPLAY is a leading subscription video-on-demand service that streams thousands of hit movies, TV series and other Pakistani and international content. Through PTCL SHOQ, our service will be accessible to all Pakistanis desiring to stream media or entertainment of high quality.”
SHOQ is a subscription-based streaming software that works on the BYOD paradigm (Bring Your Own Device) with PTCL-provided TV dongles. Users with internet connectivity and a digital device, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, Android Smart TVs, Android TV Boxes, etc., can use the multi-screen services from any location and at any time. SHOQ permits registration of up to 5 devices concurrently with 2 sessions. The platform will continue to grow based on user activity and viewer interaction in order to meet its customers’ increasing media and entertainment needs.