This is part of an international consolidation, as Canal+ continues growing in satellite broadcast markets, especially in the French-speaking African nations, with the help of acquisition and partnerships.

To shore up its infrastructure for this expansion, CANAL+ International has engaged a second STB supplier, but this has raised numerous challenges, including maintenance of quality of service across both suppliers. The number of global territories required individual adaptations of language, security, connectivity and other elements.

iWedia was recruited to assist with such challenges. Given that many of the target territories lack internet connectivity, the Linux-based STB system, the so-called ‘zapper solution’, is used to maintain a consistent service. Porting the software to the new STB supplier, iWedia has ensured that security requirements are in place, PVR solutions are accessible, and connected services can be made available via 3G dongles, so that the service will be identical on both STBs. After launch, iWedia will continue to work with CANAL+ International and both STB suppliers on all software updates and maintenance.

Said Jerome Trift, CANAL+ International CTO, “It was clear that this project, while necessary, would add significant complexity to our existing software solution, and we needed a reliable partner to help us. With iWedia’s extensive software integration experience in the market, we were confident that they could work with us to solve any challenges and ensure a smooth launch of our expanded service, as well as provide continued software maintenance across both STBs in the years ahead.”

The new hardware will be available in African territories in early 2022, with other territories following.