Business

Disney+ arrives at 7 European countries with lower bandwidth

Increased broadband traffic due to lockdowns and social isolation made the platform opt for initial lower video quality

Photo: Shutterstock
  • In France, the launch was postponed at the request of the government;
  • The platform is being presented in new markets with lower bandwidth utilization by at least 25%;
  • Disney+ will arrive in Latin America in late 2020.

Disney+, the streaming platform of the media giant, arrived today at seven markets in Europe: U.K., Ireland, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria and Switzerland. The launch in France was delayed by two weeks at the request of the French government, the company said in a statement, and it is programmed to occur on April 7.

According to TechCruch, Disney that the platform is being launched with “lower overall bandwidth utilization by at least 25%.” This is a requirement that European regulators have been making to all streaming platforms, which are also being adopted in other markets, such as Brazil. The lower bit rate transmission is being used to spare congested networks during the coronavirus outbreak, a period in which people are using much more video tools for entertainment and remote work.

“Launching in seven markets simultaneously marks a new milestone for Disney+,“ said Kevin Mayer, chairman of Walt Disney Direct-to-Consumer & International, in a statement. “As the streaming home for Disney, Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, and National Geographic, Disney+ delivers high-quality, optimistic storytelling that fans expect from our brands, now available broadly, conveniently, and permanently on Disney+. We humbly hope that this service can bring some much-needed moments of respite for families during these difficult times.”

READ ALSO: Big Media’s libraries of content vs Big Tech’s piles of cash: which will win?

Latin America

For now, Disney+’s arrival in Latin America continues to be expected to late 2020. Some sources have already said that the launch in Brazil is initially set to November.

EBANX LABS
Get the best insights about Latin America market in your inbox