Writing exclusively for TVBEurope, media analyst Paolo Pescatore takes a look at the partnership between BT and Telstra Broadcast Services, and explains why companies leveraging each other's expertise and assets can help them meet customers ever-changing needs
By Contributor
Published: November 24, 2023 Updated: November 27, 2023
Writing exclusively for TVBEurope, media analyst Paolo Pescatore takes a look at the partnership between BT and Telstra Broadcast Services, and explains why companies leveraging each other's expertise and assets can help them meet customers' ever-changing needs
target=_blank title=Share on LinkedIn class=share-linkedin>
On Tuesday, BT and Telstra Broadcast Services (TBS) announced a strategic alliance for an initial five-year period. Both companies will combine their global media network teams, network infrastructure, and localised expertise.
This is a significant move considering the current market challenges in media and broadcast. As previously noted at key industry events this year, including both NAB and IBC shows, there are too many companies currently chasing too few dollars in the industry. While there has been a general positive buzz with a return to in-person events, all players are struggling in a challenging macroeconomic environment, and it has become harder for providers to get deals over the line. Consequently, finding budget is no easy feat, with many companies placing an ever-greater emphasis on cost efficiencies and the retention of customers.
Following, as it does, news of Vantiva's acquisition of CommScope Home Networks, it is apparent that the move towards an era of consolidation and establishing partnerships is well underway. The lesson is always that those who move early will be better positioned to integrate and execute further down the line.
BT strengthens its global presence For BT, the alliance makes perfect sense. It allows the company to focus on its core strengths and cater to the UK market. Over the last few years, BT's Media and Broadcast unit has overhauled and transformed its operations, which has led to the emergence of Vena, an intelligent IP-native media platform providing the flexibility of cloud-like services with the reliability of a dedicated broadcast network. The company is successfully migrating existing and new customers onto this platform, with some significant names, including ITV, Freeview, Racecourse Media Group using the service.
Paolo Pescatore This strong endorsement validates the unit's decision to focus on the UK market. However, seeking to grow internationally and replicate its UK success has not been as straightforward.
While the Vena platform is undeniably best in class, as underlined by strong support from its UK customers, there are wider challenges to consider when it comes to expanding the service to other countries. In each market, you need to consider that there are typically high barriers to entry, different operating structures, different regulations, and different configurations of networks. The rise in IP workflows and distribution that allow for the transport of broadcast signals over the Internet (and precisely what the success of Vena embodies) has also led to the introduction of new, agile competitors.
Considering all of this and the significant investment needed to grow internationally as well as maintaining and developing a global media network fit for the future, a decision to form an alliance is logical. Furthermore, it fits nicely into the new strategic focus for BT's Business division, which is where the Media and Broadcast unit sits. During a recent analyst session, BT Business CEO, Bas Burger, outlined the new strategy and vision for the operation with a customer-led approach. What is the best approach for better outcomes for our customers? it asks before concluding that partnering is the best route forward if a solution is not to be developed in-house.
The tie-up with TBS is the first real example of executing this new business strategy. BT has freed up much-needed resources to cater for the UK market. It also indicates the company's seriousness in partnering with other organisations worldwide to meet its objectives and goals.
Fuelling TBS's expansion For TBS it is a win-win scenario too. The company gains access to BT's best-in-class offerings to bundle and sell with its own capabilities on the global stage (especially in the area of sports broadcasting and live events). It is clear that the tie-up is all about TBS further expanding into an increasingly global footprint, which has been a strategic priority for the company for a few years now. Indeed, TBS believes the deal will increase its global footprint by 50 per cent and expand its customer base to more than 170 broadcast and media organisations worldwide.
Arguably, and in the wider industry context as mentioned earlier, the tie-up with BT has come at the right time in light of many companies struggling to get deals over the line. It has been harder for some providers to do it all: increase revenue, maintain existing customers, and, in turn, close deals. Hence, the growing importance of scale to better compete on the global stage. The hope is that the two companies working together can offer enough incentives to get those deals over the line while maintaining the existing business.
A good example is the current footprint of customers they both serve respectively. TBS is currently active in Australia, Europe, and North America and is keen to expand into Asia Pacific, where BT Media and Broadcast already has a significant presence. The latter represents a key target region for both entities and includes the dynamic markets of India, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.
In support of this goal, according to the press release, TBS will add more personnel to the local team i
Europe Stories
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
09/10/2026
September 10 2026, 06:00 (PDT) Dolby Expands Dolby OptiView Platform with New Capabilities at IBC 2026
New Sports Intelligence helps providers better unders...
07/10/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced the latest Long-Term Supported (LTS) release of Dalet Flex. Build...
04/10/2026
Dedicated streaming mic gets an overhaul
Following on from the success of their dedicated streaming microphone, the MV6, Shure have announced the launch of ...
02/10/2026
v1.9.3 introduces AUv3 support
Roland have just released an update that kits their free iPad-based software synth out with AUv3 support, meaning it can now ...
02/10/2026
Dolby Atmos support, AI-powered stem separation & more
The latest version of MOTU's DAW software is now available, and marks a major step forward with t...
02/10/2026
Portable DAC created in collaboration with Steve Levine
British hi-fi experts iFi audio have unveiled a new Master Tuned variant of their praised iDSD GR2 p...
02/10/2026
In our latest blog, Tim Pearson looks at streaming piracy from a different lens, focusing on digital trust, consumer risk, and the future of subscriber protecti...
02/10/2026
Featuring performances recorded in Cork, Kilkenny, Wesmeath and Dublin culminati...
02/10/2026
Friday 2 October 2026
Crystal Lake, a Friday the 13th' prequel series, com...
02/10/2026
Friday 2 October 2026
Sky VIP helps families celebrate the Christmas season wit...
02/10/2026
How the fertility sector in Ireland remains unregulated
Undercover filming reveals how without proper regulation the promotion of controversial fertility treat...
02/10/2026
Transforming Homes, Transforming Lives
Presenter Baz Ashmawy and his team take on four life-changing builds across Kildare, Limerick, Wicklow and Offaly in the...
01/10/2026
Third collaboration with celebrated composer
Spitfire Audio have once again teamed up with Grammy-nominated composer, producer and technologist BT, creating...
01/10/2026
FL Studio gets dedicated grid controller
Novation have teamed up with FL Studio developers Image-Line to create another dedicated controller for the popular...
01/10/2026
Six new USB interfaces introduced
Universal Audio's USB audio interface line-up has just been refreshed, gaining six new models aimed at musicians, prod...
01/10/2026
Siretta's SNYPER-5G cellular network analyser has been shortlisted for the IoT Global Awards 2026.
The IoT Global Awards recognise products, services and o...
01/10/2026
Mesh Broadcast Services Fits Big-Truck Audio Power into Compact Eclipse Unit with Calrec Argo M Canadian OB company Mesh Broadcast Services has fitted its Eclip...
01/10/2026
X-Rite Pantone Launches Spectura to Advance Connected Color Quality from Lab to ...
01/10/2026
Thursday 1 October 2026
Nominees revealed for 2026 Sky Arts Awards
Current slide, 0 0, undefined1
0
Irish National Opera and Jennifer Walshe: MARS
Jacob Al...
01/10/2026
Vital TV antenna replaced at SudburyHelicopter and broadcast engineers work together to upgrade TV services for 1.5M in the East
--
Share to Linkedin
Octobe...
01/10/2026
Arqiva appoints Simon Duffy as ChairSimon Duffy joins as Chair effective 01 October 2026
--
Share to Linkedin
October 1, 2026
Press Office
01 October 2026...
01/10/2026
Season 4 of the multi-award-winning hit entertainment series The 2 Johnnies Late Night Lock In is back, serving up another round of unpredictable laughs, unforg...
01/10/2026
New season begins Sunday, 4 October at 6pm on RT lyric fm and RT Listen
RT lyric fm's arts and culture documentary series The Lyric Feature returns on S...
01/10/2026
RT is proud to continue its commitment to supporting and celebrating the arts across Ireland this October, highlighting a vibrant programme of theatre, music, ...
30/09/2026
Add an envelope generator to any plug-in
Sync Audio's latest creation is a handy utility plug-in that can be used to combine and modulate other effects ...
30/09/2026
All-analogue tape-style drive joins Series A
Strymon's reputation was built on their digital knowhow, so many were surprised (and intrigued) when they a...
30/09/2026
Two new expansion packs released
Sonuscore have just introduced two new expansion packs for The Pulse, its production engine instrument for modern cinematic...
30/09/2026
eds3_5_jq(document).ready(function($) { $(#eds_sliderM519).chameleonSlider_2_1({...
30/09/2026
New Solution Expands Harmonic's Network Intelligence Portfolio and Brings Comcast-Developed Fiber Monitoring Technology to Broadband Operators, Providing Re...
30/09/2026
How to Shop Well Now starts Monday at 9.35pm
on RT One and RT Player
On the...
29/09/2026
Two new plug-ins launch alongside updated bundles
Zynaptiq have just announced the launch of two new plug-ins, alongside new and improved versions of two of...
29/09/2026
All-in-one bus processor revealed
Wes Audio's ng product range has come a long way since it was first introduced, and now includes a tasty selection of ...
29/09/2026
eds3_5_jq(document).ready(function($) { $(#eds_sliderM519).chameleonSlider_2_1({ content_source:......
29/09/2026
NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO OR TO ANY PERSON LOCATED OR RESIDENT IN, OR AT ANY ADDRESS IN, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ITS TERRITO...
29/09/2026
We tend to think we live in a digital world, with hopes and fears around artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, data centres and the next big technolo...
29/09/2026
Today, in partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Apple relea...
29/09/2026
Final Cut Camera, the professional filming app for iPhone, receives a major upda...
29/09/2026
RT lyric fm is proud to announce the annual Choirs for Christmas competition callout. Warm up those vocal chords and join us on RT lyric fm for a celebration ...
28/09/2026
EQ plug-in can now be played via MIDI
Scaler Music have recently released a new and improved version of their patented musical EQ plug-in, kitting it out wi...
28/09/2026
New synth developed in collaboration with philterSoup
Boutique effects pedal and Eurorack manufacturer Animal Factory Amps have announced that the new compa...
28/09/2026
Rohde & Schwarz adds an integrated multi-channel pulse analysis option to its FS...
28/09/2026
Monday 28 September 2026
Sky launches Full Fibre 1.6 Gbps for millions of homes
Sky has launched a new Full Fibre 1.6 Gbps product, rolling out from today, gi...
28/09/2026
Arvato Systems Highlights It's Role for Automotive Manufacturers and Suppliers
TISAX
Arvato Systems has successfully completed the TISAX Level 3 assess...
28/09/2026
Crimecall, presented by Carla O'Brien, returns tonight for a brand new series at 9.35pm on RT One and RT Player.
In tonight's episode, alongside appe...
28/09/2026
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS AT THE HEART OF NEW IRISH WRITING
LIVE FROM POETRY IRELAND, DUBLIN AND ON RT RADIO 1 FROM 7PM
DETAILS: www.rte.ie/writing | FOLLOW: #r...
27/09/2026
New compact pedal packs in 120 effects
The latest multi-effects pedal from Boss is a compact unit that promises to give any pedalboard a massive boost in s...
26/09/2026
Launched alongside three new expansion packs
In celebration of their 30th anniversary, Native Instruments have released a major update for their Maschine 3 ...
25/09/2026
Algorithm update & new DVA vibrato-detection engine
A new flagship version of Antares' iconic pitch-correction software has arrived, and along with a co...
Writing exclusively for TVBEurope, media analyst Paolo Pescatore takes a look at the partnership between BT and Telstra Broadcast Services, and explains why companies leveraging each other's expertise and assets can help them meet customers ever-changing needs
