Connectivity Chronicles #20241018

Media Insights: Samba TV Partners with IRIS.TV

Samba TV has partnered with IRIS.TV to enhance contextual advertising and measurement using artificial intelligence (AI). This collaboration leveraged Samba AI? to analyze extensive video catalogs from major digital media and connected TV (CTV) publishers, indexed with the IRIS_ID, a universal content identifier. This partnership aims to provide privacy-forward contextual targeting solutions and next-generation measurement of reach, frequency, and business outcomes. By combining Samba AI? with IRIS-enabled publishers’ video-level data, advertisers can achieve more granular contextual targeting and accurate cross-platform measurement, driving significant performance improvements in both upper and lower-funnel advertising.

Telecom Market Analysis: AT&T Expands IoT Solutions

AT&T is leveraging LTE-M and other 4G technologies for various Internet of Things (IoT) applications, particularly in asset tracking. The company plans to introduce reduced capabilities (RedCap) 5G IoT devices in 2025. AT&T's LTE-M network is already supporting smart label tracking for high-value assets, including ballot boxes and medical equipment, offering chain of custody and location monitoring. The cost of smart labels is expected to decrease with higher quantities. While 5G IoT is not yet available, AT&T sees LTE-M as a long-term solution for applications that don't require 5G's high speed and low latency. The company is also exploring LTE Cat 1 bis as a potential global standard for IoT tasks.

Media Trend: Crunchyroll Expands with Bango

Crunchyroll has partnered with Bango to expand its international subscriber base through bundling partnerships with telecommunications companies and other third parties. This collaboration will enable Crunchyroll to offer its subscription service bundled with mobile and broadband plans, as well as other consumer services like bank accounts and retail clubs. With Bango’s bundling expertise, Crunchyroll aims to offer cost-effective deals and simplify administration, driving significant growth in its 14 million subscriber base by reaching new audiences through indirect channels. Bango will manage the technical aspects of creating and managing subscription bundles, including targeting offers such as trials and discounts. This approach, known as ‘Super Bundling,’ makes it easier for telcos to integrate Crunchyroll into their all-in-one subscription platforms and content hubs, providing consumers with more flexibility and access to multiple services in one place.

Telecom Service Spotlight: Verizon’s AI-Powered Call Centers

Verizon is innovatively deploying AI in its call centers to enhance customer service and employee performance. Rather than focusing on GenAI chatbots, the telecom giant is using AI to improve call routing, provide live transcription, and offer a virtual assistant to call center staff. This approach helps retain institutional knowledge in high-turnover environments and drastically improves call resolution. Verizon's VP of Digital and Assisted Experience Systems, Pranay Bajpai, emphasizes that the initiative aims to boost productivity and staff performance rather than immediate financial returns. Industry analysts view this as a low-risk, sensible approach to AI adoption in telecom, with potential for future expansion into areas like network management and security.

Media Service Spotlight: Amazon Integrates Apple TV+

Amazon has announced that Apple TV+ will be available as an add-on subscription through Prime Video in the United States later this month. Prime members will be able to subscribe to Apple TV+ for $9.99 per month directly within the Prime Video app. This integration allows users to access Apple TV+'s acclaimed original content, including series like “Severance,” “Slow Horses,” and “The Morning Show,” as well as award-winning films such as “CODA,” all within the Prime Video platform. This move is part of Amazon’s broader strategy to enhance its Prime Video service by offering more than 100 add-on subscriptions, providing a seamless and customizable streaming experience. By incorporating Apple TV+, Prime Video aims to simplify the viewing experience for its users, allowing them to enjoy a wide range of premium content without needing to switch between different apps.

Telecom News: BEAD Projects Stalled by Workforce Gaps

States are grappling with workforce challenges as they prepare for BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) projects. Despite identifying necessary skills like GIS mapping and engineering, state broadband offices can't initiate training programs without funding. The industry faces a projected shortage of 58,000 workers between 2025 and 2030. Hiring has slowed as Internet Service Providers await BEAD money, creating a gap between training completion and job availability. Additionally, permitting issues, including pole replacements and federal land approvals, could significantly delay project timelines. With some states not expecting to award funds until 2026, the broadband workforce remains in limbo, highlighting the complex interplay between funding, training, and project execution in the telecom sector.

Media News: Amazon Launches AI Audio Generator

Amazon has launched a new generative AI tool called the Audio Generator, which is part of its AI Creative Studio suite. This tool is designed to help advertisers create audio ads easily, expanding their ability to produce content across various media types. By integrating this tool, Amazon aims to eliminate the creative barriers and complexities associated with different ad formats, allowing brands to reach their target audiences more effectively and dynamically. This suite allows brands to conceptualize, create, and refresh content across display, video, and audio formats. By reducing the complexities of working across multiple formats and placements, these innovations empower advertisers to more easily reach their target audiences at every stage of the marketing funnel. This leads to a more dynamic and engaging customer experience, ultimately helping to drive overall campaign performance.

Telecom Regulations: Privacy Concerns in Connected TV

A new report from the Center for Digital Democracy reveals that Connected TV (CTV) in the U.S. has become a sophisticated surveillance system. Major streaming networks, device companies, and TV manufacturers are creating extensive digital profiles of viewers, gathering data on viewing habits, purchases, and online behaviors. The industry uses advanced advertising technologies, including AI-driven targeting and virtual product placement. Smart TVs employ automatic content recognition to track individual viewers. This massive data collection raises privacy concerns, particularly in political advertising. The report calls for urgent regulation to protect consumers and ensure a fair, diverse marketplace for programmers.

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