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STUDENTCOM | PROMOTION | 09
StudentCom and Sky join forces
Paul Kan, Group Sales and Marketing Director at
StudentCom and Sky discuss their exciting new broadband partnership
How did the partnership come about between Sky and StudentCom? Paul Kan Group Sales and Marketing Director, StudentCom: “Although providing an internet service remains the core of what we do, our aim is to provide a service that is above and beyond broadband, essentially a ‘home from home’ experience for students. By partnering with Sky we are able to offer service that is present in many student homes, at exclusive student prices. “With respect to the student
accommodation market sector, Sky and StudentCom have held various discussions over the last 12month, working together to create a unique, quality service of value to the student. Via making full use of StudentCom’s investment in IPTV TV Head end and network infrastructure, combined with Sky’s rich content, we believe the resultant exclusive student service offerings are very exciting, and will help create that ‘home from home’ student experience. Sky Representative: “We know there are millions of Sky customers who love the choice and value of our residential service so we continually look for new ways of improving the viewing experience or giving people control and flexibility over how and where they enjoy our content.”
How does the service work and differ from standard ‘streaming’? Paul: “Our service is a multicast service which unlike ‘standard’ streaming, simultaneously sends a single stream of data (in this case Sky TV) to multiple users and therefore requires minimum network bandwidth. This results in a beter quality viewing experience for the
student with no lag and does not use up individual student bandwidth allowance, meaning they can browse the Internet and watch our StudentCom Sky service at the same time. All the student has to do is download our application onto their laptop and away they go!” Sky: “Through this partnership, StudentCom will broadcast Sky’s content directly to student accommodation. Sky Sports channels are delivered via the StudentCom broadband network and then purchased by the individual student, to guarantee the best quality and viewing experience, just as they would have at home. It’s important to note that streaming Sky’s content through unauthorised means is illegal, not to mention usually poor quality.”
How is the service delivering what today’s students really want? Paul: “Students consistently tell us, through our regular market research, that they want choice, quality of service and value for money, not only for their broadband service but also for all aspects of media and university life. We have worked closely with Sky to come up with this exclusive package that provides students the flexibility to watch premium Sky content including Sky Sports, as and when they want it, at an affordable price without having to be tied into a contract.”
Sky: “Let’s not forget that Sky has around 11 million residential customers across the UK and Ireland, so we know that families are generally enjoying our content. Sky Sports viewing alone is at its highest levels for six years. Combined with the fact that
For further information contact StudentCom on 01275 793 400 or email
info@studentcom.co.uk
technology is such an important part of our lives, especially for younger generations, then it’s easy to see why the demand for Sky in student accommodation is so high. We are currently offering a Sky Sports package that enables students to watch content from all six of our sports channels, including Sky Sports News.”
What are the major benefits for accommodation providers? Paul: “Sky and Premier League football are worldwide brands recognised by both UK and international students. By offering this unique ‘home from home’ service in student halls, Accommodation Teams can use the Sky brand to support their accommodation marketing campaigns, whilst also helping them to achieve good exit survey results.”
What are Sky and StudentCom’s expectations of this partnership? Paul: “The partnership has been formed for the long term, which is underpinned by the agreed rolling contract relationship. StudentCom and Sky believe that the initial service will be well received by the student population and also by the Accommodation Management teams. It is StudentCom and Sky’s plan to enhance the product and service offering over time, continually listening to student feedback, with a view to delivering a constantly evolving and dynamic quality service.” Sky: “The early signs are positive – students are already starting to register their interest ahead of the new academic year and we expect this to rise further when new students receive results in August.” UB
Image: Shuterstock
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