Jakarta, September 19th 2017 – First Media & BOLT today announces it’s first OTT collaboration with HOOQ – the largest Video on Demand service in South-East Asia to bring to Indonesian consumers the ultimate entertainment experience. The partnership will allow First Media & BOLT subscribers to enjoy high quality entertainment via HOOQ app which contains video streaming and downloading of both local and international blockbuster movies and tv series anywhere, anytime. The official announcement was made by Meena Kumari Adnani as Executive Vice President (EVP) of Content Development and Business Affairs First Media Tbk, Billy Abe as Chief Product Officer (CPO) of BOLT and Country Manager HOOQ Indonesia, Guntur S. Siboro on Tuesday, September 19th 2017 at Senayan City, Jakarta.

The fixed broadband penetration in 2016 was 9.1% and is expected to be 10.7% by the end of 2017. Wireless broadband was at 34% in 2016 and is expected to be 41% by end of 2017 according to Media Partners Asia data – both industries way under-penetrated. Indonesia is the 4th most populous nation in the world followed by China, India and United States. For a country with a population of approximately 263 million people and approximately 42% of them are below 24 years old, there is a lot of potential for growth for broadband as well as OTT players.

Meena Kumari Adnani, Executive Vice President (EVP) of Content Development and Business Affairs PT First Media Tbk said, "First Media’s vision is very clear. As the leading cable TV and broadband operator in Indonesia, we have always believed in being innovative to stay ahead of the game and to meet customers’ needs in an ever-changing world. We need to always think “customer first” whilst continuing to create more touch points and engagement opportunities with our subscribers”.

“This strategic collaboration with HOOQ will provide our subscribers with the ability to consume a wide range of content offered by HOOQ on demand, on a large screen through our interactive set-top-box, on the go, on their gadget or their mobile wherever and whenever they want. In addition to our TV Anywhere service called FirstMediaX, this will provide a holistic content offering to our subscribers,” added Meena.

Excited by this collaboration, Chief Product Officer (CPO) of BOLT, Billy Abe said, “BOLT, as a pioneer in 4G LTE services, focuses on giving the best, most reliable and fastest mobile internet service for customers. Providing customers the ability to consume high quality content from HOOQ using BOLT, we are very happy to offer customers a seamless experience at an affordable price.”

“We believe that our partnership with First Media and BOLT will add value to all of us, especially in providing the best possible OTT experience. First Media and BOLT customers can enjoy the various video content of HOOQ, with more than 20.000 titles ranging from popular TV series such as Supergirl, The Flash, Lucifer and Inhumans from Marvel, Hollywood blockbusters and local movies, also the original production from HOOQ,” said Guntur S. Siboro, Country Manager HOOQ Indonesia.

Starting in October 2017, First Media has made HOOQ easily accessible and affordable to its subscribers. All First Media subscribers can enjoy HOOQ for free for two months period. Thereafter, HOOQ is accessible via the set-top-box and subsequently on FirstMediaX.

Also starting from October 2017, all BOLT prepaid customers with minimum package of IDR 99,000 and postpaid customers (Regular and Unlimited) can enjoy HOOQ services for free. All other BOLT customers can also subscribe to HOOQ via BOLT at a nominal fee.

“First Media’s ability to bundle services and provide our subscribers with a wide range of quality products has always been the main focus for First Media. Our current bundled services include content, broadband, 4G, smart home, TV anywhere and now on demand services vis-a-vie our partnership with HOOQ. This collaboration shows the strength and superiority of First Media in giving the best experience of watching good quality movie, anytime and anywhere, at home as well as on the go,” said Meena.