5G set to provide perks for content providers – HBO chief

Speaking to Mobile World Daily ahead of Friday’s content keynote, Plepler said he expected the relationship between content providers – such as his business – and mobile operators to continue to be “mutually beneficial” as content provision showcases the abilities of new network access technologies.

“There is no better way of humanising mobile technology than bringing it to life with a content story,” he said. “The consumer’s ability to stay connected to programming they love showcases the importance of reliability and speed of connection.”

The faster and broader connectivity brought by 5G, Plepler noted, will enable “greater and more frequent engagement with the HBO brand and allow for our content to be consumed in more places than ever before”.

The executive added as an early adopter of mobile and streaming services, HBO was among the first to recognise the potential of new technologies to bring the company closer to its customer-base – a policy the business plans to continue.

“We invest more in technology today than ever in our history,” the executive said. “What mobile technology allows is the ability [for consumers] to connect with the brands, storylines and characters instantaneously and much more personally.”

“That presents huge opportunities for HBO as we continue to develop and deploy the technology, products and consumer experiences that keep up with the pace of next generation expectations,” he continued.

HBO chairman and CEO Richard Plepler is speaking at the Media and Entertainment Keynote Friday at 09:00 in the main auditorium alongside former LA Laker Rick Fox, AEG CEO Dan Beckerman, Boingo Wireless chief David Hagan, and Vice International president Dominique Delport.