MTN Launches Ad-Supported Streaming Service One TV
MTN debuts its free, ad-supported platform in South Africa and Zambia, offering movies, series, and sports content.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Television
Live Poll
Would you switch to free advertising-supported streaming services to save on monthly subscription costs?
MTN officially introduced its advertising-supported streaming platform, One TV, to the South African and Zambian markets in October 2026. The service offers users access to a library of movies, series, and sports-related programming without requiring a monthly subscription fee.
Why it matters
The platform functions as an affordable alternative to traditional subscription-led streaming services by generating revenue through advertising. It also serves to create new monetization channels for content creators and various rights holders.
MTN One TV has reached more than 20,000 registered users in South Africa since its October 2026 launch. The service provides dedicated streaming data priced at R12 per GB, with viewing costs estimated at R3 per hour for 480p resolution.
The players
MTN
MTN is a multinational mobile telecommunications company that provides voice, data, and digital services to customers across Africa and the Middle East.
The details
One TV operates by aggregating and distributing content from established production companies and streaming partners. Users can access the platform by registering with a valid MTN mobile number, though formal marketing activities for the service have yet to begin.
Timeline
October 2026: The platform officially launched at the Durban FilmMart.
Before the end of 2026: MTN intends to launch dedicated connected TV applications.
Industry Dynamics
This rollout mirrors the broader shift in the digital media sector toward the FAST (Free Ad-supported Streaming Television) model. By leveraging mobile-first accessibility, MTN is challenging the traditional subscription-heavy landscape of global streaming services.
Users can access the service for free by registering with a valid MTN mobile number instead of paying monthly subscription fees. The platform is designed to be data-efficient, offering specific streaming data packages to manage costs for mobile viewers.
The takeaway
Consumers looking to reduce monthly entertainment costs can access this ad-supported library without a recurring subscription fee. Viewers should note that the platform currently requires a valid MTN mobile number for registration.
What happens next
MTN plans to expand its content library later in 2026 and expects to launch connected TV applications before the end of the year.
Further reading
Learn more about the evolving landscape of digital media in our Television section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ITWeb.
Live Poll
Would you switch to free advertising-supported streaming services to save on monthly subscription costs?
