Hi-tech inroads

While offering cheaper packages than its rivals, and tailoring contents to appeal to customers, the company is taking initiatives to spread its operation all over the continent. For example, in Nigeria, StarTimes services are available in cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano and Ibadan. Beyond Nigeria, they can be accessed in over 10 African countries, where the company has established business halls and developed dealers, giving more customers a chance to enjoy quality information, education and entertainment at an affordable price.

Being a privately owned Chinese company, StarTimes has achieved very good results in the overseas market. In 2011, their business operation in Africa had occupied a large portion of the company's overall revenue.

Apart from offering a competitive price package, Pang added that StarTimes' investment has improved Africa's radio and television infrastructure, and has put forward its migration from analogue to digital terrestrial television. It is also in line with the core strategies of the company's overseas operation.

"We bring in investment, technology and management experience," he said. "Those bring multiple benefits [to the continent], generating local employment, contributing tax revenues, and providing more choices for local people."

Big vision

Still a young company that is only in its 20s, StarTimes has grown to be a mature business. From initially being a system integrator and technology provider that transcended into a network operator, it is now moving toward being an influential global media group. When it comes to potential subscribers for StarTimies' digital pay TV in Africa, Pang hopes half of the African population can enjoy their services over next five years.

The entrepreneur's confidence is not groundless. StarTimes expects to sign up 10 million digital pay TV customers and 16 million mobile users in Africa in the following three to five years. Pang's hopes and expectations will likely become a reality soon.