North Korea’s KCTV said to launch streaming service
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An unlikely new player has reportedly entered into the video streaming business, according to reports – North Korean state broadcaster KCTV.
BBC News notes that the broadcaster’s new set-top-box, Manbang, has been called North Korea’s version of Netflix in some reports.
Manbang is said to connect to the North Korean intranet and allow viewers to watch documentaries on demand and five TV channels.
While KCTV claims that consumer demand for the price is high, connectivity in North Korea remains at very low levels.
This is not the first time that North Korea, notorious for keeping a tight grip on the control of information entering into and coming out of the country, has been found been developing its own limited versions of popular internet services.
In May, researchers found a rudimentary social network, resembling a crude version of Facebook, designed for users of North Korea’s intranet. But this was quickly pulled down after pranksters started creating spoof profiles, including one for Kim Jong-Un.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the name of North Korea's new streaming service?
What is the name of North Korea's new streaming service?
The new streaming service is called Manbang, which is accessed via a set-top-box. Some reports have referred to it as North Korea's version of Netflix.
Q.What content is available on Manbang?
What content is available on Manbang?
Manbang allows viewers to watch documentaries on demand. It also provides access to five TV channels, connecting to the North Korean intranet for its content.
Q.What are the limitations of the Manbang service?
What are the limitations of the Manbang service?
Despite claims of high consumer demand, connectivity in North Korea remains very low. The service connects to the country's intranet, rather than the global internet.
Q.Has North Korea developed other limited internet services before?
Has North Korea developed other limited internet services before?
Yes, researchers previously found a rudimentary social network, similar to a crude Facebook version, for intranet users in May. It was quickly removed after spoof profiles were created.
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