On November 14–15, 2017, the Global Home Internet Conference (GFIC) took place in Shanghai, drawing over 500 companies and more than 3,000 industry professionals. During the event, Wu Fangzhou, Director of Business Development for Digital Element China, delivered a compelling keynote speech titled “IP Intelligence and the Internet Broadcasting Revolution.†The presentation was well-received, highlighting the transformative role of IP technology in the evolving media landscape.
In the past, video content was limited to traditional TV broadcasts with fixed schedules and pre-determined programming. This model—where viewers had no choice but to watch what was offered at specific times—was restrictive and lacked flexibility. However, the rise of the internet has ushered in a new era of on-demand broadcasting, where users can choose when, where, and how they consume content. This shift has fundamentally changed the way people interact with media.
Wu emphasized that China’s OTT market is growing rapidly, with its size now matching Japan’s and surpassing it in recent years. Looking ahead, he predicts that China’s OTT market will double Japan’s within three to five years and continue to lead the Asia-Pacific region for the next decade. By 2020, the market is expected to reach $74 billion, making up nearly half of the entire Asia-Pacific market.
Major players in China’s OTT space include platforms like Love Strange, Tencent, Youku, and Sohu. These companies have experienced significant growth, with some reporting double-digit increases in user numbers. The future looks promising, offering substantial opportunities for companies like Digital Element, which specializes in IP intelligence solutions.
According to Wu, two key factors are driving this growth: the widespread adoption of mobile devices and the increasing popularity of mobile internet. From 2007 to 2016, mobile internet usage saw explosive growth. In 2007, only about one-third of mobile phone users accessed the internet, but by recent years, that number has surged to over 90%. This trend has enabled users to access video content anytime, anywhere—from trains and airports to coffee shops and cars.
However, with opportunity comes challenge. Wu identified two major hurdles facing the OTT market today. First, many users access content through unregulated channels or "wall-overs," bypassing legal agreements. Second, as users consume video across multiple platforms and locations, it becomes harder to ensure that content is distributed according to licensing agreements. This creates risks for both content providers and platform operators.
To address these challenges, IP geolocation data plays a crucial role. By accurately identifying a user’s geographic location, companies can ensure that content is delivered only to authorized users, while also blocking unauthorized access. This not only protects intellectual property but also enhances user experience by providing localized and relevant content.
Moreover, IP intelligence allows for more personalized and flexible distribution strategies. By analyzing user behavior and preferences, platforms can tailor their offerings to better meet consumer needs. This data-driven approach helps improve user satisfaction and loyalty.
Digital Element, a pioneer in IP geolocation technology, offers three main products tailored to different industries and use cases: Standard NetAcuity, City-Level Accurate, and Plus, which provides global zip code-level data. Their database covers almost all IP addresses worldwide, maintaining an accuracy rate of 99.99% at the national level and 97% at the city level.
Additionally, Digital Element’s agent detection database stands out as the only solution that can identify whether an IP address is from a proxy server, cloud service, or VPN. This capability is updated daily, ensuring accurate and real-time insights.
As the OTT market continues to evolve, IP intelligence remains a critical tool for businesses aiming to deliver content securely, efficiently, and in line with regional regulations. With its advanced technology and deep expertise, Digital Element is well-positioned to support enterprises in navigating the complexities of the digital age.
Cixi Xinke Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.cxxinke.com