Angry viewers have taken to social media criticising Channel Seven over its Olympic Games streaming service following technical problems during the opening weekend of the games.Upon the launch of the Olympics on 7 app, Seven had described it as “the digital cornerstone of its plans to make the Rio Olympic Games available to all Australians across broadcast television and connected devices”.
However, it was not smooth sailing for Seven following commencement of the games, with viewers airing their grievances via social media. Seven in turn responded that it was aware of issues with the app.
“We are aware of issues w/ the app on both iOS and Android devices,” Seven stated via Twitter in response to viewers. “Tech team is working to resolve. Thx for your patience.”
Seven is offering a free product along with a premium option for $19.95. Viewers had taken to social media complaining about paying for a service that doesn’t work.
Fairfax Media has reported Seven as stating that there was an “international problem” caused by unprecedented demand for games streaming.
“Our streaming partners – Olympic Broadcasting Services in Rio and [content delivery service] Akamai – have assured us they are doing everything they can to avoid a repeat of any problems,” Fairfax reported a network spokeswoman as stating.
Meanwhile, Telstra, which is offering mobile customers free premium access to the app, has also been caught up in the social media backlash.
“If you’re having trouble viewing or accessing the ‘Olympics on 7’ app we’re very sorry,” the telco stated via Twitter in response to viewers. “We’re working with Channel Seven to fix.”
