However, the major difference between the two apps is the ability to stream with data and no-data (Zero data) where Airtel TV uses the former as YOTV cruises with the latter model.

The two apps have grown in popularity for their Ugandan-crisp content allowing users to watch live TV channels without any PayTV subscription or decoder needed.

Since both Apps have almost the same local channels and differing in on-demand content, choosing the best to install on your Smartphone requires a feature by feature balance and expenses factored into play.

Subscription

Airtel TV is a zero subscription TV streaming service, but a data-required App. This means, you don’t need to subscribe to any packages to use the app, but you need data to stream content on the App.

The App is 100% free and limited to Airtel users only, meaning you can’t stream content if connected to a VPN or another network.

On the other hand, YOTV Channels is a generic streaming App partially affiliated to MTN due to their recent partnership to create subscription packages for less on a Zero data model.

This means you need to pay for a subscription package to use the App, but don’t need data to stream/watch content on the App.

With YOTV, subscription packages are only available to MTN customers, though you can pay and use the service even when using a different network like Africell, Smile or Lyca Mobile.

Layout

Both Airtel TV and YOTV channels have responsive layouts that attract user attention when streaming content. However, the two differ in content layout, Airtel TV has a drawer layout, and with featured, Shows, Movies and Live TV as the active tabs a user can choose from.

Likely, YOTV has a landing layout with multiple tabs housing a Home,TV,VOD (Video on-demand),Recordings and Account menus a user can choose from. Identically, both Airtel TV and YOTV have a search form a user can use to locate videos by keyterm.

Data Consumption

While Airtel TV uses mobile data to run and stream all content on the App. YOTV is Zero-rated and doesn’t require any data to run and stream content. This means Airtel TV consumes the same amount of data you’d use to stream YouTube videos as YOTV will run without any data needed.

Number of Available channels

Both Airtel TV and YOTV allow you to stream all free to air local TV channels within the App. But the two differ on the Video-on-demand side with different video categories available to watch within any of the Apps.

YOTV features MunoWatch__a Ugandan translated movies channel that allows you to watch movies by top VJs in Uganda like VJ.Junior, VJ.Jingo among others on top of other channels featuring Nollywood, Hollywood and Soap movies under VOD.

Airtel TV, on the other hand, doesn’t house translated movies, but has Nollywood, Hollywood, and soap movies just like YOTV. In simple terms, Airtel TV is more like Startimes App dressed in the telco’s colors.

On a lucky patch, YOTV features Live Radio under its Live category. This means you can listen to FM Radio Stations using the App in case you’re not streaming videos. On the contrary, Airtel TV doesn’t have radio support, but full video support.

Extra Functionality

Pause, Rewind, Record, is the YOTV Channels slogan representing the App’s ability to pause Live TV, rewind Live TV in case of a missed scene and record to save on your Smartphone’s memory. This means you can watch 7 pm news at 10 PM incase you missed watching them.

Airtel TV on the other hand strictly allows you to watch and stream Video content, we realized no extra functionalities on top of the regular streaming procedure. This means, you watch content the same way you would on a TV by following your program guide.

The Best App to Choose: YOTV Channels

With the ability to pause live TV, watch already streamed Live TV programs, Record for better storage, on top of paying only a monthly subscription and stream with no-data (ZERO data).

YOTV is the best choice to stream LiveTV, Live Radio, and On-demand Content since you don’t need data to run the App on top of extensive features and ability to stream with any network connection.

On the other hand, Airtel TV misses catchy features and requires data to run in a country where data is considered expensive on top of being a necessity. More so, since the App only runs with Airtel data, it means you can’t utilise offers like Don’t be cheated. So, YOTV beats Airtel TV.

Well, the fate of worrying about streaming data to watch live and recorded Tv is now void YoTV’s induction on the MTN’s Mobile TV bundles tier that already supports DSTV, Startimes, and Kwese iFlix

With more than 50 channels currently supported by YoTV, customers will be able to pause, rewind and record programs with ease. While announcing the YoTV Partnership with MTN, the brand’s CEO Mr. Aggrey Mugisha inked their goal of revolutionalizing the display entertainment industry as he said

At YoTV we are trying to make it possible for users to watch their favorite TV programs by using a Smartphone. Through our new partnership with MTN, customers will now stream content on the App with Zero data, but with an active subscription plan. All they have to do is download the YoTV Channels App then register with their MTN numbers to enjoy local TV and Radio at any time, anywhere

Aggrey Mugisha

As an initial offering, new users will get 30 days of free viewing and choose to upgrade to any subscription plan of their choice starting from as low as UGX 500 for a daily plan. However, other available plans rave in the Weekly and monthly tiers for uninterrupted viewing

How to get Started with YoTV:

• Go to the Google or Apple store, and download the YoTV Channels APP as your search query
• Enter your MTN Number to register for an account and receive a One time PIN
• Enter your Onetime Pin to complete setup
• Enjoy 30-days of free streaming on the YoTV App

Available MTN Subscription Plans after your 30-day trial

How to Buy a subscription package

• Open the YoTV App
• Click the Account Pane
• Access the purchases tab
• Choose your desired subscription plan
• Confirm purchase through your MTN Mobile money approvals dialog
• DONE: Enjoy data-free streaming of Video on demand (VOD) content

Just like the current free data streaming plans for services like Tidal, Startimes among others. MTN’s partnership with YoTV runs on a combined data + subscription plan meaning for as low as 500/=, you get both subscription and streaming data in the same package.