During a recent thoughtful conversation, our CEO Tassilo Raesig joined Miles McWilliams, Head of Global Business Internet, Content & Security Solutions at Deutsche Telekom for a discussion moderated by Andy Waltenspiel, where the future of streaming delivery took center stage. What emerged was a clear and urgent message: the streaming industry is at a turning point, and it’s time to rethink how to manage and monetize peak traffic while delivering flawless experiences to end users.

Peak streaming traffic, often seen as a cost and performance liability, must be transformed into a revenue opportunity. But achieving this requires more than just technical fixes, it demands a fundamental shift in the ecosystem. That’s where the collaboration between Deutsche Telekom and MainStreaming comes in.

ISPs have long played the role of infrastructure enablers, building robust networks and ensuring reliable internet access. However, as streaming continues to dominate traffic patterns, especially during live events, traditional models are no longer sustainable. Peaks are unpredictable and difficult to forecast, influenced by everything from sports events to viral content. ISPs like Deutsche Telekom must be prepared to support these surges at any time, with no degradation in quality or performance.

This is where MainStreaming’s value becomes evident. Our private CDN-as-a-service is designed to extend capacity at the edge, enabling ISPs and broadcasters to meet sudden demand with efficiency and control. For Deutsche Telekom and its flagship service, Magenta TV, this collaboration ensures that live video delivery—particularly during high-demand events—remains seamless and high quality.

But this partnership goes beyond infrastructure. MainStreaming and Deutsche Telekom are building a shared, orchestrated platform that not only supports Telekom’s internal needs but also opens new business avenues. By leveraging MainStreaming’s expertise in video delivery, Deutsche Telekom can now offer CDN services to external customers, turning what was once a technical burden into a commercial advantage.

The ultimate focus, as emphasized throughout the discussion, is the end-user. Quality, performance, KPIs, everything must align to ensure that the viewer has an uninterrupted, high-performing experience, no matter when or where they tune in. And to make that happen, ISPs need to become active participants in the delivery chain,not just by enabling infrastructure but by becoming part of the revenue-generating side of the streaming economy.

As Tassilo and Miles both highlighted, building this kind of ecosystem — where telcos, CDNs, and broadcasters work together — is no longer optional. It’s essential. Only through collaboration can the industry scale fast, perform better, and deliver on the expectations of an increasingly demanding audience.

This joint vision from MainStreaming and Deutsche Telekom sets a precedent for the industry. It proves that when the industry stops working in silos and starts orchestrating together, traffic can be better managed and real valure can be unlocked.