Multi play network likely next year in Kolkata

Kolkata, Nov 3(UNI) The Multiplay system, rolling the services of telephone, video and cable television into one, is likely to be available in the city from next year.

"The Multiplay system will be introduced in the city in a year's time. In the first phase we will offer audio, video and cable services," Calcutta Telephones Chief General Manager S K Chakraborty told reporters.

Stating that work for the project was already underway, Dr Chakraborty said Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) would invest Rs. 50 crore in 2006-07 for installation of Multi play network with the help of optic fibre cable.

The BSNL is launching through broadband connection the Multiplay service which includes a cable channel bouquet, video on demand, video conferencing, television to television SMS and e-classes. With the pilot project being carried on in Pune, BSNL has kept August 15 as the trial launch date.

BSNL has signed up with the Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Ltd (MKCL) to provide content. MKCL would be responsible for providing the technological platform for the delivery of the video-based services on the Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ASDL) technology.

Dr Chakraborty said at present the city has 100,000 broadband customers and the size was fast growing with BSNL receiving about 6,000 new demands every month.

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