BSNL launches IPTV service in city

Bangalore, Aug 14 (UNI) Bharati Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), in association with IOL broadband, today launched IPTV service here to cash in the exponential growth of digital based entertainment in the country.

Speaking at the launch, BSNL Chairman and Managing Director Kuldip Goyel said the IPTV will enable the subscribers to use their telephones in three ways--basic telephoning, broadband iInternet and cable TV that works simultaneously. Besides, the people can get access to video on demand and can choose from thousands of movies online.

Mr Goyel said the technology offered digital quality picture, which was much better than analogue technology being provided by the cable operators.

He said BSNL, the largest provider of broadband services with one million customers out of 2.3 million had received equipment to offer five million more broadband connections. During the next three years six million more connections would be offered.

IOL Director Mahendra Chauhan said IOL was the first company to launch IPTV in India. ''IPTV is experiencing an explosive, exponential growth worldwide. The Capex in IPTV worldwide was in excess of 50 billion dollars. The company, which was providing its services in 59 cities in India was deploying IPTV all over the country after integrating the proven IOL technology, which had already been deployed under similar system Comcast in USA, NTT in Japan and Australia.

''Commercial deployment of IPTV by IOL with BSNL will open new chapter in TV entertainment Industry in India and the benefit goes to the subscribers, who will get more control in their hands compared to DTH and cable TV.

The initial bouquet of the BSNL IPTV consists of more than 60 major channels. Other premium channels would be introduced.

IPTV charge would be Rs 250 per month, apart from one time charge of Rs 889 for activation and rs 3,950 for desk top box.

UNI