Date:15/08/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/08/15/stories/2007081560920400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

BSNL formally launches IPTV

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: BSNL’s broadband consumers can now switch over to a more affordable television service with immediate effect. It costs them Rs. 150 a month if they can buy a set-top box for Rs. 3,950 and bear the installation charges of Rs. 889. If they do not want to buy the set-top box, they will have to pay a monthly subscription of Rs. 250.

BSNL’s Karnataka Circle Chief General Manager T.S. Kuppuswamy said the service could be soon available all over the State or wherever broadband has penetrated.

He said people would get in addition video on demand — a choice from 60-odd movies.

The BSNL, which has tied up with the IOL Broadband for content, will offer more than 100 channels to its subscribers. Mr. Kuppuswamy reiterated that the picture quality would be one of the best.

Known as IPTV — Internet Protocol TV — the BSNL launched the service on test basis. Its regular and full-scale launch was held on Tuesday.

The installation and activation charges of Rs. 889 would not be refundable. Video on demand would cost Rs. 10 a day for normal movies, Rs. 25 for semi-premium movies and Rs. 80 for premium movies. Some of the latest Hollywood movies would cost more.

Speaking on the occasion, IOL Broadband Director Mahendra Singh Chauhan said about 170 channels would be available to IPTV customers. His company was planning to offer IPTV to seven more cities in the country in 2007-08 and 21 more cities during 2008-09.

Chairman and Managing Director of BSNL Kuldip Singh Goel formally launched the service.

Mr. Goel and Mr. Kuppuswamy said the BSNL consumers would get high speed internet (broadband), telephone services and IPTV through the same line without one service interfering with another.