BSNL to offer IPTV in Hyderabad

Televisionpoint.com Correspondent
In the next three months, the state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) will offer Internet protocol television (IPTV) through its network in Hyderabad.

The IPTV will be available as a triple player facility in which subscribers can watch cable television, video on demand and get a dial-up internet connection.

"For the cable television, subscribers will have to buy a set top box worth Rs 4,000 or pay Rs 1,500 as deposit and a monthly rental of Rs 100. A monthly rental of Rs 215 will be collected separately for IPTV. Through the video on demand, one can buy films for Rs 50 and latest blockbusters or premium films for Rs 75." chief general manager (IT circle) K Ramchand said.

A private company, he added, has been roped in to develop content for the video on demand. The triple player system is under test. BSNL is also looking for franchisees for IPTV.

BSNL also launched its customer care portal. Customers can access the portal from the AP Telecom website, www.ap.bsnl.co.in and register online for free. They can also apply for any service, like landline and broadband connection. After applying for that service, the customer is given a unique request ID.

"We have set a target of 15 lakh new cellphones and two lakh new WLL connections this year. All villages, mandals and district headquarters will be covered in the next 12 months. About 700 GSM and 483 CDMA towers will be set up in the state during this period," said BSNL chief general manager of Andhra Pradesh telecom circle S Ramalingam.