The verdict is finally out. After working in consonance with Microsoft for four long years testing Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) technology in about 20,000 Indian homes, Reliance Communications (RCOM) has finally declared that it will launch IPTV technology services from March 2008 onwards. The venture is learnt to have induced an investment of $ 1 billion in software licenses and infrastructure. 

 

When the IPTV technology services gets finally launched in 2008, the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group company will serve big cities in the initial phase like Mumbai and New Delhi and gradually spread to some 30 others. RCOM has roped in leading content providers for its IPTV program and is aiming to provide around 400 channels to customers. The company would also launch direct-to-home television services very soon.  

 

The IPTV features for RCOM will be developed by the reputed Washington-based company Redmond according to the agreed eight-year contract.  RCOM officials have announced that the company is looking forward towards providing broadband facility in the rural regions of India. And this will happen to be a significant collaboration project for RCOM and Microsoft apart from mobile and gaming solutions.     

 

Reliance Communications has already got hold of a key project for rural broadband in the state of West Bengal and aims to acquire more such projects with assistance from the state governments in India. On the other hand, Bharti too is being projected to introduce its IPTV technology services by the end of this year. State-run telecom majors like MTNL and BSNL have already initiated IPTV services in cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Pune.