Sogetel purchases Occam Networks solution to upgrade network & offer IPTV

April 1, 2008 – Occam Networks, a US provider of broadband access solutions, has announced that Canadian independent telco Sogetel has purchased Occam’s Broadband Loop Carrier (BLC) 6000 solution to complete a “significant” network upgrade with the intention of offering IPTV and VoIP services.

Aksh Optifibre signs 3-year content deal with Eros International

April 1, 2008 – Aksh Optifibre, an Indian firm which provides IPTV services in conjunction with local telco MTNL, has closed a three-year agreement with content provider Eros International to deliver Eros’ content on the Aksh-MTNL platform.

EchoStar unwraps push/pull VoD service for ViP-TV platform

April 1, 2008 – EchoStar FSS has announced that it is offering a “push and pull” video on demand (VoD) service as part of its IPTV platform, called “ViP-TV”, launched in the US at the end of last month.

Bell Aliant selects Corinex home networking for Aliant TV service

March 31, 2008 – Corinex has announced that Canadian telco Bell Aliant has selected its AnyWire Connectivity product to deliver in-home networking of the telco’s IPTV service, called “Aliant TV”.

Ireland’s first IPTV hotel sees benefit of VDA’s PowerTV

Case study

Sheraton Fota Island Hotel and Spa on the Fota Island resort in Cork Harbour is one of Ireland’s ultimate luxury destinations.  The landscape around the hotel is nothing short of stunning:  playing host to Ireland’s only wildlife resort means the tiny island looks like a National Geographic photo-feature.  Opened in 2006, the challenge for the resort owners, Fleming Construction, was to make sure everything in the hotel, run by Sheraton, was up to the five-star standards set by the landscape – including the hotel’s in-room technology.

“It’s not all about building bigger, better, faster network pumps”

Interview with Jim Wilkinson, SVP Sales for Edgeware

Jim has operated in the TV on-demand business for the past 12 years and has been involved with many significant projects throughout the industry. Prior to joining Edgeware, he occupied positions at nCUBE as VP Sales EMEA and as UK Managing Director for AT&T EasyLink, and has also held board positions in two other high profile companies in the computing sector.

Korean telecom firms to invest US$ 15.8bn in IPTV this year

March 31, 2008 – Korean telecom firms will invest around KRW 1.57tr (US$ 15.8bn) in IPTV this year, according to the country’s Broadcasting and Communications Commission (BCC).

BT appoints Simon Milner as Director of Media and Convergence Policy

March 31, 2008 - With effect from this April, Simon Milner will become BT’s new Director of Media and Convergence Policy, in recognition of the company’s need to "enhance policy leadership" in this area due to greater involvment.

SingTel selects BrightDrive for mio TV

March 31, 2008 – Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel) has selected a BrightDrive media recording system from Bright Systems to provide the primary workflow infrastructure for a new tapeless post production facility for its IPTV service, called “mio TV”.

Televisa seeks Telefonicá alliance

March 28, 2008 – Televisa, a Mexican producer of Spanish-language content, has indicated that it is seeking a deal with Spanish telco Telefonicá to compete in the pay TV market, and specifically against Mexican telco Telmex, according to reports.

Neuf Cegetel adds Private content

March 28, 2008 – Private Media Group has announced that French triple-play operator Neuf Cegetel has launched Private content on the video on demand element of its IPTV service.

India’s TRAI looking to raise pay TV industry’s FDI cap to 74%

March 28, 2008 – The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has revealed that it is considering raising the foreign direct investment (FDI) cap for all pay TV platforms in the country, except cable, to 74%.

Asian market “set to increase phenomenally over the coming years”

Interview with Michael Lantz, CEO, Accedo Broadband

Accedo Broadband is an aggregator and distributor of interactive applications and content, and offers a content portfolio compatible with most IP set-top boxes and broadband enabled consumer electronics devices on the market. Accedo supplies services via leading operators and service providers globally, either via the operator’s brand or via an Accedo-owned brand.  The company was founded in 2004 by entrepreneurs Michael Lantz and Fredrik Andersson, and has offices in Stockholm, London and San Francisco.

Smart Telecom plans to soft-launch IPTV service next month

March 27, 2008 – Irish telco Smart Telecom has revealed that it plans to carry out a soft-launch of its new IPTV service next month in locations close to the 37 unbundled exchanges where it currently offers broadband.

PCCW adds Accedo games to now TV

March 27, 2008 – Accedo Broadband has revealed that Hong Kong-based telco PCCW is integrating Accedo Broadband’s Funspot casual games into its “now TV” IPTV service.