Telekom Malaysia to launch IPTV next year, says CEO

June 18, 2008 - Telekom Malaysia is to launch IPTV commercially in the second quarter of next year, as part of its drive to increase the usage of broadband services in the country, the company's CEO Datuk Zamzamzairani has said.

“We hope to launch it commercially in the second quarter of 2009," said Mr. Zamzamzairani, speaking to reporters at the CommunicAsia 2008 event currently being held in Singapore.  "We are running trials in certain parts of the country.”  Telekom Malaysia has reportedly been conducting trials in 400 homes in the Klang Valley, as well as in Kulim and Penang.

When asked about channel offerings on the new service, the executive said that this is still in development.  “We are working together and are in discussion with the content provider.  We must create the tipping point. By having this, it will create the usage of broadband and it will become the lifestyle.  As we move on the commercial service, we will start to talk on the content."  Mr. Zamzamzairani added: "We should not look on IPTV as the competitor to the current pay television."