Tag: IPTV

  • TRAI gives 2nd extension to Internet telephony consultation

    TRAI gives 2nd extension to Internet telephony consultation

    NEW DELHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), in a rare break with its own tradition, has given a second extension for stakeholders to respond to its consultation paper on Internet telephony, which discusses converged services like IPTV, mobile TV, etc.

    One extension had been given an extension for responses to come by today but has now said that responses can come by 5 September and counter-comments by 13 September 2016 with a noting that no further extensions would be allowed.

    Noting that unified IP based backbone and the benefits associated with the converged telecom access scenario has enabled service providers to launch more and more converged services such as Internet telephony, IPTV, mobile TV, etc., TRAI has on 22 June 2016 sought to know the format of voice over internet telephony (VoIP) in India.

    In the consultation paper, TRAI has also pointed out that use of Internet Protocol (IP)-based networks, including the Internet, continues to grow around the world due to the multitude of applications it supports and particularly due to VoIP. IP-based networks are capable of providing real-time services such as voice and video telephony as well as non real-time services such as email and are driven by faster Internet connections, widespread take-up in broadband and the emergence of new technologies.

    The terms “IP telephony”, “VoIP”, Internet telephony and other variants often generates confusion as there are many different definitions used by various organizations. Some use them interchangeably, while others give them distinct definitions. Further confusion is caused by using the terms to refer to both the IP-based technologies and the services that are enabled by these technologies.

    Convergence is primarily driven by increasing processing power, high capacity memory storage devices, reduced price, lesser power requirement and miniaturization of the devices. High-speed data transfer is now possible which is necessary for delivering innovative and advanced multimedia applications.

    Recent trends indicate that telecom operators are adopting converged platforms to deliver multimedia rich applications containing voice, video and data.

    The separation of service provisioning and its management from the underlying network infrastructure in packet based networks is further increasing the acceptability of IP based networks. It is now possible to separate provision of service contents, configuration and modification of service attributes regardless of the network catering such service. There has been enough evidence to suggest that in future IP networks will play much important role and may ultimately encourage migration of conventional networks towards Next Generation Networks or an All-IP Network.

  • Bharati Airtel to switch off IPTV service?

    Bharati Airtel to switch off IPTV service?

    MUMBAI: It persisted with its service for more than seven years. But now Bharati Airtel, which launched its IPTV offering in 2009, is reportedly shutting it down.

    The company has been sending out notices to its less than 50,000 subscribers that it would be pulling the plug on it by 31 July first and now on31 August, according to news reports.

    The service is available in Bengaluru and Delhi. In Delhi, it has been offering two packs, according to the Airtel website: SD 399 (Rs 399 for 196 SD channels, including 48 time shift channels), and HD599 (Rs 599 for 196 chax fonnels, 48 time shift channels and 12 HD channels). Bengaluru subscribers could avail of only the SD399 pack. A free wifi modem was thrown in when customers bought a set top bor Rs 3,500.

    In both the cities, it appears to be making a sweet offering: IPTV, though running on top of the consumer’s broadband connection, would not consume bytes from his or her existing broadband plan. Additionally, the service allowed users could access seven days of recorded programmes.

    Reports are that Airtel has written to its triple play customers saying that it would be offering an upgrade to its Airtel Digital TV DTH service at zero installation and activation cost (worth Rs 500), complementary HD USB set top box (Rs 1,300), 10 HD channel bouquet free for a month (Rs 111), free three months of recording (Rs 90), and a complimentary 8 GB pendrive (Rs 300).

    Some irate Airtel customers have been clogging consumer complaints websites online expressing their unhappiness about the one-sided decision to shut down its IPTV service and pushing them to subscribe to Airtel Digital TV.

    Airtel is switching ofF its IPTV service at a time when Reliance Jio is working on rolling out its own offering to customers. It imported a consignment of IPTV settop boxes a couple of months ago.

    Attempts to contact Airtel officials were unsuccessful.

  • Bharati Airtel to switch off IPTV service?

    Bharati Airtel to switch off IPTV service?

    MUMBAI: It persisted with its service for more than seven years. But now Bharati Airtel, which launched its IPTV offering in 2009, is reportedly shutting it down.

    The company has been sending out notices to its less than 50,000 subscribers that it would be pulling the plug on it by 31 July first and now on31 August, according to news reports.

    The service is available in Bengaluru and Delhi. In Delhi, it has been offering two packs, according to the Airtel website: SD 399 (Rs 399 for 196 SD channels, including 48 time shift channels), and HD599 (Rs 599 for 196 chax fonnels, 48 time shift channels and 12 HD channels). Bengaluru subscribers could avail of only the SD399 pack. A free wifi modem was thrown in when customers bought a set top bor Rs 3,500.

    In both the cities, it appears to be making a sweet offering: IPTV, though running on top of the consumer’s broadband connection, would not consume bytes from his or her existing broadband plan. Additionally, the service allowed users could access seven days of recorded programmes.

    Reports are that Airtel has written to its triple play customers saying that it would be offering an upgrade to its Airtel Digital TV DTH service at zero installation and activation cost (worth Rs 500), complementary HD USB set top box (Rs 1,300), 10 HD channel bouquet free for a month (Rs 111), free three months of recording (Rs 90), and a complimentary 8 GB pendrive (Rs 300).

    Some irate Airtel customers have been clogging consumer complaints websites online expressing their unhappiness about the one-sided decision to shut down its IPTV service and pushing them to subscribe to Airtel Digital TV.

    Airtel is switching ofF its IPTV service at a time when Reliance Jio is working on rolling out its own offering to customers. It imported a consignment of IPTV settop boxes a couple of months ago.

    Attempts to contact Airtel officials were unsuccessful.

  • TV5 to spawn business news channel TV5 Money

    TV5 to spawn business news channel TV5 Money

    MUMBAI: Telugu news channel TV5, promoted by Shreya Broadcasting, has around 290 reporters covering the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh,and delivering hourly news bulletins and 30 special bulletins. It has, however, gained a reputation for its incisive business reportage and programming.

    Now the management led by MD B Ravindranath is spawning a digital baby exploiting TV5’s business specialisation USP. Called TV5 Money, it will make its debut as a channel on Youtube, as an app, a website and on IPTV platforms on 3 August and it will be focused on business and lifestyle news.

    The new service is being steered by TV5 business head Vasanth Kumar and a separate editorial team – from that employed by the mother news channel – has been put in place. TV5 Money will deliver real time financial market coverage, business news, commodities trends and life style content, says Kumar. The management claims that it will provide unbiased, in-depth investment analysis and assist investors on mutual funds, insurance products, derivatives and commodities trading.

    The test signal was started in an informal programme on 29 July by Ravindranath.

    Kumar points out that it was the success of TV5’s business news programming voices that encouraged the company to consider launching a separate business news channel. But the management decided to take dainty steps initially in the digital domain. He, however, is sanguine that channel’s market research expertise will make viewers’ journey into the complex financial markets easy.

    Ravindranath too is confident that TV5 Money will gain traction quickly with viewers. “TV5 commenced operations in 2007,” he says. “But it very quickly positioned itself on top of the ladder in the regional broadcast news industry. It is known for its unique regional content, unbiased attitude and exceptional coverage of state, national and international news, making it Telangana and Andhra’s leading Telugu news and current affairs channel.”

    Shreya Broadcasting chairman BR Naidu believes that its track record and team which will stream out non-stop coverage are sure to contribute significantly to the overall rise of regional broadcast news. “Telugu viewers from the smallest part of India nationally will be attracted to it,” he says.

    A view that is echoed by a media analyst. Says she: “First of all Andhra and Telangana are very broadband friendly thanks to the strong IT focus the government has set out. Because of this, it should find a online audiences tuning in, especially in offices where broadband pipes are pretty thick. Then, the Telugu speaking populace is very industrious and they have seen an upgradation of their lifestyles over the years as the economy there has progressed. They want to know where to invest their money, and TV5 Money could help give them perspectives and opinions. By launching as a live streaming service, the company is cutting short its time to market and also keeping distribution and other costs low. But it will have to give it an extensive social media and digital marketing push to capture eyeballs quickly.”

  • TV5 to spawn business news channel TV5 Money

    TV5 to spawn business news channel TV5 Money

    MUMBAI: Telugu news channel TV5, promoted by Shreya Broadcasting, has around 290 reporters covering the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh,and delivering hourly news bulletins and 30 special bulletins. It has, however, gained a reputation for its incisive business reportage and programming.

    Now the management led by MD B Ravindranath is spawning a digital baby exploiting TV5’s business specialisation USP. Called TV5 Money, it will make its debut as a channel on Youtube, as an app, a website and on IPTV platforms on 3 August and it will be focused on business and lifestyle news.

    The new service is being steered by TV5 business head Vasanth Kumar and a separate editorial team – from that employed by the mother news channel – has been put in place. TV5 Money will deliver real time financial market coverage, business news, commodities trends and life style content, says Kumar. The management claims that it will provide unbiased, in-depth investment analysis and assist investors on mutual funds, insurance products, derivatives and commodities trading.

    The test signal was started in an informal programme on 29 July by Ravindranath.

    Kumar points out that it was the success of TV5’s business news programming voices that encouraged the company to consider launching a separate business news channel. But the management decided to take dainty steps initially in the digital domain. He, however, is sanguine that channel’s market research expertise will make viewers’ journey into the complex financial markets easy.

    Ravindranath too is confident that TV5 Money will gain traction quickly with viewers. “TV5 commenced operations in 2007,” he says. “But it very quickly positioned itself on top of the ladder in the regional broadcast news industry. It is known for its unique regional content, unbiased attitude and exceptional coverage of state, national and international news, making it Telangana and Andhra’s leading Telugu news and current affairs channel.”

    Shreya Broadcasting chairman BR Naidu believes that its track record and team which will stream out non-stop coverage are sure to contribute significantly to the overall rise of regional broadcast news. “Telugu viewers from the smallest part of India nationally will be attracted to it,” he says.

    A view that is echoed by a media analyst. Says she: “First of all Andhra and Telangana are very broadband friendly thanks to the strong IT focus the government has set out. Because of this, it should find a online audiences tuning in, especially in offices where broadband pipes are pretty thick. Then, the Telugu speaking populace is very industrious and they have seen an upgradation of their lifestyles over the years as the economy there has progressed. They want to know where to invest their money, and TV5 Money could help give them perspectives and opinions. By launching as a live streaming service, the company is cutting short its time to market and also keeping distribution and other costs low. But it will have to give it an extensive social media and digital marketing push to capture eyeballs quickly.”

  • TRAI gives more time on responses to Paper on internet telephony which can affect mobile TV, IPTV

    TRAI gives more time on responses to Paper on internet telephony which can affect mobile TV, IPTV

    NEW DELHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India today decided to give more time to stakeholders to respond to its consultation paper on internet telephony (VoIP).

    The paper had noted that unified IP based backbone and the benefits associated with the converged telecom access scenario has enabled service providers to launch more and more converged services such as Internet Telephony, IPTV, Mobile TV etc.

    TRAI has now asked stakeholders to respond by 22 August 2016 (which is exactly two months after the paper was issued on 22 June 2016) and give countercomments by 5 September 2016.

    The paper has sought to know the format of voice over internet telephony (VoIP) in India.

    The authority has pointed out that use of Internet Protocol (IP)-based networks, including the Internet, continues to grow around the world due to the multitude of applications it supports and particularly due to Voice Over IP (VoIP). IP-based networks are capable of providing real-time services such as voice and video telephony as well as non real-time services such as email and are driven by faster Internet connections, widespread take-up in broadband and the emergence of new technologies.

    The terms “IP Telephony”, “VoIP”, Internet Telephony and other variants often generates confusion as there are many different definitions used by various organizations. Some use them interchangeably while others give them distinct definitions. Further confusion is caused by using the terms to refer to both the IP-based technologies and the services that are enabled by these technologies.

    Convergence is primarily driven by increasing processing power, high capacity memory storage devices, reduced price, lesser power requirement and miniaturization of the devices. High-speed data transfer is now possible which is necessary for delivering innovative and advanced multimedia applications.

    Recent trends indicate that Telecom operators are adopting converged platforms to deliver multimedia rich applications containing voice, video and data.

    The separation of service provisioning and its management from the underlying network infrastructure in packet based networks is further increasing the acceptability of IP based Networks. It is now possible to separate provision of service contents, configuration and modification of service attributes regardless of the network catering such service. There has been enough evidence to suggest that in future IP networks will play much important role and may ultimately encourage migration of conventional networks towards Next Generation Networks or an All IP Network.

    The regulator wants to know what should the additional entry fee, Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) and Financial Bank Guarantee (FBG) for Internet Service providers be if they are also allowed to provide unrestricted Internet Telephony.

    It says the point of Interconnection for Circuit switched Network for various types of calls is well defined, and should the same be continued for Internet Telephony calls or there is need to change Point of Interconnection for Internet Telephony calls.

    Trai has asked whether accessing of telecom services of the TSP by the subscriber through public Internet (internet access of any other TSP) can be construed as extension of fixed line or mobile services of the TSP.

    It wants to know whether the present ceiling of transit charge needs to be reviewed or it can be continued at the same level.

    The regulation has asked what the termination charge should be when call is terminating into Internet telephony network and whether an Internet telephony subscriber be able to initiate or receive calls from outside the SDCA, or service area, or the country through the public Internet thus providing limited or full mobility to such subscriber.

    Should the last mile for an Internet telephony subscriber be the public Internet irrespective of where the subscriber is currently located as long as the PSTN leg abides by all the interconnection rules and regulations concerning NLDO and ILDO, asks Trai.

    It wants to understand the framework if Number portability is allowed for Internet Telephony numbers.

    In case it is not possible to provide Emergency services through Internet Telephony, will it be enough to inform limitation of Internet Telephony calls in advance to the consumers, asks Trai.
    Since the 1960’s when digital voice communication first emerged, the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) has been supported worldwide as the primary means of voice communication. The PSTN is a connection-oriented, circuit-switched network in which a dedicated channel (or circuit) is established for the duration of a communication. Originally transmitting only analog signals, the PSTN ultimately switched to digital communication, which offered solutions to the attenuation, noise and interference problems inherent in the analog system. The modern PSTN uses Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) to convert all analog signals into digital transmissions at the originating network and reverses the processes in the receiving network.

  • TRAI gives more time on responses to Paper on internet telephony which can affect mobile TV, IPTV

    TRAI gives more time on responses to Paper on internet telephony which can affect mobile TV, IPTV

    NEW DELHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India today decided to give more time to stakeholders to respond to its consultation paper on internet telephony (VoIP).

    The paper had noted that unified IP based backbone and the benefits associated with the converged telecom access scenario has enabled service providers to launch more and more converged services such as Internet Telephony, IPTV, Mobile TV etc.

    TRAI has now asked stakeholders to respond by 22 August 2016 (which is exactly two months after the paper was issued on 22 June 2016) and give countercomments by 5 September 2016.

    The paper has sought to know the format of voice over internet telephony (VoIP) in India.

    The authority has pointed out that use of Internet Protocol (IP)-based networks, including the Internet, continues to grow around the world due to the multitude of applications it supports and particularly due to Voice Over IP (VoIP). IP-based networks are capable of providing real-time services such as voice and video telephony as well as non real-time services such as email and are driven by faster Internet connections, widespread take-up in broadband and the emergence of new technologies.

    The terms “IP Telephony”, “VoIP”, Internet Telephony and other variants often generates confusion as there are many different definitions used by various organizations. Some use them interchangeably while others give them distinct definitions. Further confusion is caused by using the terms to refer to both the IP-based technologies and the services that are enabled by these technologies.

    Convergence is primarily driven by increasing processing power, high capacity memory storage devices, reduced price, lesser power requirement and miniaturization of the devices. High-speed data transfer is now possible which is necessary for delivering innovative and advanced multimedia applications.

    Recent trends indicate that Telecom operators are adopting converged platforms to deliver multimedia rich applications containing voice, video and data.

    The separation of service provisioning and its management from the underlying network infrastructure in packet based networks is further increasing the acceptability of IP based Networks. It is now possible to separate provision of service contents, configuration and modification of service attributes regardless of the network catering such service. There has been enough evidence to suggest that in future IP networks will play much important role and may ultimately encourage migration of conventional networks towards Next Generation Networks or an All IP Network.

    The regulator wants to know what should the additional entry fee, Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) and Financial Bank Guarantee (FBG) for Internet Service providers be if they are also allowed to provide unrestricted Internet Telephony.

    It says the point of Interconnection for Circuit switched Network for various types of calls is well defined, and should the same be continued for Internet Telephony calls or there is need to change Point of Interconnection for Internet Telephony calls.

    Trai has asked whether accessing of telecom services of the TSP by the subscriber through public Internet (internet access of any other TSP) can be construed as extension of fixed line or mobile services of the TSP.

    It wants to know whether the present ceiling of transit charge needs to be reviewed or it can be continued at the same level.

    The regulation has asked what the termination charge should be when call is terminating into Internet telephony network and whether an Internet telephony subscriber be able to initiate or receive calls from outside the SDCA, or service area, or the country through the public Internet thus providing limited or full mobility to such subscriber.

    Should the last mile for an Internet telephony subscriber be the public Internet irrespective of where the subscriber is currently located as long as the PSTN leg abides by all the interconnection rules and regulations concerning NLDO and ILDO, asks Trai.

    It wants to understand the framework if Number portability is allowed for Internet Telephony numbers.

    In case it is not possible to provide Emergency services through Internet Telephony, will it be enough to inform limitation of Internet Telephony calls in advance to the consumers, asks Trai.
    Since the 1960’s when digital voice communication first emerged, the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) has been supported worldwide as the primary means of voice communication. The PSTN is a connection-oriented, circuit-switched network in which a dedicated channel (or circuit) is established for the duration of a communication. Originally transmitting only analog signals, the PSTN ultimately switched to digital communication, which offered solutions to the attenuation, noise and interference problems inherent in the analog system. The modern PSTN uses Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) to convert all analog signals into digital transmissions at the originating network and reverses the processes in the receiving network.

  • Reliance Jio declares readiness for 4G launch; imports IPTV STBs

    Reliance Jio declares readiness for 4G launch; imports IPTV STBs

    MUMBAI: The Reliance Jio juggernaut is getting ready to enter the next phase. According to the Q1 2017 presentation Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) made to investors over the weekend, Relaince Jio’s Preview Offer for its 4G LTE services tests phase is doing very well.

    Reliance Jio officials announced that the company is ready to roll them out nationally, apart from four circles (these will take six to eight weeks) which were awarded to it on 6 July.

    It said that its network is available over 18,000 cities and more than 200,000 villages in the 2300 MHz/1800 MHz band.

    The company stated that its JioLyf Preview Offer is now being expanded and has attracted 1.5 million plus users to it. Each subscriber is consuming 26GB and speaking for about 355 minutes each month.

    Reliance Jio revealed that there has been a strong uptake of all the services it has been offering, considering the humungous data consumption. Among the ones that are popular is Jio Play offering 300+ channel (30 of them HD) across 15 languages in 10 genres, offering seven day catch up TV with pause and play and personalization features. The others that are gaining in popularity are JioOnDemand, (100,000 hours of HD-ad free movies and trailers), JioBeats (million plus songs in 20 different languages), JioXpresNews (500 plus content publishers) and JioMags (5,000 magazine plus issues across 15 categories and 10 languages).

    According to the RIL presentation, the company has set up a 100,000 strong retailer base to sell its LYF devices, which include Flame, Wind, Water and Earth priced between Rs 2,999 and 19,999. Another 500,000 outlets for SIM and recharge sales have been signed up.

    Last week Reliance Jio extended its Preview Offer to select Samsung Galaxy Phone users and it is now expected to allow IPhone 6, and 6S users to be able to sign up for it too by next week.

    Observers expect Reliance Jio to levy a data usage fee much lower than the 0.5 p per 10 kb – that has been talked about so far – when it launches. A commercial launch date that is being talked about is 15 August.

    Additionally Reliance Jio has also imported 15,000 IPTV set top boxes from Vietnam earlier this month, according to reports.

    The boxes reportedly have a price tag of Rs 5,500 and are an indicator that the company is possibly readying to introduce its fibre to the home services (FTTH) and could start delivering IPTV to customers in the not too distand future. All that subscribers have to do is download the JioPlay and JioOnDemand Apps to tune into content that could rival that offered by many other cable operators and DTH operators. Reliance Jio already has a national MSO licence. Pricing plans have not been revealed as yet, but expect them to be competitive.

    RIL reported a turnover of Rs 71,451 crore with a net profit of Rs 7,113 crore. in Q12017.

  • Reliance Jio declares readiness for 4G launch; imports IPTV STBs

    Reliance Jio declares readiness for 4G launch; imports IPTV STBs

    MUMBAI: The Reliance Jio juggernaut is getting ready to enter the next phase. According to the Q1 2017 presentation Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) made to investors over the weekend, Relaince Jio’s Preview Offer for its 4G LTE services tests phase is doing very well.

    Reliance Jio officials announced that the company is ready to roll them out nationally, apart from four circles (these will take six to eight weeks) which were awarded to it on 6 July.

    It said that its network is available over 18,000 cities and more than 200,000 villages in the 2300 MHz/1800 MHz band.

    The company stated that its JioLyf Preview Offer is now being expanded and has attracted 1.5 million plus users to it. Each subscriber is consuming 26GB and speaking for about 355 minutes each month.

    Reliance Jio revealed that there has been a strong uptake of all the services it has been offering, considering the humungous data consumption. Among the ones that are popular is Jio Play offering 300+ channel (30 of them HD) across 15 languages in 10 genres, offering seven day catch up TV with pause and play and personalization features. The others that are gaining in popularity are JioOnDemand, (100,000 hours of HD-ad free movies and trailers), JioBeats (million plus songs in 20 different languages), JioXpresNews (500 plus content publishers) and JioMags (5,000 magazine plus issues across 15 categories and 10 languages).

    According to the RIL presentation, the company has set up a 100,000 strong retailer base to sell its LYF devices, which include Flame, Wind, Water and Earth priced between Rs 2,999 and 19,999. Another 500,000 outlets for SIM and recharge sales have been signed up.

    Last week Reliance Jio extended its Preview Offer to select Samsung Galaxy Phone users and it is now expected to allow IPhone 6, and 6S users to be able to sign up for it too by next week.

    Observers expect Reliance Jio to levy a data usage fee much lower than the 0.5 p per 10 kb – that has been talked about so far – when it launches. A commercial launch date that is being talked about is 15 August.

    Additionally Reliance Jio has also imported 15,000 IPTV set top boxes from Vietnam earlier this month, according to reports.

    The boxes reportedly have a price tag of Rs 5,500 and are an indicator that the company is possibly readying to introduce its fibre to the home services (FTTH) and could start delivering IPTV to customers in the not too distand future. All that subscribers have to do is download the JioPlay and JioOnDemand Apps to tune into content that could rival that offered by many other cable operators and DTH operators. Reliance Jio already has a national MSO licence. Pricing plans have not been revealed as yet, but expect them to be competitive.

    RIL reported a turnover of Rs 71,451 crore with a net profit of Rs 7,113 crore. in Q12017.

  • Research and  Markets’ World DTH TV Update for 2015

    Research and Markets’ World DTH TV Update for 2015

    MUMBAI: What’s driving DTH subscriber growth globally? According to research firm, Research and Markets’ (R&M’s) latest report, World DTH Market End 2015, almost one third of pay TV satellite growth is a result of telecom companies making DTH offers.

    Telecoms players’ foray into extending their current portfolios along with strategy of selling bundles is the reason behind this..

    The market research outfit says that DTH television is growing in all regions, excepting in the US where it has gone down. Latin America has added the maximum DTH subs growing from 14 million in 2010 to 35 million in 2015 – a compounded annual growth rate of 20 per cent.

    Next to Latin America the other region growing fast is APAC at a CAGR of 17 per cent followed by Middle-East Africa (MEA) at a CAGR of 15 per cent. Europe has grown at a CAGR of 5 per cent for 2010-15.

    The author has tracked tracks TV subscribers quarterly based on technology type – Cable, DTT, IPTV and DTH. The report analyses the DTH pay TV subscribers globally and the share of telecom operators in the DTH space.