With the Union Government giving the green light to guidelines formulated for IPTV (Internet protocol television), the television content delivered through broadband internet rather traditional wiring or DTH antennas is all set to become reality.

The pricing details that had been the major blockage for IPTV has been unblocked, yes, it won’t cost more than DTH or cable. Until this issue was resolved, IPTV service providers were reluctant to make internet TV a reality, as they alleged that broadcasters were charging them more than they were from DTH or cable providers.

The cabinet has made it clear that IPTV providers would get channels from broadcasters using broadcasting rates fixed by TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India).

Ironically, cable operators don’t see IPTV in a negative light, the president of cable operators federation, Roop Sharma feels. IPTV would mean more competition and increase the consumer base, says the Hindustan Times.

At present only Mahanagar Telephone Nigam (MTNL) and BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam) provide IPTV in select cities, Bharti Airtel and Reliance will launch their IPTV services any day now. X