The Hindu Business Line : MTNL's Net protocol TV service cleared

Ending the uncertainty over the launch of IPTV (Internet protocol television) by MTNL, the Department of Telecom (DoT) has given a clean chit to the company.

The DoT has said that IPTV was being offered by MTNL as value-added service on its broadband platform.

"MTNL is entitled to offer all types of access services including broadband. IPTV is a broadband services and therefore, MTNL can offer it in Delhi and Mumbai," said a senior DoT official.

The uncertainty over MTNL's IPTV services had arisen after the telecom regulator sought to examine the legality of the service.

As per the TRAI's earlier recommendations, only those companies with unified access licence could offer IPTV services.

The recommendations have since been withdrawn by the TRAI, which is taking a relook at the entire issue.

Mr R.S.P. Sinha, Chairman of MTNL, said: "There is no separate law that exists on IPTV, so how can the service be illegal? MTNL is offering services that are permitted under its licence."

IPTV allows subscribers get TV content over telephone lines. It allows users to pause, fast forward and rewind live and recorded content stored on a remotely located server by the service provider.

The technology is being touted as the next big thing in broadband.

All a consumer needs to avail of these services is to possess a broadband connection and a television.

The viewer's TV connects to a Set Top Box that decodes the IP video and converts it into standard television signals.

MTNL has tied up with Aksh for offering the services in Delhi and Mumbai.