Johannesburg, 02 Feb 2006
Plans to bring Internet Protocol television (IPTV) to SA are under way, as Telkom confirms it will partner Alcatel and Microsoft to conduct an IPTV trial.
"The trial will begin within the next few months," says Alcatel marketing manager Mervin Kamoetie.
A source at Telkom has confirmed that around 300 people will be involved in the testing.
Telkom spokesperson Lulu Letlape emphasises that the company is looking towards providing integrated 'triple-play` services, involving a bundle of Internet, TV and telephone services.
Broadcasting licence
In a recent briefing with the Independent Communication Authority of SA (ICASA), Telkom confirmed it may seek a broadcast licence.
Letlape adds that no decisions can be made regarding either the purchase of a broadcast licence or the finding of a broadcast partner until the IPTV trial has been conducted.
She says IPTV is one of the avenues that Telkom is looking into, adding that Telkom is also considering acquiring an IT company.
"It would make sense, in terms of the company`s planned growth," she notes.
IPTV allows for 'point-to-point` distribution, meaning people can customise content more than ever before, and stream control - such as pausing and rewinding.
No further details are available yet on the duration, programming content or expectations of the IPTV trial.
Invitation to apply
Meanwhile, ICASA has invited present and potential service providers to apply for commercial satellite and cable subscription broadcasting licences. Applications will close on 31 July.
"In 2003, the authority received applications for permission to continue from MultiChoice, WorldSpace, DMX Africa, Deukom, Sentech, Orbicom and Comutanet," says ICASA.
It adds that applications from new entrants to the market will be considered simultaneously with those submitted by subscription broadcasting services that have permission to continue.
Applications for terrestrial broadcasters will not be considered until the national strategy on the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting has been developed, it says.
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