Shanghai convergence project kicks off

Shanghai has initiated a pilot network convergence project that will enable Chinese operators to offer IPTV packages, reports People Daily Online.

TV broadcasting and telecommunications firms will jointly offer a package of services including cable broadband access, WLAN Internet connection and interactive TV.

According to Chinese officials, as part of the pilot project, telecoms operators plan to roll out applications such as TV fee payment.

A big step in the convergence of televisions and personal computers has taken place following Virgin Media's move to begin selling its set-top box, states FT.com.

Introduced in cooperation with US technology manufacturer Tivo, the box provides an electronic programming guide that will allow viewers to find television shows not just on a linear schedule, but through a video-on-demand service and on the Internet.

The Tivo platform will allow consumers to integrate their Twitter and Facebook social media activities on to their television.

Israel's telecoms growth will rely heavily on a combination of new services and new networks rather than on increasing penetration as growth slightly increases from $6.9 billion in 2010 to $7.1 billion in 2015, says TMCnet.

According to a report from Pyramid Research, over the next five years, the majority of growth in the Israeli telecom market will arise from fixed and mobile broadband, voice-over-Internet protocol, and pay-TV.

Kerem Arsal, Pyramid Research analyst, says: “With 85% of households having fixed broadband access and the proliferation of 3G networks by all mobile players, the market is ripe with opportunities for convergence and multiplay offers.”