Post IPTV launch, cable operators say no to slash rates

Even though the BSNL has finally launched its much-awaited service of internet protocol television (IPTV) in few cities, the cable operators are not likely to bring down their rates.

Taking an example of Chandigarh, where the IPTV would be available on Rs 150 per month, which is very low as compared to the cable operators, who are charging Rs 250 per month for it. However, cable operators in the city have refused to slash the charges despite the BSNL’s cheap services.

Manmohan Singh, a local cable operator informed that they had decided to improve their services, as number of channels would be increased to 300 and all the cable services in the Chandigarh city would also be digitalized.

The BSNL has started IPTV services few months back with the initial one-time charges of Rs 999 and Rs 150 per month. In its services, BSNL provides more than 100 channels and high speed internet service.

The IPTV has also facilities of recalling the programmes missed by viewers along with the facility of video-on demand (VOD). The BSNL has given franchise to a private company for the connections.

However, a senior official of BSNL said that they had launched these value added services on trial basis and it would be regularized or expanded after a positive response from the consumers.