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Brasil Telecom launches commercial IPTV service |
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October 1, 2007 – Brasil Telecom (BrT) has launched the first commercial IPTV service in Brazil, according to reports in the local press.
The new service, called Videon, is initially available in the capital Brasilia, however it is expected to be extended to the main state capitals and other cities where BrT has a presence within the short term. BrT is offering two types of package – a fixed monthly package offering up to 500 hours of programmes, and a pay-per-view option.
“We decided to launch IPTV initially in Brasilia because we want to see how our subscribers react to this new offering before we decide to launch the service in other cities,” said Carlos Watanabe, Deputy Director of New Business Development. The executive added that BrT is keen to launch IPTV, but has been held back by the industry regulator. “Technically we are ready to offer TV broadcasting services, however, we are not allowed yet because of regulations. We believe that IPTV could be an important revenue generator for the company in the future.”
Local newspaper O Estado de São Paulo recently reported BrT’s VP for Operations, Francisco Santiago, as saying: “The entry of Brasil Telecom in this segment follows a global trend”. Telefónica also reportedly has plans to launch an IPTV service in the São Paulo area, while fixed-line operator Oi announced last July that it plans to invest US$ 150mn in an IPTV pilot project in Rio de Janeiro this year.
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