The West Indies are being targeted for IPTV distribution. Led by BSNL, it aims to displace satellite as a major entertainment provider.

IPTV – Internet Protocol Television – is about to break into the India-West Indies broadcasting market. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. is set to lead the invasion.

IPTV gives consumers several advantages over traditional cable or satellite broadcasting. This new service allows subscribers to store programs in there boxes for future viewing – similar to a VCR recording. It will also open up a new variety of programming channels, additional live events, and a wider range of pay channels as well.

A truly unique feature of IPTV will be the ability to send and receive messages – like email or instant messages – over the television.

Because of the way the IPTV is delivered, consumers are now able to deal with one provider for all their data needs. This means that it is possible to bundle telephone, internet, and IPTV all into one bill. It is a more convenient way for consumers to receive the bill, and it is a less expensive process for the providers.

IPTV will have benefits for education in the region. Video options will be available for classrooms that will provide online training , and interactive news programs.

It is the goal of BSNL to provide an IPTV service that is so remarkable it will serve to eventually replace the traditional cable services in the region completely.

About the Author
Kathryn Lang is an editor of IPTV Watch, and regular blogs about IPTV & PVR via ISP's. She is also a regular commentator on the PHD forums, especially on home cinema entertainment.