Brazil's TVA to launch IPTV, mobile TV services
August 14, 2008
Brazilian pay-TV operator TVA, in partnership with Spain's Telefónica, is investing BRL 123 million (E52 million) for the launch of an IPTV service via fibre optic cable, which is currently being tested in the Jardins area of São Paulo.
Launching in 2009, the IPTV service would integrate TV, video and the internet, with subscribers being able to access online services such as Google Maps, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, on their TV screens. The IPTV solution has been developed by Telefónica's research and development unit I+D and will also include a special IPTV 3D TV set.
TVA is also studying a business model for the launch of a pay-TV offer for mobile phones, according to general director, Leila Lória. Speaking at the annual congress of the Brazilian Pay TV Association (ABTA), she said that TVA has already tested the technology with mobile phones from manufacturers Samsung, Motorola and Sagem on an UHF frequency. The mobile service will also be launched commercially next year, but no dates or prices were mentioned
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