Triple-play for Puneites

As Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi get ready for the mandatory conditional access system (CAS) implementation by January 2007, multi-system operator Wire & Wireless India Limited (WWIL) has announced plans to launch triple-play services in 55 cities by the year end.

Triple Play makes it possible for subscribers to use their TV, internet and voice services simultaneously. Launching its services in Pune, WWIL's CEO Jagjit Singh said, "This is the first city outside of the mandatory CAS cities where we have launched our services. We will have our services in 66 cities over the next three years."

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) too soft-launched its triple-play service in Pune. BSNL's director of planning and new services Ram Lakhan Dubey said the service will be under test for a fortnight or so after which it will be validated and made ready for the formal release.

Dubey said BSNL will initially offer the new service to its existing broadband subscribers. It will lay fresh copper cables to offer this multi-play network, Dubey said, adding the network will replace broadband cables which were meant primarily for high-speed internet access. "We have ordered the equipment and the work will start in the next month ."

Initially, the TV option will offer entertainment channels as well as interactive e-learning options and eventually e-governance and e-commerce services. SMS, TV to TV communication and close group broadcast as well as radio or video will also be made available 'on demand' in the second stage.

Broadband customers in Pune will get the BSNL service free till it is commercially launched or up to 31 December, whichever is earlier. BSNL has tied-up with Pune based DiviNet Access Technologies Ltd for technology and networking and with Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Limited (MKCL) for educational content.

Dubey informed that the government has set a target of making available five million BSNL broadband connections throughout the country in the year 2007.

Meanwhile, WWIL too has implemented a headend in the sky (HITS) system which allows it to cover the entire country. "We have earmarked an investment of Rs 540 crore over the next two years and Rs 830 crore over the next five years," said Singh who is also planning an initial public offering (IPO) in January. WWIL is a Zee Group company.