Belgacom to offer broadband Internet TV

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The network operator is launching a digital television via Internet Protocol (IP) in partnership with Siemens. Siemens’ part of the deal is to offer a complete package for Internet television. They will provide the network operator with everything ranging from the server technology and user software to devices for the reception of satellite data. Subscribers will need a DSL connection and a conventional television linked by a set-box that will convert the digital data into television signals. The contract, which begins October 2005, will ensure reception of live TV broadcasts at 1.8Mbps which is about the same as the average rate of today’s DSL standard. Belagon plan to launch their broadcasts by providing customers with live transmission of the Belgium and Italian football leagues.

Other value-added services from Belagon include video telephone calls via television, the option to surf the Web or download movies plus email and chat. This is an all-in-one package. Dutch company Versatel already provides TV over ADSL lines. Versatel, which launched the new service earlier this month on the Eredivisie new season kickoff, offers its subscribers with live broadcasts of all Dutch top-tier matches. Dutch telecommunication giants KPN, also look to be implementing a similar service in partnership with Siemens.