Goldstone to launch IPTV in India

Goldstone Technologies, the Hyderabad-based software solutions and IPTV (internet protocol television) provider, is in the process of commercially launching its IPTV services in India by May this year.

"The company's soft launch with 100-odd IPTVs in Hyderabad and Secunderabad on March 26 has already tasted initial success. We plan to cross the milestone with 1,000 households in the twin cities by May, garnering close to 70,000 subscriptions by March 2009, before replicating it in 94 cities across the country by the end of the next financial year," Rajesh Kalidindi, the president and chief operating officer of Goldstone Technologies, said.

Goldstone Technologies, which has tied up with Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) to offer its services, has thus far invested close to $8 million (approximately Rs 32 crore) for its IPTV initiative both in India and abroad. It has also approached Mahanagar Telephone Nigam (MTNL) and is awaiting a letter of intent from the latter.

Stating that there was a sizeable amount of the Indian diaspora, Rajesh said the company had identified 11 countries, including Israel, Germany, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, France, UK and Denmark, to launch its services by this financial year-end.

The company has signed up television channels Star Network, Raj TV and ETV, among others, for offering 50 channels, besides tying up with seven distribution houses for movies.