LONDON BT has chosen Microsoft's Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) software platform to deliver TV over broadband in the U.K. The operator plans to trial a service early next year , with a commercial service expected to begin in the summer of 2006.
The software giant sees its IPTV Edition package as another way to get closer to major network operators, and has already scored wins with several U.S. carriers, including SBC and BellSouth.
Microsoft's end-to-end solution provides the software platform that manages the distribution of video content from the time it enters the distribution chain by encoders to the time it is decoded by the set-top box in the home. The company claims its version requires fewer integration steps for video distribution once deployed and can thus be more cost effective for carriers.
Major competitors for IPTV systems include Siemens subsidiary Myrio, which claims to be supplying its gear to at least ten major carriers, and UTStarcom.
Alcatel is a major partner helping Microsoft roll out IPTV systems.
Subsea cable alternatives can provide a level of comfort for those concerned about disruptions. Realistically, they will continue to play a small, but critical role in the short term.
Maintaining existing network infrastructures often incurs huge technical debt before newer technologies are adopted over time.
Amid ongoing regional uncertainties, telecom infrastructure in the Middle East has expand to include terrestrial low-latency network infrastructure, which offers resilience and agility in navigating political complexities without relying solely on undersea networks.
