nTelos Introduces Microsoft Media Room IPTV

nTelos, a U.S. independent telco serving a large area in Virginia, has introduced an IPTV service based on Microsoft's Media Room software. This service will be available in the parts of the state where nTeleos offers FTTH services.

The nTelos IPTV service includes 250 broadcast channels including 18 HD channels. The service includes two set-top boxes, one with DVR capabilities.

nTelos has 45 thousand access lines in its incumbent territory and 48 thousand access lines in its competitive territory. It also has a total of 19 thousand broadband connections.

This is interesting because it is Microsoft's first incursion into the U.S. small telco market. Up to now Microsoft has focused on the large incumbent carriers. It will be interesting to see if this is a unique event or a trend.