Light Reading published an article discussing the status of Korea has made the transition from an on demand only service to a service that includes broadcast content. It on demand service now has 1.3 million subscribers and its broadcast service has grown to 222,600 subscribers in four months.
The country has made great progress even though there is confusion over whether its on demand service is a walled garden or an over the top, Internet service. Maybe Korea is far enough along that distinction is no longer important.
Showing posts with label Asia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Asia. Show all posts
Friday, May 22, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
SingTel Adds 19K IPTV Subscribers in 1Q09
SingTel in Singapore added 19,000 IPTV subscribers in 1Q09 leaving it with a total of 78,000. It stated that this was the largest number of adds to its mioTV IPTV service.
SingTel continues to make progress but not has lit the market on fire the way PCCW did in Hong Kong.
SingTel continues to make progress but not has lit the market on fire the way PCCW did in Hong Kong.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Chunghwa Telecom Added 10K IPTV Subscribers in 1Q09
Chunghwa Telecom added 10,000 IPTV subscribers in 1Q09, giving it 686,000 at the end of the quarter. It plans to strengthen its offering by repackaging and introducing premium content, with new marketing programs, and by introducing interactive capabilities.
This was a significant drop in new subscribers. I expect that the current economic crisis had a lot to do with it.
This was a significant drop in new subscribers. I expect that the current economic crisis had a lot to do with it.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
PCCW Adds 26K IPTV Subscribers in 2H08
PCCW added 26,000 IPTV subscribers in 2H08 leaving it with a total of 953,000 IPTV subscribers at the end of 2008. This is consistent with its increase of 27,000 broadband subscribers over the same period, giving 1.302 M at the end of 2008. It also added 18,000 IPTV paying subscribers in 2H08, leaving it with 686,000 at the end of the year.
PCCW continues more than five years of growth with its IPTV service.
PCCW continues more than five years of growth with its IPTV service.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Chunghwa Telecom Added 85K Subscribers in 4Q08
Chunghwa Telecom of Taiwan added 85,000 IPTV subscribers in 4Q08, ending the quarter with 676,000 subscribers. It came quite close to meeting its revised target of 700,000 IPTV subscribers at the end of 2008. It reported that then number of subscribers to its Golden TV premium package grew from 12,804 at the end of 2007 to 117,822 at the end of 2008.
Chunghwa added 123.9 fiber subscribers giving it a total of 1,069,700 fiber subscribers at the end of 2008. It provides fibers services to 16,600 buildings, which it said represents 91 percent market share among all operators. The company expects that it will have more fiber than ADSL subscribers in 2011.
Chunghwa continues to make steady progress with both its IPTV and fiber services.
Chunghwa added 123.9 fiber subscribers giving it a total of 1,069,700 fiber subscribers at the end of 2008. It provides fibers services to 16,600 buildings, which it said represents 91 percent market share among all operators. The company expects that it will have more fiber than ADSL subscribers in 2011.
Chunghwa continues to make steady progress with both its IPTV and fiber services.
Friday, March 27, 2009
City Telecom at 170K IPTV Subscribers
City Telecom who operates the Hong Kong Broadband service ended February 2008 with 170,000 IPTV subscribers. This is an increase of 14,000 subscribers over the previous six months. It also had 350,000 broadband subscribers, and increase of 34,000 over the same period.
City Telecom is continuing to increase its IPTV base but still has a penetration rate less than 50 percent.
City Telecom is continuing to increase its IPTV base but still has a penetration rate less than 50 percent.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Singtel Adds 13K Subscribers in 4Q08
Singtel added 13,000 subscribers to its mio TV IPTV service in 4Q08, ending the year with 59,000 subscribers. The additions in the quarter were driven by promotions and by the mio Home bundle, which includes mio TV, fixed broadband, and a fixed line at a monthly fixed price. SingTel expanded its sports content during the quarter with broadcast rights secured for the Italian Serie A soccer matches.
Singtel got itself out of the doldrums that it experienced in the previous quarters of 2008. Hopefully this trend will continue.
Singtel got itself out of the doldrums that it experienced in the previous quarters of 2008. Hopefully this trend will continue.
Shanghai IPTV Service
Light Reading has published a video of an interview with BesTV, the joint venture between China Telecom and Shanghai Media that runs the IPTV service in Shanghai. It describes the services, including interactive services, that are available in Shanghai.
This interview discusses the advanced IPTV services that make Shanghai one of the most advanced IPTV offerings in the world. The U.S. and Europe is generally lagging behind Shanghai in terms of interactive TV services.
This interview discusses the advanced IPTV services that make Shanghai one of the most advanced IPTV offerings in the world. The U.S. and Europe is generally lagging behind Shanghai in terms of interactive TV services.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Microsoft Cable DOCSIS Deployment in China
The Guangzhou Digital Media Group will use Microsoft's Mediaroom IPTV software to provide IPTV service over its cable system using DOCSIS cable modems. At the launch of the service, Guangzhou will provide HD content for broadcast, recorded, and on demand viewing along with NPVR services. It will also offer a range of interactive services:
This deployment shows another tool that the cable companies have to combat Telco IPTV services. The cable companies can offer IPTV services using cable modem technology. This approach makes a lot of sense with DOCSIS 3.0, which can offer 100 Mbps services.
- Access to local news with information from government web sites displayed on TV.
- Local sports and entertainment news lets viewers watch video clips, view pictures, vote on favorite shows and check text messages via the TV.
- Local government e-mail service enables subscribers to view e-mails sent out by local government.
- Information service allows subscribers to check their local social security information.
- TV commerce permits customers to pay their phone bill or traffic tickets through the TV.
This deployment shows another tool that the cable companies have to combat Telco IPTV services. The cable companies can offer IPTV services using cable modem technology. This approach makes a lot of sense with DOCSIS 3.0, which can offer 100 Mbps services.
Friday, December 5, 2008
PCCW IPTV Innovation
Light Reading published an article that summarizes a speech given by PCCW at the IPTV World Forum Asia. It discusses how PCCW has turned IPTV from a defensive service into an offensive service through innovation.
This blog has chronicled many of PCCW's innovations over the last two years. Click on the PCCW link below to see other articles.
PCCW is really the poster child how to use IPTV to improve revenues, improve market position, and to reduce churn.
This blog has chronicled many of PCCW's innovations over the last two years. Click on the PCCW link below to see other articles.
PCCW is really the poster child how to use IPTV to improve revenues, improve market position, and to reduce churn.
Monday, November 17, 2008
SK Telecom Loses 36K IPTV Subscribers in 3Q08
SK Telecom (formerly Hanaro Telecom) lost 36,184 in 3Q08, leaving it with 768,625 subscribers at the end of the quarter. This was on top of losing another 77,547 subscribers in 2Q08. SK Telecom offers a video on demand service and is expected to offer a broadcast service in the next few month. Its revenue for the service was $15 million U.S. during the quarter.
The company lost 21,485 broadband subscribers in 3Q08 leaving it with a total of 3.44 million broadband subscribers. This is on top of a loss of 160,599 broadband subscribers in 2Q08. It has not added broadband subscribers since 3Q07.
SK Telecom has been hit with a significant shrinkage of its broadband business since it acquired Hanaro. Its loss of IPTV subscribers is a reflection of this trend.
The company lost 21,485 broadband subscribers in 3Q08 leaving it with a total of 3.44 million broadband subscribers. This is on top of a loss of 160,599 broadband subscribers in 2Q08. It has not added broadband subscribers since 3Q07.
SK Telecom has been hit with a significant shrinkage of its broadband business since it acquired Hanaro. Its loss of IPTV subscribers is a reflection of this trend.
Korea Telecom Adds 102K IPTV Subscribers in 3Q08
Korea Telecom added 102,245 subscribers to its Mega TV video on demand IPTV services in 3Q08, ending the the quarter with 808,101 subscribers. Its revenue for the services was $10.1 million U.S.
The company has just begun to deliver broadcast channels as part of its Mega TV' services , the day following the approval by the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) of its monthly rate of $11 per month U.S. The service provide 33 broadcast channels, including the four national channels of KBS, MBC, SBS and EBS, and about 85,000 movies and other video-on-demand assets.
KT is also planning to launch a premium IPTV service in June 2009, which will provide 80 channels for $16 per month U.S. The company will offer a discount $9 U.S. per month through February 2009.
Korea Telecom's video on demand service has been quite successful. It will be interesting to see how many subscribers convert to the broadcast service. Its video on demand revenue subscribers was about $4 U.S. per month in 3Q08, so the broadcast package represents a significant percentage increase in spending.
The company has just begun to deliver broadcast channels as part of its Mega TV' services , the day following the approval by the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) of its monthly rate of $11 per month U.S. The service provide 33 broadcast channels, including the four national channels of KBS, MBC, SBS and EBS, and about 85,000 movies and other video-on-demand assets.
KT is also planning to launch a premium IPTV service in June 2009, which will provide 80 channels for $16 per month U.S. The company will offer a discount $9 U.S. per month through February 2009.
Korea Telecom's video on demand service has been quite successful. It will be interesting to see how many subscribers convert to the broadcast service. Its video on demand revenue subscribers was about $4 U.S. per month in 3Q08, so the broadcast package represents a significant percentage increase in spending.
Hong Kong Broadband at 156K IPTV Subscribers
City Telecom's Hong Kong Broadband ended its fiscal year at the end of August 2008 with 156,000 IPTV subscribers, an increase of 20,000 subscribers over the previous six months. The company also had 316,000 broadband subscribers, an increase of 37,000 over the same period. It stated that it now has more broadband subscribers than the cable TV company in Hong Kong.
City Telecom seems to have found the way to increase its IPTV subscriber base, which has been flat over the last couple of years.
City Telecom seems to have found the way to increase its IPTV subscriber base, which has been flat over the last couple of years.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Singtel Adds 1K IPTV Subscribers in 3Q08
Singtel added about 1,000 new subscribers to its mio TV IPTV service, giving it a total of about 46,000 subscribers at the end of the quarter. The company experienced churn due to the expiration of its introductory “waiver of minimum spend” promotion.
In September 2008, Singtel introduced SeasonPass an on demand service which provides viewing of the latest season of Hollywood hit TV shows within 24 hours of their US telecast time, following deals with 3 major Hollywood studios.
Singtel is demonstrating once again that introductory offers that involve a significant increase in monthly fees after some period of time leads to significant churn when the promotion expires.
In September 2008, Singtel introduced SeasonPass an on demand service which provides viewing of the latest season of Hollywood hit TV shows within 24 hours of their US telecast time, following deals with 3 major Hollywood studios.
Singtel is demonstrating once again that introductory offers that involve a significant increase in monthly fees after some period of time leads to significant churn when the promotion expires.
Monday, November 3, 2008
ORCA and BCC to Wholesale IPTV in in Russia
Orca Interactive has partnered with BCC, a system integrator to deliver a wholesale IPTV service across Russia. North-West Telecom, Sibir Telecom, and Southern Telecommunications are incumbent carriers that will market this service to smaller local companies.
I spoke to Orca about this announcement. Orca said that BCC will deliver broadcast content over fiber to the local carriers that sign up to this service. Orca said that broadband penetration is growing across Russia but is still at a relatively low level. This wholesale approach will lower the cost of introducing an IPTV service by providing a shared headend service. This will improve the business case for IPTV in Russia, where the rate of growth is likely to be low compared to Western Europe and North America.
Orca is smart to emphasize less developed markets such as Russia. Less developed countries such as Russia, the Middle East, and Latin America are likely to present the best new IPTV opportunities.
I spoke to Orca about this announcement. Orca said that BCC will deliver broadcast content over fiber to the local carriers that sign up to this service. Orca said that broadband penetration is growing across Russia but is still at a relatively low level. This wholesale approach will lower the cost of introducing an IPTV service by providing a shared headend service. This will improve the business case for IPTV in Russia, where the rate of growth is likely to be low compared to Western Europe and North America.
Orca is smart to emphasize less developed markets such as Russia. Less developed countries such as Russia, the Middle East, and Latin America are likely to present the best new IPTV opportunities.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Chungwa Telecom Adds 82K IPTV Subscribers in 3Q08
Chunghwa Telecom of Taiwan added 82,000 IPTV subscribers to its MOD service in 3Q08 ending the quarter with 591,000 subscribers. A previous report stated that the company now has 603,000 IPTV subscribers and has reduced its target for 2008 from 800,000 to 700,000.
Chungwa also added 51,000 FTTB subscribers in 3Q08 ending the quarter with 833,000. It expects that the number of its fiber subscribers will exceed the number of ADSL subscribers by 2011.
Chunghwa continues to grow at a steady rate. Its goal of 700,000 IPTV subscribers by the end of 2008 is within its reach.
Chungwa also added 51,000 FTTB subscribers in 3Q08 ending the quarter with 833,000. It expects that the number of its fiber subscribers will exceed the number of ADSL subscribers by 2011.
Chunghwa continues to grow at a steady rate. Its goal of 700,000 IPTV subscribers by the end of 2008 is within its reach.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Chunghwa Backing Off Microsoft Mediaroom
It has been reported that Chunghwa Telecom of Taiwan plans to shift more than 3,000 users currently trialing Microsoft Mediatoom to the Alcatel-Lucent-developed OMP. Chunghwa originally planned to switch its user base to MSTV in place of OMP but has not yet committed to the decision. Currently there are more than 80 channels available on CHTs OMP system but fewer than 40 channels through Microsoft's Mediaroom.
It has also been reported that Chunghwa has has further reduced the target number of its IPTV subscribers for the end of 2008 from 800,000 to 700,000. In July, Chunghwa lowered the target number from one million to 800,000. The company currently claims about 603,000 subscribers.
It is not clear what backing off of the Microsoft Mediaroom trial means. It could be that this is part of a long term transition plan or it could mean that Chunghwa is backing away from Mediaroom. Time will tell.
It has also been reported that Chunghwa has has further reduced the target number of its IPTV subscribers for the end of 2008 from 800,000 to 700,000. In July, Chunghwa lowered the target number from one million to 800,000. The company currently claims about 603,000 subscribers.
It is not clear what backing off of the Microsoft Mediaroom trial means. It could be that this is part of a long term transition plan or it could mean that Chunghwa is backing away from Mediaroom. Time will tell.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
KDDI Adds 51K FTTH Subscribers in 3Q08
KDDI added 51,000 FTTH subscribers in 3Q08 giving it a total of 967,000. It is maintaining its goal of 1.14 million FTTH subscribers by the end of its fiscal year in March 2009. Its FTTH ARPU increased to $47, up slightly from 2Q08.
KDDI has not disclosed its count of IPTV subscribers. It will have to set up the pace in Q3 and Q4 from Q2 to achieve its goal for Fiscal 2009.
KDDI has not disclosed its count of IPTV subscribers. It will have to set up the pace in Q3 and Q4 from Q2 to achieve its goal for Fiscal 2009.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
China Telecom Advertising Agreement with UTStarcom
Best Tone Information Service Corporation Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Telecom Corporation Ltd., with the intent to deploy a video information distribution network in the Hunan province of China. This is the second large-scale interactive advertising system that UTStarcom’s RollingStream® IPTV platform will support in China.
Best Tone is working with UTStarcom to build and operate a Chinese-specific, building-based video system, with 3,500 iPAD1000 terminals scheduled to go live in office buildings, government facilities, supermarkets, hotels, hospitals and schools in the Hunan Province this year. The network, intended to stream commercial advertisements throughout Hunan Province, is expected to support a total of 10,000 terminals in the region upon completion of the project. The iPAD1000 is a complete advertising system that is akin to a kiosk.
This is an interesting application of IPTV technology to mass advertising. I expect that this approach should be adopted on a broad basis globally.
Best Tone is working with UTStarcom to build and operate a Chinese-specific, building-based video system, with 3,500 iPAD1000 terminals scheduled to go live in office buildings, government facilities, supermarkets, hotels, hospitals and schools in the Hunan Province this year. The network, intended to stream commercial advertisements throughout Hunan Province, is expected to support a total of 10,000 terminals in the region upon completion of the project. The iPAD1000 is a complete advertising system that is akin to a kiosk.
This is an interesting application of IPTV technology to mass advertising. I expect that this approach should be adopted on a broad basis globally.
IPTV Subscribers Increasing in China
The number of IPTV users in Jiangsu Province China increase to more than 200,000 by the end of September 2008, compared to 35,000 at the end of 2007. This is an increase of 471 percent in the first nine months of 2008, the sharpest rise in IPTV use in the country.
Jiangsu Province started offering IPTV services to residents in the second half of 2006. China Telecom's local branch operates the service, in collaboration with content providers Shanghai Media Group, the state-run Xinhua news agency, and ZTE.
Shanghai now has more than 600,000 IPTV users as of the end of September, up approximately 150 percent from the end of 2007. At the end of 2007, Hangzhou City had the most IPTV subscribers of any IPTV subscription region with 250,000, while Shanghai Municipality had 240,000 users and Henan Province ranked third with 200,000 users. Jiangsu Province ranked just ninth at the time with 35,000 users, far fewer than the top five regions. The pace of growth has slackened in some regions where IPTV once developed rapidly, such as Heilongjiang Province and Henan Province.
China is on its way to becoming the leading IPTV country as it has done with broadband. However, its IPTV success is still concentrated in only a few provinces. Its ultimate success depends on expanding this success to all provinces.
Jiangsu Province started offering IPTV services to residents in the second half of 2006. China Telecom's local branch operates the service, in collaboration with content providers Shanghai Media Group, the state-run Xinhua news agency, and ZTE.
Shanghai now has more than 600,000 IPTV users as of the end of September, up approximately 150 percent from the end of 2007. At the end of 2007, Hangzhou City had the most IPTV subscribers of any IPTV subscription region with 250,000, while Shanghai Municipality had 240,000 users and Henan Province ranked third with 200,000 users. Jiangsu Province ranked just ninth at the time with 35,000 users, far fewer than the top five regions. The pace of growth has slackened in some regions where IPTV once developed rapidly, such as Heilongjiang Province and Henan Province.
China is on its way to becoming the leading IPTV country as it has done with broadband. However, its IPTV success is still concentrated in only a few provinces. Its ultimate success depends on expanding this success to all provinces.
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