SBC Dives into IP-TV
The folks in Redmond have to be smiling from ear to ear today after SBC Communications Inc. decided to spend US$400-million over the next 10 years on Microsoft software as part of a plan to offer digital television services to 18 million customers over high-speed Internet connections. For many carriers, IP-TV is a must-have product if they want to offer consumers a “triple-play” bundle to compete with cable rivals. SBC's move is a sign that IP-TV technology is finally ready for prime time - something that may convince carriers, who have been running “trials” for the last several years, to finally climb onboard. In Canada, SaskTel and Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. have been offering IP-TV service for the past year - proving that we are on the leading-edge when it comes to broadband access and services. The proliferation of IP-TV in Canada should gain momentum as Bell Canada rolls out its VDSL platform to apartments and condominiums in Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa.
