Through this technology, video, text and audio signal can be sent through dial-up or broadband lines to a set-top box, which converts it into standard television signals.

In October, BSNL is expected to launch its IPTV services in Noida through its franchise Time Broadband. It plans to capture approximately 4,000 Korean families who live in Noida.

The company has already roped in another franchise Smart Digivision and plans to launch IPTV in six cities of the state — Lucknow, Kanpur, Meerut, Agra and Varanasi — in the first phase.

The people of Lucknow will, however, experience television over broadband only by early next year, as Airtel has planned to launch their services in January followed by BSNL in February.

The IPTV providers are targeting existing broadband customers, who will have to pay Rs 3,000 to subscribe to the new service.

The IPTV will be facing a stiff competition from DTH (Direct to Home) providers like Tata Sky and Dish TV, and local cable operators who are still having a greater share.

With the Centre approving new content guidelines for IPTV, it will now be easier for providers to commercially launch hundreds of channels.

“Previously broadcasters such as Sony, Zee and Star were reluctant to broadcast their channels through IPTV. Now the confusion has been cleared and operators can go full steam now,” said Sameer Saxena, vice president (operations) of the Mumbai-based Time Broadband Pvt Ltd.