IPTV in Singapore gets new provider

For sometime now in Singapore the has been only one IPTV provider. StarHub has had a virtual monopoly but that has changed with the launch of SingTel IPTV service Mio TV.

SingTels service is being sold on flexibility, but this could be a cover because at the moment they will be only offering 33 channels while StarHub offers over 88 channels.

But what will be different about Mio TV is that they will allow subscribers to pick and choose their channel choice. Packages will start at S$3.21 per month and rise to S$12.84 per month for HD channels. However there will be a monthly minimum subscription of S$15.

Channels include two new services from the BBC, factual channel BBC Knowledge an BBC Lifestyle. Cbeebies – the BBC’s pre-school children’s channel – is also launching. Sony will launch a new female-targeted channel, Sony Entertainment Television.

Other companies providing channels include CCTV, Taiwan’s ETTV, and India’s Zee TV.

There will also be a video on demand service, which will offer 25 movies with unlimited viewing for only S$12 per month. As well as the Jetix SVOD service which is from Disney.

The competition has already begun with packages being announced by both companies, which include internet access, equipment and phone lines.

This is the sort of competition that IPTV needs on a worldwide scale, more competition, means better packages and value for the consumers.