Brasil Telecom poised to launch IPTV services

Brasil Telecom, the third largest fixed-line operator in Brazil, is planning to launch its commercial IPTV services in September 2007. The company is currently running pilot projects in approximately 300 homes in Brasilia, and has now revealed that it plans to initially offer two types of IPTV package.

One package will be charged monthly, offering access to up to 500 programmes, and the other will be charged on a pay-per-view basis. Brazil’s National Telecommunications Agency currently only permits Brasil Telecom to offer video-on-demand services, but it is anticipated that this regulation will change soon.

Brasil Telecom has more than 10.8 million fixed lines installed and is the second largest broadband base in Latin America.

It is predicted that broadband penetration will grow to more than 80% across Latin America in the higher economic segments most likely to buy pay-TV.

However, policy efforts under way in Brazil are expected to have a positive impact in providing access to broadband video for lower economic segments. Pay-TV penetration in Brazil is at approximately 11%, with broadband at about 17%.