Aksh Optifibre is emerging as a big player in IPTV. It has already launched IPTV services in Delhi and Mumbai and has recently tied up with BSNL for launching services in 20 North Indian cities. In an interview with Telecomtiger, Mrs. Namrata Sengupta, AGM Corporate Strategy, Aksh Optifibre Ltd talks about the company’s strategy and plans.

Q1: What is your strategy for IPTV?

The strategy for IPTV is establishing two-way communication interactivity for the consumer which means you request for a program and you are delivered the same. IPTV will empower a consumer to control the television, to convert the idiot box into a utility box.

IPTV has variety of features like 150 channel viewing, Video on demand, Time shift TV, Atube which are unique features in itself.

Q2: How is IPTV different from DTH or cable for a consumer? What are its features that will attract subscribers?

IPTV is "Interactive Personalized Televiewing" in simple words. In IPTV you can control the television the way you want (NO PC required). It is unique in itself and offers vast services as compared to DTH, Cable TV, Tata Sky. Aksh IPTV gives subscribers full right to entertainment starting from viewing 150 channels, Video on demand : Library of latest movies which a subscriber can choose and watch as per his convenient time (NO DVD PLAYER, NO DVD'''s) , Time shift TV i.e. a subscriber can re-view past 7 days telecast program again , Karaoke (Music),  A-Tube : Video Classified pages offering you solutions to your day to day requirements from Lifestyle, Travel, Restaurants, schools, parlours,  to even plumber. A-Tube and A-Shop allows subscribers to watch even video matrimonial, resumes and advertisements. It also allows them to shop from movie tickets to flowers.

All sections of society including Housewives, Kids, Youngsters, Senior Citizens, and Professionals all have a reason to go for IPTV connection.

Q3: What are your investment plans?

Aksh is investing close to $37 million in its services business on IPTV and VoIP platforms. It is also investing close to $7 million to expand the production capacity of optical fibre cable and FRP rods by around 20-50 per cent.

Q4: You are currently offering IPTV to MTNL subscribers. Do you have any plans to offer IPTV to BSNL subscribers? If yes, when will you be able to offer it?

Currently Aksh is offering IPTV in Delhi and Mumbai in association with MTNL. It is already in discussion with BSNL to offer IPTV services in 20 cities. 

Q5. Why IPTV is not picking up in India? MTNL launched the IPTV about more than one year back. However, it is adding only 20-30 subscribers per day.

IPTV is primarily not picking up due to Lack of awareness amongst the masses. People confuse it with Internet TV where as IPTV does not require any PC, keyboard. Moreover, the IPTV growth is facing lot of challenges from the regulatory authorities.

India, is shinning in terms of economic and technological advancement. IPTV, has been much appreciated in the other South Asian nations, and once the hurdles are crossed, expected growth in IPTV on annual basis should be in 3 figures i.e., from 200% -500% or more.  I am sure IPTV will do to India what PC did for the US.