Updated Below:
(originally posted on 13th Oct ‘07)
The Times of India quotes MTNL CMD RSP Sinha:

‘’We will launch IPTV in Mumbai on Saturday and in Delhi on Tuesday. We will offer 20 channels and eventually go up to 200.’’

So, they’re set to be the first, as predicted - during the festive season. The rent? Around Rs 300 over and above the cost of broadband and phone line. If they start with 20 channels for Rs.300, I don’t think anybody’s going to buy. More later once they launch.

Update:
Commercial launch on Diwali day (21st Oct); Priced at Rs.199/month, initially for 25 channels reports The Hindu. Business Standard adds that the set-top-box (STB) will cost Rs.6000. R.P. Sinha, MTNL CMD did not elaborate on the revenue sharing model with IOL Broadband, but said that it depends on the growth rate.

At Rs.199/month for 25 channels and Rs.6000 for the STB, the pricing is ridiculously high in comparison with other alternatives like CAS and DTH. Expect the growth to be slow, followed by a rethink of the pricing. Perhaps once some clarity emerges on whether IPTV will be under the Cable TV Act or not, which will impact MTNL’s status as a telecom operator, as opposed to a broadcast service.

Related:
- IPTV To Be Brought Under Cable TV Act
- No Clarity On IPTV, Mobile TV Regulations
- India’s IPTV Reality