4.5 IPTV

Technology

IPTV refers to transmission of TV over IP networks. More specifically, IPTV is a service which is developed using a number of converged technologies to transmit TV over IP networks and receive it using different terminals. IPTV is a radical innovation based on the convergence between broadcasting, IT and telecom networks. There is an important distinction between using IPTV for the delivery of TV through dedicated/managed broadband networks and delivering WEB TV/Internet TV, i.e. TV over the open Internet. A definition for IPTV is given by ITU:

‘an IPTV service (or technology) is the new convergence service (or technology) of the telecoms and broadcasting through QoS controlled Broadband Convergence IP Network including wire and wireless for the managed, controlled and secured delivery of a considerable number of multimedia contents such as Video, Audio, data and applications processed by platform to a customer via Television, PDA, Cellular, and Mobile TV terminal with STB module or similar device’[1].

To broadcasters, IPTV is simply a new emerging platform for distributing digital television channels to home consumers using a TV screen. IPTV is complementary to existing satellite, cable and terrestrial systems, although in some cases it may become a vigorous competitor to them. To the telecom industry, IPTV is synonymous with a new opportunity to take part in an attractive and dynamic media market. Here, the possibilities are connected not only to the sharing of the current media market, but also to the fact that the media market increases in connection with the invention and development of new technologies. IPTV can replace broadcast TV, but the potential for IPTV goes far beyond traditional linear one-way TV distribution and includes additional value by enabling interactivity and on-demand services.

Regulatory issues

Licensing: Broadcasting services transmitted via IP networks create a need to review licensing procedures for electronic media. Licensing rules for IPTV and for traditional broadcasters need to be co-ordinated and harmonized in order to ensure technology neutrality. National restrictions in the provision of IPTV may be difficult to enforce due to the global reach of any IP-service provided via the Internet, and should be reviewed. Regulators should establish new licensing regimes that are designed to promote the full service potential of the technologies.

Universal Service/access: Universal access must be ensured if IPTV is becoming the dominant electronic media service. This corresponds to the must carry obligation addressing the obligation of cable TV operators to provide access to particular broadcasting channels of general public interest. IPTV services can stimulate demand and help drive network development toward universal service, and will be part of the capability of the NGN for providing a wide variety of services to all those who have access. Regulators should facilitate IPTV as a driver of network development.

Convergence regulation: Broadcast on telecom networks using IP raises a wide range of issues related to the convergence of telecom, IT and broadcast. This relates to the object of regulation as well as the organisational setting. Should the regulation of networks and services (telecom) and of content (broadcasting) be seen to be one merged or two separate regulatory agencies? Clearly, the traditional institutional setting of separate regulatory agencies is one of the main barriers for the creation of an efficient framework for the development of IPTV services. Yet traditional broadcast content regulation does not fit comfortably into an IPTV environment where most IPTV is not mass media broadcasting. This issue needs to be addressed according to the particular circumstances in each country.

Standardisation and interoperability: A number of different standards are available for IPTV. There is a huge challenge for the industry and regulation to create open standards as well as creating interoperability between different standards. Regulators need to be leading participants in the development of these standards.

QoS: QoS of service on the general Internet and on managed IP networks can be rather different. Internet is a ‘best effort’ medium, whilst managed IP networks are deployed precisely in order to control QoS. QoS is therefore an issue to be considered by regulators dealing with IPTV services.

Content regulation: The approach to content regulation and its many different aspects is of crucial importance to the development of IPTV. Although not all the regulatory issues relating to content will be taken by the telecom or new convergence regulator, the regulator will need to provide informed input into these policy and regulatory decisions. This involves, for example, the following questions:

Retransmission of terrestrial signals: The success of IPTV depends on the content. The terms for retransmission of terrestrial content will play a major role.
Must carry broadcast rules: cable operators will require a level playing field when it comes to regulation, and must carry broadcast rules set a frame of reference for the new IPTV rules.
Intellectual property rights issues and digital rights management. The rights issues become increasingly important when the content moves to the IP platforms on the NGN.
Set-Top-Boxes: By developing multi platform set-top-boxes, the industry can contribute to the creation of more choices and better utilisation of resources. Regulations should encourage this development.

Cultural and industry protection: issues like cultural, language, and industry protection are as important in the IPTV world as in other technology areas.

ENDNOTES

[1] ITU-T Recommendation Y.2001

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