PTCL Smart TV

Smart TV…? Thinking what it is this? Damn, It is Pakistan’s first IPTV (Internet Protocol Television). I hope you are aware of this thing, if not then I am here for you:
First of all, beginning with IPTV simply means transferring of Audio and Video data over internet. You can watch TV on computer, TV set (through set-top box) or even cell phone. It revolutionizes the world of television which we have been using it since our birth. May be this is new for Pakistan but it is quite prevalent in USA. Indeed, Indian market is already facing immense competition (Dish TV, TATA Sky and now Reliance) with marketing involvement of brand ambassadors like of stars like Shah Rukh Khan (for Dish TV).

Specifically speaking IPTV majorly includes:
• On Demand Video Service
• High-Definition TV
• Pay-Per View
• Paying of channels that you want to watch
• Scheduling of programs according to your time

Though it is coming with DSL package at this moment thus wouldn’t be available to larger part of Population of country but hopefully PTCL (Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited) will increase its connectivity soon. But even coming to Karachi, Most people are not opting for this because of:

1. PTCL’s creditability issue (destroyed by the admin before privatilization)
2. Unavailability of major Indian channels (Star Plus, Zee TV) because of being official Banned from Information Ministry
3. Discomfort ability with new technology (as it is always been)

The way to success:

PTCL’s main competitor is not World Call which is also offering cable tv with its internet service but local cable operators who are covering the 97% of market with their cheap service. Thus PTCL has to majorly focus on local cable operators who are providing all channels (even banned one) with effective customer support as they don’t have big network to cover up.
The only way to forward in this regard is:

1. Official Un-banning of Indian channels or making sure strictly it is strictly followed by cable operators as well.
2. Improving their credibility with the help of focused marketing
3. Proper awareness of advance features of Smart TV as they have been lacking the proper marketing strategy so far.

I am sure, IPTV is the future of television in Pakistan and already PTCL has taken first step to make sure that future belongs to them.

- For me It’s not bad to use monopolies until and unless it doesn’t hurt customers or general public.