Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), India’s state-owned telecommunications provider, recently introduced a pioneering fibre-based intranet TV service named IFTV (Intranet Fibre TV) in selected regions across India. This service, designed to provide high-definition live TV and Pay TV options over BSNL’s Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) network, is exclusive to BSNL FTTH users and comes with unique features that set it apart from competitors like Jio and Airtel.
Here’s an in-depth look at BSNL’s latest offering, its features, availability, and how it aims to revolutionize the digital television landscape in India.
Key Highlights of BSNL’s IFTV Service:
BSNL announced the IFTV service alongside a range of other services and a brand-new logo last month. This service, currently available in Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, is being lauded for its unique features, including:
1.500+ High-Quality Live Channels: IFTV users can enjoy over 500 live TV channels with clear visuals and smooth streaming, leveraging BSNL’s FTTH network to deliver a premium TV experience.
2.Exclusive Pay TV Facility: BSNL’s IFTV offers Pay TV services where users can access exclusive paid content without data deductions from their internet plan.
3.Unlimited Data for Streaming: In contrast to Jio and Airtel, BSNL’s IFTV doesn’t consume data from the user’s monthly internet quota. Instead, it provides a separate unlimited data channel for TV streaming.
4.Integration with Popular OTT Platforms: BSNL has also announced compatibility with major OTT platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, Netflix, and ZEE5, offering an integrated entertainment experience.
5.Gaming Support and Android TV Compatibility: In addition to TV and OTT content, BSNL plans to offer games through the IFTV service, available exclusively on Android TVs running Android 10 or higher.
Exclusive Features of BSNL’s IFTV Service:
BSNL’s IFTV stands out in the digital TV space with its unique approach. Here’s how BSNL’s offering differentiates itself:
•Independent Data Stream for TV: With IFTV, BSNL provides an independent data stream, so customers don’t need to worry about their monthly data packs running out due to live TV usage. This setup is ideal for heavy viewers who often watch live TV or premium content.
•Affordable and Inclusive: BSNL’s IFTV service is included at no additional cost to FTTH users, allowing more customers to access premium entertainment without the burden of extra charges.
How to Subscribe to BSNL’s IFTV Service:
To begin using BSNL’s IFTV, customers need to follow these steps:
1.Download the BSNL Selfcare App: The app is available on Google Play Store.
2.Registration and Activation: Log into the BSNL Selfcare app to complete the registration and activation process.
3.BSNL Live TV App: After registration, download the BSNL Live TV app from the Google Play Store on an Android TV device. The app currently supports Android TVs running version 10 or higher.
This simple setup allows customers to access a wide range of content seamlessly, from live TV to OTT streaming.
Additional Services Launched by BSNL
The IFTV service is part of a broader initiative by BSNL to enhance its service offerings and expand its reach in digital entertainment. Other notable services introduced recently include:
1.National Wi-Fi Roaming Service: This service allows BSNL customers to access high-speed internet at BSNL hotspots across India, helping them save on data costs while on the go.
2.IPTV Service: Earlier in the year, BSNL launched an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service, which shares some similarities with IFTV but is focused on internet streaming rather than using a separate data channel.
3.New Branding and Customer-Focused Goals: BSNL also unveiled a new logo and outlined three core goals — providing secure, affordable, and reliable services to all customers.
BSNL’s IFTV service represents a strategic push towards integrated digital solutions, positioning the company as a major player in India’s digital transformation. By integrating advanced live TV services with unlimited data streaming and OTT support, BSNL aims to create a unique user experience tailored to modern consumption habits.
This offering could be especially attractive to customers in underserved regions, where BSNL’s FTTH network has already made significant inroads. Given that the IFTV service is currently exclusive to BSNL’s FTTH users in selected states, it’s likely the telecom provider will gradually expand this service nationwide as the infrastructure matures.