Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is all set to launch Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service in Himachal Pradesh next month, top company officials said on Tuesday.

Speaking to the media Anil Kaushal, chief general manager BSNL Himachal said that the public sector undertaking planned to expand broad band services to 400 more locations.

With this planned expansion, we will have a capacity to provide 56,000 broadband connections in the state. Presently there are about 17,000 broadband connections being provided on landline phones and we are laying special emphasis on expansion of broad band service in the hill state, he said.

“Shimla will become one of the first few cities in India to have BSNL's IPTV service. We are giving final touches to the software system and the tariffs will be announced in the next few days,” said Anil Kaushal, BSNL chief

“IPTV will soon be available in 254 centres of the state which have the facility of broadband. Eventually this will be extended to 400 more locations," Kaushal said.

IPTV is a television content, delivered through traditional broadcast and cable formats. Television pictures are received by the viewer through the technologies used for computer networks.

“Special emphasis will continue to be given to providing broadband and WLL services in the state. Currently, there are 17,000 broadband customers in the state. Once we add 400 more locations, we will touch 56,000 broadband customers in the hill state,” he said.

“A festival offer for promotion of broadband has been started. A new customer will enjoy the benefit of 20 per cent discount on rent, for a period of six months from the date of activation,” Kaushal said.