Ericsson powers interactive TV for Ucom in Armenia

Armenian telecoms service provider Ucom has commissioned Ericsson to supply an end-to-end IPTV solution. Including an iPlex head-end from Tandberg Television, the IPTV service will allow access to the latest fibre-access technology via GPON. 
Ericsson is bringing interactive TV to viewers in Armenia through a deal with operator Ucom. Ericsson will deliver its IPTV solution, including Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) technology in the first contract of its kind. 
IPTV allows viewers to experience the same type of interactivity on their televisions as they are used to on their PCs, with personalised features such as chat, e-voting, web TV and access to social media networks.. The IPTV solution for Ucom will also give viewers access to a flexible, customised portal that offers a wide range of broadcast channels, video on demand, an electronic programme guide and personal video-recording capabilities. 
The IPTV services will be delivered via the latest fibre-access technology, known as GPON, supplied by Ericsson. GPON allows the consumer to watch several HDTV channels, download large files from the Internet and place voice calls simultaneously without service disruptions. Rollout will start in July 2009. 
Ericsson's IPTV solution for Ucom includes IPTV middleware; a content-distribution platform; the customised consumer portal and GPON technology. The agreement also includes systems integration of operational management tools and consultancy services. The company's GPON fibre-access solution EDA 1500 provides "the highest bandwidth capacity on the market and supports a wide range of applications and services, in particular bandwidth-demanding services such as unicast and broadcast video and TV." 
Hayk Yesayan, President of Ucom, says: "We are proud to be the first operator in Armenia to offer IPTV, and are convinced it will be popular with our customers. We chose Ericsson's technology, services, and capability to help us bring this new offering to market quickly and efficiently." 
Jan Campbell, Head of Eastern Europe and Central Asia at Ericsson, added: "This deal reflects Ericsson's ability to deliver innovative multimedia solutions. We are delighted to partner with Ucom and help them provide customers with a truly personalised, interactive and high-quality TV experience." 
* Ucom (Universal Communications) provides a range of services for the Armenian telecommunications market to meet the growing demand from both enterprises and consumers. The company has established a broadband network covering Yerevan, the capital of Armenia.
 
More info:

• www.ericsson.com

• www.ucom.am

• www.tandberg.com