Media Development Authority (MDA) issues trial licence for delivery of broadband services to TV sets

Dated: 28 May 2003

The Media Development Authority (MDA) has issued a six-month Video-on-Demand (VOD) Trial Service Licence to TIVIT Technica Pte Ltd. The licence allows the company to conduct a six-month trial to deliver community-based, infotainment-on-demand services to TV sets via broadband technology. The pilot trial service will be conducted in a private hospital.

• Internet Browsing
  Users can access the Internet through the TV via a shared high-speed connection, at their own convenience using a TIVIT TV set-top box. This is a low cost alternative to accessing the Internet without the need for a computer or knowing how to use one.
  
  

• Community Portal
  This is a personalised self-service online system to manage customer service operations and facilitate online commerce. In addition, a lively and interactive community can be cultivated through email, online forum, chat and instant messaging services.
  
  

• Entertainment-on-Demand
  On-demand online digital music and movies is streamed to users.
  
  

• Security Surveillance
  An integration of alarm system and web cameras for security monitoring, it allows users to monitor their premises at an affordable price.
  
  

• Home Automation
  TIVIT set-top box can act as a home automation console to control wireless home devices, such as lighting, window shutters, curtains and other home appliances, via the same TV remote control device.

TIVIT is also looking at extending this pilot trial to hotels and residential apartments.

Mr Lim Hock Chuan, Chief Executive Officer of MDA, said, "We want to encourage the industry to test and roll-out innovative products and services. We will do what we can to facilitate them. Innovation brings vibrancy to the industry and provides quality content for the public. This will bring us closer towards our vision of making Singapore a global media city."

MDA had in the past issued an Interactive TV Trial Licence to Singapore Telecommunications to test out their Interactive TV service that offered services like Internet access, VOD, email, T-shopping, and an Electronic Programme Guide. MDA has also supported the National Computer Systems-led Consortium in their World@Home Project for the Connected Homes Programme. World@Home allowed residents at The Ascott to experience a revolutionary mobile lifestyle where they can access a variety of services at their fingertips through broadband connectivity.