Mumbai: UTStarcom has signed a new contract with Aksh Optifibre that expands the operator’s deployment of its RollingStream Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) solution. UTStarcom’s second deal with Aksh demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to building and delivering IPTV capabilities throughout India.

Aksh originally selected UTStarcom in early 2007 to deliver the first commercial IPTV service in India through Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. (MTNL) in Delhi. The current contract helps Aksh extend its reach and deliver the same high-quality IPTV services to subscribers of MTNL in Mumbai.

Aksh announced the launch of its IPTV and VoIP services in Mumbai on the MTNL network in March 2008, as an expansion to the initial launch of these services on the MTNL Delhi network in July 2007.

"UTStarcom’s RollingStream IPTV solution is a completely IP-based platform that will enable better delivery of the interactive entertainment services we plan to extend to our customers," said Aksh Optifibre managing director Kailash S Choudhari. "Our relationship with UTStarcom to bring the first IPTV service to India led that innovation, and now we are hoping to bring those high-quality entertainment services to more subscribers."

"IPTV is building steady momentum in India and UTStarcom’s understanding of the growing environment gives us a market advantage," said UTStarcom South Asia operations vice president and managing director Vijay Yadav. "UTStarcom’s relationship with Aksh will assist the operator in bringing more IPTV-based services to its customers, increasing revenue opportunities and maintaining its leadership position in India."