Finally IPTV service providers have a reason to cheer. The Indian Government has made changes to the current channel down-linking guidelines for IPTV and Headend-in-the-Sky (HITS), in turn allowing broadcasters to share content with telecom service providers. Till now the content was limited only to Cable and DTH. IPTV content providers have been waiting for a while for the green signal.

Trai had submitted its recommendations a few months ago to the I&B ministry. But then the Union Cabinet took its own time.  Licensing norms and various FDI limitations are to blame for the redundant state of mobile TV and IPTV in India. According to new guidelines demand service providers to maintain a compulsory content storage clause by retaining content for 90 days. IPTV will be broadcasting TV channels via high-speed internet connections and dedicated servers. Plus users will even have the ability to view their favourite shows as they get recorded.

MTNL and BSNL have really not done any great work in terms of the IPTV sector. On the other hand Bharti Airtel, RCom are seeking licences. But as per sources Relaince is expected to launch IPTV services by the end of this year.