Europe's biggest telecommunications group Deutsche Telekomn has selected Microsoft to supply the software to power its next generation IPTV (Internet Protocol TV) service. The service, which is due to launch in the middle of this year, will initially be available in 10 German cities. Via an upgraded VDSL (very high bit-rate DSL) broadband network, Deutsche Telekomn plans to offer next-generation television services, the service will include advanced TV services such as the ability to interact with television programs for example to vote, access sports scores and league tables or participate in sweepstakes.
"The announcement with Deutsche Telekom, together with the announcement of Telecom Italia signifies the growing number of the world's largest and most innovative communications companies are committed to the business potential of IPTV services powered by Microsoft TV," Microsoft said.