IPTV allows viewers to experience the same type of interactivity on their televisions as they are used to on their PCs, with personalized 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, customized portal that offers a wide range of broadcast channels, video on demand, an electronic program guide and personal video-recording capabilities.

The IPTV services will be delivered via the latest fiber-access technology, known as Gigabit Passive Optical Network (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.

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 market-leading technology and 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, says: "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 personalized, interactive and high-quality TV experience."

Ericsson's IPTV solution for Ucom includes IPTV middleware; a content-distribution platform; the customized consumer portal and GPON technology. The agreement also includes systems integration of operational management tools and consultancy services.

Ericsson's GPON fiber-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.

Ericsson is the world's leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. Ericsson is the leader in 2G, 3G and 4G mobile technologies, and provides support for networks with over 1 billion subscribers and has a leading position in managed services. The company's portfolio comprises of mobile and fixed network infrastructure, telecom services, software, broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and the media industry. The Sony Ericsson and ST-Ericsson joint ventures provide consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices.

By Robert Hoskins

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