RailTel to start offering IPTV services to RailWire users from Jan 26

It must be noted that only users of RailTel Broadband will get access to IPTV material via the company's "ULKA Mini" smartphone application and " ULKA LITE" Smart TV Application both of which are available for customers to download on the Google Play Store

A statement from RailTel, a PSU within the Railways Ministry, announced the commencement of Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) services for RailWire customers soon.

Under the name "ULKA TV," RailTel will offer these services to RailWire subscribers in collaboration with Hyderabad-based IPTV service provider City Online Media.

According to RailTel, instead of using broadcast TV, cable TV or satellite signals, IPTV will deliver TV shows and other multimedia material using the Transmission Control Protocol or Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite.

Only the Eastern and Northern regions including West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura, Manipur, and East Uttar Pradesh will begin offering IPTV services for now beginning on 26th of January.

According to RailTel, the greatest video streaming experience in the market will be delivered by this IPTV service, which will offer the most advanced 4K technology and High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC).

It must be noted that only users of RailTel Broadband will get access to IPTV material via the company's "ULKA Mini" smartphone application and " ULKA LITE" Smart TV Application both of which are available for customers to download on the Google Play Store.

After considering consumer feedback, regional demand and other technicalities, it was stated that it may then be possible to offer IPTV services to RailTel users in other locations of the country.

Customers won't need a Set-Top Box (STB) to ingress into Free-to-air (FTA) channels, but will will need one to access commercial channels, according to RailTel. Along with 600+ Live Satellite TV channels, RailTel will also provide users with OTT (Over-The-Top) platforms services.

By just including a Bluetooth keyboard, this STB will enable two- way communication with TVs to support various apps such as educational applications without needing a laptop or computer.

Additionally, it may offer a video conference facility with the simple addition of a USB camera. With the aid of this STB, IPTV services can also be seen on non-smart TVs.

Customers of RailTel Broadband will be able to use ULKA TV services through Wi-Fi, LAN, or even portable Set-Top Boxes including sticks and boxes. The requirement to use additional Cable TV dish antennas or cable entry into the houses will not be needed, thanks to IPTV services.