Wang Yuanyuan, Huang Yuanhong

    cheekywang@hotmail.com

    MORE than 10,000 Shenzhen families have become users of Internet Protocol television (IPTV) since the launch of a new local service earlier this month, the Shenzhen branch of China Telecom said yesterday.

    However, China Telecom’s Super IPTV service, which provides nearly 64 overseas, English-language TV channels, has attracted less viewers. The number of overseas subscribers in Shenzhen was not immediately available.

    According to China Telecom’s subscriber research, IPTV has become very popular among old people and children. White-collar workers prefer news, movies and sports.

    “Although the regular IPTV is not as clear as satellite TV programs, it has more programs in the IPBox, such as entertaining shows, lectures, sports games, movies and dramas. You can watch them anytime you want, which is very nice and convenient,” Shenzhen resident Qiu Siyong said.

    At present, IPTV options include regular service, HD service and the Super IPTV package. The regular and HD services provide 58 channels, mostly from the mainland, while Super IPTV offers domestic and international channels.

    More programs and services will be added in the future as the city develops related technologies and infrastructure, industry expert Mai Haochao said.

    Regular IPTV service costs 30 yuan (US$4.72) a month, with a one-time registration fee of 100 yuan. HD service costs 40 yuan a month with a 300-yuan registration fee. Discounts are available for users of China Telecom’s broadband services. Super IPTV costs at least 3,000 yuan a year.

    Residents can apply for the service at branch stores of China Telecom. Another option for English-language speakers is online at: www.iptv-china.com/EnglishTV.htm.