Nokia Siemens Networks and KPN Extend Service Contract for iTV

KPN is broadening and extending its iTV services contract with Nokia Siemens Networks to bring new TV viewing experiences to its customers.

The agreement is at the heart of the operator’s plans to grow its current iTV subscriber base.

“Having used the Nokia Siemens Networks IPTV solution since 2006, we are very satisfied with its advanced functionalities and reliable performance, which all add up to a superior TV experience for our customers,” said KPN.

KPN said that during that time, Nokia Siemens Networks has repeatedly demonstrated its world-class expertise and support, and proven its long-term commitment to the company’s business objectives and vision.

“We will expand the iTV system at KPN to bring an improved, interactive TV experience to many more of KPN’s customers,” said Giuseppe Donagemma, head of West South Europe region at Nokia Siemens Networks, in a statement.

Donagemma said that Nokia Siemens Networks will continue to develop IPTV because it is vital to many of the customers’ businesses.

“Our vision – based on our open architecture approach – is to empower service providers to create compelling user experiences across their networks and devices,” he said.

Nokia Siemens Networks is a global enabler of telecommunications services.

Officials with Nokia Siemens Networks said that the company is providing KPN with a complete next-generation iTV solution that will enable it to offer high-quality TV service with advanced capabilities, including high-definition TV, video-on-demand, and “timeshift” TV viewing (pausing, recording or rewinding of live TV programs).

According to company officials, Nokia Siemens Networks will have sole responsibility for the customization and integration of the iTV solution into KPN’s current network.

Company officials pointed out that the new iTV solution will also comprise Nokia Siemens Networks’ new Ubiquity Multiscreen TV Platform client which will enable faster development of new TV streaming based applications and brings greater flexibility for customizing the user interface.

The current agreement, which extends cooperation between KPN and Nokia Siemens Networks until 2012, includes middleware, encoders, video on demand, encryption, set-top boxes and PC clients.