TelecomNext wrap-up

TelecomNext wrap-up:

TelecomNEXT is one of the two conference/exhibition issued from the dead Supercomm. For this first edition, the central theme has shifted from telecom to entertainment, with IPTV as the future star. The plain old telephone system (POTS) is definitively obsolete, but the copper line can revive with video programming. Everywhere, IPTV was the center topic. It might as well be an IPTV-only trade show. Hurdles (interference, few channels, video quality, ..) have been overcome, and a majority of viewers won't be able to tell if they're watching TV from a modern cable system or IPTV. Demand is for quadruple-play services (fixed line, mobile line, broadband internet access and TV) from a single company, for obvious reasons of simplicity, single interface for maintenance, troubleshooting and billing, and lower costs. Cable companies had a competitive advantage, but with IPTV, telcos can now fight with more equal weapons. As demonstrated by Verizon in Keller, TX, IPTV penetration can rise to 30% in just 6 months after launching; a real threat to cable companies.