KT to provide IPTV expertise to Thai internet provider

KT has inked a deal with Thailand-based 3BB TV to provide internet protocol television (IPTV) expertise, the mobile carrier announced Sunday.

As part of the 24 billion won ($21.4 million) deal, KT will help 3BB TV commercialize IPTV service in the second of half of this year, once the Covid-19 is expected to stabilize, according to KT. It will provide the Thai company with the skills required for an IPTV business operation, including over-the-top solutions, content delivery networks and set-top box management.

3BB TV is a subsidiary of Jasmine Group, the second-largest high speed internet provider in Thailand, after TrueVisions. The rival company already provides IPTV service.

The deal follows KT’s agreement with Triple T Broadband, another Jasmine subsidiary, reached in September, to provide expertise on network installations and children’s programming.

“It’s a good opportunity to demonstrate the abilities KT has built on IPTV during its years of operation,” Kim Young-woo, the head of KT’s global department, said in a statement. “KT will help 3BB TV become the top IPTV service provider in Thailand. Based on this experience, KT will rise to become a global media company through the collaboration with global internet business operators.”

3BB CEO Subhoj Sunyabhisithkul said the company will work with KT to improve the quality of its network, including the use of artificial intelligence and GiGAeyes, a video security service.

“The commercialization of IPTV service has been a long-cherished ambition for Jasmine Group and it must succeed,” Sunyabhisithkul said. “We look forward to a continuous cooperation with KT beyond IPTV service.”

KT is currently the largest IPTV service provider in Korea.

BY JIN MIN-JI [jin.minji@joongang.co.kr]