GoConnect (GCN) is pleased to announce it has joined forces with Netbay Internet, an Australian based Broadband Service provider, to launch a number of Asian language IPTV channels on GoConnect’s IPTV network of properties.

Netbay Internet is a Melbourne based broadband ISP that provides IPTV service through its subsidiary company MyiTV.

MyiTV is currently providing Triple-Play Services – ADSL2+ Broadband, VOIP and IPTV subscription service of Cantonese and Mandarin Speaking television channels through its multi-casting IPTV network under its agreement with Television Broadcasting Australia (“TVBA”).   TVBA is the Australian subsidiary of TVB, the dominant free to air TV network in Hong Kong.

Services are multi cast to the exchange and then delivered out to customers Televisions and IPTV Set Top boxes via ADSL2+.

MyiTV’s initial concentration has been on the Asian populations living in High Rise Apartment buildings in the inner cities of Melbourne and Sydney. The inner city market consists of large concentrations of Asian students who are keen to subscribe to Asian language TV services and watch their favourite channels from back home.

The partnership with Netbay internet will be operated under an equally owned company with GoConnect responsible for distribution of the programs via its IPTV properties and Netbay responsible for hosting and distributing the programs within its broadband network. A number of Asian language channels will be introduced over time including Korean, Indian, Chinese and Vietnamese.

Richard Li, Executive Chairman of GoConnect says, “We are excited to be involved with Netbay Internet to launch our Asian language IPTV service.

Australia is a nation of migrants and many Asian migrant households are already subscribers to satellite TV services provided by various TV networks from their countries of origin. The increasing maturity of broadband Internet penetration will underpin the rapid development of IPTV globally.

GoConnect was a pioneer in the delivery of IPTV. With the experience and expertise we have gained in IPTV over 11 years, GoConnect is well placed to take advantage of the continuing growth in consumer demand for IPTV by expanding the program mix. Together with Netbay Internet, our jointly owned company, Asia IPTV, will be working closely with various major Asian TV networks to provide on demand IPTV services to their subscribers. These services are expected to be introduced in the second half of 2011.”

Keith Lam, Sales Director of Netbay Internet says, “TV consumers will be able to access their favourite TV programs from their home countries without even the need for a set-top box. Accessing our Asian language channels will be made easy with the latest Smart TVs that are coming onto the market. They simply have to ‘point and click’ the Asia Channel icon on their Smart TV screen with their remote control to play the programs. We look forward to providing our service to many Australian households as a first step, before expanding outside of Australia.”

Adam Shand interviews Richard Li, Executive Chairman of GoConnect Limited on the company’s performance, vision and strategy including his views on IPTV in Australia.

Watch the interview on The Business Show

In 2010, GoConnect merged with Undercover, one of the world’s most respected music news sites and independent music label, PLW Entertainment. This merger created uctv.fm, GoConnect’s premium IPTV music channel which is distributed online and on mobile, as well as on the Sony BRAVIA IPTV platform and LG Netcast IPTV platform.

Undercover, GoConnect, PLW Entertainment Merger Approved By Shareholders
GoConnect (ASX: GCN), a leading global communications company has completed its merger with music content destination Undercover.com.au and 360 degree artist management, development and production company, PLW Entertainment.

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