Pubcasters ARD and ZDF will be available on Internet protocol TV (IPTV) after pacting with telco giant Deutsche Telekom.
Deal covers the distribution of more than 20 channels via Telekom’s VDSL grid.
IPTV is available mainly in metro-politan areas, and some 6 million households will be connected by the end of the year, DT said.
Beginning this month, DT custom-ers can get pay TV group Premiere’s league soccer offerings on IPTV.
It has also signed up around 100 webs, including the ProSiebenSat 1 group and numerous niche channels. It is negotiating with RTL, Germany’s remaining major TV group.
Moves will fuel the discussion re-garding the fees every household pays for the pubcasters. ARD and ZDF want an extra fee now that their programs are distributed on broadband.
