HickoryTech to offer advanced IPTV service

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Personal video recording, online apps among services provided via Nokia Siemens Networks’ new multi-screen platform

MANKATO, Minnesota, United States — Subscribers of HickoryTech will soon be able to enjoy a more compelling TV service with a host of powerful, new interactivity features. Nokia Siemens Networks is providing its multi-screen IPTV platform that allows the operator to deliver high- definition video and advanced capabilities including personal video recording (PVR), faster channel change speed and personalized, third party apps.

“There is a growing demand for a superior TV experience that allows a high degree of interactivity and personalization,” says Damon Dutz, president of HickoryTech’s Consumer and Network Solutions Division. “In addition to enabling a new and intuitive PVR service, the open environment of Nokia Siemens Networks’ multi-screen IPTV platform allows us to work with independent developers to offer new applications that satisfy the changing needs of our customers.”

The new multi-screen IPTV platform from Nokia Siemens Networks includes the company’s award-winning interactive applications toolkit based on Interactive Markup Language (IML). This toolkit enables personalized content such as live weather and stock market information to be accessed via onscreen widgets. The software facilitates faster development and roll-out of interactive applications, creating new revenue streams for the operator, and delivering a more useful service to subscribers. The contract scope also includes professional services, including care services.

“Our vision is to promote application innovation and help service providers deliver a new generation of end-user experiences,” said Jouni Welander, head of the IPTV customer team, Nokia Siemens Networks in North America. “Operators like HickoryTech can utilize advanced features of our open platform and launch new services for the ultimate anytime, anywhere viewing experience for their customers.”