GVT selects Ericsson for pay TV in Brazil

GVT, an alternative telecommunications operator in Brazil owned by Vivendi (Paris:VIV), has announced that Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) will supply and install the platform for its hybrid satellite/IP pay TV service to be launched in 2011. The system involves products such as encoders, the conditional access system (CAS), content protection (DRM), video on demand (VOD) and the middleware/EPG.

In addition to Ericsson, GVT is looking for three other strategic partners through competitive bids. Proposals for the Teleport (uplinking of programming) and satellite infrastructure are already underway and well advanced. Later this year, the company will select the supplier of set top boxes.

In parallel, GVT is awaiting approval from Brazil’s Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações (Anatel) for its request to grant a permit that will allow it to deliver DTH pay TV content via satellite. The application was made on August 30 and it is expected that permission will be granted before the end of the year.