Vodafone to provide (almost) free access to TV in Germany

Vodafone is planning to provide free iptv services in Germany before the end of the year. When you opt to make use of this offer, you will need to either buy or rent a decoder. The services only applies to people who are connected to the internet via Vodafone’s DSL network.

The telco/ISP can provide this service so cheaply because no expensive upgrades have to be made to the network, reports tweakers. Iptv requires a 2 mbit data connection.

Users of the new service can at the same time maintain their cable or satellite connection. All incoming TV signals are routed through Vodafone’s settopbox. The signals are compared for strength and the strongest is forwarded to the TV.

In addition to the iptv services, Vodafone will provide an on-demand service for movies. The company is now making deals with the movie studios to do so.