At the end of last year, the number of interactive IPTV subscribers around the world reached 30.3 million, i.e. nearly 50 percent more than in year 2008, when the number of viewers of this type of TV was 21.6 million.

This data was announced in London, in the International Exhibition and Conference IPTV Forum by one of the most authoritative telecommunication market research companies Informa Telecoms and Media. Most users enjoy this technologically high-end TV in France (9 million), USA (4.9 million), and China (3.5 million).

“Although according to the absolute number of users, some paid TVs are still more popular, but according to the pace of market growth, interactive TV is beyond doubt the leader. Such growth is first of all determined by wide selection of interactive services and the expansion of fiber optic internet network,” said Idrakas Dadašovas, Chairman of the Board of Penki Kontinentai.

The Head of the company that was the first to introduce interactive IPTV in Lithuania met Yun Chao Hun, the Chairman of the Council of international organisation Open IPTV Forum and representative of high-rank company Ericsson, in the international conference in London.

In the meeting organised by Open IPTV Forum, the company Penki Kontinentai was invited to join the above mentioned organisation and contribute to creation and development of universal IPTV solutions.

One of the main tasks of the organisation is to create universal standards and solutions of the service, which would allow the users to enjoy all advantages of IPTV, irrespective of their software or hardware.

“During the efficient meeting, we discussed various prospects and possibilities for cooperation in Forum activity. It provides us with the opportunity to constantly improve Penki TV according to global standards,” said Mr. Dadašovas.

Open IPTV Forum includes such companies as Cisco, Motorola, Intel, Ericsson, Zyxel, etc. Penki Kontinentai would be the first Lithuanian company to join the organisation.