(28 December 2005 2:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Telecom Communications (Tcom) has announced that its subsidiary, 3G Dynasty (3G) will provide China Netcom customers with exclusive, entertainment programming,
created and distributed by Live Online.

As part of the partnership, Live Online will become the music and live entertainment programming partner of 3G, and 3G will serve as Live Online's exclusive first-window television channel partner.

The entertainment channel will become an integral part of Tcom's internet-Protocol-Television (IPTV) China strategy as 3G's internet content provides businesses, including movie productions and formats by combining users of the internet, mobile phones and TVs with theaters through pay-per-view, video-on-demand, and subscription network service packages in China.

The company adds that as Sony, NTT and BB Cable have demonstrated in the US and Japan the market for IPTV services, is forecasted to be worth billions. Tcom is positioning itself to take full advantage of this large and rapidly growing market in China. Tcom's IPTV strategy is to develop a unique content that meets the user's demand.

Live Online VP Frank Jiang says, "3G's model and value proposition reflects Live Online's commitment to providing consumers with the content they want, how they want it, and where they want it. With this partnership, the music industry now has another valuable marketing touch point to reach and connect artists with fans, while in turn, providing another key access point for consumers to get high quality content".