GECs
ETV launches IPTV pilot test in Thailand
MUMBAI: ETV, a global Internet distribution network offering sports and entertainment content over the Internet, has commenced a pilot test of its IPTV service in Thailand
Through its partnership with Media Partners International, ETV will be deploying the ETV On Demand test system to an initial test market of 1000, growing to 10,000 test users throughout Thailand. The test period will last for up to 90 days, and will aggregate both technical information and customer feedback on the delivery system, the content and ease of use of the system.
It is expected that the ETV On Demand full service launch will begin by the end of the third quarter in Bangkok. At this point, MPI will market the system throughout Thailand, a country with a growing population of more than 65 million. MPI has projected users to grow by 50,000-100,000 monthly once it rolls out the ETV On Demand system.
The full ETV On Demand system launch is expected to take place later this year, and through early 2007. Potential viewership in these markets approximates 600 million.
ETV’s proven broadband delivery technology affords consumers their choice of entertainment and sports programming 24 hours a day over the Internet, with full-screen broadcast resolution on a guaranteed bandwidth backbone. The company’s complete end-to-end solution encompasses the latest Internet television technology, exclusive sports and entertainment content and worldwide broadband distribution.
MPI is a vertically integrated media company operating in the filmed and recorded entertainment and sports events production, licensing, and distribution industries. MPI’s chairman Sitichai Nuanmanee said, “The Pilot Test with ETV positions our two companies to dominate the broadband viewership market throughout Southeast Asia and India.”
GECs
Pocket FM partners with Indian Open Pickleball 2026
Audio platform joins forces with major tournament to engage young fans.
MUMBAI: Pocket FM just served up a perfect partnership because when audio storytelling meets pickleball’s fast-paced rallies, even the sidelines start listening. Pocket FM, the world’s largest audio series platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Indian Open 2026, one of India’s biggest pickleball tournaments organised by Global Sports in Hyderabad in association with Pickl’Out and Crosscourts Sports Club.
The collaboration brings Pocket FM’s immersive storytelling to one of the fastest-growing emerging sports in India. Pickleball, known for its accessibility, energy and strong community appeal, is rapidly attracting younger, digitally savvy audiences making it an ideal platform for Pocket FM to deepen its cultural relevance.
Under the partnership, Pocket FM will enjoy extensive on-ground and digital visibility throughout the tournament, which begins on 1 April 2026. This includes centre court branding, venue-wide presence, presenting rights for select matches, player lounge branding, team jersey integration, and strong integration across live streaming and social media.
Pocket FM, SVP and global head for brand marketing and partnerships Vineet Singh said, “Pickleball is building a strong connection with young and engaged audiences in India. This partnership allows us to connect with people in a meaningful way through strong on-ground presence and digital visibility.”
Global Sports and Indian Open 2026, founder Hemal Jain added, “Partnering with Pocket FM adds an exciting new dimension to the experience. As a brand that has built deep resonance with young audiences, Pocket FM is a strong fit for the energy and ambition of this tournament.”
The move reflects Pocket FM’s continued strategy of aligning with emerging passion points and building deeper engagement with communities driven by competition and shared experiences.
In a country where sports and stories often collide, Pocket FM isn’t just sponsoring a tournament, it’s turning every rally into a narrative, proving that the best audio moments sometimes happen when the paddle meets the ball.
