Thank you to the folks at Informitv.com for pointing out this news item:


Sistema Multimedia has announced the commercial launch of Stream TV, Russia's first broadband television service.

Stream TV will offer access to over 80 Russian and international television channels and nearly 50 radio services. Channels will include those of Chelsea and Manchester United football clubs in the UK.

Subscription charges will start at US$9.95 per month, with the ability to add new channels individually or in packages, for a day, a week or a month. The package includes an ADSL modem, set-top box, remote control and infrared keyboard. It can be purchased at the time of connection or through a 3-year installment plan.

Alcatel provided systems integration for the IPTV service using its Open Media Suite of software, the future of which must be in some doubt following its marketing partnership with Microsoft. NDS is providing content security, while Tandberg is responsible for video compression.