German telco M-net has commenced offering an IPTV package in addition to its internet, fixed-line and mobile telephony services.
M-net TVplus contains more than 100 TV channels which can be received on the TV set as well as on smartphones, tablets and laptops.
Access is through the TVplus box (see image) which is hooked up to the M-net router via cable or Wi-Fi and connected to the TV set. The box also brings catch-up TV portals, video-on-demand services and third-party apps to the TV screen.
The mobile devices access the multiscreen offering using the household’s local Wi-Fi network through an app (iOS/Android) or a web browser. Up to three different channels can be watched at the same time on different devices.
The live TV programmes can be paused and watched in time-shifted mode; a recording function is also integrated. Through the programme manager, TV shows can be marked for recording, by using the app also while on the go.
The basic package with more than 100 TV channels including 40 mainly public HD channels costs €9.90 per month. The commercial free-to-air channels in HD quality as well as international channels can be subscribed to at an extra fee.
The IPTV platform is currently available in selected areas in combination with a fibre-optic internet subscription with a minimum bandwidth of 50Mbps. It will later be rolled out across the whole footprint of M-net’s fibre-optic network.