Alcatel, Microsoft to Develop TV Services

Alcatel SA, the French maker of telecommunications gear, and Microsoft Corp. Tuesday said they will jointly develop Internet-based TV services for telephone companies.

n November, Microsoft announced it would provide TV technology to SBC Communications Inc.

“We are committed to integrate the current Alcatel video solutions with Microsoft TV IPTV Edition, resulting in a market-leading integrated offering,” Alcatel Chief Executive Serge Tchuruk said.

Telecom operators around the world are keen to exploit high-speed Internet connections to also offer TV.

In Europe, several companies, including Telefonica SA and Deutsche Telekom AG, have launched such services.