MUMBAI, Nov 5: Microsoft and India’s Reliance Communications on Monday signed a $500 million deal to launch India’s first high-definition Internet TV service, executives from both firms said.

The Internet protocol Television (IPTV) will start early next year in 30 cities, including the financial hub of Mumbai and the capital New Delhi, Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer and Reliance Communications Chairman Anil Ambani told reporters.

“The IPTV will bring in a digital home concept in a world-class manner,” Ambani said. “Until now television was a broadcast one-size-fits-all experience. IPTV offers subscribers more choice, control and convenience.” The IPTV technology is in its initial stages of growth. In one year, we expect the US and India to be the fastest-growing markets for this technology,” Ballmer said.

“In the coming years, the entire world’s information and technology will turn digitalised. Whatever can be digitalised, will be digitalised.” India’s movie industry, including the widely known Bollywood, produces the most films worldwide annually. —AFP