State run telco and internet provider BSNL has partnered with DTH operator Tata Sky, to offer free video on demand services to customers of BSNL for the first month worth Rs 500, reports BusinessLine. The partnership will start implementing the offer in one or two states first, and plans to expand to all the states within 6 months. As a part of the agreement, BSNL will offer broadband for free for the first month as well. These users will then be able to hook up their connection to Tata Sky set top boxes that support internet connectivity, to use Tata Sky’s VoD service. The partnership will allow Tata Sky to promote its VoD platform, while BSNL will possibly see a few more customers. Note that Tata Sky’s VoD service is currently available to anyone with a supported set top box, basically the ones with a USB or ethernet port. Users can either use a WiFi dongle or an ethernet cable to connect to the network. However, the STB does not yet support 3G-4G dongles. The service provides free Catch Up TV, which records shows for users for up to 5 days, and access to various movies and TV shows, which are priced on a per item basis. The supported STB, the Tata Sky Transfer, is currently available for upwards of Rs 12,000, with yearly channel packages included. Streaming to smartphones: Tata Sky launched Transfer in September last year, with capabilities to stream recorded shows directly on Android or iOS devices.…
