TdA to launch VOD service in March 2010

Argentine newspaper La Nacion reports that incumbent telco Telefonica de Argentina (TdA) plans to commercially launch a video on demand (VOD) service in Argentina in March 2010. According to the manager of new services at TdA, Andres Bargues, the VOD service, based on TdA’s ‘Speedy’ ADSL broadband offering, will initially be available in the capital Buenos Aires and the surrounding area, with plans to later expand to the rest of the country. According to TeleGeography’s GlobalComms database, TdA tested a VOD system over IPTV in January 2009 with 100 clients in Buenos Aires. Telcos are currently banned from entering the pay-TV sector, but are allowed to launch VOD services until the legislation is modified. Earlier this month a new media bill was passed by the lower house allowing cooperatives to launch their own TV services, although mainstream telcos remain barred from offering triple-play, after President Fernandez dropped at the last minute an earlier modification enabling them to provide the service. The bill is currently being considered by the senate.