Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has launched India’s first fibre-based intranet TV service, known as IFTV, specifically for its Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) subscribers. The service is launching first in Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, with a broader rollout expected sooner rather than later. You can think of it as the state-run telco’s answer to Reliance’s JioTV Plus, although there are some notable differences between the two services.
BSNL IFTV ‘live TV’ service: What is it, how to use
Unlike many internet-based TV services such as JioTV Plus, which consume data directly from users’ internet plans, BSNL’s IFTV is said to operate independently of the internet data plan. This means that even if a user’s internet connection goes down, the streaming service continues to function seamlessly. IFTV is designed to remain unaffected by internet speed or latency issues, ensuring stable, high-quality streaming for all users—at least in theory.
BSNL’s IFTV is currently designed to work on Android TVs only, allowing FTTH subscribers to enjoy live TV channels without requiring additional equipment, such as a dedicated set-top box. There seems to be some discrepancy around the number of channels at the time of writing. The service provides access to over 500 live TV channels as per an X post from the operator. However, on its official website, it mentions that IFTV offers over 300 in MP region.
The telco has also integrated Video on Demand (VOD) or Pay TV content into this service, offering users a wider range of entertainment options. The real catch is that all BSNL FTTH users are eligible for free IFTV service regardless of their plan.
Earlier this year, BSNL launched an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service over its fibre network, providing customers with an economical and flexible way to watch TV. Priced at just Rs 130 per month, BSNL’s IPTV offering removes the need for a traditional set-top box, especially on Android TV devices. The service also includes two HD pack options: the HD Starter pack at Rs 270 per month with 211 channels and the HD Bonanza pack at Rs 400 per month with 223 channels.
