hanaTV IPTV Service Provider

Although the Korean government is still unsure how to bring IPTV to Korea without agitating the traditional cable providers too much they have allowed several companies to begin testing their service. I had a chance to sit down with a representative of hanaTV who told me about hanaTV’s features and its current trial.
hanaTV’s IPTV set top box brings television, VOIP calling, and internet to consumers living room. The service also provides movies on demand, games, and most important to South Koreans karaoke. The set top box is free with a three year subscription which will run you W7,000-9,000 ($7.50-9.65 USD) per month depending on which services you select.
hanaTV’s IPTV service was tested in 270 Korean households between November and December 2005. hanaTV hopes to be granted a license within one to two years. Its parent company Hanaro Telecom is the second largest telecommunications provider in Korea.