Ericsson is bringing high-quality, interactive TV to viewers in Armenia through a deal with operator Ucom. Ericsson will deliver its IPTV solution including GPON technology in the first contract of its kind.

IPTV allows viewers to experience the same type of interactivity on their televisions as they are used to on their PCs, with personalized features such as chat, e-voting, web TV and access to social media networks. The IPTV solution for Ucom will also give viewers access to a flexible, customized portal that offers a wide range of broadcast channels, video on demand, an electronic program guide and personal video-recording capabilities.

The IPTV services will be delivered via the latest fiber-access technology, known as Gigabit Passive Optical Network, supplied by Ericsson. GPON allows the consumer to watch several HDTV channels, download large files from the internet and place voice calls simultaneously without service disruptions. Rollout will start in July 2009.

Ericsson's IPTV solution for Ucom includes IPTV middleware; a content-distribution platform; the customized consumer portal and GPON technology. The agreement also includes systems integration of operational management tools and consultancy services.

Ericsson's GPON fiber-access solution, EDA 1500, provides the highest bandwidth capacity on the market and supports a wide range of applications and services, in particular bandwidth-demanding services such as unicast and broadcast video and TV.