Computer World Australia | February 7, 2011
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) intends to include internet protocol television (IPTV) as a core requirement of the Australia Network as the international-facing channel goes to competitive tender for a new operator.
Australia Network, which has been in operation since 1993, has been broadcast by the ABC since 2001 and is currently available in 44 Asian countries via free-to-air satellite, rebroadcasters, through some cable networks as well as online, on-demand.
ABC’s current five-year contract to 44 countries across Asia is set to end in August, after which the winning bidder will broadcast the network internationally under a ten-year contract worth up to $223 million. Speculation surrounds Sky News and ABC as likely bidders for the channel.
However, DFAT has called for bidders to plan for inclusion of digital media services accompanying the network, including a “sophisticated companion website” which would have to provide on-demand video and audio streaming and downloads for the broadcast.
“DFAT anticipates that the rapid evolution of digital media services and technologies will continue over the Term, and will require the Australia Network Services to be delivered as a modern, up-to-date Service, keeping pace with industry trends and approaches over the Term,” the documents state.
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