MUMBAI: The US-based Interactive Television Networks, Inc., a global player in Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), has announced the launch of its ITVN Asia service.

"We are very excited to introduce ITVN‘s revolutionary technology to the Asian market," says ITVN Asia MD Noah Lieberman. "We anticipate a robust response to ITVN in these markets, as the high speed internet infrastructure in the Asia Pacific region has enjoyed widespread development, especially in countries such as Japan where IPTV customers enjoy fiber-optic cable at speeds up to 100 Mbps."

By the end of 2007, everyone in Japan will have access to high speed internet, according to a plan by the Japanese government.

As part of their multi-year agreement, ITVN Asia has pre-purchased ITVN subscription services and hardware as well as committed to short and long term subscriber targets, states an official release.

"We are pleased to be able to extend the ITVN brand into these new markets," says ITVN CEO Charles Prast. "ITVN Asia users will initially enjoy Silver Screen, which delivers the golden age of cinema to their home television. In addition to Silver Screen, ITVN Asia plans to launch additional music, movie, sports and video game channels."