[SatNews] Catel, the association representing a new breed of locally-focused IPTV operators in Argentina, has deployed Amino devices in the rollout of a second wave of pay-TV services in key cities across the country.

Amino secured its first network operator contract in Argentina last year, working with “cooperativas”,  locally-focused service providers, to deliver IPTV services across their networks, following deregulation of the telecommunications market in the country. 

Amino has worked closely with its local systems integrator Pontis Technologies to help deliver the service to the local operators. These include co-operatives formed by local operators to secure linear and VOD content, and many other independent co-operatives like Rio Tercero, a full service provider in Cordoba province. 

The IPTV service is part of a triple play offering, including phone, broadband and IPTV services, which was rolled out initially by four service providers in the cities of Buenos Aires, Santa Fe and Cordoba. This second phase will see wider deployments in these cities and into targeted suburban areas.

Amino CEO Donald McGarva said, “This is a very interesting phase in the development of the IPTV market in Argentina, with local cooperativas taking a lead in deploying innovative IPTV services. Our experience of working with locally-focused telcos is extensive and we’re delighted to see this new generation of operators rolling out new services at this exciting time in the region.”

Ariel Fernandez Alvarado from Catel said, “We are delighted with the performance of the Amino devices which have allowed us to offer an excellent service to our customers. Amino is a strategic technological partner which has given us the stable IPTV platform that we were looking for.”