Baek Byung-yeul is a journalist at The Korea Times focused on cultural content, including films and cultural events in South Korea. You can contact him at baekby@koreatimes.co.kr to share your insights.
SK Broadband's tablet IPTV service gaining popularity
A model watches a video using SK Broadband's tablet PC-based IPTV service B tv air in this photo provided by the company, Tuesday. Courtesy of SK Broadband
By Baek Byung-yeul
By Baek Byung-yeul
With people spending more time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for devices has also been on the rise.
To meet this trend, SK Broadband, the wholly owned internet service provider subsidiary of the nation's leading mobile carrier SK Telecom, has been making gains with its tablet PC-based internet protocol television (IPTV) service B tv air for people who want to have a second or third device that operates like a TV at home or elsewhere.
“We have seen increasing demand for B tv air service as there are more people who prefer to have a TV for each family member,” a company official said Tuesday. “Especially, families with children show more preference for the B tv air service because TV content that family members want to watch is different.”
A model promotes SK Broadband's tablet PC-based IPTV service B tv air in this photo provided by the company, Tuesday. Courtesy of SK Broadband
SK Broadband said its tablet PC can also be utilized for working or studying at home. Due to the rising number of COVID-19 infections here, office workers are encouraged to work at home and students are preparing for online classes ahead of the beginning of the second semester.
In this situation, the tablet PCs for B tv air service can be used by all family members, such as for video conferencing, online classes, watching entertainment content and infant education, the company said.
“We have set up promotional booths for the B tv air service at major supermarkets and many visitors have shown interest. As students are expected to have online classes during the second semester, our tablet PC-based IPTV service, which can be used as both an IT device for children's online classes and a home TV, are being highlighted,” the official said.
What makes the B tv air service different from other companies' tablet PC-based IPTV services is a speaker dock that can be attached to the tablet PC. The company said the speaker dock delivers high-quality stereo sound.
Currently, SK Broadband offers a 50 percent discount on the B tv air service for viewers using its high-speed internet service or B tv IPTV service. Thanks to the promotion, consumers are able to use the B tv air service at a monthly price of 4,400 won on a three-year agreement.
“Thanks to the recent stay-at-home trend, the B tv air service has been received well from households with more than three or four people. We will continue to provide the best service that can add more value to customers' lives,” the company said.