As the competitive pressure to deploy video services increases, carriers are often faced with the task of choosing the best technology to carry those services forward, which has proven to be a challenge.

Carriers must choose the technology that will not only fit their short-term budgets but satisfy long-term strategic objectives. In particular, carriers deploying fiber to the home (FTTH) face the difficult decision on whether or not to deploy Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) or a radio frequency (RF) overlay.It would seem as though IPTV is winning the competition as it offers more innovative features, control and personalization than RF video. In fact, at the end of March 2013 there were 79.3 million IPTV subscriptions across the globe. IPTV offers greater flexibility and integration than traditional or RF video. For example, consumers can access Video on Demand (VOD) or DVR features conveniently and efficiently, browse the Internet from their television, or even purchase items directly from their TV set.  Moreover, carriers can package and deliver several services directly to consumers using one line, boosting convenience and helping to lower costs.

In other words, for carriers who want to present a unified service across different access networks, IPTV is the way to go.