1. Who can subscribe to mio TV?

The mio TV service is available to 85 per cent of homes. The remainder will have to wait until at least next year to have their phone systems upgraded to be able to deliver the videos.

You do not need to have a SingTel broadband account or sign up for one to get the service.

2. How do I tune in?

You will be loaned a broadband modem and TV set-top box for free when you subscribe to the SingTel service.

The gadgets are connected to the phone jack in the wall, which delivers the programmes to a TV set.

Existing SingTel broadband subscribers should contact the service provider to see if they can use their modems for the TV service.

3. Can you watch programmes on a PC?

Yes, but you need a TV tuner card in your PC.

4. Will the programmes be less sharp?

No, they are as sharp as regular TV. In fact, SingTel has several high-definition TV channels that broadcast images that are four times as sharp as that of most channels now.

Unlike YouTube and other online videos, these programmes are delivered with enough bandwidth on a broadband network to ensure smooth pictures.

5. What is IPTV?

It is the technology that sends TV programmes over a broadband network, instead of a traditional cable network or over the air.

It has proven successful in Hong Kong, for example, where telecom operator PCCW uses its broadband network to deliver TV programmes to homes.

6. Will there be lag if, say, many people are watching the same show at the same time? Will there be bandwidth constraints?

No, because SingTel reserved about 10Mbps to 12Mbps for the service. So, it is not affected even when you are downloading large files or if many people are watching at the same time. This is not the case with YouTube, as it does not have bandwidth reserved for it.