IPTV is the new wave in entertainment. It will enable content providers to give us access to countless on demand programs of high quality… but wait, surprise surprise, the Chinese government has a problem with that. It was a inevitable occurrence, that seems to have found its time.

Seems that SMG’s IPTV service was disagreeable with the local authorities in Quanzhou. So much in fact that they got banned across the whole province of Zhejiang. Shanghai Media Group is currently the only nationally licensed IPTV provider. Even so, they were told to get bent local permission as well. SMG was cooperating with local telecom operators, but still that was not good enough. Yes, everyone needs their cut, apparently. Next thing you know, you’ll be sleeping with the fishes. Upon further inspection, Zhejiang decided it was enough when SMG had around 10,000 subscribers in Quanzhou.

Better get workin’ on that guanxi! SMG is already in “negotiations”, which probably result in SMG financing the college education of the state’s administrators and unlimited KTV sessions.

IPTV subscribers are happy in Shanghai and Harbin though, enjoying their favorite shows without interruption. Seems the right people got the right amount of favor in those municipalities.

Related links: Shanghai Daily