CUZZY Advanced Convergence Laboratories Sdn Bhd expects its broadband-based digital pay TV service, XBB.TV to sign up 100,000 Malaysian subscribers this year following its launch yesterday.Globally, it is targeting a subscriber based of three million by end-2008 and five million by 2010.

XBB.TV offers subscribers a wide selection of channels via the Internet-based broadband for a fee of US$9.95 per month or a three-month prepaid fee US$22.99, chief executive officer Jeffrey Paul Raj told reporters after the launch in Subang yesterday.

Going forward, XBB.TV planned to produce its own content, he said.

XBB.TV, which cost Cuzzy an investment of RM4mil over the last seven years, sees potential returns from subscription fees, advertisements, content sponsorship, public relations campaigns and infomercials.

“Cuzzy’s rollout of XBB.TV services will go a long way towards accelerating broadband uptake in Malaysia and helping to achieve the national broadband plan targets,” said Energy, Water and Communications Minister Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik, who officiated the event.

The plan envisages a broadband penetration rate of 5% in 2006 and up to 10% by 2008.