Singapore – The Idols format continues to extend the show’s popularity, with Sony Entertainment Television (SET) and FremantleMedia Asia enabling viewers in Singapore to vote in real time for their favorite Indian Idol contestant. This breakthrough comes from using a local Singapore short code provided by mobile media specialist i-POP Networks and the direct integration of the vote count technology with the current Indian service provider’s (Mobile2Win) existing vote tallying system. Colin Miles, i-POP Network’s EVP and Co-founder, explains, “This type of solution – straightforward as it is – represents a clear step forward in the subtle use of telecommunications and television in a synchronized way to enable ‘borderless’ viewer participation. We’ve long held that this type of converged service – which is all about inclusiveness and participation – is something than can be exploited massively in years to come.”