Seoul – Unrestricted IPTV services can be expected in South Korea later this year. A major regulatory hurdle of four years was finally overcome when the Korea Communications Commission finalized the ordinances of the IPTV law. Until now, IPTV operators were restricted to VOD services; they were precluded from’live’ broadcast of terrestrial programmes in real time. Under the newly-approved rules, conglomerates with assets of less than 10 trillion won (US$9.7 billion) will be allowed to provide IPTV services. For broadcasting firms, the equity ceiling is 3 trillion won (US$2.9 billion). 2004 saw KT introduce pre-IPTV services, followed by Hanarotelecom and LG Powercom, in a market boasting around 90% broadband Internet penetration. The broadcasting and communications sectors were previously regulated by the Broadcasting Commission and the Ministry of Information and Communication, which fought over IPTV jurisdiction. But IPTV providers still face content challenges, in a market where ratings are very much dominated by homegrown shows from the three national TV stations – MBC, KBS and SBS.