Alcatel SA, the French maker of telecommunications gear, and Microsoft Corp. Tuesday said they will jointly develop Internet-based TV services for telephone companies.

In November, Microsoft announced it would provide TV technology to SBC Communications Inc.

"We are committed to integrate the current Alcatel video solutions with Microsoft TV IPTV Edition, resulting in a market-leading integrated offering," Alcatel Chief Executive Serge Tchuruk said.

Telecom operators around the world are keen to exploit high-speed Internet connections to also offer TV.

In Europe, several companies, including Telefonica SA and Deutsche Telekom AG, have launched such services.

From Yahoo News/AP