China Telecom has set up an IPTV (Internet Protocol TV) technology R&D laboratory at its Shanghai research institute, according to Shanghai Securities News. The laboratory was established with the aim to formulate internationally compatible technical standards and provide test and certification services for Chinese IPTV platform and terminal suppliers. At present China Telecom boasts an IPTV subscriber base of nearly one million, via collaboration with Shanghai Media Group in 17 Chinese cities. China Telecom expects the number of its IPTV subscribers to double by year-end 2008, also according to Shanghai Securities News.