SureWest Communications got the green light to launch IP-based digital television services in Roseville, Calif., in late 2003 or 2004.

The Roseville City Council unanimously approved a franchise deal on Oct. 1, said SureWest, the company that picked up the assets of bankrupt overbuilder Winfirst in mid-2002 for about $12 million.

SureWest plans to bundle video with its existing data and voice services. Starting at $24 per month, the new video service will offer more than 260 channels of digital programming, plus video-on-demand and pay-per-view.

"The technology we're using is both leading edge and cost-effective," said Bill DeMuth, SureWest's chief technology officer. "The set-top box, for example, is no bigger than your typical personal digital assistant."

SureWest's IP video service will use IP set-tops from Amino Communications and the Irdeto Access conditional access system.