Whether an access network supports multicast-based IPTV services from an IPTV service provider is determined. A tone signal encoded with information for the IPTV service provider is used by a terminal to determine whether an access network supports multicast-based IPTV services. The tone signal is also used to determine whether collisions with other IPTV service providers on the access network is probable. Alternatively, a registration request including information for the access network is sent from the terminal to the IPTV service provider. The IPTV service provider uses information in the registration request to determine whether the access network supports multicast-based IPTV services.