BT Seeks To Offer Shows Via Broadband; BT Freeview Plus Trial This Week

Well, BT’s broadband VOD plans have not been a secret, but FT has some details: BT Group is in advanced discussions with British Sky Broadcasting, ITV and the BBC for the rights to offer consumers popular programmes such as Coronation Street and Fawlty Towers over broadband. The discussions are part of plans by BT to enter the pay-per-view TV market with the launch of a new BT-branded digital TV and internet service.

BT wants to sell an enhanced Freeview box that would not only give users the full range of free digital channels but also an extensive library of films, dramas and other TV content on demand.

BT is in separate, but less advanced, discussions with BSkyB to combine its on-demand TV broadband technology with Sky’s satellite broadcasting service.

Telegraph (reg. req.): BT will this week begin trials of the box, initially dubbed “BT Freeview Plus“, which will provide customers with digital TV through a conventional TV aerial and VOD through broadband…BT has yet to finalize the cost and billing method for downloading programmes, but any revenues will be split between itself and the provider of “content”.

Related:

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