Many UK households 'paying for TV services'

Nearly half of households with a television in the UK are opting to pay to receive additional channels, it is revealed.

Almost half of UK households with a television are paying for additional channels, research shows.

New findings from regulatory body Ofcom show this was the case for 49.5% of households in the fourth quarter of last year, up from 48.6% on the previous quarter.

The statistics show fewer households have free television services transmitted through their digital satellite or digital terrestrial televisions, with this accounting for 39.3% of the population.

Ofcom names BSkyB's HD service as the provider with the greatest increase in subscribers, with Virgin Media's V+ service likewise faring well.

By looking online, consumers can make sure they get the best deal on their digital television package.

The Ofcom findings also suggest interest in HD services is on the rise, with homes having access to the facility reaching an all-time high of 1.5 million.

A report from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform recently found that the digital sector is becoming increasingly important for the UK economy.