13 February 2007
A new service which will allow consumers to receive some of Sky's most popular programmes through a conventional rooftop aerial and a digital terrestrial television (DTT) box for a monthly subscription, has been unveiled by BSkyB.
Due to be implemented this summer, BSkyB says that it is aiming to "create more choice for customers who are interested in upgrading from free-to-air to pay-TV".
Among the programmes being offered by BSkyB is a sports service which will include live coverage from the Barclays Premiership and a news service will offer viewers the choice to switch between Sky Three, Sky News and Sky Sports News.
Consumers wishing to take advantage of the services will be required to purchase a set-top box, which includes the necessary conditional access technology and an Mpeg4 decoder as well as paying a monthly subscription fee.
Although the service is still waiting for approval from the telecommunications regulator Ofcom, BSkyB is confident that it will gain it and predicts that once the service launches, multiple manufacturers will have the opportunity to produce compatible set-top-boxes and other DTT receivers.
"We look forward to bringing some of Sky's most popular content to digital terrestrial viewers. This will give families more choice and increase the availability of leading content and channel brands," said Mike Darcey, Sky's Chief Operating Officer.
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