‘Digital Gateways’ Set To Lead The Race For Net Subscribers

By the end of 2000, television sets are set to overtake PC’s as gateways to the internet, according to Pace Microtechnology. The manufacturer of set-top box technology required to receive satellite and cable television, said that Britain was the world’s fastest-growing market for interactive and digital services.

The company, which makes boxes for BSkyB, ONdigital, Telewest, CWC, NTL and Kingston Communications, said that competition between cable, satellite and digital terrestrial broadcasters had helped to push sales in this country. The group has sold over two million digital decoders in the past year, an increase of 146% on the previous year.

The news confirms a recent report by Forrester Research which said that the online route will be driven by television technology rather than by PC’s (see Online Services Will Be Driven By TV, Says Forrester). With 7 million subscribers to interactive services across Europe already, this number is expected to double as full access through TV sets becomes available.

ONdigital is the latest broadcaster to announce a deal enabling it to offer full net access through TV sets (see ONdigital Signs Deal To Provide Full Net Access Through TV) as the walled garden systems which surround most interactive services begin to fall.

Pace Microtechnology: 01274 532 000