NTL And Telewest To Launch iTV Service

NTL and Telewest are developing a joint interactive television service due to launch on the broadband spectrum next year.

The “enhanced broadband service” will be available to both NTL and Telewest customers and will link programming and interactive services such as shopping, betting and games over a high-speed cable network.

A spokesman for NTL said: “The service will provide a seamless transition between programmes and interactive services because the two signals will be interlaced. This will mean that users can ‘go interactive’ at the touch of a button without having to change channels or interrupt their programming.”

The move has sparked speculation that the companies, which are currently backing a national advertising campaign to boost the uptake of broadband in the UK (see NTL Teams With Telewest), are on the brink of a full operational merger.

The spokesperson added: “This is an issue that has provoked a lot of rumours. There are no plans for the future but the two companies have proved that they can work together closely in a number of areas.”

Both NTL and Telewest have been attempting to strengthen their position in the broadband market recently. NTL cut the price of its high-speed broadband internet service (see NTL Launches Mass Market Broadband) to attract new customers and Telewest rebranded to Telewest Broadband (see Telewest Announces Rebrand) to increase consumer awareness of its range of services.

NTL: 01252 402 000 www.ntl.co.uk Telewest: 01483 750 900 www.telewest.co.uk

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