Following Cable & Wireless Communication’s announcement that it is to begin commercial trials of its digital television service on 1 July in Manchester and London (see Newsline), the company has unveiled details of its forthcoming digital services. It will include access to 100 interactive sites, an electronic programme guide (EPG) and an expanded Near-Video-On-Demand service, with programming available in themed packs allowing subscribers to customise their own channel line-up.
Interactive features will include email through the TV, home banking and interactive games. CWC has announced partnerships with companies spanning leisure, entertainment and media.
Flextech Interactive, Bloomberg, Emap Online, Emap Radio, Scoot, PA Sporting Life, Uproar, LOOT, Live TV, Manchester Evening News and ABC Connect will all have online services carried on the CWC digital service. British Airways, Barclays Bank, Associated New Media and Littlewoods/Granada Home Shopping Group are also involved. CWC is also in discussions with Discovery Networks Europe, Nickelodeon, QVC, What Car? and First Call about online content.
Chief executive Greg Clarke commented: “Our customers will not have to worry about technology, they will have the reassurance that we will upgrade their services at no additional cost.”
Last week’s IBC UK Digital TV Conference featured representatives from all three DTV platforms (satellite, terrestrial and cable) explaining the pros and cons of the different offerings, and their means of persuading the customer (see Newsline).
By the end of the year, CWC is expecting to be available to over 50% of homes marketed in the CWC franchise areas – around 2 million households. Digital uptake figures from BMRB International last month estimated that digital cable TV would win up to 555,000 subscribers by March 2000 (see Newsline).
The broadcaster plans to invest a further £60 million in its digital services over the next 12 months, and to create 2,000 new jobs over the next two years.
Profits at CWC will be hit hard by this investment. Nevertheless, Greg Clarke enthused: “This is the first national broadband service in the world. Our strategy of a phased, continuous roll-out of services reflects the need to ensure a smooth transition to the new services for all our customers.”
Cable & Wireless Communications: 0171 674 5440
