Open Signs Asda To Interactive Service

Interactive television services platform, Open, has signed a deal with the Asda supermarket chain to sell the store’s goods from this summer. Asda joins a number of other retailers on the service, which launched last October (see Interactive TV Launches In The UK), including Woolworth’s, WHSmith, Domino’s Pizza, Carphone Warehouse, Dixons and Manchester United.

Initially Asda produce will only be available in the Greater London region, inside the M25, covering the store’s grocery range. Other product ranges will be added over time, says Open, which is co-owned by BSkyB, BT, HSBC and Matsushita.

Allan Leighton, Asda’s chief executive, says: “Home PC ownership is on the rise but the TV is still the most used medium in the home. The opportunities for digital TV technology are limitless and we wanted to be part of it.”

Cable company Telewest Communications recently unveiled plans for its interactive TV service and has already signed up 29 commercial partners (see Retailers Back Telewest’s Cable Interactive Service). The services will be available on Telewest’s digital cable TV platform, Active Digital, from spring this year.

Open: 020 7332 7000