Telewest Signs Content Providers To On Demand Service

Telewest has secured agreements with several broadcasters ahead of the launch of its TV-on-demand service, paving the way for a fully-fledged IPTV roll-out by the end of next month.

The cable provider has signed BBC Worldwide, Discovery Networks Europe and the National Geographic Channel Europe to supply programming for its imminent on-demand service, rolling out across Cheltenham next month in the first phase of its development.

The service, providing programmes at the touch of a button, and the ability to pause, rewind and fast forward, will initially be made available to 26,000 customers, with further regions being introduced to the service over the next few years.

The latest content agreements will provide Telewest with a wealth of programmes to offer customers, with the BBC contract initially providing over 180 hours of programming, from documentaries to drama and light entertainment, as well as children’s programmes.

Discovery Networks, meanwhile, will provide factual and lifestyle programming. Additional agreements are already in place with FilmFlex, Flextech, Nickelodeon and several adult channels, while negotiations with other broadcasters are continuing.

Commenting on the latest agreements, Eric Tveter, president and chief operating officer at Telewest Broadband, said: “We truly believe TV-on-demand will transform the way consumers watch TV. We’re lining up top quality content providers to give our customers a superb choice of programmes and the flexibility to watch them whenever they want.”

The new service will work with Telewest customers’ existing set-top box, although the cable giant is also investing around £20 million in the development of a TV-on-demand and personal video recorder, due to tackle Sky’s premium Sky+ service later this year (see Telewest Targets Sky With PVR Set-Top Box).

The new on-demand service is currently contested by HomeChoice, providing IPTV within the M25 area, and ntl’s fledgling service, currently in its trial stage (see Cable Giants Launch On-Demand TV And Movie Services), however, Telewest hopes to have signed over one million digital TV customers to the service by early 2006 (see Telewest On Demand To Reach 1 Million By 2006).

Telewest: 0845 142 0000 www.telewest.co.uk