Sky to offer Freeview style package

net1

BSkyB is set to take on the BBC's Freeview digital terrestrial service by offering a "Freeview-plus" style package of channels via digital satellite. BSkyB recently upgraded its subscriber target to eight million by 2005, after a surge in demand left it only weeks away from hitting the seven million mark. However, the BSkyB chief executive, Tony Ball, said the next stage in the broadcaster's digital vision - extending its subscriber base from eight to 12 million - would require a new approach. "We can get to eight million or so but will the next four million all be high revenue? Probably not. We will come up with a Freeview-plus type of package with one or two [extra] channels," Mr Ball told the Media Guardian Edinburgh International TV festival." The package is likely to include free channels already available on digital satellite, plus a small number of add-on basic TV channels.

gensavage

Hi,

Do you have any idea what price Sky will be wanting for the new proposed package,no doubt more than the value Pack at £12.50/month??

PAUL

net1

BSkyB currently offers 96 different packages to subscribers, with the cheapest - the basic entertainment offering - at £12.50. This is likely to be undercut by the new "Freeview plus" package.