Video Networks snares Sky premium channels

net1

A range of Sky Sports and Sky Movies channels are to become available on the HomeChoice platform for the first time following an agreement between UK broadband service provider Video Networks and BSkyB. Under the agreement, Sky will retail Sky Sports 1, 2, 3 and Xtra and Sky Movies (Screens 1,3,5,7,9) to HomeChoice customers from August 2004. The addition of these new channels means the HomeChoice platform now offers over 80 digital TV and on-demand film, music and entertainment channels and a broadband Internet connection of up to 2Mb, all via a standard BT phone line. Roger Lynch, Chairman and CEO, Video Networks recognised that over the past 15 years, Sky had helped shape the UK's TV sector. "The addition of Sky Movies means even more choice for our customers," he claimed. Martin Goswami, Sky's Commercial Director, said that the agreement with Video Networks was "a new initiative for Sky and a further broadening of the distribution of our channels."

Video Networks Ltd provides broadband entertainment through its digital TV, video-on-demand (VOD) and Internet services under the brand name HomeChoice, passing some 1.25 million homes in the London area. It also offers customers always-on broadband Internet connections with speeds ranging from 512Kb to 2Mb and a multi-channel digital television service through one set top box.