17th November 2009
SURE CUSTOMERS TO HAVE FREE ACCESS TO TV VIA THE INTERNET
Sure is about to revolutionise the market by
being the first telecoms company in the Channel Islands to offer
its own television service over broadband, allowing customers to
watch a range of programmes on their computer free of charge.
Sure TV will be officially launched in the
Channel Islands next year and a select number of customers will be
chosen to test the service from January before it is offered to all
Sure broadband customers. Computers demonstrating Sure TV will be
in the operators Waterloo House (Guernsey) and King Street (Jersey)
shops in December.
TV over broadband (or IPTV as it’s known in the
trade) allows viewers to watch live television, browse what’s on
now, next or later without leaving the programme they are watching,
or pick from a range of “on demand” content from single episodes of
your favorite series to full blockbuster movies.
“This is one of the most exciting developments
in computer technology that we have seen for some time and we are
delighted that we can be the first to offer this innovative
product. As technology develops, the gap between what gadgets do is
shrinking and there is now a large amount of overlap. Mobile phones
are used as computers, we are already using our computers for
entertainment through sites like YouTube and iPlayer and now, with
the advent of Sure TV, we can be even more interactive and
demanding,” said Sure’s Head of PR, Steve Smith.
Sure broadband customers will have free access
to up to 30 channels such as those from BBC, ITV, Channel 4,
Channel 5 and Virgin and CNN. However, during the trial period only
a limited number will be available. More will be added over time as
content deals are agreed.
“This is the next stage in the development of
customers being able to decide how they access information and
entertainment and empowers them to be in control. It is an
unmatched combination of scalability, value and flexibility,” said
Mr Smith.
Enabling this service has involved a
significant investment from Sure in terms of time, technology and
budget but we believe that it will be worth it when customers have
access to a wide selection of channels at no extra cost to
themselves,” said Mr Smith.
Mr Smith added that as the system develops,
customers will be able to buy set-top boxes so they can watch
through their televisions. Additional channels and content will
then be available to order.
Islanders wishing to be the first to trial Sure
TV can register their interest at
www.surecw.com/tv.