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.