Sky and Google sign broadband deal
BSkyB and Google have unveiled plans to bring user generated content and video on demand services to Sky’s broadband internet customers.
Sky will be Google’s first partner globally to deploy Google’s portfolio of search, advertising, communications and video services, all of which will be tailored and branded for Sky Broadband across PC, TV and mobile.
The collaboration will allow users to edit, upload and share their own video content, including the facility to upload and download from a mobile phone. Sky says it is also looking at providing a “Skype-type” VoIP (voice over internet protocol) in the future.
Google will provide search tools and targeted search advertising across Sky’s portfolio of online sites, as well as a customised version of its Google Mail e-mail service. The two companies will also explore future forms of web, TV and mobile advertising. Revenue generated by click-throughs on sponsored links will be shared between Sky and Google, increasing Sky’s exposure to the fastest growing segment of the UK’s advertising market. Financial terms of the agreements have not been disclosed.
Sky announced the launch of Sky Broadband in July this year. Last week it rebranded its Sky by Broadband service as Sky Anytime on PC and expanded the range of its downloadable entertainment content to include sport and popular Sky One shows, as revealed on marketingweek.co.uk.