BT and Microsoft to offer BT Vision via Xbox

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BT and Microsoft have signed a deal to allow BT broadband customers to access its TV service through Xbox 360 consoles. It is hoped the deal will encourage Xbox users to sign up to BT Vision.

Microsoft chairman Bill Gates announced the plan in his keynote address to delegates 2008 Internative Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Gates described the deal it as “the first of its kind”.

BT Vision, which launched in December 2006, currently has just over 100,000 subscribers, which industry sources have suggested is lower than BT expected. It has been targetting existing BT customers but now hopes to extend its reach.

BT broadband customers with an Xbox will be able to access BT Vision’s library of on-demand content through the console, including television programmes, music videos and “near live” FA Premier League football matches. Customers will be able to choose if they want to receive the service via a set-top box or an Xbox.

BT Vision chief executive Dan Marks says they aim to provide BT Vision on “multiple platforms”. He adds: “It also means that we are able to potentially expand our BT Vision customer base by tapping into the popularity of Xbox 360.”

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