TalkTalk attempts to kick-start YouView
TalkTalk is beginning to roll out a consumer trial of the soon-to-be launched IPTV service YouView.
The broadband provider is asking new and existing customers to register their interest for the “widespread” trial of the TV service when they call its customer service and sales centres.
Existing customers are also being actively encouraged by TalkTalk to sign up to the trial via its online forums, its 20,000-strong customer panel and its e-zine.
The company also announced earlier this week it is to begin offering super-fast fibre optic broadband from April, benefiting those who want to watch live TV via the internet.
YouView is a joint venture backed by TalkTalk, BT, Channel 4, ITV, Channel 5, The BBC and Arqiva.
The launch of the service, which bundles linear and catch-up services from terrestrial broadcasters for free via a web-connected set-top box, has been hampered by a series of delays and management changes.
It is thought YouView will officially launch to the public in May, a year after it was originally said to be available.
At the start of the year Sky announced its plans to launch an internet TV service, available to those who do not subscribe to its pay-TV offering, putting it in direct competition with YouView.