Tim Pearson is Director of Digital TV for Orange UK. He is responsible for the launch and development of Orange’s Digital TV solution. Orange has already launched its IPTV service in other European countries such as France and Spain, and is preparing to enter the UK market this year. France Telecom, which owns Orange, recently announced that it now has over 1.4mn customers for its Orange TV service in Europe.
What makes IPTV such an appealing service for consumers in the UK?
The UK television landscape is developing as Digital Switchover approaches. Consumers are becoming more sophisticated and as a result, there is increased consumer awareness and uptake of multi-channel TV, digital TV recorders, IPTV and video on demand (VoD). Digital TV from Orange will allow customers to get all the flexibility and control of the Internet on their living room TV: “TV that you want when you want it”, an appealing proposition for our customers.
Other European countries are already reporting high subscriber numbers for IPTV. Will we be seeing similar growth for the UK?
As Europe’s largest broadband provider and one of the world’s largest IPTV providers - our expertise in the delivery of Internet services is clear. What’s more, with the might and experience of our parent company, France Telecom, behind us, Orange is perfectly placed to deliver a solid digital TV service to UK consumers.
What can consumers expect from Orange’s new IPTV service?
Digital TV from Orange will provide a wide and compelling range of content and channels, from free-to-air channels (including BBC digital channels, Film 4, More 4 etc), as well as dedicated video on demand film and TV libraries.
Orange has announced a multi-year video on demand deal with Disney-ABC International in July 2007, allowing Orange customers to enjoy a great selection of movies from The Walt Disney Company.
In December 2007 Orange also announced a multiyear agreement with MGM to provide the studio's latest feature film releases and classic movies from the MGM library to Orange's customers, and we continue to negotiate content in the UK as well as via the France Telecom Group content division.
With a strong heritage in entertainment and content delivery and partnerships with BAFTA, Glastonbury and recently the Rugby World Cup – sponsorships that have their own unique content that can be merchandised for Orange customers across a number of platforms - Digital TV from Orange will deliver a compelling proposition to UK consumers.
When will it be available?
Digital TV from Orange is currently being trialled by existing paying broadband customers and we are planning a full UK rollout of the service later this year.
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